NSW · South Coast · Local council, made simple
Shoalhaven City Council
A large LGA on the NSW South Coast, about 160 km south of Sydney — around 110,800 people from Berry in the north to the Ulladulla–Milton area in the south, centred on Nowra. Known for its beaches, Jervis Bay and a string of coastal towns. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, water and sewer, beaches, libraries — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Open for your feedback
See all →Things Shoalhaven City Council wants your say on right now. Your view counts for more before the deadline.
- Open — see source for the closing date
Changes to consultation for DAs introduced
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Survey highlights road concerns and service strengths
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Traffic and pedestrian surveys about to begin
Have your say →
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 3.8%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 5 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyShoalhaven's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
4 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Patricia White (directly elected)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: 1300 293 111
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~110,800 (2024)
Open →What's happening
49 updatesAuto-collected from Shoalhaven City Council's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).
- Policy
Council seeks $100 million roads investment
Published on 03 November 2026 Council is calling on the NSW government to invest $100 million in a Roads Renewal Package to address the region’s growing road maintenance backlog and improve the safety and reliability of its transport network.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Council builds on reconciliation achievements
Published on 29 October 2026 Council has reached a significant milestone in its reconciliation journey, delivering all 48 actions under its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and moving into the next phase, an Innovate RAP.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Preferred contractor selected for Shoalhaven Roads Package roundabouts
Published on 30 October 2026 Council is taking the next step in delivering the Australian Government-funded $40 million Shoalhaven Roads Package, with a preferred contractor selected to construct two new roundabouts.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Council establishes new committee to shape Shoalhaven’s growth
Published on 30 October 2026 Council has strengthened its approach to housing and development by establishing a new advisory committee.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Council backs new way to connect with young people
Published on 28 October 2026 Council will establish a new youth engagement model to better communicate and connect with young people and learn their priorities for the Shoalhaven.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Village pools set to reopen for summer
Published on 28 October 2026 Shoalhaven's village pools will begin reopening from this weekend, welcoming residents and visitors back for the 2026 - 27 swimming season.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Council officers claim NSW’s top environmental health honours
Published on 27 October 2026 Two Council staff have received top honours at the Environmental Health Australia (EHA) NSW Excellence Awards, recognising their outstanding dedication, leadership and contribution to public health across NSW.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Swim Sport Fitness online timetable temporarily suspended
Published on 26 October 2026 The online platform used for Swim Sport Fitness class timetables, lane availability and membership management has been suspended to mitigate recently identified cybersecurity risks.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Shoalhaven women recognised among NSW's best in local government
Published on 22 October 2026 Council is celebrating the success of three outstanding employees who were recognised at the 2026 Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government at Parliament House today.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Have your say
Nowra and Milton showground changes open for feedback
Published on 18 October 2026 Residents can have their say at a public hearing about a proposal to change the management category of certain areas within the Nowra and Milton showgrounds to better reflect how community uses them.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Pink lights shine for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Published on 19 October 2026 A bright pink glow is enveloping the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre throughout October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Have your say
Traffic and pedestrian surveys about to begin
Published on 16 October 2026 Council will begin its traffic and pedestrian monitoring program next week, helping to build a clearer picture of how people move around the region and where future road and pedestrian improvements may be needed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Development
Council beats DA targets for second year running
Published on 15 October 2026 Council has achieved the NSW Government's development application assessment timeframe targets for a second consecutive year, paving the way for further infrastructure funding.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Women artists showcase stories of belonging
