What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
Shellharbour 2035 sets the council's long-term direction: a 10-year Community Strategic Plan (adopted 2025) plus a 4-year Delivery Program 2025–2029 and annual Operational Plans that say what the council intends to do and fund.
The council groups what it does into four focus areas it calls the Quadruple Bottom Line: Community, Environment, Economy and Leadership. Its Delivery Program is described as a 'statement of commitment to the community from each newly elected council' and the primary reference for its activities.
Its annual budgets fund a sizeable capital works program (for example, $58.9M planned in 2024–25) weighted towards transport, buildings and aquatic facilities, open spaces and stormwater.
Underway now
Shellharbour Boathouse (Shell Cove)
Construction Apr 2026 – Jun 2027A new boathouse with marine servicing, dry-stack storage and visitor facilities on the Shell Cove waterfront. Backed by $10M from the NSW Regional Tourism Activation Fund; build contract awarded to Hutchinson Builders.
Shell Cove Sportsfield
Early works from Jun 2026A new sportsfield with an amenities building and car parking, funded by Shell Cove development contributions plus $2M from the NSW 'Level the Playing Field' program.
2025/26 road renewal program
2025/26Pavement rehabilitation across the 506 km road network — reconstruction, resurfacing and heavy patching at selected streets in Albion Park, Warilla, Oak Flats, Lake Illawarra, Flinders and more. Contractor procured early 2026.
Source: Council project page — Road Renewal & Rehabilitation
Local capital works (citywide)
2026Footpaths, drainage, sportsfield lighting and a new roundabout at Leawarra & Ulster Ave (Warilla), among other works published in the monthly capital works updates.
Source: Monthly Capital Works Update
Planned / committed
Shellharbour Boathouse opening
July 2027Public opening of the new boathouse and waterfront facilities is anticipated for July 2027.
Shell Cove Sportsfield opening
Mid-2027Main works and opening of the sportsfield and amenities are expected around mid-2027.
Delivery Program 2025–2029 commitments
2025–2029The council's 4-year program of commitments under Shellharbour 2035, with a stated focus on financial sustainability, asset renewal and core services.
Recently delivered
Financial turnaround (2024–25)
2024–25The council reported a $3.5M operating surplus and completed 77 capital projects ($33.4M on infrastructure), per its 2024–25 Annual Report.
Source: Annual Report 2024–2025
Pedestrian bridge & wetland improvements
Early 2026Pedestrian bridge improvements completed at Grainger Reserve (Flinders) and Brindabella Wetlands (Shell Cove).
Source: Monthly Capital Works Update
Citywide stormwater pipe renewals
Early 2026Stormwater pipe renewals completed at various locations across the city.
Source: Monthly Capital Works Update
Beverley Whitfield Pool access upgrade
Early 2026Stair and access improvements completed at Beverley Whitfield Pool, Shellharbour.
Source: Monthly Capital Works Update