Draft Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget 2026 - 27

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What does Council have planned for the future?

Council invites the community to provide feedback on the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan and Budget - 2026 - 27, which also includes Council's proposed Fees and Charges.

The draft plan outlines how Council is working towards achieving the community’s aspirations and long-term vision for our city. This vision is outlined in our Community Strategic Plan - Shoalhaven 2035 which can be read here.

Draft Documents

Council’s actions for the coming financial year are outlined in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. Council’s proposed waste and water fees are included in Part 1 and the remainder of Council’s fees in Part 2.

You can access the draft documents by viewing them in the Document Library on this web this page or clicking on one of the tiles below. We'd like your feedback on the:

Delivery Program Operational Plan and Budget 2026 - 27
Fees and Charges Part 1


Fees and Charges Part 2


Shoalhaven Water

Fee increases to cover rising costs, new projects and infrastructure upgrades are being proposed by Shoalhaven Water in the draft budget 2026-27. The increase is part of a 10-year plan to ensure that critical water and sewer infrastructure is maintained and future-proofed for the community.

The long-term financial planning focus for Shoalhaven Water includes: 

  • Maintenance and renewal of critical infrastructure that is reaching end of life.
  • Planning for and delivery of infrastructure to support the growth of the Shoalhaven in new urban release areas along with infill development areas to meet the needs of the region’s growing community.
  • Delivery of Bamarang to Milton Water Trunk Main Stage 2 project at $180 million. Planning and design is under way with construction to begin in 2030 - 35
  • Major sewerage treatment plant refurbishment as part of the Northern Water Recycling Plants at $200 million. Early feasibility and design has begun with construction to begin in 2030 - 32.


Financial Sustainability Program

Over the past three financial years, we have implemented significant organisational changes to reduce the operating deficit including restructures, service reviews, improved grants management, strengthened debt recover and property sales.

The draft budget 2026-27 supports Council in working towards improvements in our operating position, performance and debt levels.

To increase revenue, fees and charges have been reviewed and rates will rise by the rates peg set by IPART of 3.1%.

Proposed Capital Works Program

As part of the exhibition, a full list of the proposed 2026 - 27 Capital Works Program is included in the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan and Budget - 2026 - 27 which can be downloaded from the Document Library. The draft $132 million capital works program includes:

Roads and transport:

· Sydney Street/Bowen Street, Huskisson 

· Albatross Road, Nowra 

· The Wool Road, Vincentia 

· East Nowra Sub-Arterial design works 

· Shoalhaven Roads Projects (Six projects)

· Central Avenue, Nowra 

Water and sewer program:

· Bamarang to Milton Water Pipeline Project

· Water Mains Replacement Program

· Sewer Pump Replacement Program

· Ulladulla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades

Council's current Resourcing Strategy 2022-26 was adopted in December 2024 and is available from Council's website here. The Resourcing Strategy outlines how Council will manage and allocate its resources (finances, assets, people and information management and technology) to implement the Delivery Program.

How to get involved:

There are three easy ways to have your say:

  • Share your feedback via the online feedback form below.
  • Emailing: council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au and type ‘DPOP Feedback’ in the subject line.
  • Mail to: Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 42, Nowra, NSW 2541.
  • If you would like assistance providing feedback over the phone, please call Council on 1300 293 111.

All feedback must be received by 5pm on Sunday, 31 May 2026 to be considered by Council.

Please note that feedback submitted to Council on this matter may be open for public inspection without notifying the correspondents.

Printed copies of the draft documents will also be available to view at one of Council's Libraries and the Nowra City Admin Centre and the Ulladulla Branch Office.

What does Council have planned for the future?

Council invites the community to provide feedback on the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan and Budget - 2026 - 27, which also includes Council's proposed Fees and Charges.

The draft plan outlines how Council is working towards achieving the community’s aspirations and long-term vision for our city. This vision is outlined in our Community Strategic Plan - Shoalhaven 2035 which can be read here.

Draft Documents

Council’s actions for the coming financial year are outlined in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. Council’s proposed waste and water fees are included in Part 1 and the remainder of Council’s fees in Part 2.

You can access the draft documents by viewing them in the Document Library on this web this page or clicking on one of the tiles below. We'd like your feedback on the:

Delivery Program Operational Plan and Budget 2026 - 27
Fees and Charges Part 1


Fees and Charges Part 2


Shoalhaven Water

Fee increases to cover rising costs, new projects and infrastructure upgrades are being proposed by Shoalhaven Water in the draft budget 2026-27. The increase is part of a 10-year plan to ensure that critical water and sewer infrastructure is maintained and future-proofed for the community.

