Cr Findley described Waton's motion as "pure politicking" of the worst kind, "preying on people's fears during times of heightened anxiety".

"It's a red herring to make out council isn't doing [hazard reductions] already," Cr Findley said.

"It could be a move by him to put a motion which runs contrary to council's existing policy, so some people would have to vote against it."

Cr Watson said his notice of motion was prompted by the current fires in NSW and the 2001 Shoalhaven bush fires. He said council's current policy "leaves a bit to be desired".

"Some of the areas under our control and management have got fuel loads which are excessive and need to be dealt with," he said.

"Quite often these things sneak up on you.

"I'm not suggesting it's just a gung-ho approach and you slash and burn everything - what I'm saying is this needs to be strategically approached."

According to the Shoalhaven Bush Fire Risk Management Plan only one per cent of bush fire management area is under the control of local government.

The notice of motion also involves lobbying the state government to give councils power to order property owners to reduce a fire hazard on their land.

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Cr Watson conceded more money would be needed to increase hazard reduction and said council could spend less on human comfort.

"We'll divert money to where it is really needed, to protect people's lives and property," he said.

Cr Findley said hazard reduction policy was complex and involved a lot of stakeholders.

"Seventy to 80 per cent of the Shoalhaven's land is either managed by the state, managed by Forestry or managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service," she said.

"Any private lands owners seeking assistance with hazard reduction seek that assistance through the RFS."

Shoalhaven City Council has been contacted for comment.