Frequently Asked Questions

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Animal Management	Garbage Services	Maintenance (Roads, etc.)	Trees	Parks, Sports Grounds & Facilities	Payments	Fences	Job Vacancies	Library Services	Privacy & Personal Information

Animal Management FQA

Garbage Services

My garbage bin is damaged – how do I get it fixed or get a replacement bin?

You should inform Council, in writing, by telephone or in person, that your bin is damaged and requires replacement. Council will then request the Contractors to issue a replacement bin within seven working days.

You can continue to use your bin, however it must be placed at the front of the property so that it is visible from the road for the contractor to easily access it. The contractor will repair/replace your bin, and deposit any rubbish from your old bin into the replacement.

All enquiries regarding bin repairs can be directed to the contractor on ext.7800 or, if dialling from outside, (02) 4423 1711.

Maintenance of Roads, Bridges, Footpaths and Parks

How do I get the potholes in my road fixed?

You should advise Council with information about the location of the potholes and some details of yourself. If the location is on a high traffic road, the pothole will be filled within 3 working days, and on roads which carry less traffic, within 5 working days. You can notify Council in writing, in person, by telephone to an operator or by an auto-answer system which is available 24 hours a day. The auto-answer system can be used by calling (02)44293506; you can leave details of the pothole, its location and finally your name and phone number.

If the potholes have occurred during a prolonged period of heavy rain, then Council may not meet these times but will respond as quickly as possible.

How do I notify Council to get problems fixed?

You can notify Council in writing, in person, by telephone (to an operator) or by an auto-answer system which is available 24 hours a day. The auto-answer system can be used by calling (02)44293506; there is time to record the problem, its location and finally your name and phone number.

Trees

When do I need approval to lop or remove a tree on my property?

Council Recently reviewed its policy on Trees and has produced a brochure called "Trees on Private Land" (PDF file) to assist in determining when approval is required. If approval is required, please complete the Application for Removal/ Pruning of Tree and forward to Council with the applicable fee (see application form for current fees). For more information on trees, click here.

How do I have the tree on the reserve or footpath lopped?

You should notify Council, again either in writing, by telephone or in person, of your contact details, along with information about the location and perceived problem with the tree/s. The tree will be inspected by the appropriate Council officer to determine the required action.

If necessary, the matter will be referred to specialist staff within Council or independent arborist for comment, inspection, recommendation and costing if required. The outcome of these assessments will determine the action to be taken by Council with regard to the tree(s).

For further information, please contact 4429 3111.

Booking Parks, Sports Grounds and Council Facilities

How can I book a sports ground?

Sports grounds can be booked though council.

Seasonal Hire
Casual Hire

How can I book a reserve?

Reserve bookings can be made through Council?

Reserve booking package

How can I book the Showground?

There are a variety of sites available at Nowra Showground including meeting rooms for groups 10 to 200, outdoor grassed areas as well as stables and camping facilities. The Showground can be booked by phoning 02 4429 3339.

Berry, Kangaroo Valley and Milton showground are administered by Management Committees.

Are there any indoor venues suitable for functions?

Council has a range of indoor venues including Nowra Showground, Public Halls & Community Centres that are suitable for a variety of functions including corporate events, workshops, community and private functions. Most facilities have kitchens, some of a commercial quality and some have the option to hire crockery & cutlery.

Can I book a picnic area and BBQ facilities?

All picnic areas, playgrounds, picnic shelters and BBQ’s are shared facilities, you can however make a booking if you are organising a community event on a Public Reserve. You will need to contact Council’s Parks Administrative Assistant who will advise if the reserve that you wish to hold your event is available on your desired day. Hyperlink to Reserve Booking Form.

What facilities do council have to organise an outdoor event?

There are over 400 maintained parks & public reserves plus 46 sports fields in the Shoalhaven area. In addition there are 4 showgrounds located at Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Milton and Nowra. Council’s staff will be able to assist you in locating a site that will best suit your needs.

Can we consume alcohol on public reserves, beaches or showground?

There are selected parks and reserves that are alcohol free or are alcohol restricted, which will be signposted at each reserve. If you would like more information please contact the Parks Officer on 4429 3488.

Any event that has alcohol will need to inform Council at the time of booking. A “safe party kit” will need to be registered at the local police station with a signed copy submitted with your booking application. A kit can be obtained from your local police station.

How can I book a Public Hall/Community Facilities?

