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Have your say

Community feedback sought on potential changes to public land use policy

Bega Valley Shire Council is seeking feedback from the community on proposed changes to its public land use policy and associated fees and charges.

outdoor event.

26 February 2025

Bega Valley Shire Council is seeking feedback from the community on proposed changes to its public land use policy and associated fees and charges.

“The proposed changes are intended to balance provision of services and support for community activities, in a financially sustainable way,” Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said.

“Recent online discussions have suggested that Council has already approved introduction of new fees for local nonprofit groups wishing to use public land. That is not the case.

“While a proposed new fee structure is currently open for public feedback, it remains just that—a proposal.

“No final decision has been made and community input is crucial to understanding how any potential changes could impact events, businesses and organisations across the shire.

“Importantly, the proposed fees would only apply to events arranged under Council’s Use of Public Land process. Events that operate under an approved development application, such as the Merimbula Rotary markets, SCPA markets in Bega and the Candelo markets, would not be affected.

To ensure transparency and encourage informed discussion, Council has invited the community to share their thoughts on the proposed changes via our Have Your Say webpage.

Acting Community, Environment and Planning Director, Iliada Bolton said that while social media is a useful tool for staying informed, it doesn’t always provide the full picture.

"Social media is a great way to connect and share news, but with that comes the risk of the wrong information spreading just as easily,” she said.

“We understand that information on social media can sometimes be misinterpreted or taken out of context. That’s why we encourage everyone to check the facts on our website or give us a call if they have questions or concerns about Council projects or services.

“Council is committed to open and transparent decision-making. Community input is a vital part of this process which is why we actively invite comments.

“We encourage everyone to have their say. Feedback on the public land use policy  is open until Tuesday 11 March and every submission will be carefully considered before Councillors make a decision at a later date.”

For more information on the proposed public land use policy update and proposed new fees and charges, visit Council’s website or call (02) 6499 2222.

Making an enquiry

All media enquiries and interview requests are coordinated by Council's Communication and Events team under the adopted Communications Policy. To view this policy, visit Public Policies and search 'communications'.

To submit a media enquiry or to request an interview:

Councillors

Councillors can be contacted directly for enquiries regarding decisions of the elected Council and non-operational matters. Interviews with the Mayor should be arranged through the Communication and Events team contact details above.

Receiving information

If you’re a journalist or media organisation that would like to receive media releases and notifications about media opportunities, please email your name, title and contact details to media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au and we will add you to our distribution list.

You can also subscribe to Bega Valley Together and Business News, Council's fortnightly e-newsletters, or follow @begavalleyshirecouncil on Facebook  and Instagram.

© Bega Valley Shire Council 2025

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