Families who own cottages on Chinaman's Island continue to campaign to save the buildings amid news demolition will go ahead as planned.
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Last week Michelle Innes, whose family has owned a cottage since 1956, said she was notified that Crown Lands would be moving towards demolition of cottages situated on the island in the middle of Lake Conjola.
Shoalhaven City Council's development committee voted to add the cottages as a heritage listing in the Local Environment Plan (LEP) on May 8, 2018.
However, a report to the development committee stated the heritage listing would not stop the NSW Government from demolishing the cottages.
While the group was in "limbo" waiting for a decision, Mrs Innes said owners were "suddenly" notified there were trespass orders on all the properties and locks were changed on the buildings.
"I have spoken with the manager for Crown Lands in Nowra, and the situation on the island is that they have taken possession of the cottages and will be moving towards demolition as originally planned."
Mrs Innes said there was no current time-frame, but was assured families will be consulted.
"They are progressing towards that demolition, but nothing will happen without consultation and retrieval of belongings," she said.
On behalf of the group Saving Chinaman's Island, Mrs Innes has contacted the Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, to overturn the demolition orders and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock for her support.
Cr Patricia White has also promised Council's support for the fight ahead, she said.
Mrs Innes said there was precedent where Gosford City Council and the NSW Government shared management of historic cottages at Dark Corner.
"We are still fighting tooth and nail, at this point in time, for the minister to overturn the demolition orders and allow Shoalhaven Council to jointly manage cottages," she said.
"The properties can't be sold, they can't be profited from, but they can be passed down through the families that have them. That's what we're trying to get."
