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.
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
3 updatesRecent items from Shoalhaven City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- 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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