The decision was made at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday afternoon. 

The block of land, currently used as a car park and owned by the RSL, has been the subject of a determined bid by Save the Heart of Huskisson – a local community and business group formed by Jervis Bay Tourism, the Huskisson Chamber of Commerce and the Huskisson and Woollamia Community Voice – to bring the land into public ownership.

Save the Heart of Huskisson spokesperson Kate Broadhurst said the move was a positive step in the right direction.

The resolution followed speeches to council by Ms Broadhurst and several councillors and a closed confidential session to discuss financial issues.

Before ending her contribution, Ms Broadhurst threw what she called a “curve ball” submission in light of the South Coast Register’s revelation that day of a secret report urging the council not to buy the land. Suggested by award-winning Sydney architects Allan Jack + Cottier, the submission recommended council convince the RSL to swap the land for that section of Currambene Street lying between the block and the RSL’s Club Jervis Bay.

As it turned out, the “curve ball” was unnecessary.

The confidential session itself was a matter for contention, with Crs Andrew Guile and Amanda Findley arguing that too much happens behind closed doors in council meetings. 

To much applause, Cr Guile said council needed to try to involve the community in the decision whether or not to procure the land.

“The community has brought us a great vision. Now we need an open and honest conversation about it.”

Reaction to the final council resolution was muted but positive.

Michelle Miran from Vincentia said the resolution was a Pyrrhic victory.

“Council has decided to lodge a tender but not purchase the land outright, so it now depends on the tender being accepted.

“We can only hope council works on this in good faith.”

Cr Guile said he was uncomfortable with the process to this point, and was unsure how genuine the council’s actions were. “But I wholeheartedly support the move to lodge a tender.”

Matt Reeves from Vincentia said now that the council had built up the hopes of the community it had to deliver. His son Axl said it would be nice if the land belonged to the public.

“I go down there a lot for walks and excursions with Huskisson Public School,” Axl said.

Ms Broadhurst said she was very heartened by council’s decision.

“This is a big win for the community, for business and for tourism,” she said.

“I am also heartened by the decision not to block the view from Owen Street if the land comes into public ownership.”

Ms Broadhurst said Save the Heart of Huskisson would continue to crowdfund.

“Council would not tell us what its tender will be, but if it is not enough to go over the line we ask them, please, let Save the Heart of Huskisson know so we can contribute a community bid.”

Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash said she was delighted with the day’s progress.

“The council has agreed to put in a tender; I am very proud of the council for its action,” she said.

“I want to thank the members of Save the Heart of Huskisson for their hard work over the past months, their strong representation, and their research. It is fantastic to see so many residents ready to stand up and fight for what they believe in.

“Let’s hope we can now move forward with a very strong front.”

Cr Gash said keeping the land in public ownership would provide a benefit to the local tourism industry, but given the commercial nature of the decision she was not able to confirm the offer figure.