Shellharbour City Council has released the Shellharbour Strategic Projects Advocacy Plan 2026-28.
As one of the fastest-growing local government areas in New South Wales, Shellharbour is experiencing significant population growth, increased housing demand and growing pressure on transport, community and recreational infrastructure.
This Advocacy Plan demonstrates Council's commitment to securing government support and investment in the infrastructure, services and projects that will deliver the greatest benefit to our community.
The Advocacy Plan comes at a pivotal time for Shellharbour, with the NSW Government recently identifying Shellharbour City Centre and areas surrounding the new Shellharbour Hospital for significant future housing and employment growth.
These planning reforms reinforce Shellharbour's role as a key regional centre and highlight the importance of coordinated investment in transport, community infrastructure and essential services.
Caption: Strategic Projects Advocacy Plan 2026-28. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
The projects included in the plan align with key strategic directions, including the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan, regional growth priorities and Council's long-term planning framework.
Collectively, they will support housing and employment growth, improve transport connectivity, strengthen community wellbeing, enhance climate resilience and promote economic development across the region.
Key advocacy priorities include:
• Shellharbour Hospital Dunmore Road Upgrades
• Tripoli Way Extension to the M1 Princes Motorway
• Delivery of rapid, high-frequency public transport through the East Lake Illawarra Corridor.
• Improved transport connectivity to Killalea State Park
• Strategic infrastructure investment and reclassification of Shellharbour Airport
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the Advocacy Plan would ensure Shellharbour's priorities remain front and centre as governments make decisions about future funding and investment.
"Advocacy is about ensuring Shellharbour's voice is heard and that our community receives the investment needed to support growth, liveability and economic prosperity," he said.
"This plan is a valuable tool that we can use to secure investment in our priority projects and deliver lasting benefits not only for Shellharbour residents, but for the broader Illawarra region."
While the Advocacy Plan contains a number of worthy projects, it is important to note that the incorporation of a project within this document does not imply that it will be undertaken.
Like all projects, the cost and benefit to the community must meet or exceed relevant metrics as determined by Council.
KEY MESSAGES:
• Shellharbour City Council has released its Strategic Projects Advocacy Plan 2026-28.
• This Advocacy Plan demonstrates Council's commitment to securing government support and investment in the infrastructure, services and projects that will deliver the greatest benefit to our community.
