Shoalhaven's Community Strategic Plan 2035 - Survey is now closed

Thank you to everyone who participated in our survey about the Community Strategic Plan 2035. We would also like to thank Council’s Inclusion & Access Advisory Committee and business representatives for providing their invaluable input to help review and update the plan.

What we heard

We had a total of 1200 visitors to the project page and received 383 survey responses from both the online Get Involved survey and paper surveys available in Council facilities and pop-up kiosks across the Shoalhaven.

In addition, we had eight people submit photos capturing what they love most about the Shoalhaven. You can view them here.

Some of the things you love about the Shoalhaven are:

  • Beaches
  • Environment
  • Bushland
  • Community


Some of the things that would make the Shoalhaven a better place is:

  • Better planning and development
  • Improvement in our roads
  • Focus and consideration given to accessibility


The top five things that are most important to you are:

  1. Roads, shared paths and drainage
  2. Access to health services
  3. Environment & biodiversity
  4. Green spaces
  5. Affordable housing options


The top three biggest issues or challenges facing our community are:

  1. Cost of living
  2. Demand on health services
  3. Housing affordability


Nearly 49% of respondents are either very happy or happy with the current vision statement.


Key demographics from those who responded:

  • 60.6% female and 37.3% male respondents
  • 2.9% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • 10.4% are a person living with a disability


Inclusion and Access Committee:

  • Improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
    • This involves physical access, community education, infrastructure improvements, and inclusive practices across various public and private spaces.
  • Enhance employment opportunities
    • This includes promoting inclusive hiring practices, improving physical access to workplaces and businesses, and ensuring supportive infrastructure and transport to enable full economic participation.
  • Foster inclusive communities through education, accessible infrastructure, and diverse representation.
    • This includes improving communication about facilities, ensuring accessible public spaces and events, and integrating various voices and needs into community planning and activities.


Next steps:

  1. Feedback will be reviewed and given consideration when developing the draft Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2035.
  2. Draft CSP, Delivery Program, Operational Plan (DPOP) & Budget on public exhibition during May.
  3. Feedback considered in update of documents.
  4. CSP, DPOP & Budget adopted by Council by 30 June 2025.
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