Stakeholders Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan 2026 - 56 - Shoalhaven City Council

 

If you are interested in attending a Shoalhaven City Council Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan meeting in your local area, request an invitation from Shoalhaven City Council, and you must represent an organisation. Contact Council directly for further information

Shoalhaven City Council is pleased to invite you to attend an upcoming information session about the Draft Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan 2026-56 (CISP).

These invitation‑only sessions are designed for key stakeholders and will help you navigate the draft CISP, understand its recommendations, and provide an opportunity to ask questions directly to Council staff.

INFORMATION SESSION DETAILS

Dates & Locations:

Wednesday 29 April 2026 – Bomaderry @ Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre, Mezzanine, 5-6:30pm

Wednesday 6 May 2026 – Huskisson @ Huskisson Community Centre, 5-6:30pm

Tuesday 12 May 2026 – Ulladulla @ Ulladulla Civic Centre, Lounge, 5-6:30pm

Click here to RSVP by 22nd April 2026


*Please note, information sessions may be cancelled if RSVP numbers are insufficient.

In your Neighbourhood - Shoalhaven City Council

 

Your chance to nominate someone great

The Shoalhaven Australia Day Awards recognise individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to our community and now is the time to put forward someone special you know.

There's just one week left to nominate someone who inspires you in one of these categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year or Sports Achiever of the Year. 

Everyone nominated is recognised and everyone who nominates someone has a chance to win a $500 Holiday Haven voucher. Nominations close 7 November. 

NOMINATE NOW

 

​

Have your say on disability inclusion People with a disability, their families and carers are being invited to help develop a plan that aims to improve access and inclusion in the Shoalhaven.   The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) is a four-year strategic plan which sets out Council’s commitments and priorities to ensure people of all ages with a disability have better access to services, facilities, activities, employment and information.   HAVE YOUR SAY

​

 

​

New CEO sets vision for Shoalhaven Council CEO Andrew Constance has set out his vision to lead the organisation into its next chapter.  Mr Constance said he was looking forward to leading the organisation into its next chapter and was focussed on improving Council’s financial sustainability and service delivery while maintaining the area’s natural beauty. His priority is to work with staff to ensure Council is meeting the needs of Shoalhaven residents. READ MORE

​

 

​

Splash safely into summer  With summer quickly approaching, the owners of tourism and visitor accommodation including caravan parks, hotels, motels and short-term rental properties in the Shoalhaven are being reminded to check their swimming pool meets legislated safety requirements.   Under the NSW Swimming Pools Act 1992, all pool owners are required to register their pool on the NSW Swimming Pool register, and ensure it complies with the prescribed standards to mitigate the drowning deaths of young people.     MORE DETAILS

​

 

​

Soft plastic recycling now at depots Clean, soft plastic can now be dropped off at selected Council’s recycling and waste depots, diverting it from landfill and turning it into a clean, efficient fuel source.   Soft plastic, commonly used for packaging and wrapping supermarket food items, will be sent to a recycling residuals program and turned into Processed Engineered Fuel (PEF) which can be used as a substitute for fossil fuels. Depots include West Nowra, Husky, Ulladulla, Berry, Callala and Sussex Inlet. READ MORE

​

 

​

Community Wellbeing Grants announced The 2025-26 Community Wellbeing Grant recipients have been confirmed, with 34 successful applicants receiving funding to support community wellbeing.  Grant funds to the total of $177,388 to eligible not-for-profit groups for the development and delivery of community programs for the 2025/2026 financial year have now been awarded. Check out the recipients below. GRANT RECIPIENTS

​

 

​

Give feedback on Broughton Creek study Residents living in and around Berry and Shoalhaven Heads are invited to learn more about their flood risk and provide feedback that will inform how we manage that risk in the future.   The technical study was undertaken to enhance our understanding of flood behaviour within the Broughton Creek catchment following changes to land use and infrastructure upgrades in the area.  Share your thoughts by 9 November.   SURVEY

​

 

​

Have your say on new Council meeting rules  Ordinary Meetings will be impacted by a new set of rules from next year and the community is invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes.   The changes reflect the provisions and guidance for the new 2025 Model Code of Meeting Practice for NSW local councils which will come into effect from 1 January 2026. Be sure to check out the changes and have your say. HAVE YOUR SAY

​

 

​

Annual Children's Remembrance Service If you have been touched by the loss of a child, we invite you to join us for the Annual Children's Remembrance Service at 6pm on Thursday 11 December. Held at the Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens and Lawn Cemetery Chapel in Worrigee, this service offers the opportunity for parents, family and friends who have experienced the loss of a child, to share a time of reflection. To RSVP please phone 4429 5788 or email smglc@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

​

 

