Agenda of Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group

Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group

Meeting Date: Tuesday, 30 September, 2025

Location: Jervis Bay Room, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 5.00pm

Please note: Council’s Code of Meeting Practice permits the electronic recording and broadcast of the proceedings of meetings of the Council which are open to the public. Your attendance at this meeting is taken as consent to the possibility that your image and/or voice may be recorded and broadcast to the public.

Agenda

1. Meeting Conduct Statement

2 Acknowledgement of Country

3. Apologies

4. Confirmation of Minutes

· Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group - 17 April 2024.......................................... 1

5. Declaration of Interests

6. Reports

MS25.1........ Update - Reinstated Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group.................... 4

7. General Business

MS25.2........ Items for Discussion - Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group

On 3 September 2025 the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group met informally and have submitted the below items for discussion at this meeting:

1. Obtaining a budget amount from Council to progress Working Group agenda.

2. All Councillors and Working Group committing to DA approval and State Significant Project Approval within 2 years of this meeting.

3. Support for SMS Complex Petition in a simple form on Shoalhaven Council Web Site.

4. Commitment from NDMC to partner with SMS Complex

5. Request staff to connect with the RDA Illawarra-Shoalhaven in support of funding avenues for the seeding of the Motorsports Complex.

6. Request Mayor to contact the NSW Minister for Planning to meet with a small delegation from Council and Working Group to establish a path way forward for a State Significant Project.

7. Discuss Council payment for motorsport stickers.

8. Media release with a Minister to show commitment to progress to State Significant Project and build momentum.

9. Draft a letter to both State and Federal members of Gilmore to show support for this important project for the Shoalhaven.

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group

Meeting Date: Wednesday, 17 April 2024

Location: Jervis Bay Room, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 5.06pm

The following members were present:

Clr Matthew Norris – Chairperson

Clr Patricia White

Clr Serena Copley

Clr Paul Ell (Remotely)

Mr Paul Dean

Mr Norman Mogg – arrived 5.12pm

Mr Robert Bridge – arrived 5.12pm

Others present:

Mr Gordon Clark - Strategic Planning Manager

Ms Kristy Mayhew – Acting Tourism & Economic Development Manager

Mr Ryan Schulter – Senior Economic Development Officer

Mr Stan Madge – Nowra District Motorcycle Club

Ms Marie McGregor - Nowra District Motorcycle Club

Mr Max Moore - Nowra District Motorcycle Club

The Chairperson gave an Acknowledgement to Country.

Note: Mr Norman Mogg and Mr Robert Bridge arrived at the meeting at 5.12pm

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Mr Roger Walker.

It was noted that an apology from Maria at Amigo Investment Holdings was an apology.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Paul Dean / Clr White)

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group held on Wednesday 07 February 2024 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declaration of Interests

Nil

Reports

MS24.4 Action Update

HPERM Ref: D24/128317

Mr Ryan Schulter advised that staff have sent correspondence to Motorcycling NSW regarding their intentions for the Motorplex site and the future, to date no response has been received.

Representatives from the Nowra District Motorcycle Club addressed the meeting provided background on the Club. A summary of the information is provided:

· The Nowra District Motorcycle Club was under the control of Motorcycling NSW

· The Club is back under local control and they have held their first Committee meeting and have developed a Constitution.

· The permissive occupancy will remain in the name of the Nowra District Motorcycle Club

It was noted that Nowra District Motorcycling Club is being governed locally, including the Permissive Occupancy of the site. Discussions with Motorcycling NSW have revealed they are not interested in any further development and the site is no longer under their control. It was also noted that in relation to the 5-year clause, it was done so that if the club folded, the Permissive Occupancy would not be lost, and Motorcycle NSW has indicated its support for the Club to continue to operate into the future.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group:

1. Accept and receive the Action Table Report (Attachment 1) for information.

2. Consider the following actions complete and remove from the Action Table:

a. MS23.15 - Additional Item - Business Case - Fiona Hatcher

b. MS23.11 - Additional Investigations - Yerriyong Motoplex Site - Report Received - Permissive Occupancy - Invite Nowra District Motorcycle Club Ltd

