Nowra Riverfront Activation (NRAT)

Share Nowra Riverfront Activation (NRAT) on Facebook Share Nowra Riverfront Activation (NRAT) on Twitter Share Nowra Riverfront Activation (NRAT) on Linkedin Email Nowra Riverfront Activation (NRAT) link

The Nowra Riverfront Precinct provides a significant opportunity to shape the future of Nowra and strengthen its role as the civic, community, tourism, and recreational hub for the Shoalhaven region.Nowra’s Riverfront Precinct is bound by Scenic Drive to the north, Hawthorn Avenue to the east, Hyam Street and Graham Street to the south and Shoalhaven Street to the west (outlined in yellow on the map).

Stay Informed

To follow this project and receive updates, subscribe through the ‘Stay Informed’ tool on this webpage.

The Nowra Riverfront Precinct provides a significant opportunity to shape the future of Nowra and strengthen its role as the civic, community, tourism, and recreational hub for the Shoalhaven region.Nowra’s Riverfront Precinct is bound by Scenic Drive to the north, Hawthorn Avenue to the east, Hyam Street and Graham Street to the south and Shoalhaven Street to the west (outlined in yellow on the map).

Stay Informed

To follow this project and receive updates, subscribe through the ‘Stay Informed’ tool on this webpage.

  • Nowra Riverfront Precinct State Assessed Rezoning Announcement

    Share Nowra Riverfront Precinct State Assessed Rezoning Announcement on Facebook Share Nowra Riverfront Precinct State Assessed Rezoning Announcement on Twitter Share Nowra Riverfront Precinct State Assessed Rezoning Announcement on Linkedin Email Nowra Riverfront Precinct State Assessed Rezoning Announcement link
    supporting image

    On 4 March 2025, the Minns Government, in partnership with Shoalhaven City Council, announced that two major housing projects in the Nowra Riverfront Precinct will be fast tracked for development.

    Nowra’s Riverfront Precinct has been identified for major urban rejuvenation as 3.4 hectares of waterfront land will be rezoned for increased residential density under the State Significant Rezoning Policy. Building Height variations are proposed across the Nowra Riverfront Precinct which will allow for an estimated 270 new homes to be built. This development supports the strategic goals set out in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 to stimulate the area’s reactivation and economic growth.

    The NSW Government will now progress the project through a streamlined State Rezoning Pathway. This will allow the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to finalise the project’s technical studies in collaboration with Shoalhaven City Council, to inform the Planning Proposal. The Department will play a central coordinating role with stakeholders and enable the acceleration of this significant Precinct.

    At the same time, Homes NSW is progressing with a proposal to rezone the Mandalay Precinct, to develop up to 380 new homes on the site, delivering a mix of social, affordable and private housing.

    This activation will leverage recent NSW Government investment in the Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment, upgrade of the Princes Highway and delivery of the new Shoalhaven River Bridge, as well as Shoalhaven City Council’s proposal for public improvements along the foreshore.

    These are exciting announcements for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct and will be progressed alongside the planning for the activation of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct and development of a Masterplan for the Precinct’s Activation.

    Vie the Media Release here: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/news/650-new-homes-shoalhaven-part-plans-nowra-riverfront-precinct


    Stay Informed

    To follow this project and receive updates, subscribe through the ‘Stay Informed’ tool on this webpage.

  • Council successful in $5 million grant application for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct.

    Share Council successful in $5 million grant application for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct. on Facebook Share Council successful in $5 million grant application for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct. on Twitter Share Council successful in $5 million grant application for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct. on Linkedin Email Council successful in $5 million grant application for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct. link
    supporting image

    On 14 January 2025, the Albanese Government awarded Council $5 million in funding, under the Federal Government’s Regional Precinct and Partnership’s Program. The funding will enable Council, in collaboration with the NSW State Government, to continue work on planning for the activation of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct and develop a Master Plan for the Precinct’s Activation.

    The Nowra Riverfront Precinct Activation project will realise a long-held community aspiration to reconnect Nowra’s city centre with the Shoalhaven River while elevating Nowra as the region’s civic, community, tourism and recreational hub. 

    Thoughtful urban renewal and public realm improvements will create an activated and connected place for residents, workers and visitors. The Precinct’s vision features a central flagship park and leisure facilities, restored natural areas, improved accessibility, affordable housing and repurposing of the historic Nowra Bridge. First Nations knowledge and culture will be embedded in the Precinct design. Early delivery of public realm improvements will stimulate investment and renewal of surrounding built form.  