​

Village pools opening in November  The reopening of the region’s much-loved village pools for the 2025-26 swimming season will be welcome news for our water-loving community.  Residents and visitors can once again enjoy the local pools as community spaces for recreation, relaxation and connection.  Saturday 1 November will see Berry, Greenwell Point and Kangaroo Valley open. Saturday 29 November will see Milton and Shoalhaven Heads open. DIVE IN

​

 

​

Thrive pop-up coming to Ulladulla Join us at the Thrive Together Pop-up at the Ulladulla Civic Centre on Wednesday 26 November, 10am – 1pm. Everyone is welcome at this free event. Find cost-of-living relief, financial counselling, housing and welfare support, mental health services, Aboriginal service providers and free legal advice.  We'll have entertainment and activities for the whole family plus grocery care packages available. Don't miss the free BBQ lunch and mobile coffee van. LEARN MORE

​

 

​

Drive change - join our Youth Committee   Passionate young people in the Shoalhaven who are interested in driving change and being a voice for youth in the city, are encouraged to apply to join our Youth Advisory Committee.   The committee welcomes residents aged 12 to 25 years who would like to represent the interests and views of local youth, and advocate for improved services, activities and facilities for young people.   APPLY NOW

​

 

​

SEC shines light on breast cancer A bright pink glow enveloped the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre throughout October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the call for regular mammograms.  As the sun went down, LED theatre lights were used to saturate the light-filled foyer, with a vibrant pink hue bouncing off the white interior walls.  BOOK IN

​

 

​

Savour the slow season in the south  Sip your way through award-winning cellar doors, witness the awe of humpback whales gliding through calm coastal waters, and follow a trail of paddock-to-plate eateries where regional produce takes centre stage. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a group getaway or a solo recharge, this is the season to reconnect with nature, nourish the senses and uncover the best of the South Coast. START EXPLORING

​

 

​

New bridge improves fish habitat  A new concrete bridge to improve water flow and access to fish habitat in Currowan is now complete thanks to a $650,000 grant from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.   The new bridge across Currowan Creek is positioned above water level and replaces a piped concrete culvert which ran under the road. The culvert was a barrier to the movement of native fish, preventing them from being able to access food and shelter, avoid predators and seek out mates.  MORE INFO

​

 

​

Keeping cats safe at home  Council is joining forces with the RSPCA and the NSW Government to encourage and enable cat owners to desex their pets and prevent them from roaming in local neighbourhoods. The RSPCA has launched the Keeping Cats Safe at Home project which urges cat-owners to keep their pets indoors to reduce their impact on the environment and improve their wellbeing. MORE INFORMATION

​

 

​

A Christmas Celebration with a star from The Ten Tenors Morning Melodies at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre conclude with festive favourites from JD Smith and special guest Shandelle Cooke on Tuesday 2 December. Don't miss this magical morning filled with musical brilliance. Plus, we're taking final bookings for the ever popular post-show Christmas lunch. BOOK NOW

​

 

​

HOME exhibition puts student talent on show Artworks by Falls Creek, Greenwell Point, Nowra, Sancturary Point and Tomerong public school students are now on exhibition at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in Nowra. Mayor Patricia White was there to help launch the exhibition, and she's pictured alongside Lisa van den Dodler, Gallery NSW, artist Brayden, and Hannah Debus, Gallery NSW. The students have participated in a three- term program engaging with First Nations art through a series of workshops, virtual excursions and classroom programs culminating in this exhibition which runs until 15 November.  EXHIBITIONS

​

 

​

Santa letters back at our libraries   With Christmas just around the corner,  Santa’s elves have once again set up a magical mailbox at your local library. Starting Monday November 17, bring your holiday cheer and post a letter straight to Santa at the North Pole. Here’s how it works: Write your letter to Santa at the library.  Drop it into Santa’s special mailbox for express delivery to the North Pole. Return to the library from Friday, December 5 to collect your personalised reply from Santa. Make sure your letters are posted by 12 December so Santa has time to write back. WHAT'S ON AT THE LIBRARIES

​

 

Get along to final workshop for 2025

Join us for our last compost workshop for the year on Saturday 15 November at the Illaroo Scout Hall in North Nowra. 

Find out how easy it is to transform household waste into quality compost, a valuable plant food that improves all aspects of soil health.

