Our committees and working parties meet to discuss a range of community issues and projects.

Helpful documents:

Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Delegates
Mayor Chris Homer
Councillor Lou Stefanovski
Councillor Colin Gow

Staff Attending
Executive Director Community and Culture
Executive Manager Community and Creative Services
Other staff as directed/required

Community Representatives
A total number of 10 Aboriginal Community Representatives including one Male and one Female Elder.

Aboriginal Organisations (one non voting delegate)

  • Shellharbour Aboriginal Community Youth Association
  • Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation
  • Illawarra Koori Men's Support Group
  • Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation
  • Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council
  • Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Services
  • Illawarra Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group
     

Meets
Every two months at the Civic Centre.

Purpose
The purpose of the Shellharbour City Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee is to provide professional and strategic advice to Council on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, and guidance in relation to the implementation of strategies to achieve the objectives of the:
· Statement of Commitment 1997
· Shellharbour City Community Strategic Plan 2022 - 2032
· Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan June 2023 – June 2024
The committee is run by Council to discuss a wide variety of issues and recommend solutions specifically relating to Local Government and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Active Recreation Working Party (Inactive)

Merged with Aquatics Facilities Working Party to form the Aquatics and Active Recreation Working Party.

Please see the Aquatics and Active Recreation Working Party for further information.

Aquatics and Active Recreation Working Party

Councillor Representatives
Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh
Councillor Jacqui Graf
Councillor Lou Stefanovski

Community Representatives (elected every two years)
One (1) community representative not from swimming clubs or sport associations
One (1) representative from each local swimming club
One (1) representative from each Sporting association/code within Shellharbour LGA
One (1) representative from Swimming NSW
One (1) representative from NSW Sport
One (1) representative from Surf Life Saving NSW


Staff Representatives
Executive Director Infrastructure Services
Executive Manager Technical and Recreation Services
Other staff as directed/required

Meets
The Working Party will meet in February and August (change of season) and as required.

Purpose
The purpose of the Aquatics and Active Recreation Working Party is to provide a forum for collaboration between Councillors, Council Officers, sports clubs, swimming associations and representatives of the community in relation to sport and recreation issues and the provision and operation of aquatic facilities in the Shellharbour Local Government Area (LGA).

Audit Risk and Improvement Committee

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

Shellharbour City Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) was established in 2010 and currently consists of three independent members (one of whom is the Chair).

The Office of Local Government has confirmed that the Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government NSW Guidelines have been approved in draft form pending the official amendment to the Local Government Regulation 2021 in early 2023.

The Local Government Regulation requires a council’s audit, risk and improvement committee to operate according to terms of reference that are consistent with the approved Model Terms of Reference.

Council has completed its review of the draft OLG guidelines and the updated ARIC Terms of Reference was adopted by Council on the 18 April 2023.

In line with the OLG Guidelines, a key role of the ARIC is to act as an independent source of advice and opinion to both the Council and the Chief Executive Officer, and to act as a forum for the resolution of any disagreements between the council and internal audit function.

The ARIC is required to independently review and advise on the following aspects of the council’s operations in accordance with Section 428A of the Local Government ACT 1993:

  • compliance
  • financial management
  • risk management
  • fraud control
  • governance
  • service reviews
  • implementation of the strategic plan, delivery program and strategies
  • collection of performance measurement data by the council, and
  • any other matters prescribed by the regulation.

    Information

    Australia Day Advisory Committee

    Delegates
    Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh
    Councillor Moira Hamilton
    Councillor Jacqui Graf
    Councillor Colin Gow

    Staff Representatives
    Executive Director Community and Culture
    Executive Manager Marketing and Communications
    Other staff as directed/required

    Community Representatives
    Up to four (4) Community Representatives    
    One youth representative (aged under 26 years)    
    Member for Shellharbour (or delegate)    
    Member for Kiama (or delegate)    
    Winners of each of the Australia Day Citizen Award categories from the previous year to be invited onto the Australia Day Advisory Committee for one year

    Meets
    As required at the Shellharbour Civic Centre.

