Statement from Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick

Published on 29 July 2025

Statement from Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick – Proposed Robertson Event

There’s been some public commentary about the cancellation of a proposed event beside the Big Potato in Robertson and I want to be clear. 

This Council supports events that bring life to our towns and villages. They’re good for our economy, our local businesses, and our sense of community. 

But we also have a legal responsibility to apply the NSW State planning framework consistently. 

In this case, the event was proposed on private land. Due to its nature, location, and logistics around the Illawarra Highway, a major road, it triggered the requirement for a Development Application under NSW planning legislation. 

These are not local rules created by Council. These are state-imposed planning requirements, and Council has no discretion to turn a blind eye to them, or to the "red tape" that comes with them. 

Luke Mangan was quoted saying, “If you’ve got Council stopping you... it does make you wonder, what’s the point of it all?”

The fact is that Council did not stop this event, nor did we say no to the event. 

Our staff worked in good faith with the organiser, provided advice and explored options, including use of nearby public land. The decision not to lodge a DA, or to consider an exempt development pathway, and ultimately not to proceed with the event, was made by the organiser, not Council. 

I absolutely understand the frustration with red tape and planning processes, especially for those trying to create something great in a regional area. But Council doesn’t get to pick and choose which laws we apply. When NSW legislation says a Development Application is required, we are legally bound to follow that process. 

It’s incredibly disheartening to see media and some community groups continually bash this Council. The people being targeted here aren’t just “the Council”, they’re mums, dads, family members, and neighbours who show up every day to do their jobs with commitment and integrity. And most days, they do it exceptionally well, under extreme criticism. 

I’m proud of this organisation and of the people who work in it. I won’t stand by and let them be unfairly trashed just because “that’s what happens when you work for a council.” 

Council will keep working with event organisers to bring people to the Highlands, encouraging early engagement so we can provide the right guidance and help events succeed within the rules we’re all bound by. 

Cr Jesse Fitzpatrick 

Mayor, Wingecarribee Shire Council