Roads, recycling and critical water infrastructure are the key focus areas of the Delivery Program, Operational Plan and budget 2026-27 which is now on exhibition.
Following Council's endorsement on Thursday night, the community now has 28 days to have their say on the document which outlines what Council will deliver in the 2026-27 financial year and also includes longer term community goals and objectives.
The draft $520.4 million budget includes capital works and essential community services that are outlined in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
Some of the major projects in the Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget 2026-27 include:
- The Shoalhaven Roads Package delivering upgrades to four roads and two intersections.
- Design and early works for the East Nowra Sub-Arterial Road which will provide an alternative connection between the Nowra CBD and the suburbs east of Nowra.
- The commissioning of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) which will reduce recycling costs and provides the opportunity to generate revenue by providing services to neighbouring councils.
- Progressing the Bamarang to Milton Water Pipeline Project which will improve network resilience and water security across the system and in the southern end of the region.
- Upgrades to the Ulladulla Wastewater Treatment Plant to ensure it can continue to meet environmental standards and service the needs of the growing community.
Other works included in the Delivery Program, Operational Plan include progressing the planning, design and place-making work on the Nowra Riverfront Precinct; continuing work on the waste strategy, with a key focus on the rollout of a food and garden organics (FOGO) service by 2030; and the water mains replacement program to renew aging assets.
The Draft Fees and Charges schedule which sets the maximum prices payable for an activity or service is also on exhibition. Shoalhaven Water is proposing an increase in water and sewer usage and availability charges to help cover the increased costs of providing these services, as well as raising funds required for future capital works projects. The treated water usage charge will increase from $2.75 to $3.03/kL although Shoalhaven Water will remain one of the most affordable for water customers in NSW.
To increase income, it is proposed that residential property rates rise by the rate peg amount of 3.1% across Council's rating structure.
The draft Community Strategic Plan 2056 which sets a long-term direction for how community facilities are planned, prioritised and delivered across the Shoalhaven is also on exhibition until 20 May. Following comprehensive community consultation and months of detailed analysis, the document provides a clear picture of where investment will be needed over the next 30 years, with recommendations focused on directing funding to areas where it will deliver the greatest impact. Feedback can be provided on Council's Get Involved platform.
The Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget 2026-27 is on exhibition until 31 May 2026 and can also be found on Council's Get Involved page.
