In a public meeting in Nowra on Wednesday it was decided to defer the application, by three votes to two, to March next year.

Members of the community voiced their objections to the application’s deferral. They instead called for it to be rejected after their disappointment in the consultation process, environmental impacts and noise issues.

Councillor Andrew Guile was pleased with the result, which will include a community meeting run by the JRPP.

Cr Guile claimed community members felt uncomfortable asking “searching questions” at the original meeting run by Mayor Joanna Gash.

“It was encouraging to hear a panel member suggest that even with the amended plans, concerns over environmental issues over protected species and noise would still need to be overcome.” 

One JRPP member supported the calls for refusal. Another called for the Species Impact Survey and also suggested referral to the Federal Minister for the Environment under the Environmental Biodiversity Legislation.

Cr Gash said the facility would create employment and be an important community asset. She has supported the notion to defer approval.

“This project is what your community is about,” she said.

“There is noise already from Albatross with more helicopters arriving and on special occasions FA 18 Hornets.

“The preservation of the entire bushland is a wonderful ideal ... but I am also concerned about the other species that need to live, work and play in the adjoining environment.”