Nowra Riverfront Rezoning Proposals finalised
The New South Wales Government has announced the approval of two major rezoning proposals in the Nowra Riverfront Precinct, paving the way for the delivery of new social, affordable and private homes.
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) and Homes NSW have worked in partnership with Council on the two separate rezoning proposals, to enable a greater diversity of housing across 3.4 hectares of waterfront land in the western portion of the precinct, as well as within the Mandalay Avenue Sub-Precinct.
The Nowra Riverfront Precinct rezoning amends planning controls under Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2014 at the Scenic Drive, Hyam Street and Bridge Road sub-precincts. The site-specific provisions will facilitate development of up to 377 new homes and guide commercial and residential development consistent with the overall precinct master plan.
The Mandalay Avenue Sub-Precinct rezoning will enable the delivery of approximately 537 dwellings within the Mandalay Avenue Sub-Precinct, including a minimum of 30 per cent social and affordable housing across Homes NSW land.
Read the NSW Government’s Media Release to learn more about the finalisation of the rezoning proposals.
Background:
During a visit to Nowra in March 2025, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced both rezoning proposals would be fast-tracked through the NSW Government’s streamlined, State Significant Rezoning pathway.
The rezoning proposals were exhibited for community feedback by the NSW Government in November-December 2025.
Separately, in January 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed $5 million in Australian Government funding, under the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) to assist Council to finalise the Open Space Master Plan and prepare detailed designs for essential roads, paths, drainage and recreation facilities for the broader Nowra Riverfront Precinct.
Next steps:
Council is working to finalise the remaining technical studies that will inform the future Development Control Plan (DCP) chapter for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct, as well as a supporting infrastructure delivery strategy and sewer servicing investigations. The DCP chapter will support the rezonings and guide future development in line with the Precinct vision.
This work will progress alongside the detailed design of new central open space, road access, paths and drainage funded under the Federal Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP), supporting future housing in the Precinct and across the City Centre.