Published on 15 October 2026 From the epic migration of the Bogong moth to stories of memory, cultural ties across the Indian Ocean and our relationship with the natural world, three new exhibitions by women artists are now on show at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in Nowra.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Have your say
Have your say about paid parking in Shoalhaven
Published on 14 October 2026 Residents and business operators are invited to share their views on the potential introduction of paid parking for visitors to the Shoalhaven.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Help shape sensory playground honouring Airlie Montgomery
Published on 13 October 2026 The community is invited to help create a lasting legacy for Airlie Montgomery by contributing to the design of a new sensory playground at Drexel Park in North Nowra.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Council Christmas Card Competition
Published on 12 October 2026 Council is calling on all Shoalhaven budding young artists to join our inaugural Christmas Card competition, with entries closing on Friday 30 October.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Waste
Mayor calls for end to unfair waste levy
Published on 09 October 2026 Council is advocating for the NSW Government to untie Shoalhaven residents from applying metropolitan waste levy charges to the regional area.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Call for greater safety measures at Falls Creek hotspot
Published on 08 October 2026 Mayor Patricia White is calling on the State Government to improve safety near the Mortimer Road intersection on the Princes Highway at Falls Creek following the third vehicle accident in eight months.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Have your say
Survey highlights road concerns and service strengths
Published on 07 October 2026 Council's latest Service Satisfaction Survey has revealed roads remain the community's number one priority, while key services including water, libraries and waste management continue to receive strong approval from residents.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Ulladulla Library and sea pool closed after tornado
Published on 06 October 2026 A tornado which hit Ulladulla on the weekend has forced the closure of Ulladulla Library and the Margie Sheedy Sea Pool. Work is ongoing to repair the damage so the facilities can be reopened.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Rangers to patrol Shoalhaven beaches as seasonal dog rules begin
Published on 01 October 2026 With an influx of visitors expected across the Shoalhaven this long weekend and throughout the school holidays, Council is reminding dog owners that seasonal beach access changes come into effect from today, Thursday 1 October.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Online session offers another chance to talk finances
Published on 30 September 2026 This week’s finance information sessions hosted by Council have been well received, with an online session now added to the list of The Future of Shoalhaven: Let’s Talk Finances events.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Election
Statement from Mayor Patricia White - Unicorn Cheese operations
Published on 30 September 2026 Mayor Patricia White has expressed her sadness at the announcement that Snow Brand Australia will close its Unicorn Cheese manufacturing operations in Nowra, impacting up to 37 employees.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Election
Deputy Mayor and Assistant Deputy Mayor elected
Published on 30 September 2026 Councillor Selena Clancy was elected Deputy Mayor and Councillor Matthew Norris Assistant Deputy Mayor following a ballot of councillors at the Ordinary Meeting, which concluded on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Council adopts 30-year blueprint for community infrastructure
Published on 28 September 2026 A landmark plan that will help shape community infrastructure across the Shoalhaven for the next three decades has been adopted by Council.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student graduates
Published on 25 September 2026 Graduating high school is a major event in a young person’s life and Indigenous students from across Shoalhaven have celebrated the milestone in style.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Mollymook set to become more accessible for people with disability
Published on 24 September 2026 Mollymook beach will be one of the 11 beaches, play spaces and national parks across NSW that will become easier for people with disability to enjoy.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Have your say
Have your say on Nowra and Worrigee playgrounds
Published on 23 September 2026 Local residents are being invited to help shape the future of three Shoalhaven playgrounds as part of Council's ongoing playground renewal program.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Event
Spring school holiday fun starts here
Published on 23 September 2026 Children can get creative, stay active and be entertained these spring school holidays at Shoalhaven's libraries, gallery, entertainment centre and leisure facilities.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Nominations open for Shoalhaven Australia Day Awards
Published on 18 September 2026 The opportunity to recognise outstanding members of the Shoalhaven community is here, with nominations now open for the 2027 Shoalhaven Australia Day Awards.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Help shape a safer and more inclusive Nowra CBD
Published on 17 September 2026 Shoalhaven residents are invited to register their interest to help shape a safer, more welcoming and inclusive Nowra CBD as part of Council's Safer Cities: Her Way 2 project.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Shoalhaven calls for fairer share of road funding