    The funding will enable the completion of remaining planning investigations, the finalisation of the Precinct masterplan and the preparation of designs for key enabling infrastructure (new central open space/park, new road access and required drainage infrastructure). This work will build upon the Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan, which was developed with direct input from the local community.  

    View the Media Release here: The Albanese Government delivering $5 million for Nowra Riverfront Precinct | Prime Minister of Australia

    Stay Informed

    To follow this project and receive updates, subscribe through the ‘Stay Informed’ tool on this webpage.


  • Nowra Riverfront Designing with Country Framework Report

    Share Nowra Riverfront Designing with Country Framework Report on Facebook Share Nowra Riverfront Designing with Country Framework Report on Twitter Share Nowra Riverfront Designing with Country Framework Report on Linkedin Email Nowra Riverfront Designing with Country Framework Report link
    supporting image

    In close collaboration with the local Aboriginal community, the Designing with Country Framework Report has developed Aboriginal design narratives and principles to support the future design and activation of the Precinct. This approach seeks to meaningfully embed Aboriginal knowledge and culture into the revised Nowra Riverfront masterplan from early on, following the Connecting with Country Framework (Government Architect of NSW) principles.

    Through a series of co-design sessions with local Aboriginal community members, the Designing with Country Framework developed three overarching design principles – Cultural Landscapes, Accessibility and Water – with associated design elements and opportunities for interpretation allowing all users of the Precinct to interact with and appreciate local Aboriginal culture and heritage.

    The Designing with Country Framework will inform the design of the central public open space, including further co-design with the Aboriginal community. The Nowra Riverfront Designing with Country Framework was developed by 100% Aboriginal owned design consultancy, Yerrabingin.

    The Designing with Country Framework for the Nowra Riverfront has not been formally adopted by Council but will be considered by the Council at the appropriate point as part of a package of studies/investigations supporting future updates to the Nowra Riverfront Precinct masterplan and land use planning controls.

    The Nowra Riverfront Designing with Country Framework Report is published in the ‘Document Library’ on this webpage.

  • Nowra Riverfront Precinct Integrated Transport Plan

    Share Nowra Riverfront Precinct Integrated Transport Plan on Facebook Share Nowra Riverfront Precinct Integrated Transport Plan on Twitter Share Nowra Riverfront Precinct Integrated Transport Plan on Linkedin Email Nowra Riverfront Precinct Integrated Transport Plan link
    supporting image

    The Nowra Riverfront Integrated Transport Plan, prepared by consultant Crossley Transport Planning, provides guidance and recommendations on the future transport requirements to support the vision for the Precinct. It analyses the Precinct using the Transport for NSW Movement and Place Framework to identify issues/challenges and opportunities to improve access to the Precinct for the local community and visitors. The Integrated Trasport Plan focuses on opportunities to support active and public transport, sustainable development, better connections within the Precinct (in particular, east-west across the Princes Highway) and better connections across the River and to the Nowra CBD.

    The Integrated Transport Plan provides the framework for the development of a detailed traffic and transport plan which will follow shortly. It has not been formally adopted by Council but will be considered by the Council at the appropriate point as part of a package of studies/investigations supporting future updates to the Nowra Riverfront Precinct masterplan and land use planning controls.

    The Nowra Riverfront Integrated Transport Plan is published in the ‘Document Library’ on this webpage.

  • Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan

    Share Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan on Facebook Share Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan on Twitter Share Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan on Linkedin Email Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan link
    supporting image

    A plan showing what the Nowra Riverfront Precinct could look like has been delivered to Council, at a special event, on 15 August 2023.

    The Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan has been developed based on more than 700 ideas shared by the community during consultation activities held between February and July this year.

    The activation plan is part of the work being delivered under the Nowra Riverfront Activation Taskforce, established by the NSW Government in 2020.

    This plan is an illustration of a potential community vision for a refreshed, activated and engaging riverfront precinct that supports the wellbeing of the community, the health of the river and the economy of the Nowra CBD. It sets the scene for planning for the precinct that incorporates parklands, accommodation, spaces for commercial and social activities which we will work in collaboration with all levels of government and the private sector to help realise.

    The activation plan incorporates the thoughts and ideals of local Aboriginal community expressed as part of a separate consultation process to develop a cross-cultural framework for the precinct that ensures Aboriginal cultural knowledge is valued and respected throughout the activation of the riverfront.

    The plan includes desirable community outcomes like a riverfront boardwalk for pedestrian and bicycle access that provides an immediate connection to the river as well as parks and open spaces. It also includes residential and commercial buildings of various heights to accommodate cafes, restaurants, accommodation and housing.

