Public access to the Council Chambers at the Nowra Administration Building will be restored in July following the removal of an asbestos pipe and a series of safety and accessibility improvements.
Asbestos was identified in January 2026 within an old concrete pipe located beneath the Chambers. The facility was subsequently closed to enable the safe removal and replacement of the pipe.
Shoalhaven City Council CEO Andrew Constance said the closure also provided an opportunity to undertake essential upgrades to ensure the space is safe, accessible, and fit for purpose.
"The carpet in the chamber was identified as being almost five decades old and had significantly deteriorated due to prolonged wear and tear," Mr Constance said.
"It was no longer suitable for a high-use, public-facing civic space and, from a hygiene perspective, presented an ongoing risk to indoor environmental quality," he said.
"We also identified the need for essential accessibility upgrades, including stair tactile indicators and compliant handrails, as well as better lighting, to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls, and to improve access for people with disability."
Mr Constance said the works were necessary to ensure the Chambers continue to provide a clean, safe, compliant and functional environment for civic use.
The renovations include the installation of new handrails and stair tactile indicators for accessibility, new lighting and carpet and acoustic panelling. The work has cost Council a total of $75,000, including $30,000 spent replacing the carpet.
The chambers are expected to reopen in time for the Public Forum on 21 July.
