The Committee will receive the report at the March 2015 meeting after the recommendation was made under the delegated authority of Council during last week’s meeting.

As part of the resolution, Council will write to individuals currently holding booking permits for all events at the Callala Bay Reserve amending the finishing time to 9.30pm and requiring a further compliance bond of $3000.

Any refusal on behalf of the licensee to pay the booking will see the event cancelled.

Policy and Resources Committee Chairman, John Wells said a final decision on the future of weddings and receptions on the Callala Bay Reserve would be made following receipt of the further detailed report in March 2015.

“Providing two of the most spectacular backdrops on the South Coast, Hyams Beach and Callala Reserve have become increasingly popular wedding destinations,” Cr Wells said.

“While Council will continue to work hard in attracting people from outside the area to get married in the Shoalhaven it is important that this is not achieved at the detriment of local residents within our many towns and villages.

“With a number of local residents expressing their concerns at the size and damage to amenity the larger weddings and receptions have caused the community, Council will receive a further report on the issue in the new year.

“Council has also moved to put a freeze on the booking of Callala Reserve for wedding ceremonies requiring a marquee and wedding receptions prior to the receipt of this report.”

Council will honour all previous bookings subject to compliance with the obligations made under the booking permit.