Council is calling on the NSW government to invest $100 million in a Roads Renewal Package to address the region's growing road maintenance backlog and improve the safety and reliability of its transport network.
The funding request forms a key part of Council's newly adopted Advocacy Projects 2026 Prospectus, which outlines more than $1.75 billion in infrastructure priorities needed to support the Shoalhaven's growing population and economy in the lead-up to the March 2027 NSW State Election.
At its meeting on 27 October, Council endorsed the prospectus and supported its release and distribution to regional, state and federal stakeholders.
Mayor Patricia White said the Roads Renewal Package was one of Council's most urgent priorities.
"Our road network is one of Council's largest and most valuable assets, but years of underinvestment, rising construction costs and repeated natural disasters have left us with a significant renewal backlog," Cr White said.
"The $100 million spread over four years would allow Council to make meaningful progress on rebuilding our roads and improving safety for residents while strengthening the resilience of key transport routes."
A 2025 independent infrastructure inspection report identified around $280 million in urgent road renewal works across Shoalhaven's 1,906-kilometre road network, highlighting the significant challenge facing the city. The backlog is expected to grow to $800 million in 10 years' time.
Council is seeking NSW Government support of $25 million a year over four years to accelerate road rehabilitation, reconstruction and pavement renewal programs across the Shoalhaven. The proposed investment would target priority roads in communities across the region, including critical access routes that connect residents to jobs, services and emergency infrastructure.
While the Roads Renewal Package is a major focus of the prospectus, Council is also advocating for investment in housing-enabling infrastructure, transport upgrades, water security projects, community facilities and environmental resilience initiatives.
Other major projects identified in the prospectus include:
- Northern Water Recycling Plant - $200 million
- Bamarang to Milton Pipeline (Stage 2) - $185 million
- Moss Vale Road Upgrade - $150 million
- Infrastructure to support the Badagarang Housing Development - $270 million
- East Nowra Sub Arterial Road (ENSA) - $100 million ($12 million committed by NSW Government)
- Coastal Management Plans Implementation - $80 million
- Ulladulla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade - $75 million
- Nowra Riverfront Precinct - $70 million
- Road Safety and Resilience Package - $50 million (flooding and storm resilience)
- Active Transport Routes - $50 million
Cr White said the prospectus provides a clear roadmap for the infrastructure required to support one of NSW's fastest-growing regional communities.
"We want to work closely with both the NSW and Federal governments to unlock housing opportunities, improve transport connectivity, strengthen local businesses and ensure our communities continue to thrive," she said.
"Recent projects such as the Shoalhaven Bridge, Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment and Princes Highway upgrades demonstrate what can be achieved when all levels of government work together.
"Council has a clear vision for the Shoalhaven's future, and this prospectus sets out the investments needed to deliver it."
Head to Council's website to read the full document.