    The precinct extends along the foreshore of the Shoalhaven River near the southern side of the Nowra Bridge and is bound by Hawthorn Avenue to the east, Hyam Street and Graham Street to the south and Shoalhaven Street to the west.  

    The Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan is published in the 'Document Library on this web page.


  • Presentation of the Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan

    Share Presentation of the Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan on Facebook Share Presentation of the Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan on Twitter Share Presentation of the Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan on Linkedin Email Presentation of the Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan link
    supporting image

    Drawing on feedback from more than 700 people from a range of community engagement activities, urban consultancy arki­­_lab have prepared an Activation Plan for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct, showing how the precinct could look in the future and the strategic actions that would help achieve the vision.

    You are invited to attend the Presentation of the Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan, to be held in The Gallery of the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on Tuesday 15 August from 4-6pm.

  • Completion of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct Flood Impact and Risk Assessment

    Share Completion of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct Flood Impact and Risk Assessment on Facebook Share Completion of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct Flood Impact and Risk Assessment on Twitter Share Completion of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct Flood Impact and Risk Assessment on Linkedin Email Completion of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct Flood Impact and Risk Assessment link
    supporting image

    The Nowra Riverfront Precinct Flood Impact and Risk Assessment (FIRA) has been prepared for Council and with assistance from the NSW Government’s Nowra Riverfront Advisory Taskforce to define the existing flood behaviour and to assess, and recommend measures to address, the potential impacts from the possible future development/activation of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct.

    The FIRA considers how the Precinct as a whole, or component parts, could potentially be activated/developed in a manner that is compatible with its flood constraints and whether any resulting impacts are localised and/or able to be readily managed. It will support and inform land use planning processes, including potential changes to planning controls (e.g. zoning, building height) and future site-specific development controls to guide future development in the Precinct. It will address issues such as safe occupation and evacuation in flood events and identify further work that may be required.

    The FIRA has been prepared in accordance with the NSW Floodplain Development Manual (2005) and the draft Flood Risk Management Guideline LU01 – Flood Impact and Risk Assessment, of the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual: the policy and manual for flood liable land (2023). The FIRA has not been formally adopted by the Council, but will be considered by the Council at the appropriate point as part of a package of studies/investigations supporting future updates to the Nowra Riverfront Precinct masterplan and land use planning controls.

    The FIRA is available for the information of interested parties/stakeholders and the community.

    The following information can be viewed in the Document Library on this web page:

  • Draft Design - Drawing on Your Ideas

    Share Draft Design - Drawing on Your Ideas on Facebook Share Draft Design - Drawing on Your Ideas on Twitter Share Draft Design - Drawing on Your Ideas on Linkedin Email Draft Design - Drawing on Your Ideas link
    supporting image

    We want to know if your ideas have been accurately reflected in this preliminary draft of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct Activation plan.

    The draft design translates the feedback provided by 700 people about their aspirations for the riverfront precinct shared as part of the community consultation held in February and March this year. Some of the ambitions for the precinct expressed by residents, visitors and business operators included honouring the cultural heritage of the riverfront along with creating places to socialise, recreate and entertain.

    Take a look at the design and provide your feedback in the survey below, before it closes 3pm Monday 5 June. You can let the designers know what you think in person by attending a workshop at 4pm to 6pm, Wednesday 24 May. Details listed in the page below.

  • Nowra Riverfront Activation Draft Plan – Feedback Drop-In Session

    Share Nowra Riverfront Activation Draft Plan – Feedback Drop-In Session on Facebook Share Nowra Riverfront Activation Draft Plan – Feedback Drop-In Session on Twitter Share Nowra Riverfront Activation Draft Plan – Feedback Drop-In Session on Linkedin Email Nowra Riverfront Activation Draft Plan – Feedback Drop-In Session link
    supporting image

    Council staff and representatives from urban consultancy arki_­lab want to hear your thoughts and feedback on the draft plan for the future activation of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct.

    Where: Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
    When: Wednesday, 24 May 2023
    Time: 4pm to 6pm

  • Opportunities for Community Engagement

    Share Opportunities for Community Engagement on Facebook Share Opportunities for Community Engagement on Twitter Share Opportunities for Community Engagement on Linkedin Email Opportunities for Community Engagement link
    supporting image

    Urban consultancy arki_lab has been engaged to facilitate a range of community engagement opportunities with key stakeholders and the broader community to inform the future Masterplan for the Nowra Riverfront precinct.

Page last updated: 04 Mar 2025, 03:43 PM