Minutes of the Berry Forum Meeting
Held 10 June 2021, 7:30pm at the Berry School of Arts

Present: 75 people, including Mayor Amanda Findley, Clr Jo Gash
Apologies: Clrs Patricia White, John Wells and Nina Digiglio

Welcome and Introduction (David Carter – Chairman)
Minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2020 were approved.
Correspondence:  On Forum Website 

Shoalhaven Solar Farm
Bob Hayward, the convenor of the sub-committee of Repower Shoalhaven, presented on the 3 MW solar farm in South Nowra, with an expected start date of January 2022. There will be opportunity for private investment into the Solar Farm. Information contact Repower Shoalhaven – contact@repower.net.auIf

Agritourism proposal – Council Submission
Key components of the Government’s proposed Agritourism planning amendments and the issues identified were reiterated from the April Forum meeting. Relevant points from Council’s submission to the Dpt of Planning were explained, including the lack of onsite sewage disposal for campers and that residents would be able to object to wedding function centres as they can do under SLEP Clause 2.8.

Planning Proposals on public exhibition
PP056 Berry Heritage

  • Slides prepared by the Berry Historical Society were presented that summarised the proposed addition to the SLEP of 12 heritage items and 2 HCA’s. The need for further heritage protection in Berry and the associated benefits were described.
  • Council’s plans were described – they are based on recognition of a strong community desire to respect the character of Berry and focus on character assessments and LSPS priorities.

Recommendations discussed were to –

  • support Council’s submission
  • request tCouncil investigate the addition of further HCAs to protect Berry’s heritage streetscapes
  • request Council prioritize a revised Berry DCP that alights with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan and integrates local character into planning documents

PP060 Huntingdale
The background to rezoning of large lots in HPE from R-1 to R-5 to prohibit multi-dwellings was explained

Berry Infrastructure Update

  • Edward St Bridge: The promised upgrade work has been scoped, project documentation will be finalised early in the new FY and work is programmed for late November.
  • North St Footpath: Flooding at the eastern end of the new North St footpath following heavy rains has been reported by many residents. This leads to dangerously slippery conditions for pedestrians. Council will investigate and propose a remedy.
  • Kangaroo Valley Rd Footpath:  This long overdue project is now in the forward plans and will be carried out incrementally over a number of years beginning in FY 2022/23.
  • Queen St Crossing Options: Council has proposed two options for the new crossings, one of which will be outside the pharmacy and the other in front of This Old House shop.
  • Option 1 proposes raised crossings as in Gerringong and kerb extension blisters from Albany to P. Alfred Streets.
  • Option 2 proposes not raising the crossings, installation of traffic “calming” measures by the Edward St and Prince Alfred St intersections, and no kerb extension blisters.  Both options propose a 40kph speed limit. Residents are encouraged to let Council know their preferences.

Council Elections 4 September – Term 3 years
Mayoral Elections and Ward 1 Candidates will be invited to speak at the next Forum Meeting.

Status of Controversial developments
52 Parker Crescent – LEC onsite hearing on 20 July.
23 Parker Crescent – noted
57 Victoria St – noted
260 Mount Hay Road – RFS requirements identified.
8 Homestead Lane, Mananga – assessment being finalized for 13 July Development Committee
599 Coolangatta Road – residents have notified Council that the property is still holding functions

Meeting Closed 8:30 pm

Next Forum Meeting: 12 August 2021 at Berry School of Arts 7:30pm