As a result of intense community pressure to save and protect the Sandon Point area, the state government announced its first attempt to provide a formalised process to consider to future of the area. A Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the 'balance of the site' in October 2002.

The Honourable Dr Andrew Refshauge, Deputy Premier, Minister for Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Housing, pursuant to Section 119 of the EP&A Act, has directed that a Commission of Inquiry be held with respect to certain land at Sandon Point in the Wollongong local government area.

The terms of reference for the COI, on its announcement, included

To make recommendations on the preferred land uses, planning outcomes and management options, for the land as shown edged heavy black on the map identified as Attachment A (dated November 2002), having regard to its values and constraints in the broader context of the surrounding urban and non urban environment.

The Minister has appointed Commissioner Kevin Cleland, Deputy Chairperson and Commissioner Dr Mark Carleton to constitute the Commission of Inquiry. The Commissioners of Inquiry are independent of Government and its departments/agencies and Council.

After considering the findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, the Minister will determine the matter. Each party appearing before the Inquiry will be advised of the Commissioners' findings and recommendations.

The findings for the COI were released in September 2003, indicating some levels of increased protection that those incorporated into the Stockland masterplan and the Thirroul DCP. There were, and continue to be significant community criticisms of the COI findings and the dismissal of lack of consideration of issues of concern.

A number of documents, both produced by the Commissioners of Inquiry and community repsonses are provided below.