An agenda for the meeting has yet to be released but high on the list will be the Draft Citywide Local Environment Plan (LEP).

At Tuesday’s ordinary meeting, the last before the caretaker period begins on August 4, the general manager withdrew the draft LEP from the agenda.

Prior to the meeting, nine councillors had applied for exemption from the matter as they each had a pecuniary interest through owning property in the Shoalhaven.

“I have written to the Minister to grant exemption for those councillors but have not received a response,” general manager Russ Pigg said.

Mayor Greg Watson said in fact all 13 councillors had a pecuniary interest in the draft LEP, but only nine had advised the general manager.

Local Government Department deputy director general Ross Woodward said it was not unusual for councils to call an extraordinary meeting just before the caretaker period comes into effect.

“There is nothing abnormal with it, particularly when dealing with an LEP,” Mr Woodward said.

“Many councils find themselves in this situation when dealing with a city-wide plan because of pecuniary interests.

“Council is well within its rights to call an extraordinary meeting, to tidy up and outstanding issues.”