    Purpose
    The purpose of this committee is to provide input into Shellharbour City Council’s organisation of an annual Australia Day celebration and assist Council to deliver a safe and enjoyable community event on Australia Day.

    The Committee is responsible for carefully considering nominations to determine the recipient/s in the Community Awards categories. 

    Chief Executive Officer's Performance Review Panel

    Council Representatives
    Mayor Chris Homer
    Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh
    Councillor John Davey (chosen by Council)


    Independent  Representatives
    External Facilitator (appointed as required) (non-voting)
    Independent Support Person (chosen by CEO) (non-voting)

    Meets
    Four (4) times per year or as required at Shellharbour Civic Centre.

    Purpose
    The performance of the Chief Executive Officer must be reviewed at least annually against the agreed performance criteria for the position. Council may also choose to undertake more frequent interim reviews of the Chief Executive Officer’s performance.

    Council is to establish a performance review panel and delegate the task of performance reviews of the Chief Executive Officer to this panel. It is recommended by the Office of Local Government (guidelines) that the whole process of performance management be delegated to the performance review panel, including discussions about performance, any actions that should be taken and the determination of the new performance agreement.

    Performance review panels should comprise the mayor, the deputy mayor, another councillor nominated by council and a councillor nominated by the Chief Executive Officer. Panel members will be trained in the performance management of Chief Executive Officers.

    The role of the review panel includes:

    • conducting performance reviews
    • reporting the findings and recommendations of those reviews to council
    • development of the performance agreement.

    The council and the Chief Executive Officer may agree on the involvement of an external facilitator to assist with the process of performance appraisal and the development of new performance plans. This person should be selected by the council or the performance review panel. All councillors not on the panel can contribute to the process by providing feedback to the mayor on the Chief Executive Officer’s performance.

    All councillors will be notified of relevant dates in the performance review cycle and be kept advised of the panel’s findings and recommendations.

    CivicRisk Mutual Limited Board

    Council Representatives
    Mayor Chris Homer
    Chief Executive Officer 

    Alternate Delegate
    Councillor John Davey

    Independent Representatives
    Mayors and Chief Executive Officers / General Managers from the 24member councils as defined in the constitution and rules for the membership period.

    Meeting Convenor
    External

    Staff Attendees (not board members)
    Staff representatives to be delegated by the Chief Executive Officer

    Meets
    CivicRisk Mutual Limited - four (4) times per year

    Purpose
    To achieve and implement the objectives of CivicRisk Mutual Limited to ensure that members of the mutual have access to appropriate insurance coverage and associated services. To ensure that CivicRisk Mutual Limited is viable; and to ensure that the Board, Management Committee and any sub-committee operates in accordance with the constitution and rules for the membership period.

    Coastal and Flood Risk Management Advisory Committee

    Delegates        
    Cr Maree Duffy-Moon     
    Cr Lou Stefanovski    
    Cr Colin Gow
     

    Alternate Delegate 
    Mayor Chris Homer

    Staff Representatives    
    Executive Director Infrastructure Services
    Executive Manager Technical and Recreation Services
    Other staff as directed/required

    Community Representatives  (elected every 2 years)
    Up to five (5) local community representatives

    Meets 
    As and when required at Shellharbour Civic Centre.
     

    Purpose
    The purpose of the Coastal and Flood Risk Management Advisory Committee is to enable the community and other stakeholders the opportunity to provide input, feedback and support to Council on the development and implementation of Council’s Coastal Management Program (CMP) for Shellharbour’s Open Coast and Council’s flood program for the Shellharbour Local Government Area (LGA).

    The Committee will provide a link to the local community and assist Council in identifying significant issues in regard to coastal management and flood risk in Shellharbour.
    The committee does not have the power to incur expenditure, or the power to bind Council.

