A list of the Shoalhaven's key strategic projects will be shared with each of the candidates standing for the seat of Gilmore in the upcoming federal election.
The visual document provides an overview of the city and the infrastructure projects that would enable better connectivity, housing development and liveability for residents and visitors to the area.
"It's our intention to work in partnership with all levels of government to ensure the best possible outcomes for the communities of the Shoalhaven, now and into the future," said Mayor Patricia White.
"We're seizing the opportunity to get in front of each of the candidates and share our vision for unlocking the potential of the area with a list of game changing infrastructure and placemaking projects that provide better transport connection, housing and economic benefits for the region," Cr White said.
"Our plans are based on years of strategic planning in consultation with communities, various government agencies and stakeholders to achieve our existing and future housing needs and requirements for the community," she said.
The NSW Government housing targets require an additional 4,900 dwellings to be delivered in the Shoalhaven over the next five years, which is a step toward accommodating the 17,130 additional people who is anticipated will live in the broader region by 2041, according to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan.
The town centres of Nowra and Ulladulla require additional infrastructure to support the population growth that will come with increasing densities. Council is calling for assistance to reduce barriers for investment that will help realise Nowra as a thriving regional hub.
Major road projects that will support growth include the upgrade of Moss Vale Road, Yalwal Road and building the East Nowra Linkage (ENSA) once the design works are completed for the new road from Greenwell Point Road around the CBD to the Princes Highway at North Street.
New shared user paths for walking and cycling at various locations is identified as a priority, with a request for $10 million to address the backlog of requests.
A new water supply main between Bamarang and Milton ($175 million) is needed to service the southern Shoalhaven as well as a new water recycling plant that combines four wastewater treatment plants into one that services the central region ($100 million).
Leisure facilities, parks and road linkages for the future Nowra Riverfront Precinct are in the list ($67 million), along with coastal protection works for south Mollymook Beach ($15 million).
To support responsiveness to emergency events, requests are being put forward for investment in the infrastructure needed to upgrade the flood alert system across the Shoalhaven ($400,000) and deliver the new headquarters at the Wool Road Emergency Centre site ($1 million).
Each of the federal election candidates for Gilmore have been invited to individual meetings during the next two weeks, where they will be provided the advocacy document.
An interactive map displaying the Shoalhaven's game changer projects is available on Council's website along with a printable version.
