FACT CHECK: Is Kate opposed to heritage protections in Berry?
No. Some misinformation has circulated online about Kate Dezarnaulds’ position on heritage protection in Berry following a deputation she delivered to Shoalhaven City Council in July 2024. The deputation was made on behalf of the Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, representing over 300 local businesses and following broad good-faith consultation with the local business community. It responded to a proposal for a Berry-specific Development Control Plan (DCP) and made the case for a more efficient and unified planning process within the wider Shoalhaven region.
Kate’s record as a community advocate, cultural leader, and former National Trust Board Director makes her deeply qualified to speak to the intersection of heritage, development, and regional sustainability. This FAQ is designed to clarify the facts and correct the record.
Did Kate Dezarnaulds speak out against heritage protections in Berry?
No. In her July 2024 deputation to Shoalhaven City Council, Kate explicitly affirmed:
“The town is united in its appreciation for Heritage.”
Her deputation did not oppose heritage protection—it raised concerns about the timing and cost of implementing a standalone Development Control Plan (DCP) for Berry when broader planning reforms are already underway.
Was Kate speaking on behalf of herself or others?
Kate was representing the Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, which includes over 300 local businesses.Her speech followed broad consultation and good faith engagement with the DCP Review process initiated by Council.
The views expressed represented the consolidated position of the Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism of which she was then the President—the Chamber’s diverse membership includes many business owners who are also long-term residents, heritage property owners, and community leaders—the deputation was not her personal or private opinion.
Did Kate dismiss heritage as “personal taste” or “irrelevant”?
No. Kate raised concerns about the increasing politicisation of "local character" language, where subjective aesthetic preferences were being used to control development.
She warned against the misuse of the language of heritage protections to resist all change. Her actual words:
“We resist overly narrow definitions of local character that constrain the interests of private property owners and seek to mandate what is in ‘good taste’.”
This was a call for balanced planning, not the dismissal of heritage.
What experience does Kate have with heritage and planning?
Kate has extensive professional and governance experience in heritage and cultural sectors and many years of experience with restoration of heritage properties as the wife of a local builder, daughter of an architect and serial renovator of heritage homes. In addition her qualifications and experiences include:
- Bachelor of Art History and Theory from University of NSW
- Master’s in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute, London
- 6 years as a Director of the National Trust of Australia (NSW)
- 3 years as President of the Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
- Former Shoalhaven Arts Board Member
- Founding Board Member of Art Month Sydney
- Director of Underbelly Arts
- Former head of Communications and Partnerships at Bundanon Trust
- 20+ years working in cultural institutions, planning policy, and regional economic development
She is deeply qualified to speak on heritage, development, and community sustainability.
Why did she oppose the proposed Berry DCP motion at Shoalhaven Council?
Kate and the Chamber supported Option 2—delaying the Berry-specific DCP until Shoalhaven’s new city-wide planning scheme is implemented.
This approach would have:
- Avoided duplication and redundancy
- Saved ratepayer money
- Enabled a more balanced, region-wide approach to planning
- Maintain focus on real needs—like affordable housing, flexible commercial spaces, and adaptive development
Is Kate aligned with developers?
No. Kate represents the interests of local, independent businesses—not large developers.
These are family-run shops, community hubs, employers, and residents who care deeply about Berry’s future and heritage.
Her advocacy is for a balanced, inclusive Berry—where heritage, housing, and vibrant local business all have a place.