The long-term financial planning focus for Shoalhaven Water includes: 

  • Maintenance and renewal of critical infrastructure that is reaching end of life.
  • Planning for and delivery of infrastructure to support the growth of the Shoalhaven in new urban release areas along with infill development areas to meet the needs of the region’s growing community.
  • Delivery of Bamarang to Milton Water Trunk Main Stage 2 project at $180 million. Planning and design is under way with construction to begin in 2030 - 35
  • Major sewerage treatment plant refurbishment as part of the Northern Water Recycling Plants at $200 million. Early feasibility and design has begun with construction to begin in 2030 - 32.


Financial Sustainability Program

Over the past three financial years, we have implemented significant organisational changes to reduce the operating deficit including restructures, service reviews, improved grants management, strengthened debt recover and property sales.

The draft budget 2026-27 supports Council in working towards improvements in our operating position, performance and debt levels.

To increase revenue, fees and charges have been reviewed and rates will rise by the rates peg set by IPART of 3.1%.

Proposed Capital Works Program

As part of the exhibition, a full list of the proposed 2026 - 27 Capital Works Program is included in the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan and Budget - 2026 - 27 which can be downloaded from the Document Library. The draft $132 million capital works program includes:

Roads and transport:

· Sydney Street/Bowen Street, Huskisson 

· Albatross Road, Nowra 

· The Wool Road, Vincentia 

· East Nowra Sub-Arterial design works 

· Shoalhaven Roads Projects (Six projects)

· Central Avenue, Nowra 

Water and sewer program:

· Bamarang to Milton Water Pipeline Project

· Water Mains Replacement Program

· Sewer Pump Replacement Program

· Ulladulla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades

Council's current Resourcing Strategy 2022-26 was adopted in December 2024 and is available from Council's website here. The Resourcing Strategy outlines how Council will manage and allocate its resources (finances, assets, people and information management and technology) to implement the Delivery Program.

How to get involved:

There are three easy ways to have your say:

  • Share your feedback via the online feedback form below.
  • Emailing: council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au and type ‘DPOP Feedback’ in the subject line.
  • Mail to: Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 42, Nowra, NSW 2541.
  • If you would like assistance providing feedback over the phone, please call Council on 1300 293 111.

All feedback must be received by 5pm on Sunday, 31 May 2026 to be considered by Council.

Please note that feedback submitted to Council on this matter may be open for public inspection without notifying the correspondents.

Printed copies of the draft documents will also be available to view at one of Council's Libraries and the Nowra City Admin Centre and the Ulladulla Branch Office.

  • Have your say - Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget 2026-27

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    The community has 28 days to have their say on the Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget 2026-27, which sets the program of works, services, fees and charges for the next financial year.

    At its Extraordinary Meeting on Thursday 30 April, the elected Council endorsed the documents being placed on public exhibition.

    The draft $520.4 million budget outlines a plan to substantially reduce levels of debt, invest in capital works and road renewal projects, while maintaining services.

    The $132.7 million capital works budget includes:

    • Albatross Road, Nowra
    • Shoalhaven Roads Package (6 projects)
    • East Nowra Sub-Arterial Design Works
    • The Wool Road, Vincentia
    • Culburra Road, Culburra
    • Ulladulla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
    • Bamarang to Milton Water Pipeline Project

    To increase income, residential property rates will increase by the rate peg amount of 3.1%. Fees and charges have been reviewed and are on exhibition. Shoalhaven Water is proposing an increase in water and sewer usage and availability charges to help cover the increased costs of providing these services, as well as raising funds required for future capital works projects. The treated water usage charge will increase from $2.75 to $3.03/kL although Shoalhaven Water will remain one of the most affordable for water customers in NSW.

    All feedback must be received by 5pm on Thursday, 31 May 2026 to be considered by Council.

    Have your say by clicking here

    The community has 28 days to have their say on the Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget 2026-27, which sets the program of works, services, fees and charges for the next financial year.

    At its Extraordinary Meeting on Thursday 30 April, the elected Council endorsed the documents being placed on public exhibition.

    The draft $520.4 million budget outlines a plan to substantially reduce levels of debt, invest in capital works and road renewal projects, while maintaining services.

    The $132.7 million capital works budget includes:

    • Albatross Road, Nowra
    • Shoalhaven Roads Package (6 projects)
    • East Nowra Sub-Arterial Design Works
    • The Wool Road, Vincentia
    • Culburra Road, Culburra
    • Ulladulla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
    • Bamarang to Milton Water Pipeline Project

    To increase income, residential property rates will increase by the rate peg amount of 3.1%. Fees and charges have been reviewed and are on exhibition. Shoalhaven Water is proposing an increase in water and sewer usage and availability charges to help cover the increased costs of providing these services, as well as raising funds required for future capital works projects. The treated water usage charge will increase from $2.75 to $3.03/kL although Shoalhaven Water will remain one of the most affordable for water customers in NSW.

