Council has resolved to uphold its decision to divest of 25 properties that have the potential to unlock opportunities for more housing, employment and economic investment.
At last night’s meeting, Council voted against a recission motion of the Property Sales Strategy and supported the potential sale of sites, many of which are in the Nowra and Ulladulla town centres.
The report is the second round of property sales under the Land Sales Strategy which was adopted by Council in 2024 as a clear framework for the assessment and decision-making process to identify land suitable for immediate sale or requiring further investigation.
“Regularly reviewing Council’s land holdings is an important part of good governance and sound financial management. It ensures our assets continue to align with the strategic vision for our city and the evolving needs of our community, while helping us make informed decisions about how best to deliver long-term value for residents,” said Acting Mayor Peter Wilkins.
“These sites represent opportunities to attract investment, create jobs, increase housing supply and help activate key locations across our city,” Cr Wilkins said.
Five of the properties are classified as Community land and will be assessed through a detailed process governed by the Local Government Act 1993 and requires Ministerial approval and community consultation to be changed to Operational land to be sold.
“This decision triggers a lengthy process to determine if these sites can be reclassified as Operational, to facilitate their sale. While this process can take years to complete, if it does eventuate, all lease arrangements will be honoured and non-one would be asked to vacate without finding suitable alternative accommodation,” he said.
Funds generated through the Property Sales Program would be reinvested into Council priorities, helping to support the delivery of infrastructure and services for the growing Shoalhaven community.
Several sites identified in the report are located in key strategic precincts, including the Nowra CBD, the riverfront precinct and urban centres across the region.
Key properties proposed for sale
- Nowra CBD sites – strategically located with the potential to support commercial, mixed-use and residential development, helping to strengthen the city centre and stimulate economic activity.
- Nowra Riverfront precinct sites – land that could contribute to the long-term revitalisation of the riverfront through investment, tourism, residential or commercial development opportunities.
- Urban centre and township sites across the Shoalhaven – underutilised parcels that may be suitable for housing, local business growth or community-focused development, subject to future planning approvals.
- Surplus operational land – sites no longer required for Council service delivery or infrastructure purposes, allowing the land to be returned to productive use while generating funds that can be reinvested into community priorities.
Council also resolved to rescind a previous resolution that had prevented the sale of land at Depot Beach, allowing this site to be included in the Property Sales Program.
In addition, Council will commission a parking and land analysis in Ulladulla to better understand future demand and identify opportunities to support the town’s ongoing growth and development.
Council will continue to engage with stakeholders, community organisations and residents as planning proposals, rezoning investigations and future land-use assessments progress.
Since the program began in 2024, $13 million in sale proceeds has directly supported Council’s financial sustainability program.
Operational land proposed for sale
- 37 Hyam Street, Nowra; 39 Bridge Road, Nowra; 41 Bridge Road, Nowra; 43 Bridge Road, Nowra (4 lots)
- 28 Bridge Road, Nowra; 30 Bridge Road, Nowra; 30A Bridge Road, Nowra (4 lots)
- 3 Schofields Lane, Nowra (1 lot)
- Tannery Road, Cambewarra (5 lots)
- 26 Myrtle Street, Milton (proposed for 3 lots)
- 132 Kinghorne Street, Nowra (1 lot)
- Depot Beach Road, Depot Beach (1 lot)
Total 19 lots
Community land proposed for reclassification to operational land (prior to sale)
- 134 Kinghorne Street, Nowra
- 136 Kinghorne Street, Nowra
- 102 Plunkett Street, Nowra
- 22 Jacaranda Avenue, Bendalong
- 158 Green Street, Ulladulla
Total five lots