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group:

1. Accept and receive the Action Table Report (Attachment 1) for information.

2. Consider the following actions complete and remove from the Action Table:

a. MS23.15 - Additional Item - Business Case - Fiona Hatcher

b. MS23.11 - Additional Investigations - Yerriyong Motoplex Site - Report Received - Permissive Occupancy - Invite Nowra District Motorcycle Club Ltd

CARRIED

MS24.5 Feedback on Yerriyong site - Crown Lands NSW

HPERM Ref: D24/128829

Mr Ryan Schulter addressed the meeting and advised that the site is subject to an undetermined Aboriginal Land Claim and Native Title Claim. Members discussed the various aspects of the land claim.

Members discussed the Nowra District Motorcycle Club (Board) becoming a member of the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group receive this report for their information.

RESOLVED (Norman Mogg / Clr White)

That:

1. The Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group:

a. Receive this report for their information.

b. Receive an update on the status of the Aboriginal Land Claim.

2. Subject to the outcome of part b. above, representatives of the Committee along with Council staff meet with the Nowra LALC or write to the Minister for Crown Lands to request finalisation of the land transfer as a priority.

CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

MS24.6 Additional Item - Membership - Nowra District Motorcycle Club

The Committee discussed inviting representatives from the Board of the Nowra District Motorcycle Club being to become members of the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group.

REcommendation (Clr White / Norman Mogg)

That Council endorse two (2) representatives of the Nowra District Motorcycle Club (Board) becoming members of Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group.

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 6.16pm.

Clr Matthew Norris

CHAIRPERSON

Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group – Tuesday 30 September 2025

Page 1

MS25.1 Update - Reinstated Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group

HPERM Ref: D25/390398

Department: Cultural & Community Services

Approver: Gordon Clark, Acting Director - City Development

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to update the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group (the Working Group) on the previous actions that have occurred in the attempt to locate a site for a motor sports complex in Shoalhaven, including previously investigated sites, the purpose of the Working Group and relevant Council resolutions of significance.

Summary and Key Points for Consideration:

· The Working Group was established to advocate for a motor sports complex to be developed in Shoalhaven, identify potential sites for its establishment, and advocate for funding for the proposal.

· Extensive investigations and assessments have previously been undertaken to identify a suitable site for a motor sports complex. All potential sites that have been previously identified have had significant environmental and legislative constraints.

· Council currently does not have an identified budget for any aspect of the proposal.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group receive this report for their information.

Options

1. Adopt the recommendation.

Implications: This will allow the Working Group to be updated on the past actions and purpose of the Group, as well as facilitating discussions on recent activity within informal meetings and the desired way forward.

2. Adopt an alternate recommendation.

Implications: This will depend on the nature of the Working Group recommendation.

Background and Supplementary information

Purpose of the Working Group – Terms of Reference

The Working Group had the following purpose and functions outlined in its Terms of Reference at the conclusion of formal Working Group in 2024. This purpose is reflected in the revised and current Terms of Reference:

· Advocate for the development of a motor sports complex in Shoalhaven.

· Seek to identify current and future potential sites for the establishment of a motor sports complex in Shoalhaven.

· Upon identification of a potentially suitable site, advocate for funding for the establishment phase of this project from Federal and State Governments as part of their programs for rural and regional economic development.

Recent Actions Towards a Possible Motor Sports Complex

In 2018 (as a result of MIN17.915), Council commenced investigations for a development application (DA) for the proposed motor sports complex at a Yerriyong site opposite the Shoalhaven Motoplex. Throughout the DA process, environmental assessments occurred and significant environmental implications and threatened species were identified. In 2021 (as a result of MIN21.498), the DA was abandoned at the then proposed site on environmental grounds.