    All feedback must be received by 5pm on Thursday, 31 May 2026 to be considered by Council.

    Have your say by clicking here

  • Adoption of the Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget 2025/26

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    Council has adopted the key planning documents, the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2035 and the Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget (DPOP) 2025/26. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. Your input has helped shape the final plans that will guide Shoalhaven's direction in the coming years. A copy of the DPOP can be viewed on the Council's webpage or in the document library on this Get Involved page.

    Council has adopted the key planning documents, the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2035 and the Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget (DPOP) 2025/26. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. Your input has helped shape the final plans that will guide Shoalhaven's direction in the coming years. A copy of the DPOP can be viewed on the Council's webpage or in the document library on this Get Involved page.

  • Council to consider adoption of final plans

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    Following community feedback during public exhibition, Council will consider adoption of the final Community Strategic Plan 2035 and the Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget 2025/26. To read the Council report and view a copy of the final draft plans, please visit Council's website and view the agenda for the 19 June meeting - Click here. To stream the Council meeting from 5pm, please visit webpage - Click here.

    Following community feedback during public exhibition, Council will consider adoption of the final Community Strategic Plan 2035 and the Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget 2025/26. To read the Council report and view a copy of the final draft plans, please visit Council's website and view the agenda for the 19 June meeting - Click here. To stream the Council meeting from 5pm, please visit webpage - Click here.

  • Council budget and project priorities now on public exhibition

    Share Council budget and project priorities now on public exhibition on Facebook Share Council budget and project priorities now on public exhibition on Twitter Share Council budget and project priorities now on public exhibition on Linkedin Email Council budget and project priorities now on public exhibition link

    Following Council’s endorsement at the Ordinary Meeting on 29 April, the community now has 28 days to have their say on the Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget 2025-26, which outlines the projects, programs and services that Council will deliver next financial year.

    The Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget 2025-26 includes the investment of $38.4 million in roads and shared user paths, including $15 million for the Federal Government funded Shoalhaven Roads Project. Some of the major projects include:

    • Repair works on the Wool Road in Old Erowal Bay
    • Rehabilitation works on lllaroo Road in Bangalee
    • East Nowra Sub-Arterial design work
    • Replacement of Murrays Bridge in Conjola
    • Myola Active Transport pathways.


    The Draft Fees and Charges schedule which sets the maximum prices payable for an activity or service is also on exhibition. Shoalhaven Water is proposing an increase in water and sewer usage and availability charges to help cover the increased costs of providing these services, as well as raising funds required for future capital works projects. The treated water usage charge will increase from $2.50 to $2.85/kL although Shoalhaven Water will remain one of the most affordable for water customers in NSW.

    All feedback must be received by 5pm on Thursday, 29 May 2025 to be considered by Council.

    Please note that feedback submitted to Council on this matter may be open for public inspection without notifying the correspondents.

    Printed copies of the draft documents will also be available to view at one of Council's Libraries and the Nowra City Admin Centre and the Ulladulla Branch Office.

    Following Council’s endorsement at the Ordinary Meeting on 29 April, the community now has 28 days to have their say on the Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget 2025-26, which outlines the projects, programs and services that Council will deliver next financial year.

    The Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget 2025-26 includes the investment of $38.4 million in roads and shared user paths, including $15 million for the Federal Government funded Shoalhaven Roads Project. Some of the major projects include:

    • Repair works on the Wool Road in Old Erowal Bay
    • Rehabilitation works on lllaroo Road in Bangalee
    • East Nowra Sub-Arterial design work
    • Replacement of Murrays Bridge in Conjola
    • Myola Active Transport pathways.


    The Draft Fees and Charges schedule which sets the maximum prices payable for an activity or service is also on exhibition. Shoalhaven Water is proposing an increase in water and sewer usage and availability charges to help cover the increased costs of providing these services, as well as raising funds required for future capital works projects. The treated water usage charge will increase from $2.50 to $2.85/kL although Shoalhaven Water will remain one of the most affordable for water customers in NSW.

    All feedback must be received by 5pm on Thursday, 29 May 2025 to be considered by Council.

    Please note that feedback submitted to Council on this matter may be open for public inspection without notifying the correspondents.

    Printed copies of the draft documents will also be available to view at one of Council's Libraries and the Nowra City Admin Centre and the Ulladulla Branch Office.

Page last updated: 01 May 2026, 01:58 PM