Nowra Riverfront Precinct Activation

The Nowra Riverfront Precinct Open Space Master Plan (OSMP) is an initiative of the Nowra Riverfront Activation Project (NRAP). The OSMP illustrates a vision for how a range of new open spaces and streetscapes can be established throughout the precinct, alongside new residential and mixed-use development projects that will deliver a range of housing options and hospitality opportunities.

The OSMP is organised into 7 areas (refer to OSMP page 03), each area is integrated with surrounding residential precincts via a network of new pathways and on-street parking areas.

The proposal is consistent with the adopted Nowra Riverfront Activation Plan and Designing with Country Framework to create a sequence of attractive and vibrant open spaces.  The overall space includes:

• Improved connectivity to the River, to bring people closer to the water
• Revitalised Paringa Park with opportunities for expression of local Aboriginal culture alongside improved facilities for non-motorised watercraft
• Centrally located events hub adjacent to the Nowra Aquatic Centre – the heart of the riverfront precinct  
• A new regional, destination play space with a wide range of accessible options for children of all ages and abilities to play and socialise  
• New shared pathways under the Nowra bridges and beyond to the Nowra Wharf and Mavromattes Reserve
• The partial closure of Scenic Drive east of Mandalay Avenue to create flat, usable open space along the waterfront
• On street parking to replace, and expand upon the parking previously available along Scenic Drive and the Nowra Aquatic Park
• A wetland open space between Hyam St and the Nowra Aquatic Park that accommodates storm water quality and flood requirements along with passive recreation use through pathways, interpretive elements and seating nodes within a native landscape setting.

Read the Nowra Riverfront Precinct Open Space Master Plan (OSMP) in full here

Shoalhaven City Council is working with the NSW Government’s Nowra Riverfront Advisory Taskforce on an activation plan for the Nowra Riverfront to define the future direction for development of the area and to ensure the existing qualities are preserved and strengthened in the process. 

To do this in the best way possible, feedback is being sought from interested parties and the broader community to make sure that all perspectives are considered moving forward. 

Your responses to the online survey questions below will be used to help inform the creation of the activation plan. 

Please provide your feedback by Friday 31 March 2023.

You are also encouraged to follow the process as it unfolds by subscribing through the 'Stay Informed' tool on this web page.

Council is working with the NSW Government’s Nowra Riverfront Advisory Taskforce (NRAT) on an activation plan to define the future direction for the development of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct and to ensure the existing qualities are preserved and strengthened in the process.

We are providing an opportunity for anyone interested in expressing their views and aspirations for the Precinct at a workshop to help shape the draft activation plan.

Where: Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
When: Tuesday, 28 March 2023
 Time: 4 pm to 6 pm

Although we would love everyone to attend, there are limited places and we want to ensure a broad cross-section of the community is represented. You will receive a confirmation email if you are selected to attend.

If you are unable to attend the workshop, we encourage you to complete the Online Survey to help inform the creation of the activation plan.

For more information about the workshop and the Nowra Riverfront Activation project, please contact Ryan Jameson, by email at ryan.jameson@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 4429 3139.