Shellharbour City Council is calling on its residents to provide feedback on controversial city plans introduced by the NSW government earlier this year as the proposal finally undergoes public exhibition.
Per the latest NSW Government rezoning plans, 11,700 new dwellings are expected in the suburb’s surrounding commercial area, including new proposals for mandatory affordable housing.
The current plan calls for mandatory affordable housing quotas of 10 per cent on selected government-owned land and 5 per cent on privately owned land.
Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson, who collaborated with the NSW Government to establish the city plans, recognised the role that new infrastructure plays in combatting the national housing crisis.
“The proposals are going to benefit not only those people who are trying to get into the housing market, but future residents and businesses of the Illawarra,” Ms Watson said.
Shellharbour’s Civic Centre, an iconic landmark and local anchor, is set to play a key role in developing new retail and commercial spaces.
Shellharbour councilor, John Davey said the new urban centre will improve connectivity and access to services as the local population surges.
“Shellharbour is the sixth fastest growing region in New South Wales,” Mr Davey said.
“If we don’t centralise, our city becomes fractured and spread across our demographic area.”
Locals however, are concerned that city planners have not catered enough for upgrades to the city’s current infrastructure as new proposals neglect to address traffic congestion at the Oak Flats interchange and Pioneer Drive.
Whilst there were plans to relieve congestion at the major local intersections, developers halted the project last year due to redesign work and underground utility assessments
“I’m concerned that the traffic plans are put into place sooner rather than later,” Mr Davey said.
University of Wollongong student, Baxter Lean initially supported the residential development but has growing concerns about the impact of population growth on current and proposed infrastructure.
“I travel to Wollongong two or three times a week and what should be a 20 minute drive usually takes me 40,” Mr Lean said.
“It’s going to get worse if we keep bringing people into the area without any upgrades.”
The rezoning proposals are currently on public exhibition and open for community feedback at the Shellharbour City Council until September 8.
Plans are expected to commence early 2027 following the finalisation process at the end of this year.