Published on 17 September 2026 Council is calling on the state and federal governments to provide greater investment in the region's road network, as mounting infrastructure demands continue to outpace available funding.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Community invited to discuss Council's financial challenges
Published on 17 September 2026 Residents are invited to attend an important and timely community conversation about the financial challenges facing the city and the difficult decisions that lie ahead.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Shoalhaven celebrates Australian Citizenship Day
Published on 17 September 2026 The Shoalhaven welcomed 38 new citizens from 18 different countries at a special citizenship ceremony in Nowra today, coinciding with the nation’s annual Australian Citizenship Day.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Contract awarded for Lake Conjola dredging environmental assessment
Published on 14 September 2026 Council and Public Works NSW have awarded Haskoning Australia Pty Ltd the contract to prepare the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for planned dredging works at Lake Conjola.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Hooded Dotterel protection prompts dog restrictions at Monument Beach
Published on 11 September 2026 A section of Monument Beach at Bendalong will temporarily become a dog-free area during the shorebird breeding season to help protect a pair of critically endangered Hooded Dotterels.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Community Infrastructure Plan provides roadmap for the next 30 years
Published on 11 September 2026 A comprehensive 30-year roadmap for community infrastructure across the Shoalhaven is set to guide future planning and decision-making, providing a clear picture of the region's current and future needs.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Have your say
Changes to consultation for DAs introduced
Published on 01 September 2026 Significant changes to development application consultation processes brought in by the NSW Government come into effect today.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Bird flu detected at Dolphin Point
Published on 01 September 2026 A second case of bird flu has been detected in the Shoalhaven with Council advised that the H5 bird flu has been detected in an Australian tern at Dolphin Point.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Third bird flu case confirmed in Shoalhaven
Published on 05 September 2026 A third case of H5 bird flu has been detected in the Shoalhaven, with a deceased seagull at the Vincentia Boat Ramp testing positive for the disease.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Access to Collers Beach car park restored
Published on 10 September 2026 The access road leading to the Collers Beach car park in Mollymook has reopened following works by Shoalhaven Water to replace the road’s dilapidated bridge.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Community embraces lasting tribute to Margie Sheedy
Published on 09 September 2026 More than 300 people have had their say on how best to honour beloved Ulladulla community champion Margaret "Margie" Sheedy, with an overwhelming majority supporting the name Margie Sheedy Sea Pool for the Ulladulla Sea Pool.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Council clarifies facts about Greenwell Point Fisherman's Wharf
Published on 09 September 2026 Acting Mayor Peter Wilkins is setting the record straight on Greenwell Point Fisherman's Wharf, correcting a number of inaccurate claims that have recently been reported regarding ownership, maintenance responsibilities and Council's historical role in managing the facility.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Shorebird season underway across the Shoalhaven
Published on 09 September 2026 Residents and visitors are being reminded to share the shore as threatened shorebirds return to local beaches for their annual breeding season.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Policy
Proposed changes to NSW allocation of federal funding sparks concern
Published on 09 September 2026 Council is raising the alarm over a proposed change to the methodology used to distribute Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants (FA Grants) in New South Wales which would see a substantial reduction in federal funding to the Shoalhaven.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — News
- Development
New online DA Tracker launched
The council launched a new online portal to search for development applications and track their progress.
What this means for you: You can look up development applications near you and follow where they're up to without contacting the council.
- Have your say
Draft Budget, Delivery Program & Operational Plan 2026–27 on exhibition
Shoalhaven put its draft 2026–27 budget (about $520.4M, including ~$132.7M of capital works on roads, recycling and water) and its Delivery Program / Operational Plan on public exhibition for community feedback.
What this means for you: You can read the draft budget and plans and make a submission during the exhibition period if how your rates are spent matters to you.
Source: Shoalhaven City Council — Budget & project priorities 2026–27
- Policy
Council reports a financial turnaround
Shoalhaven reported that it has roughly halved General Fund debt and forecasts its operating deficit to fall from about $35.2M (2024) toward $6M by 2027.
What this means for you: The council says its finances are improving; the figures and assumptions are in the budget documents linked from the story.
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