Nowra Riverfront Precinct

The NSW Government is taking action to increase the supply of affordable low, medium and high-density housing, along with social housing, to meet the needs of our growing and diverse populations now and in the future. 

The Shoalhaven LGA is expected to grow by over 43,000 people by 2041. To plan for this growth we’re taking proactive steps to ensure that this community continues to have access to new homes. 

We’re now working closely with Shoalhaven City Council to plan for the city’s future and revitalise the Nowra Riverfront Precinct while creating a stronger connection between the riverfront and Nowra CBD. 

A state-led rezoning proposal for an area known as the Nowra Riverfront Precinct is now available for public feedback until 17 December 2025. 

The Nowra Riverfront Precinct Rezoning Proposal will: 

• Allow up to 377 new homes to be built
• Introduce a 2 per cent affordable housing requirement to the site. This will allow for 7 affordable homes to be built which must be managed by a registered community housing provider
• Apply new building heights of between 5-12 storeys at the Hyam Street, Scenic Drive and Bridge Road sub-precincts.
• Apply floor space ratios ranging from 0.6:1 to 2:1.
• Apply a number of site-specific provisions to manage commercial and residential development consistent with the overall precinct master plan.  

Flood Impact and Risk Assessments have been prepared for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct, which also includes the Mandalay Sub-Precinct. The Department and Shoalhaven City Council have also committed to jointly fund a study to further investigate sewer and water servicing capacity in both precincts.

Community feedback will help shape the final rezoning proposal. We encourage you to provide feedback on the plans using the submission form at the bottom of the page by 5pm, 17 December 2025.