Shoalhaven is a wonderful place to live, work and play. Just two hours from Sydney and Canberra the region has a strong relationship with State and Federal Government to help grow and serve our 100,000 locals and 3 million annual visitors.
Shoalhaven City Council is committed to building on and supporting this growth by delivering strategic projects to provide jobs and a strong vibrant community.
Made up of 49 towns and villages, Shoalhaven is one of the largest local government areas in NSW and includes commercial centres in Berry, Bomaderry, North Nowra, Nowra, Culburra Beach, Huskisson, Sanctuary Point, Sussex Inlet, Milton, Ulladulla, and South Nowra.
As one of Australia’s fastest growing regional areas, economic growth is following high population growth to provide a rich array of investment opportunities – ranging from investing in existing businesses; commercial or residential property development; to investing in your own start up business.
The lower cost of doing business in the Shoalhaven compared to Sydney or other capital cities also offers a compelling reason to invest in the Shoalhaven.
A wide range of industries operate in the Shoalhaven with many international businesses operating from Nowra. Value adding manufacturing is strong, with food, chemicals, construction products, marine craft and other manufactured componentry. High technology companies provide aviation maintenance and systems support to the Royal Australian Navy.
The logistics sector is growing as are education, building and construction, retail and tourism. Nowra is expected to double its population to over 60,000 by 2030.
Commercial centres exist in Berry, Bomaderry, North Nowra, Culburra, Huskisson, Sussex Inlet, Milton, Ulladulla with South Nowra - hosting one of the largest available industrial estates south of Sydney.
We are committed to local jobs and servicing our growing businesses and have developed an innovative vocational education sector, with University, TAFE, Community College and private sector options. As a major regional centre with a maturing economy you won’t go far to find professional business services and good availability of skilled employees, including a constant inflow of talented sea/tree changers.
High speed broadband makes interstate, international operations or telecommuting viable. For international or interstate distribution, rail and road connect the Shoalhaven to Port Kembla and Botany, and Sydney International Airport is only a couple of hours away.
Transport for NSW has released its 20 year plan for the Princes Highway. It identifies what needs to be done now and into the future to deliver a safe, reliable, efficient and connected network for all transport users.
The highway would enable the movement of people and goods and supports sustainable growth of the local economy, employment opportunities and population. The plan for the Princes Highway would contribute to the character of the places it serves and is resilient to adapt to natural hazards and climate change, respond to changing land use and supports new technologies, new industries and economic trends.
More than $15 billion will be invested by the NSW Government over the next 20 years to duplicate the Princes Highway between Nowra and the Victorian border.
Already under construction are the:
- Albion Park Rail Bypass ($630 million)
- Berry to Bomaderry upgrade ($450 million)
- Nowra Bridge Project ($310 million)
The opening up of the South Coast will bring a level of development not seen in the past, and we need meaningful partnerships with the NSW and Federal Government to be ready to bring jobs and investment to our growing region.
Read the proposed investment strategies we have put forward to the State and Federal Government including:
- key roads projects
- transport and infrastructure
- riverfront precinct
- social and affordable housing
- improving resilience and facilities
- regional opportunities