But Kiama MP Gareth Ward thought the motion was "embarrassing" for council and showed councillors weren't aware of the state government's policy.

The motion, put forward at council's ordinary meeting on Tuesday, October 29 by Cr Bob Proudfoot, expressed Shoalhaven Council's public support for Unions Shoalhaven's position to have the rail line upgraded to a full electrification standard.

Unions Shoalhaven's Pat David told the meeting the union had been collecting signatures and there was strong community support.

"It's time we moved into the 21st century with our transport needs," Ms David said.

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Gareth Ward laughed off the council's motion, saying electrification was already in the government's future plans and that no councillor had contacted him about the issue.

"This is just a stunt 12 months out from the election. Clearly council hasn't bothered to inform itself about what the government's actually doing," Mr Ward said.

"What I've committed at the last election was a passing loop at Toolijooa which will mean you can double the capacity of the line. We've also announced we'll be replacing the Endeavour fleet when they expire with bi-modal trains so that you can actually have diesel and electric trains operating on that line.

"Once again we see council making statements about things that are not their core business. I actually want council to explain why they're not applying for grants for things like the East Nowra Sub Arterial. I want to know why they're not actually coming up with a plan for to develop the waterfront.

"If they want to comment on state matters, I'll quite happily get more engaged in local issues that I believe they've been neglecting for the last four years."

The motion passed means council will publish media releases and lobby state members, the Minister for Transport and the Premier on the union's demands.

All councillors except for Cr Andrew Guile were strongly supportive of the motion, with Cr Joanna Gash even making a joke about her support.

"I'm speaking for it and I'm not a member of the Labor Party and I will probably not be a member of the Liberal Party for too long," Cr Gash said.

"I'm speaking very strongly in favour of the motion. I agree with Councillor Proudfoot we deserve this money," Cr Watson said.

Cr Guile questioned the council's support.

"This motion is completely bonkers," Cr Guile said.

"There is no proof it will improve the travel time."