    * Previously known as Coastal Management Advisory Committee. Combined with Flood Risk Management Advisory Committee via Council Resolution on 26 September 2023. 

    Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee

    Delegates
    Councillor Jacqui Graf
    Councillor Moira Hamilton

    Community Representatives
    Total of twelve (12) Community and/or Service Provider Representatives, a minimum of six (6) that are residents with disabilities.

    Staff Representatives
    Executive Director Community and Culture
    Executive Manager Community and Creative Services
    Other staff as directed/required

    Meets
    Up to five (5) meetings to be held per year.

    Purpose
    Shellharbour City Council is committed to creating a city where all residents can live, work and play.

    The Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee is responsible for ensuring that Council is responsive to the diverse needs of the community and gives a voice to people within the community affected by access and inclusion. The committee will advocate and provide advice and priorities to maximise opportunities for people with a disability living or visiting the City.

    The committee also has a critical role in providing advice on the implementation and monitoring of the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP).

    The DAIP defines Council’s strategic direction for enhancing the accessibility and inclusiveness of the City for all residents.

    Financial Assistance Working Party

    Councillor Representatives
    All Councillors 

    Staff Representatives
    Executive Director Community and Culture
    Executive Manager Community and Creative Services
    Executive Manager Financial Services (CFO)
    Other staff as directed/required


    Meets
    Quarterly


    Purpose
    To make recommendations to Council in regard to the quarterly applications for Donations. To maintain a consistent, open and equitable approach to the distribution of Council's financial assistance budget, whilst endeavouring to ensure that local community needs can be addressed on a priority basis.

    Flood Risk Management Committee (merged with CMA)

    Merged with the Coastal Management Advisory Committee at the 26 September 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting.

    Now called the Coastal and Flood Risk Management Advisory Committee.

    Friendship City / Sister City Committee (inactive)

    Disbanded at the 26 September 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting.

    No longer required.

    Healthy Cities Illawarra Management Committee

    Responsible to
    Healthy Cities Illawarra Inc.

    No Councillor Delegates Required
     

    Staff Representative
    Manager Community Life

    Meets
    First Friday of every second month at 9.30am Ground Floor, Victoria Square, Cnr Victoria & Belmont Streets Wollongong.

    Charter
    To develop, implement and test a collaborative structure at Local Government level to ensure that every institution within the community is held accountable to every citizen's right to an optimum level of health.

    Illawarra Academy of Sport Board of Management - Mayoral

    Council Representative 
    Mayor Chris Homer (or Mayor's representative Mr Brian Weir)

    Meets
    Bi-monthly, at ISJO Council venues

    As the pioneer for the regional Academy model in Australian sport, the Illawarra Academy of Sport is a not-for-profit sporting organisation that exists to provide localised training and education opportunities for talented young athletes, coaches and adminsitraiors across the Illawarra region.

    Illawarra District Weeds Authority

    Accountable to
    Joint Committee of Wollongong, Kiama and Shellharbour Councils.

    Council Delegate
    Director Amenity and Assets

    Staff Representative
    Parks Manager

    Meets
    Bi-monthly, second Friday at 12 pm (to coincide with SCG) (Technical Advisory Committee meets when advised at rotating Councils).

    Charter
    To control noxious weeds through suppression and destruction within the Local Government areas of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama.

    Illawarra Regional Bushfire Management Committee

    Responsible to
    NSW Rural Fire Service

    Council Delegate
    Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh

    Alternate Delegate
    Councillor Lou Stefanovski

    Staff Representatives
    Executive Director Infrastructure Services
    Executive Manager Works and Services
    Other staff as directed/required

    Fuel Management Subcommittee
    As directed/required

    Rural Fire Service Representatives
    Illawarra RFS Manager

    Meets
    Quarterly

    Charter
    To provide a forum through which a broad cross-section of Government and non Government organisations with an interest in the prevention, mitigation and suppression of bush fires can come together to develop and progress policies and procedures aimed at ensuring a coordinated, agreed approach to major issues.

    Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO)

    Council Delegates

    Delegate         
    Mayor Chris Homer        

    Alternate Delegate
    Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh

    Second Alternate
    Cr John Davey
     

    Staff Representative
    Chief Executive Officer

    Government Representatives
    The NSW Government, as represented by a nominee of the Regional Director-Illawarra Shoalhaven, Department of Regional NSW.

    Meets
    The Board will meet at least once in each quarter on such date, place and time as the Board decides.

    Purpose
    Member councils of the ISJO are Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven. Each member council has two (2) representatives on the ISJO, one being the Mayor of that council or Mayoral delegate; the second position will be determined by each Council.

    The principal functions of the ISJO are to:
    •    Establish strategic regional priorities for the joint organisation area and develop strategies and plans for delivering these priorities
    •    Provide regional leadership for the joint organisation area and to be an advocate for strategic regional priorities
    •    Identify and take up opportunities for intergovernmental cooperation on matters relating to the joint organisation area

    Other functions of the ISJO include:
    •    Enhancing strategic capacity, to support member councils to deliver services to their communities
    •    Service delivery, to provide services directly to communities within the region

    Illawarra Zone Rural Fire Service Liaison Committee

    Council Delegates
    Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh
    KMC Council Representative
    WCC Council Representative

    Alternate Council Delegate
    Councillor Lou Stefanovski

    Staff Representatives
    WCC & KMC Management representatives

    Rural Fire Service Representatives
    NSW RFS Regional Manager
    Illawarra RFS Manager
    RFS Volunteer Member

    Meets
    Every 3 months

    Contact
    Greg Wardle - Rural Fire Service

    Charter
    This committee reviews the performance criteria set out in the Illawarra Zone RFS Management Plan. The Director Community & Customers reports to the Rural Fires Service Commissioner on issues of unsatisfactory performance. 

    Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program Implementation Group

    Responsible to
    Joint committee of Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils

    Delegate     
    Mayor Chris Homer    
    Cr John Davey
    Cr Lou Stefanovski

    Alternate Delegate
    Cr Maree Duffy-Moon

    Staff Representatives
    Executive Director Infrastructure Services
    Executive Manager Technical and Recreation Services
    Other staff as directed/required

    Community Representatives
    Two community members from each local government area.
    Two Aboriginal community representatives. One nominated by the Shellharbour City Council Aboriginal Advisory Committee and one nominated by the Wollongong City Council Aboriginal Reference Group.
    One independent scientific advisor.

    State Government Agency Representatives
    Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE)
    Government Property NSW
    Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries)
    Transport for NSW
    South East Local Land Services
    Sydney Water
    Illawarra Local Aboriginal Lands Council

    Meets
    At least four times a year for ordinary meetings.

    Purpose
    This group is to oversee and where needed, provide advice on the implementation of actions within the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program. It will act as a platform for relationship building between all stakeholders, with the shared aspiration to ensure that Lake Illawarra’s ecological, social and economic value is maintained and improved now and into the future.

    NSW Public Libraries Association (NSWPLA)

    Accountable to
    NSW Public Libraries Association Executive

    Council Delegate
    Cr Lou Stefanovski

    Staff Representatives
    Executive Director Community and Culture
    Executive Manager Community and Creative Services
    Other staff as directed/required

    Meets
    Up to three (3) times per year or as required at various locations across NSW.

    Purpose
    NSW Public Libraries Association represents the interests of public libraries and their users throughout the state.  

    The Association has a vital interest in improving library services and access to information resources for all people in New South Wales through a range of initiatives, joint ventures and partnerships. Its work includes making representation to all levels of government and other bodies on matters of concern for public libraries.

    As a member of NSWPLA, Council is entitled to have a Councillor delegate to the association, attending zone and association meetings.  The AGM of the South-East Zone of the association is usually held between August and October and the NSW Public Libraries Association AGM in November.
     

