Council
22 September, 2025
Council shuts door on the community
Wingecarribee Shire Council today held a meeting of the Flood Committee to consider the contentious Bowral South development.
Wingecarribee Shire Council today held a meeting of the Flood Committee to consider the contentious Bowral South development. The meeting was promoted on social media and on the council website, suggesting the public was welcome.
The Southern Wire understands that residents were prevented from attending the meeting. Council referred to clause 5.2 of the committee’s terms of reference, “meetings are not available for public attendance”.
Section 10 of the Local Government Act 1993, however, states that “a council must ensure that all meetings of the council and of such committees are open to the public”
Further, the Office of Local Government in practice note 16 observes that “committee meetings should start from the presumption of openness; closure should be an exception”
The Southern Wire has requested a comment from Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig, which we will publish as soon as it is received.
If you were blocked from the meeting today, please let us know.
Read More: Southern Highlands, Bowral, Bowral South