Berry Showground Plan of Management and Master Plan

Shoalhaven City Council is developing a Plan of Management (PoM) and a Master Plan for Berry Showground.

Recent changes to the Crown Land Management Act (NSW) require Council to prepare a new plan of management for Berry Showground. This will replace the 2006 Plan of Management, currently in effect over the site.

Council, and the Berry Showground Management Committee, are also preparing a revised master plan for the Showground. This document will provide a refreshed overview of how the site will be managed and developed into the future.

Background

Berry Showground is a community focal point and venue for variousContinue reading

Shoalhaven City Council is developing a Plan of Management (PoM) and a Master Plan for Berry Showground.

Background

Berry Showground is a community focal point and venue for various events and festivals, such as the annual Berry Agricultural Show (held each January) and the Fairgrounds Festival (held in December).

Other regular events include the monthly Berry Markets and weekly Berry Farmers’ Market.

The oval hosts ruby league in winter as well as occasional equestrian or other sporting events.

The Berry Village Pool is a popular, seasonal attraction in its own right. People also enjoy the Showground for more leisurely activities such as walking, dog-walking and play.

The Showground is home to a range of heritage buildings and structures, notably the Grandstand, Agricultural Pavilion, former Council Chambers, a rotunda, and two formal entrances on Alexandra Street.

There is also an array of mature trees with scenic and historic significance at this site. Many of these trees are old and have grown into large, attractive specimens that add to the overall appeal of the Showground's landscape. These mature trees have been a part of the area for a long time and have witnessed the various events and activities that have taken place at the Showground over the years. Beyond their historical context, these trees also have functional significance. Some were intentionally planted to provide shade, adding to their historical value, as they were not just ornamental but served a purpose for the Showground’s users. Moreover, these trees are an important part of the area's heritage. They connect the present community with its rural history and character of Berry. These trees hold significance for both local residents and visitors, contributing to the overall identity of the site.

The main arena, camping area, a children’s playground are also important site facilities.

The Showground’s traditional agricultural activities are supported by a range of yards, stalls, open pavilions, judging and event areas.

Day-to-day management of the Showground is carried out by a group of volunteers, appointed by Council as a Management Committee, under the Local Government Act (NSW).

Council Resolution - Amend Draft Berry Showground Master Plan

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At Council's Ordinary Council Meeting on 11 December 2023 (MIN23.739) it was resolved:
That Council:
1. Accept the Draft Berry Showground Master Plan – Outcome of Engagement Activity report as an interim report about feedback received during public exhibition of the Draft Berry Showground Master Plan.
2. Revisit the proposed amendments to the draft Master Plan to ensure:
1. The inclusion of a goal and objectives as requested in community feedback.
2. There is a resident, rather than tourist, focus to the priority projects.
3. The ‘Landscape Masterplan’ meets the concerns in the community feedback.
3. Direct the CEO (Director - City Lifestyles) to submit a revised Master Plan to the Council at a future Ordinary Council Meeting for consideration and final adoption of the Berry Showground Master Plan.
The Open Space & Recreation Planning team will now implement amendments to the Master Plan and associated Master Plan Report, in line with the Council’s direction.
We will continue to publish updates to this page. To stay up to date with the project, you can subscribe to receive notifications directly to your inbox to the Get Involved page by clicking the SUBSCRIBE button in the top right hand corner of this page.
Public Exhibition Update - Draft Bery Showground Master Plan

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A report summarising outcomes of the public exhibition of the draft Berry Showground Master Plan (17 July 2023 to 13 August 2023) will be presented at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 11 December 2023.
The report outlines proposed amendments to the Master Plan based on the feedback received from the community and key stakeholders and can be accessed by the link below.
Agenda: https://shoalhaven.infocouncil.biz/Open/2023/12/CL_20231211_AGN_17921_AT.PDF
The meeting can be live streamed through the Stream a Council Meeting web page or watched at a time that suits you later.
Next Steps
Pending the Council’s endorsement, our project team will revise the draft Master Plan. Following these adjustments, a final master plan will be submitted to the Council for adoption at a meeting in 2024.
Community Engagement Results

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Thank you to everyone who provided feedback about the Draft Berry Showground Master Plan.
The public exhibition period for the Draft Berry Showground Master Plan closed on 13 August 2023. The Master Plan was on exhibition for 4 weeks. We received 50 survey responses and 6 detailed written submissions from key stakeholders.
The Project Team will now give consideration to possible revisions to the Master Plan, taking your feedback into consideration. An Engagement Summary Report on the outcomes of the public exhibition period will be submitted to Council at a future Ordinary Council Meeting (date yet to be determined).
The broad range of views on the Master Plan have been noted and registered. The Project Team thanks everyone who participated and for sharing your local knowledge to assist Council to manage Berry Showground in line with community expectations.
Further information about previous consultation activities and related Council decisions are published in the News Feed below and in the Document Library on this web page. We will continue to publish updates here, including about how your feedback has been incorporated into a final version of the Master Plan.
You can subscribe to receive project updates by providing your email address in the ‘Stay Informed’ box (located in the top-right corner of this screen).
Have Your Say - Draft Berry Showground Master Plan

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Shoalhaven City Council, and the Berry Showground Management Committee, would like to hear from you about the proposed draft master plan for Berry Showground (the Draft Master Plan).
The feedback you provide will be used to determine if there is broad support for the Draft Master Plan, or if any changes are required.
Please provide your feedback by completing the Online Survey by 5 pm Sunday 13 August 2023.
Council Resolution - Draft Berry Showground Master Plan Public Exhibition

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At Council's General Meeting on 5 December 2022 (MIN22.950) it was RESOLVED
That Council;
1. Receive this report for information in relation to engagement activities undertaken to date to inform the Draft Berry Showground Master Plan.
2. Approve release of the Draft Berry Showground Master Plan for public exhibition for a period of 28 days.
3. Receive a future report outlining the outcome of community engagement activities associated with public exhibition of the draft master plan, and recommendations relating to adoption of a finalised Berry Showground Master Plan.