    Public Art Advisory Panel (inactive)

    At the 26 September 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting, it was determined that this Advisory Committee be disbanded.

    Regional Development Australia (Illawarra)

    Council Delegate 
    WCC Representative
    KMC Representative
    (No councillor delegate is required)

    Purpose
    Regional Development Australia (RDA) is an Australian Government initiative that brings together all levels of government to support growth and development of regional Australia. RDA is delivered through a national network of 55 committees who build partnerships between governments, regional development organisations, local businesses, community groups to provide strategic responses to social, economic and environmental issues affecting regional Australia. Each RDA committee contains members from local government.

    Shell Cove Advisory Panel

    Councillor Representatives
    [No Councillor delegates required on this panel]

    Staff Representatives
    Executive Manager - Shell Cove
    Chief Financial Officer
    Director Council Sustainability - as required
    Chief Executive Officer - as required
    other Council staff as required

    Meets
    As and when required

    Purpose
    The Shell Cove Advisory Panel was endorsed at Council’s 8 June 2021 meeting and will provide strategic advice to support Council in decisions relating to investment of Shell Cove profits and operational business performance.

    Shellharbour Airport Management Advisory Committee (Inactive)

    At the 26 September 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting, it was determined that this Advisory Committee be disbanded.

    Shellharbour Airport Operations Working Party

    Councillor Representatives
    Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh
    Councillor John Davey
    Councillor Robert Petreski
    Councillor Jacqui Graf

    Staff Representative
    Executive Director Business Enterprises
    Executive Manager Commercial Enterprises
    Other staff as directed/required

    Aerodrome Operators Representatives
    Aerodrome tenant (1 each)
    or Designated Operator (1 each)

    Community Representatives
    Two Local Committee Representatives

    Meets
    As and when required

    Purpose
    To advise on airport operational issues including annual capital works and maintenance programs, airport security, local operational plans (emergency etc), review aircraft complaints and to inform the working party about development applications within the airport.

    Shellharbour City Sports Assistance Advisory Committee

    Delegates
    Councillor Colin Gow
    Councillor Robert Petreski
    Councillor Jacqui Graf

    Alternate Delegate
    Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh

    Staff Representatives
    Executive Director Community and Culture
    Executive Manager Community and Creative Services
    Executive Manager Financial Services (CFO)
    Other staff as directed/required
     

    Community Representatives
    Up to six (6) community representatives elected every two years. 

    Meets
    As and when required, at least quarterly at the Shellharbour Civic Centre. 

    PurposeThe purpose of the Shellharbour City Sports Assistance Advisory Committee is to administer and seek sponsorship for the Shellharbour City Sports Assistance Fund Program and to consider applications from affiliated members or organisations to provide financial assistance to sports people living in the Shellharbour local government area when chosen to represent their sport at NSW Country, State or National Level. It is also tasked with assisting with the organising of the yearly awards event and selection of the sports award recipients.

    South Coast Arts Partnership

    Responsible to: South Coast Arts (NSW) Inc., Shoalhaven City Council, Kiama Municipal Council and Shellharbour City Council

    Councillor Delegate:
    Councillor Robert Petreski

    Alternate:
    Councillor Moira Hamilton

    Staff Representatives
    Executive Director Community and Culture
    Executive Manager Community and Creative Services
    Other staff as directed/required

    Meets
    The South Coast Arts Executive Director will organise scheduled (2 times per year) meetings with senior Council representatives for planning and reporting purposes. 
    •    All meetings will be chaired by the Executive Director of South Coast Arts. 
    •    Meeting agendas and minutes will be provided by the Executive Director of South Coast Arts. 
    •    Meetings will be held as determined, with location of meetings on a rotating basis across the region. 
    •    If required, subgroup meetings will be arranged outside of these times at a time convenient to subgroup members. 

