News Updates

Previous opportunistic DAs that tried to use LEP Clause 2.8 ‘Temporary Use of Land’ to get approval for prohibited function centres in RU1 zones were refused after the Forum advised Council of the Marshall Land & Environment Court case that ruled there must be an absence of adverse impact on the [...]

The NSW Government has consulted widely with stakeholders throughout 2020 and the community in recent months to develop a draft, updated Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 that is now on exhibition for your feedback, comment and ideas until 17 December. The Regional Plan provides vision and dir [...]

The owners of thirty properties in Bong Bong and Mount Hay Roads have joined in opposition to a proposed tourist resort development application. The applicant is attempting to use the now infamous 'tourist & visitor accommodation' land use description to obtain approval for multiple accommodatio [...]

A mandatory Code of Conduct for the Short-term Rental Accommodation Industry will apply from 18 December 2020. Guest obligations You must not make noise that unreasonably disrupts your neighbours You must not cause damage to the premises, including any common property in a strata scheme or  communit [...]

Councillors voted unanimously on 27 October to refuse the Woollamia development application for 'Primitive Glamping". A very similar DA for Mt Hay in Broughton Vale has received 170 objections from residents. The Forum Committee had written to Council about applications for luxury glamping sites mis [...]

Berry, like all towns, needs a variety of housing and types and affordability, however this is neither a good location nor an appropriate design for this part of Berry. Poor design and totally out of keeping with village character and atmosphere. More appropriate for inner Sydney; low density housin [...]

The subject land comprises 20 Edward Street (area 1,009m2) and 49 Queen Street (607m2) with a total area 1,616m2. The commercial buildings on the site currently include a wool store, and antique/furniture store and office premises. The proposal is to rezone the land from R2 low density to R3 medium [...]

In response to concerns raised by a large number of residents, the Committee has written to Council about the misuse of the description ‘primitive camping ground’ to obtain approval for luxury ‘glamping’ sites. Our research shows that three very similar applications have been made in Berry, Woollami [...]

The Department of Planning has advised that the applicant has lodged a Gateway review application. This means that the Gateway determination to refuse the Planning Proposal will now be reviewed and considered by the NSW Independent Planning Commission. [...]

Key Issues Raised in the Forum Committee's Submission In April, Council dismissed feedback submitted by the Berry community on tourist development impacts as "not necessarily reflecting the views of the broader Shoalhaven". We are now providing Council with evidence that 90% of the development appli [...]