Council hails the NSW Government's release of the Nowra City Centre Strategic Roadmap and Riverfront rezoning proposals as a landmark step - ushering in some of the most transformative economic and social changes the region has seen in a generation.
Today, the NSW Government has invited feedback from the community on Planning Proposals for its Nowra Riverfront (Hyam Street/Bridge Road) and Mandalay Sub-Precincts to enable new homes, affordable housing and riverfront opportunities for cafés and restaurants. It has also released f the Nowra City Centre Strategic Roadmap which will focus efforts on the revitalisation of the broader CBD area, including planning opportunities to enable new development.
"This bold and strategic move by the Minns government helps realise a long-held vision for our major town centre and marks an exciting era for our communities," Mayor Patricia White said.
"Importantly, the riverfront precinct is also a defining element. More housing, cafes and public spaces will truly activate the Shoalhaven River and bring people back to our river edges," Cr White said.
"These planning documents will play a role in bringing the collaborative efforts of all levels of government to life and will enable nearly 1,000 new homes—including affordable and social housing— ensuring Nowra remains accessible and vibrant for young families, workers, and retirees alike," she said.
"The Nowra City Centre Strategic Roadmap provides a framework for Nowra to grow sustainably, providing better jobs, more homes, and stronger connections to our riverfront, identifying the necessary work that is needed to make this a reality. I look forward to the NSW Government's continued commitment to realising the potential of this key centre."
"This is the kind of sustainable urban growth we've been advocating for, and we commend the NSW Government for working collaboratively with Council and look forward to shaping Nowra's future together. I also take this opportunity to thank our staff for their hard work in helping get these plans to where they are now" she said.
The riverfront rezoning proposals are open for public comment until 5pm, 17 December 2025. A community 'drop-in' information session is scheduled for 4pm to 6:45pm, 27 November 2025 to provide residents an opportunity to engage with the proposals and have their say. More details are available on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure's website.
The Nowra Riverfront Precinct (3.4 ha) rezoning could enable up to 377 new homes, introducing a two per cent affordable housing requirement and involves proposed building heights between 20 metres to 44 metres.
The Mandalay Sub-Precinct (2.7 ha) rezoning has been lodged by Homes NSW and has the potential to deliver approximately 537 dwellings. At least 30 per cent of which will be for social or affordable housing delivered in three to six storey buildings, as well as riverfront opportunities for cafés and restaurants.