    Purpose
    Key to achieving outcomes will be a commitment to the following objectives: 
    1.    Identify and respond to issues that are of a regional nature i.e., the partnership will offer opportunity for regional south coast advocacy, strategic planning and implementation. 
    2.    Build a dynamic relationship between our population centres. 
    3.    Work within the NSW Government framework/policy. 
    4.    Establish partnership and collaborative arrangements; and 
    5.    Inter-governmental collaboration. 

    In order to develop a meaningful partnership, time needs to be dedicated to developing a model that works for all parties and their communities and ensures key outcomes are achieved.
     

     

    South East Australian Transport Strategy Executive Committee

    Responsible to:  South East Australian Transport Strategy Inc.

    Delegate     
    Mayor Chris Homer    

    Alternate Delegate
    Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh

    Staff Representatives
    Executive Director Infrastructure Services
    Executive Manager Technical and Recreation Services
    Other staff as directed/required

    Meets
    Meetings are held quarterly: February and August in Victoria, May and November in NSW

    Purpose
    The South East Australian Transport Strategy Inc. (SEATS) aims to stimulate and facilitate investment in transport infrastructure in south eastern New South Wales, eastern Victoria and the ACT Region.  Members of SEATS include local government, regional development organisations, government agencies, regional industry and academics.

    The SEATS region is in a triangle to the east of a line linking the NSW City of Wollongong to the north, the Victorian City of Greater Dandenong to the south and the Cooma, Bombala, Tumut and Tumbarumba areas, the ACT and Yass, Goulburn and Crookwell to the west.
     

    Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel

    Accountable to
    Department of Planning, Industry & Infrastructure

    Council Delegates
    Mayor Chris Homer

    Alternate
    Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh

    Second Alternate
    Councillor Maree Duffy-Moon

    Community Representative
    Mr Graham Rollinson – External Planning Consultant

    Staff Representatives
    Executive Director Planning and Environment
    Executive Manager Statutory Planning and Certification
    Other staff as directed/required

    Meets
    As required

    Purpose
    The principal function of Southern Regional Planning Panel is to:
    •    determine regionally significant development applications (DAs), certain other DAs and s4.55(2) and s4.56 modification applications
    •    act as the Planning Proposal Authority (PPA) when directed
    •    undertake rezoning reviews
    •    provide advice on other planning and development matters when requested
    •    determine site compatibility certificates under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability) 2004.
     

    Traffic Committee

    Responsible to: Transport for NSW (formerly Roads & Maritime Services)

    Delegate
    Councillor John Davey

    Alternative Delegate
    Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh

    Local Member Representatives
    Member for Kiama or representative
    Member for Shellharbour or representative
    Police Local Area Command
    Transport for NSW

    Staff Attending
    Executive Director Infrastructure Services
    Executive Manager Technical and Recreation Services
    Other staff as directed/required

    Meets
    First Wednesday of every month commencing at 9.30 am at Shellharbour Civic Centre (except January and July).

    Purpose
    The Shellharbour Traffic Committee is not a Committee of Shellharbour City Council however a Technical Committee of Transport for NSW.

    The Committee operates under the authority conferred to Council by Transport NSW under the Transport Administration Act 1988, and in accordance with the powers delegated to Council by the Road Transport Act 2013 and Roads Act 1993, as outlined in the Transport NSW documents ‘A guide to the Delegation to Councils for the Regulation of Traffic’.

    The Shellharbour Traffic Committee can make recommendations, and provide advice, to Council on only the following traffic related matters:

    • The installation of traffic control devices and traffic management facilities – such as signs, markings, structures or other devices to direct or warn traffic on a road or road related area.
    • The installation of regulatory parking – including truck zones, loading zones, taxi stands, bus zones and mobility parking spaces.
    • The implementation of road closures, local area traffic management schemes and residential preferential parking schemes.

    This Committee considers all matters pertaining to the provision of traffic management facilities in the Shellharbour local government area.  This Committee makes recommendations to Council.  Should Council disagree with a decision of this Committee, then the matter is referred to the Transport for NSW.

    Last updated : Thu 7 Dec 2023