Minutes of Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group

Meeting Date: Monday, 16 March 2026

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

Time: 4:57 PM

The following members were present:

Clr Luciano Casmiri – Chairperson

Mayor Patricia White

Clr Selena Clancy – joined at 5:00pm

Mr Roger Walker

Mr Norman Mogg

Mr Greg Boyle

Ms Emma Struys - Director - City Development

Others present:

Mr Ryan Schulter – Senior Economic Development Officer

Mr Gordon Clark – Section Manager – Strategic Planning

Ms Jenna Anderson – Governance Coordinator

Ms Kat Fischer – Governance Officer (Minute taker)

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Andrew Constance, Selena Stevens, Clr Gillian Boyd, Mr Paul Dean.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED By consent

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group held on Monday 15 December 2025 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declaration of Interests

Nil

Reports

MS26.1 Report Back - Various Matters

HPERM Ref: D26/45018

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

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

RESOLVED (By Consent)

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

CARRIED

MS26.2 Action Update

HPERM Ref: D26/63851

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. MS25.2 - Items for Discussion - Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group - Provide Funds - State Significant Development Pathways - Feedback and Assistance of Local State Members - Invite RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven - Meeting with NSW Minister for Planning & Public Spaces

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:

CARRIED

General Business

MS26.3 General Business - Items for Discussion - 16 March 2026

HPERM Ref: D26/41302

The following items were submitted by the Chairperson for discussion:

1. Discuss (withdrawn) Motorcycling NSW DA for the development of a Motorsports Complex at the Yerriyong site. In particular: site complexities, environmental issues, racetrack design, supporting infrastructure, costs, indigenous/cultural approvals, grants, Council statements.

2. Discuss the past proposal for Council to purchase the Yerriyong site for $600K.

3. Prepare a Conceptual MSC design and estimated costs.

4. Discuss the preparation of a draft Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA)
for Yerriyong site, in line with the Bathurst Regional Council’s PEA for its proposed second circuit.

5. Review the availability of Environmental/Biodiversity Offsets for the Yerriyong site.

The Working Group discussed and considered the five items collectively.

Mr Greg Boyle sought the Working Group’s support for progressing the project and emphasised the importance of identifying a clear pathway forward, noting the potential economic and employment benefits for the region. Discussion focused on the need to move beyond identified constraints and progress solutions to allow the project to advance.

Mayor Patricia White and Council staff clarified land tenure considerations at the proposed Yerriyong site. The Working Group members confirmed that their preferred site is separate from the area currently leased to Motorcycling NSW. Council staff advised that while a previous local Aboriginal Land Claim over the site may have been rejected, a broader undetermined Aboriginal Land Claim remains, limiting Crown Land’s ability to transact or commit to proposals on the land. Options discussed included advocacy to the Minister for Crown Lands and local State Members to seek prioritisation for the claim to be determined.

Council staff advised that progressing the project requires three key components: a definite site, an agreed project scope, and a funding source to support further required technical assessments and investigations. It was noted that Council does not have the internal resources or budget to undertake the specialist assessments required, and that progressing these assessments would involve financial risk given the environmental and land tenure uncertainties.

The Working Group discussed potential funding pathways, including private investment and grant programs. Council staff advised that most grant funding is outcomes/delivery focused but suggested that Regional Development Australia (RDA) may be able to provide advice on any relevant opportunities that could assist.

As potential next steps, Council staff suggested that the Working Group consider recommending:

1. approach the Local MPs and the NSW Minister for Lands and Property seeking assistance in prioritising determination of the Aboriginal Land Claim/s affecting the site; and

2. inviting Regional Development Australia (RDA) Illawarra Shoalhaven to present at a future meeting on funding or grant opportunities that may assist in advancing the project.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That Council staff:

1. Write a letter to Local MPs and the NSW Minister for Lands and Property asking for their assistance in advancing the finalisation or resolution of the Aboriginal Land Claim/s over the eastern part of Part Lot 7309 DP1148878 Yerriyong.

2. Invite Regional Development Australia (RDA) Illawarra Shoalhaven to provide a presentation to the Motor Sports Working Group on potential grant opportunities to progress this idea.

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5:47pm.

Clr Luciano Casmiri

CHAIRPERSON