Numerous other sites have received preliminary investigations, which continue to suggest that there is not a current suitable or easy site within the Shoalhaven Local Government Area that is free of environmental and legislative constraints. These sites or general areas include:

· The previously proposed/considered site at Yerriyong

· Forest Road, Comberton

· Cleared floodplain land in the North of the LGA

· Sassafras

· Sussex Inlet

· Motoplex site at Yerriyong

In addition to the above, further investigations occurred into the site of the Shoalhaven Motoplex at Yerriyong. The site is owned and managed by NSW Crown Lands, with an undetermined Aboriginal Land Claims over the site. The Motoplex have a permissive occupancy (or similar) to use the site via Crown Lands.

Council requested prioritisation for the assessment of the Aboriginal Land Claims lodged over the site in order to expedite the outcome and help determine any next steps. Council’s request did not meet the criteria for prioritisation and the timeframe for this to occur remains unknown. Although it is on the opposite side of Braidwood Road, the Motoplex occupies the same parcel of land as the 2021 abandoned site, which is likely to have similar environmental considerations.

Recent Council Resolutions

On 10 December 2024, a report was referred to the Ordinary Meeting of Council regarding the future of the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group as a formal Council committee. As a result, it was resolved (MIN24.674):

That Council:

1. Recognise and thank the ongoing commitment of the dedicated volunteers and reaffirm support for a future motor sports complex and the positive impact it could have on the Shoalhaven economy.

2. Request the Mayor commit to regular meetings with community members and other stakeholders who are interested in developing the motor sports complex in Shoalhaven.

3. Delegate Clr Kemp, Clr Casmiri, Clr Wilkins, Clr Tribe, Clr Norris and Clr Clancy as the key liaison for the project and encourage interested stakeholders to work with these Councillors as the local Council representatives.

4. Pause the formal committee known as the ‘Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group’ and request the CEO (or delegate) to continue to provide information and advice to the stakeholder group as needed. Noting that there is an option to stand up the committee again in future should the need arise.

Members of the Working Group continued to meet in an informal capacity throughout 2025. On 10 June 2025, a Notice of Motion was submitted to the Ordinary meeting of Council regarding the reinstatement of the Working Group and it was resolved (MIN25.281):

That Council:

1. Make provision in the Community Strategic Plan for a Motorsports Complex and associated business enterprises to be constructed in the Shoalhaven and once fully documented, a business case prepared, and deemed appropriate include in the Long Term Financial Plan.

2. Resolve to reinstate the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group as a formal Committee of Council, reversing resolution CL24.396 which paused the Committee.

3. Reinstate the Committee under its existing Terms of Reference, with the following updates:

a. Replace references to the City Futures directorate with the relevant current Council director or manager responsible for infrastructure.

b. Include new community representatives who have participated in the Mayor’s Motorsport Panel meetings.

c. Provide standing invitations to the State Members for Kiama and South Coast (or delegates) and the Federal Member for Gilmore (or delegate) to participate in the Committee.

The actions within MIN25.281 have occurred, with this meeting (30 September 2025) being the first meeting of the reinstated Working Group.

Internal Consultations

Council staff who were involved in previous meetings of the Working Group have been consulted regarding MIN25.281 and invited to contribute where necessary.

External Consultations

Members of the Working Group have been notified of MIN25.281, as well as the identified Members of Parliament.

Community Consultations

Consultation with the broader community was not required in responding to MIN25.281.

Policy and Statutory Implications

The Terms of Reference for the Working Group have been updated in accordance with MIN25.281 and are currently set out in POL25/59

Financial Implications

Currently, Council does not have any budget allocated or identified to assist with an costs associated with identifying a site or preparing a DA for a motor sports complex.

In reference to MIN25.281 (Part 1):

Clarification will be required on what aspect of the proposed facility is to be included in Council’s Long Term Financial Plan.

Risk Implications

Previous reports to Council have identified that the proposed motor sports complex should ideally be led and funded by a private investor.

Moving forward, Council will need to determine its involvement in, and any financial commitments towards, the proposed facility if a site can be found.