There are 20 Public Halls and Community Centres from Shoalhaven Heads to Kioloa/Bawley Point. Of these facilities, 16 are managed by Management Committees, and the others, by Council’s Community Facilities Officer. Follow this link for a full list of contact details for Booking Public Hall / Community Facilities.

For booking officer contact details please contact the Community Facilities Officer on 4429 3463 or search the Shoalhaven City Council Council’s Community Directory

What do I have to do if I want to get married on a Council Reserve/Park/Beach?

The Shoalhaven Area is becoming a popular site for weddings ceremonies & functions. Some of the most popular sites include:

1. Hanging Rock Reserve & surrounds, Nowra Showground
2. Harry Sawkins Park, Nowra
3. Marriott Park, Nowra
4. Greenwell Point 2000 Park
5. Crookhaven Headland
6. Lakeside Park, Culburra Beach
7. Lackersteen Street Reserve, Callala Bay
8. Dolphin Reserve, Currarong
9. Voyager Park, Huskisson
10. White Sands Park, Huskisson
11. Plantation Point Reserve, Vincentia
12. Blenheim Beach Reserve, Vincentia
13. Paradise Beach Reserve, Sanctuary Point
14. Palm Beach Reserve, Sanctuary Point
15. Lions Park, Sussex Inlet
16. Washerwomans Beach Reserve, Bendalong
17. Burrill Lions Park
18. Bawley Beach Reserve, Bawley Beach

To hold your ceremony on a public reserve please complete the Wedding Ceremony application form and forward to Leanne Richards.

Approval to host a wedding reception will be determined on a case by case basis. In general receptions that require the erection of marquee larger than 3m x 3m or other static structure will require Development Consent. A Development Application kit can be obtained from Council. Applicants are advised to give a minimum of 3 months notice. Link for schedule of Fees and Application form.

Alternatively, if you wish to host your reception at one of Council’s Public Halls or Community Centres, please contact the Community Facilities Officer on 4429 3463, or if you would like to book the facilities at Nowra Showground, Parks Administrative Officer on 4429 3339, or visit the Community Directory on the Council’s website www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

Payments

What methods of payment does Council accept?

Council accepts only cash, cheques or money orders for payment of rate accounts and other invoices at council's Nowra and Ulladulla Administrative Centres. There is currently no facility for accepting payments by EFTPOS.

However Council does offer other payment methods such as the Direct Debit System that will debit your bank account with the nominated amount on the due date. Council's customers may choose B-Pay, in which you will need to first contact your financial institution to arrange access to this payment facility.

Australia Post now accepts payments on Council's behalf for most council invoices such as rate, sundry debtor and excess water accounts.

Fences

Do I need Council approval to construct a boundary fence?

A Boundary Fence Code is available from Council that clearly defines various fence types that are permissible, without consent from Council. However if a particular fence construction falls outside this Code, then a Fencing Variation Application is to be submitted to Council.

If a fencing dispute arises between boundary owners, this then becomes a civil matter and should be referred to the Community Justice Centre at the local Court House.

Job Vacancies

Do you have any positions vacant with Council?

Council advertises all permanent vacancies in the local press and/or Sydney papers (where relevant). Information packages for each position are available upon request, which we may send by mail or you may pick up at the Counter Services Unit in the Administration Centre in Nowra.

Library Services

Libraries - where are they and when are they open?

The Nowra Central Library is in Berry Street, backing on the Woolworth's Car Park.

The Nowra Central Library's hours of opening are:

   Monday to Friday - 9:30am to 7:00pm
   Saturdays - 9:30am to 3:00pm
   Phone: 4429 3709

Branch Libraries are:

   Ulladulla Library & Visitors Centre - Civic Centre, Ulladulla. Phone 4455 1269
   Sanctuary Point Library - Paradise Beach Road, Sanctuary Point. Phone 44433344
   Milton Library - Council Chambers, Milton. Phone: 4429 8916

How do I join the Library and how much does it cost?

Any resident can join the library on provision of proof of identity and residency - i.e. a rate notice, rent notice, electricity account, etc.

If you wish to borrow from the library and are not resident in the Shoalhaven, you can either -

   Leave your library card from your current service with the library and reclaim
   it when all items borrowed have been returned.

   Pay a deposit that is reclaimable when all items have been returned.

The library service is a free service and there are no joining fees. Shoalhaven Libraries also do not charge overdue fines, however, items must be returned to continue borrowing.

Privacy & Personal Information FAQ

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