A report recommending the tip application be refused has been completed by council staff, with the report to go to the Joint Regional Planning Panel.

It will consider the matter at its meeting on October 21.

The recommendation from council staff has been hailed as “fantastic news” among members of anti-tip action group Shoalhaven’s Unwanted Tip (ShUT).

“Obviously we’re delighted with the news,” said ShUT vice-chairman, John Levett.

However he said people should not be celebrating yet.

“The decision is obviously with the panel, so let’s just hope the panel notes the council’s concerns, and also the community’s concerns,” Mr Levett said.

The staff report recommended the tip proposal be refused for several reasons including:

• The proposal does not comply with the requirements of SEPP 33, as there is insufficient information to determine whether the hazardous and offensive components of the development have the potential to pose a significant risk and adverse impact in the environmentally sensitive locality.

• The application is considered to be unacceptable and does not comply with some sections of the Jervis Bay Regional Environmental Plan.

• The application is unacceptable, as there is insufficient detail to determine impact

on surface and ground water and the possibility it could pose a significant and adverse impact on the sensitive environs

of St Georges Basin and the Jervis Bay

Marine Park.

• There is insufficient assessment on how threatened species, their populations, ecological communities and/or habitats will be impacted.

• The applicant has failed to submit any information detailing how the proponent expects to avoid or mitigate the threat from bush fire.

• There will be an unacceptable impact from the intensification of additional truck movements on Gumden Lane and council’s road network.

• It is not considered that the proposal is in the public interest.

Councillors will meet on Monday

evening to consider the staff report and decide whether they want to make separate and additional submissions to the planning panel.

ShUT members will also attend the meeting to find out more details of the staff report.

Mr Levett said it was important ShUT members obtain copies of the staff report to help frame any additional submissions or representations to the October 21 meeting, which will be open to the public.

Any new submissions will add to the huge volume already lodged with council.

“There were more than 700 submissions in respect of this application,” said council’s director of development and environmental services, Tim Fletcher.

“There were two large public meetings held at Vincentia and Tomerong, with over 500 people attending and there was very strong objection about the proposal from the community at large.”