The Shoalhaven region is poised for significant residential growth, with the Minns Labor Government, in partnership with Shoalhaven City Council, announcing plans to fast-track the delivery of up to 650 new homes in Nowra.
This ambitious initiative centers on the revitalisation of the Nowra riverfront precinct, marking a major step in addressing the region’s housing needs.
“These are important steps to deliver hundreds of new homes for those who need them in the Shoalhaven and the Illawarra.” – Chris Minns, NSW Premier
A key element of this plan involves a state-significant rezoning proposal for a 3.4-hectare section of the riverfront, located between the Shoalhaven River and the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, with the potential to yield up to 270 new homes.
“The Minns Labor Government recognises the vital role significant projects like these can make to key regional communities like ours, giving more people access to living in wonderful regions like this one.” – Ryan Park, Minister for Health and for the Illawarra and South Coast
This rezoning aims to facilitate the construction of mid-rise housing, reaching heights of up to 23 meters, thereby increasing housing density in a prime location.

Simultaneously, Homes NSW is advancing a proposal to rezone the Mandalay precinct, also situated within the Nowra riverfront area, with the aim of developing up to 380 new homes.
This project will deliver a mix of social, affordable, and private housing, with a focus on providing key worker accommodation, particularly for staff at the expanded Shoalhaven Hospital. This dual approach, combining state-led rezoning with Homes NSW initiatives, demonstrates a concerted effort to address diverse housing needs, from social and affordable housing to market-driven development.

“This is an exciting step for Nowra, with plans that will deliver hundreds of new homes while enhancing the riverfront precinct for the community to enjoy.” – Paul Scully, Minister of Planning and Public Spaces
The Opportunity For Developers
For developers in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region, these announcements present significant opportunities. The streamlined rezoning process, facilitated by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, promises to accelerate development timelines, reducing the bureaucratic hurdles often associated with large-scale projects. The focus on mid-rise development in the riverfront precinct opens avenues for developers specialising in higher-density residential projects.
Furthermore, the inclusion of social and affordable housing components within the Mandalay precinct offers developers the chance to engage in projects with a strong community benefit, potentially accessing government incentives and partnerships.

Allen Price boasts a deep-rooted understanding of the Nowra and Shoalhaven region’s unique planning landscape. Our extensive experience working with local councils and navigating the specific regulatory frameworks of the area positions us as the ideal partner for developers seeking to capitalise on the riverfront precinct’s revitalisation. From conducting detailed site analyses and managing complex development applications to providing expert surveying and civil engineering services tailored to the region’s environmental considerations, Allen Price has a proven track record of delivering successful projects in the Shoalhaven.
Our intimate knowledge of the local context, combined with our multidisciplinary expertise, ensures that your development aligns seamlessly with council requirements and contributes positively to the community’s growth.
This is a pivotal moment for the Shoalhaven region, and Allen Price is ready to help developers capitalise on the opportunities presented by these exciting developments. We encourage developers to contact us to discuss how we can assist in turning their vision into reality.













