A motion calling for deeper environmental scrutiny and community accountability ahead of any move to relocate Kiama Municipal Council's works depot to the Minnamurra River catchment will be debated at Tuesday's Council meeting.

Cr Melinda Lawton has lodged a notice of motion (Item 20.1 on the agenda) urging Council to commit to a formal environmental impact analysis, costed flood and runoff studies, and a comprehensive assessment of road access and long-term maintenance issues.

She also wants the findings formally presented to councillors and costed into the upcoming 2025–26 Delivery Program and Operational Plan.

Cr Lawton says her motion aligns with the Coastal Management Act 2016, which mandates the protection of coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests, rehabilitation of degraded areas, and strengthened resilience to climate change.

"We can't pursue economic efficiency at the expense of the Minnamurra catchment's environmental, social and recreational value," she said. "The community deserves to see the full picture, not just the financial upside."

While Council staff note these assessments will be required under existing legislation, Cr Lawton's motion seeks explicit commitment and transparency at a public level.

In a staff response, CEO Jane Stroud confirmed the proposal is currently in its early scoping phase under a newly adopted Project Management Framework.

A working group including risk, finance, waste and infrastructure staff has been formed, and preliminary funding has already been flagged in the draft 2025–26 Capital Works Program.

Stroud also noted although the motion does not strictly meet the Code of Meeting Practice, it has been included in the business paper as relevant funding and briefings are already in place.

This motion is a call for greater environmental transparency and community accountability before the relocation of Kiama’s depot to the Minnamurra catchment.

While Council staff are already required by law to carry out many of these assessments, Cr Lawton is advocating for explicit Council commitment and reporting, with the goal of protecting a sensitive and significant ecological and recreational area.