The Forum is the Community Consultative Body representing the views of the Berry region to Council. It aims to enable an informed community to influence the future of the Berry region.

Meetings and Communications
> Average attendance at the public meetings was 80, and 217 attended the AGM.
> The Committee met fourteen times with an average attendance of 10 members.
> Our newsletter goes to around 1200 residents, plus regular website updates.

Major Planning Activities
In November, based on feedback from the Forum, the Committee prepared a submission on the Growth Management Strategy (Version 2) Discussion Paper and the Draft Character Assessment Report.

At the June Forum, we reviewed a DP&E Discussion Paper, which explores a proposal to introduce a ‘Local Character Overlay’ in the form of a map and supporting local clause into the LEP. The purpose is to ensure that strategic planning recognises and enhances the local character of places and is informed by what the community values about its area.

Following publication by Council in July of the Community Engagement Report that summarised feedback on the draft GMS discussion paper, the Forum endorsed the Committee’s recommendation to alert Council Planning staff to concerns about lack of clarity concerning the agreed southern boundary for growth west of the Highway.

Temporary Function Centres
Support was provided to resident groups in Strongs Road, Tindalls Lane, Kangaroo Valley and North Nowra. Our research uncovered a key Land & Environment Court ruling, which has just been used by Council as the basis for refusing the Strongs Rd DA.

Tourist Accommodation Planning Legislation Loopholes
At the Forum meeting in April, 122 residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Committee continuing its discussions with Council and the Department of Planning, to promote effective regulation to stop the proliferation of inappropriate tourist accommodation development in rural areas. Another 52 residents, unable to attend, emailed their support for the motion.

Infrastructure

  • Over the last twelve months the Committee has provided the community with updates on Council’s progress on the project to refurbish and upgrade the toilet facilities at Apex Park.
  • Presentations and newsletter updates have been provided on progress on the Berry to Bomaderry Highway Upgrade.

The Committee wishes to thank Berry community members who have supported the Forum over the past year and those who have provided community feedback and suggestions on a range of matters that we have been able to communicate to Council.

Over the past year we have been very fortunate that the dedicated and experienced group of people who work together on our “Forum Committee” have provided insight and direction in a most professional and balanced manner. We have a truly collaborative team who have, in a good humoured and productive way, produced the best outcomes on behalf of the Berry community. My sincere thanks and gratitude goes to them.

David Carter (Chairman)

 

Treasurer’s Report 2018/19

Balance at 1 July 2018        $744

Council donation               500

Donations                            462

Legal advice                       -440

Hall hire                             -280

Meeting room hire           -257

Website hosting               -104

Balance at 30 June 2109   $625