Council has adopted the Delivery Program, Operational Plan and budget 2025-26 which sets out key project priorities such as road and footpath works and the Nowra Riverfront Project.
The document outlines what Council will deliver in the 2025-26 financial year and also includes longer term community goals and objectives. The endorsement follows 28 days of exhibition and 33 submissions from community members.
Also adopted was the Community Strategic Plan 2035 (CSP) which details the community's aspirations for the Shoalhaven and the actions Council will take toward achieving these goals for the long term.
Mayor Patricia White said the $510.3 million 2025-26 budget also includes capital works and essential community services that are outlined in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
"The Delivery Program sets out the projects and activities that are the focus for Council and are based on the express needs of communities and financial sustainability," Cr White said.
"The roll out of the many projects featured in the planning document will deliver benefits for the entire community," she said.
The Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget 2025-26 includes the investment of $37.9 million in roads and shared user paths, including $15 million for the Federal Government funded Shoalhaven Roads Project. Some of the major projects include:
- Yalwal Road and George Evans Road Intersection
- Repair works on the Wool Road in Old Erowal Bay
- Rehabilitation works on lllaroo Road in Bangalee
- East Nowra Sub-Arterial design work
- Completion of Murrays Bridge in Conjola
- Myola Active Transport pathways.
Other works included in the Delivery Program, Operational Plan include the design of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct thanks to $5 million in Federal Government funding, and the allocation of $59.3 million for water and wastewater projects.
The Draft Fees and Charges schedule which sets the maximum prices payable for an activity or service was also endorsed, including a revised modest increase in water and sewer usage and availability charges for Shoalhaven Water customers.
While the initial draft proposed to raise drinking water usage from $2.50 to $2.85/kL, Councillors voted for a smaller 25 cent increase to $2.75/kL. The endorsed increase from $2.50 to $2.75/kL will see a Typical residential customer's annual water and sewer account go up by around $132 for the full year. The water access charge will increase by a smaller amount going from $145 to $160 this was originally proposed to increase to $173.
Whist the water and sewer charges are increasing, the Shoalhaven will continue to have some of the lowest charges in NSW. Council also supported the 12 percent Special Rate Variation which was approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal in May. The rate increase will provide an additional $6 million toward road maintenance and renewal for the next financial year.
The CSP 2035 and Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget will be uploaded on Tuesday 1 July on Council's website.
