Shoalhaven planning scheme update leaves development rules unchanged

Shoalhaven’s new land use planning scheme will remain under development after the Land Use Planning & Development Advisory Committee received an update and agreed that further reports should be provided as the project progresses.

No change to development controls was adopted. The committee did not set a timetable for the next update, consultation or adoption of the scheme.

The scheme is the planning program identified for future changes to development controls. Any amendments linked to flood-risk planning must follow a separate legislated process that includes consultation and separate reporting.

The committee separately endorsed the St Georges Basin Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan and the Lower Shoalhaven River Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan, both prepared by Rhelm in 2026, for Shoalhaven City Council to consider adopting.

The endorsements do not amend the current Development Control Plan. The resolutions state that any changes to development controls connected with the flood studies will be undertaken through the new land use planning scheme process.

The two flood studies cover the St Georges Basin and Lower Shoalhaven River catchments. They provide a basis for future flood-risk management, but do not immediately change the rules that apply to development.

The committee also received the Shoalhaven Housing Strategy report and provided feedback on the planned Landowner Nomination Process. Dr Shane Geha, representing the landowner of 100 Schofield Lane, Berry, addressed the committee on that item.

The nomination process may influence which land parcels are considered in future housing planning. Further developments on that process are to be reported to the committee as the project progresses.

For residents and property owners, the immediate position is unchanged: the new planning scheme remains under development, and no new planning rule was adopted at the meeting.