Shoalhaven Council has awarded professional services company GHD as the design lead for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct.
Following a competitive tender process, GHD was selected to manage the detailed design phase of the riverfront project, progressing the project towards construction and investment ready status.
Mayor Patricia White said the GHD team will design the key infrastructure which included public open space and gathering areas, pedestrian links, parking, landscaping and water access.
“This appointment marks a significant step towards bringing the riverfront precinct to life and strengthening connections between the Shoalhaven River and Nowra CBD,” Cr White said.
“GHD has experience in delivering waterfront projects and this means we can move confidently into the next phase, with a focus on quality design and community benefit,” she said.
“The Principal Design Consultant will take the project from concept to detailed plans, making sure everything is ready for construction.”
The project is funded by $5 million from the Australian Government’s regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said:
“This funding enables the Nowra Riverfront Precinct Project to progress to construction-ready detailed design,” Mrs Phillips said.
“As a long-time local, I know how important this long-awaited project is for our town, our community, jobs and the local economy,” she said.
“A revitalised riverfront will transform Nowra and create a space with improved liveability and wellbeing options that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors for decades to come.”
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“Delivering the Nowra Riverfront Precinct is exactly the kind of investment that strengthens regional communities. This next phase of detailed design brings us closer to a revitalised riverfront that will support local jobs, attract new visitors and boost economic activity across the Shoalhaven,” Ms Moriarty said.
“High quality public infrastructure is essential for the future of regional NSW. Advancing the Nowra Riverfront Precinct ensures the Shoalhaven has the facilities, open spaces and economic opportunities it needs to thrive for decades to come,” she said.
Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:
“The Nowra Riverfront Precinct is one of the most exciting opportunities we have to better connect our community with the Shoalhaven River and create a welcoming, vibrant space for locals and visitors,” Ms Butler said.
“This project is about more than open space — it is about creating a precinct that supports local businesses, brings people into the Nowra CBD and celebrates one of our region’s greatest natural assets,” she said.
“I am really pleased to see the project moving into detailed design, because this is the work that turns a long-held community vision into something ready for delivery.”
Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:
‘The Shoalhaven River precinct uplift will be so significant for our community and it is great to seeing this long-awaited project reach the milestone of the detailed design phase,” Ms McInerney said.
“The Nowra Riverfront is truly spectacular, and our community wants to see it activated sustainably for locals and visitors alike,” she said.
“I look forward to seeing what our communities’ vision for the gateway to the South Coast brought to life.”
In February, Council exhibited the Open Space Master Plan which illustrated how a range of new open spaces and streetscapes could be established throughout the precinct. Over 3000 people visited the Nowra Riverfront Precinct Activation project page with overall feedback showing strong support for the direction of the plan.
Council endorsed the recommendation of the Tender Evaluation Panel to accept the tender from GHD Pty Ltd at the Ordinary Meeting on 28 April 2026.
