Draft Minutes of the Berry Forum Meeting
Held December 13 2018 7:25 pm at the Berry School of Arts

Present: 70 people attended the meeting, including State Member Gareth Ward, Deputy Mayor Patricia White and Clr. John Wells

Welcome and Introduction (David Carter – Chairman)
Minutes of the meeting held on October 11 2018 were approved

Address by Gareth Ward
Gareth announced that he had secured a major outcome for local residents who had raised concerns with him about the need for noise mitigation at the western end of Berry along the Princes Highway. He said that, working with Berry residents supported by the Forum, he had secured $5.3 million from the NSW Government to construct noise mitigation measures.

Highway Upgrade (Shaun Walsh – RMS)
Activities to-date, handling of environmental issues and construction planned for 2019.

Shoalhaven Growth Management Strategy
The background to the Draft GMS was described and the State Govt requirement for all councils to prepare a Local Strategic Planning Statement. The four Growth Options were explained, and the associated potential impacts on Berry. Given the long term strategic implications of the GMS, Clr White urged residents concerned about the scale and location of future major housing developments to send submissions to Council, as collectively they will make a difference. 

Edward Street bridge replacement  
Following the overwhelming vote at the October 2017 meeting to keep Edward St open to traffic, Council have informed us that submissions have been received asking for the street to remain closed. Council staff has requested further community consultation, but we are awaiting a response from them first to questions we have sent. Council is seeking community feedback. 

Station Master’s Residence status
Investigation has confirmed the unique nature of the Residence, and that it can be conserved. The aim is to stabilize and reinstate the building and find an appropriate adaptive reuse for it and to enhance the station precinct for the community’s benefit. 

Boongaree District Park
Initial draft costings indicate a total cost of $14.8 million. Council will discuss the costings and next steps at a meeting on 18 December.   

Forum Correspondence                              

  • Council Planning Department re clarification of GMS changes
  • Council advice re extension of GMS exhibition period
  • CCB Executive Meeting minutes distributed
  • Advice from Clr. Wells re mobile phone base station
  • Meetings with Stephen Dunshea re the District Park
  • Response from Council re unauthorised function centre
  • Response to Council on Public Amenities Priority list
  • Request from Chamber re community noticeboard

General Business
The ‘No Right Turn’ signs at Prince Alfred St off Queen St will be removed shortly.             

Meeting closed at 8:30 pm
Next Forum Meeting 14 February 2019