A central part of the Nowra riverfront precinct has been identified as a state significant rezoning proposal with the potential to provide up to 270 homes.
At the same time, Homes NSW is progressing with a proposal to rezone the Mandalay precinct to develop up to 380 new homes on the site, which would be a mix of social, affordable and private housing.
These plans complement Shoalhaven City Council’s proposal for improvements along the nearby foreshore.
They also leverage recent NSW Government investments in the upgrades of the Princes Highway and delivery of the new Shoalhaven River Bridge, and come amid the NSW Government’s investment in the Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.
Rezoning could help deliver up to 270 homes
Nowra’s riverfront precinct is set for major urban rejuvenation as 3.4 hectares of waterfront land will be assessed for rezoning to allow more homes.
Under the rezoning plans, mid-rise housing of up to 23 metres in height could be built allowing for up to 270 new homes.
The area is between the river and the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, west of the Shoalhaven River Bridge.
The proposal was identified by the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure in partnership with the council as suitable for state-led rezoning to accelerate the process.
This will allow the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to coordinate stakeholders to accelerate technical studies including traffic and transport, urban design and water.
This development supports the goals set out in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 to stimulate the area’s reactivation and economic growth.
Homes NSW to boost social and affordable housing
Homes NSW is submitting a proposal to deliver more social and affordable homes around Mandalay Avenue within the Nowra riverfront precinct.
If the rezoning proceeds, this area has the potential to provide approximately 260 new social and affordable homes.
This would include key worker housing for the additional staff based at the Shoalhaven Hospital next door, following its major redevelopment.
Homes NSW is developing a planning proposal to be assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
If approved, current Mandalay Avenue residents would be helped into homes nearby during the redevelopment, and would be given a right to return to one of the new properties.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“These major housing proposals could deliver much needed homes for young people, families and key workers.
“These homes would be close to open spaces and services in a great part of the South Coast.
“And they would be homes this region desperately needs.
“These are important steps to deliver hundreds of new homes for those who need them in the Shoalhaven and the Illawarra.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"This is an exciting step for Nowra, with plans that will deliver hundreds of new homes while enhancing the riverfront precinct for the community to enjoy.
“By unlocking land for housing and investing in infrastructure, we’re making sure more people, young families, key workers, and those in need, can find a home in the Shoalhaven."
Minister for Health and for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said:
“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
“The Minns Labor Government recognises the vital role significant projects like these can make to key regional communities like ours, giving more people access to living in wonderful regions like this one.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"This proposal will bring much-needed social and affordable housing to the Shoalhaven, giving local families, key workers, and vulnerable people a secure home close to jobs and services.
"Housing for key workers is crucial to tackling the regional housing crisis. More homes for the local workforce mean stronger communities, better services and a future where people can live where they work.”
Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:
“Nowra’s CBD and surrounding areas will benefit from the additional housing and are well positioned to leverage from the Government’s recent investments including the Princes Highway upgrade and Shoalhaven River Bridge replacement.”
Mayor of Shoalhaven City Patricia White said:
“Rezoning this site within the Nowra Riverfront Precinct would help to realise opportunities for around 270 dwellings sooner than could have been possible without the support of the NSW Government.
“This is an incredibly important project for the city that has the capacity to strengthen Nowra as a community, tourism and recreational hub for the Shoalhaven.
“It has been a collaborative effort over many years, and I’m delighted with what we’ve been able to achieve together.”