Extraordinary Meeting votes to carry on with Masterplan after scathing Probity Report

At Tuesday’s Extraordinary Council Meeting, there were four public forum speakers, including three on the Probity Report into the Batemans Bay Masterplan. 

See https://moruyamail.com.au/presentations-to-public-forum-esc-10th-march-2026/

Right at the start of the meeting a motion moved by Mayor Hatcher, seconded by Councillor Constable.

THAT Council:

1.Notes the findings and recommendations of the Batemans Bay Masterplan Final Probity Report dated February 2026 prepared by Centium.

2.Notes the report from the Director of Planning and Environment.

3.Request the General Manager arrange a workshop with Councillors at the earliest possible time. That the workshop:

a. receive a presentation from staff on the proposed work program, demonstrating how the recommendations and findings of the Batemans Bay Masterplan Final Probity Report will be addressed, governance structure, timing, staging, funding and community and stakeholder engagement to achieve the completion of the Batemans Bay Masterplan (BBMP) and a Planning Proposal to amend the Eurobodalla LEP 2012 (LEP) to implement those aspects of the BBMP that can be achieved via the LEP.

b. receive advice on the options available to achieve the delivery of affordable housing via the planning scheme that can be considered in the finalisation of the BBMP.

c. Be open to members of the public to observe the workshop.

4. Request that the General Manager following the workshop report back to Council at the earliest opportunity on the following matters:

a. setting out a proposed program and governance arrangements for the completion of the revised BBMP and demonstrating how the findings and recommendations of the Batemans Bay Masterplan Final Probity Report will be addressed as part of the program.

b. Options and recommendation for the delivery of affordable housing via the planning scheme that can be considered in the finalisation of the BBMP and incorporated in the Planning Proposal.

5. Adopt a planning horizon of 25-30 years for the revised BBMP.

6. Receive a report from staff for consideration of the revised BBMP once completed.

7. Commit to public exhibition of the revised BBMP before consideration of its adoption.

The Motion was CARRIED

Division

For the Motion: Crs P Constable, M Hatcher, M Johnson, R Pollock OAM and A Schutz.

Against the Motion: Crs A Mayne, C Turner and S Winslade.

The next ordinary meeting of Council is on 24th March