The motion was submitted by Shoalhaven Independents Andrew Guile, Greg Watson and Patricia White at the extraordinary meeting on April 7.

It includes a number of discounts for developers including waiving fees for pre-lodgement meetings, a 50 per cent discount to DA lodgement fees, a discount to water and sewerage headworks charges for all developments by 75 per cent and a reduction of development contributions under the EPA Act by 50 per cent.

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There is also a significant number of policy changes in the motion including moving staff from compliance to DA assessment where possible, continuing the 'clock' on DA applications when more information is required, determining all applications which have been in the system more than 90 days at the development committee and developments can only be refused by a meeting of council.

Cr Greg Watson said development and tourism were the best ways to get the Shoalhaven out of the crisis.

"This is a leg up to help a devastated community," Cr Watson said.

"The way we're going to start leading our city out of the depths of disaster... the only area that we can really simulate easily are those that want to invest economically in this city."

Cr Joanna Gash was concerned a motion had again being brought to council without all councillors having the opportunity to read it.

"This is a very weak, ad hoc motion." Cr Gash said.

"I am disappointed at Cr Watson's comment that people are playing political games.

"Both us are of the era where we should be very concerned about this virus."

The motion also dealt with the 25 per cent rate reduction, which the CEO said was illegal and would not be able to implement it.

The new motion instead provides ratepayers with a payment under s356 of the Local Government Act of $300 and will provide an option for residents to opt out of the payment.

"What we are putting to you tonight is a way we can work within the Act to provide rate relief," Cr Guile said.

"Don't be hoarders of other people's money.

"We can afford to do this."

The Greens councillors were concerned the motion was inequitable.

"Our most poor and most vulnerable won't benefit from the rate relief, they don't even own a home," Cr Nina Digiglio said.

The motion narrowly passed with seven votes to six.

For: Crs Guile, Wells, White, Pakes, Watson, Proudfoot and Kitchener.

Against: Crs Findley, Gash, Alldrick, Gash, Digiglio and Levett.