$5 TICKETS

In your neighbourhood = Shoalhaven City Council

 

​

Interim CEO in place until appointment Accomplished local government executive and general manager, Brian Barrett is Council's acting CEO until a permanent appointment of this role. Mr Barrett has extensive experience as a locum CEO, holding Interim CEO or Acting General Manager appointments in Inner West Council, King Island Council, Derwent Valley Council, Murray River Council and Strathfield Council. An announcement will be made when the new CEO has been appointed. READ ABOUT BRIAN

​

 

​

Andrew McVey appointed Director Shoalhaven Water Water Operations and Maintenance Manager, Andrew McVey has been appointed Director Shoalhaven Water after a competitive recruitment process.  Mr McVey is a stalwart of our water utility, building a successful career over the past 24 years.  He is known for his leadership skills and passion for providing high-quality water and wastewater services to the community.  READ ABOUT ANDREW

​

 

​

Cost saving initiatives help bottom line Keep up to date with Council's financial plan which sets out how we'll save $10 million over the next four years. The fourth quarterly report for the 2024-25 financial year highlights the progress being made against Council’s Sustainable Financial Futures Plan with savings of $4.1 million due to cost cutting initiatives.  Efficiencies are in part thanks to the 3% Challenge initiative led by staff to achieve the savings target.  READ MORE

​

 

​

Kiama by-election on 13 September The Kiama by-election will be held on Saturday 13 September and if you are eligible to vote in NSW and live in the electoral district of Kiama you must vote in this by-election. Residents in the north of the Shoalhaven make up this electoral district and you can check whether you're in this seat by heading to the Electoral Commission's website. Find voting locations on election day and details on early voting by clicking on the button. NSW ELECTORAL COMMISSION

​

 

​

Have your say on Arthur Jones Reserve Local residents are being asked what new play equipment they’d like to see at the Aurthur Jones Reserve playground in Lake Conjola.  Located next to the Lake Conjola Community Hall, the playground equipment is reaching its end of life and needs to be replaced to serve local families into the future. Provide your feedback on slides, swings, climbing equipment or whatever you'd like to see installed. HAVE YOUR SAY

​

 

​

Paddle craft facility ready for spring Kayakers, canoeists and stand-up paddle boarders can enjoy safe and easy access to Tabourie Lake following the delivery of a new launch facility at Short Street.  Thanks to funding of $115,000 under the Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Grants Program, the new durable ramp and steps allow for easy access from the foreshore down to the water’s edge.   It's open just in time for the warmer weather. MAKE A SPLASH

​

 

​

Business Partnership Program now open Local business chambers, industry associations and not-for-profit organisations are invited to partner with Council to deliver essential programs for economic growth.  Launched last year, the Business Partnership Program encourages partnerships with Council in the delivery of events, projects and programs that benefit the business community. Applications close on closes 28 September 2025. APPLY NOW

​

 

​

Feedback sought on planning in Berry You're invited to provide feedback on proposed new planning and heritage provisions for the township of Berry.  The draft Development Control Plan (DCP) Chapter for part of Berry (east of the Princes Highway) and the associated Planning Proposal to introduce a new Princess Street Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) and additional individual heritage items, are now on public exhibition. Make a submission by Friday 19 September. GIVE FEEDBACK

​

 

​

Discover wonderful events in September  From fabulous foodie events and makers markets, to live music, circus performances and rodeo extravaganzas, there are so many wonderful ways to experience the Shoalhaven this September. Wherever you are and whatever you like, you'll find something wonderful to discover. Find the full events calendar below. FIND AN EVENT

​

 

​

Chamber music magic at the SEC A trailblazing quintet turns nature’s symphony into chamber music magic on Tuesday 16 September, when Arcadia Winds present Evocations, a concert in two distinct parts. From the rhapsodic quality of birdsong and soaring, wistful harmonies to funky, bluesy style and expressive folk-inspired melodies – this will be an enchanting evening with an inspired ensemble. BOOK YOUR SPOT

​

 

​

A celebration of community & connection Nowra Library's Inclusive Storytime program continues to thrive, bringing warmth and connection to the space every fortnight. Co-led by our Outreach Librarian, Lisa, and Children’s Library Technician, Jackie, this vibrant initiative welcomes disability support groups and their clients for engaging sessions of stories, songs, rhymes and games. The team has seen clients come into their own - growing in confidence, participating with enthusiasm, and embracing the library as a safe and welcoming place. Inclusive Storytime is not just an event - it's a reflection of our commitment to make the library a place for everyone.  YOUR LIBRARIES

​

 

​

Koori Kids Art After School exhibition Koori Kids Art After School is a First Nations led programming initiative for students at Bomaderry, Shoalhaven, Vincentia and Ulladulla High. Working with Karla Dickens, Jaz Corr and Warwick Keen, First Nations students have been developing their own artworks for an exhibition at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in Nowra. The project was made possible thanks to a grant from Museums and Galleries of NSW. Head along and check out their work until 18 October. And while you're there, check out the other wonderful exhibitions we have on at the Gallery. GET TO THE GALLERY

​

 

Getting ready for summer

Bushfire season is fast approaching and preparation is the first defense to protect your property.

Keep your home clear of debris by removing overhanging branches, cleaning gutters and keeping grass low.

We're helping Shoalhaven residents get ready by offering no-charge garden waste disposal at all our recycling and waste depots in September only.

And a reminder that if you intend to conduct private hazard reduction burning, such as pile burns, you need a fire safety permit from today. Find more information on the RFS website.

GET READY IN SEPTEMBER