Minutes for the Forum Committee Meeting
Monday 1 September 2025 8.15am at the Uniting Church
Present: Ian Hendry (Chair), Stuart Coughlan (Secretary), Judith Ball, John Morgan, Peter Saul, John Jeston, Gail Paton, David Brawn and Keith Brodie. Apologies: Laurie Watson, Mary Beare, Emanuele Rattazzi
Minutes of Meeting held on 4 August 20 Approved Actions arising: None
Council updates: CEO appointment to be ratified at Council meeting on 4 September.
Berry Hotel RA23/1022 – The Committee endorsed the draft email to be sent to the CEO of Feros outlining our proposed inclusions in the Plan of management for the Hotel. A summary of the PoM and the parking email will be included in the next newsletter.
Draft DCP and HCA – Public exhibition of draft DCP and HCA planning proposal until 19 September. Judith to work with Catherine Barlow on a formal submission from the Forum.
Residential rezoning of land in Berry – Despite a unanimous vote to in support of the staff recommendation, a recission motion was lodged. This will be resolved at the next Council meeting on 9 October.
Request from Clr Jason Cox re polling community – The importance of councilors being aware of residents’ concerns was discussed and John J’s suggestion of sending the concerns to councilors together with the result of a resident survey was endorsed by the Committee.
SLEP Clause 4.2 – Stuart advised that he had discussed the impacts of rural subdivision with Gordon Clark, who was unaware of the approval of the DA for 55 Wire Lane.
Character statements – Awaiting NoM to start work on local plan codes for the Shoalhaven (including local character statements) like those used in Queensland councils’ LEPs.
Berry Flood Action: – John M advised that Shoal Water had conducted smoke testing of storm water entering the sewer. He will draft a request to see details of their plans for Berry and how they would accommodate the significant increased sewage from a new development.
Chamber liaison: John J to catch up with Anthony.
Community engagement: Fiona and Peter Pigott (on hold)
Next Committee meeting – 6 October Next Forum meeting – 16 October