Our Priorities

1. Transport Infrastructure

• Support the construction of the East Nowra Sub-Arterial (ENSA) road to improve freight and service movement, with direct connection to the Princes Highway at Junction Street lights.
• Advocate for the Milton–Ulladulla bypass to improve regional traffic flow and safety.
• Upgrade and reclassify Route 92 to enable heavy vehicle access.
• Investigate a Western Bypass for Nowra to reduce CBD congestion and support future growth.

2. Employment & Investment

Identify and promote key growth industries to attract business investment and relocation to the Shoalhaven.
Preserve and increase employment lands across the Illawarra–Shoalhaven to support business expansion.
Improve access to high-speed broadband across the region to boost business performance and connectivity.

3. Education & Skills Development

• Strengthen local career pathways through collaboration with schools, TAFE, Universities, and training providers.
• Improve awareness and uptake of apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.
• Increase access to business management training and mentoring for emerging entrepreneurs.
• Advocate for more employment housing to attract skilled professionals to the region.
  Partner with Education providers to enhance training in tourism, trades, and business.
• Support a regional skills audit in collaboration with RDA Illawarra/Shoalhaven and Illawarra Business Chamber.

4. Government & Policy Reform

• Reduce red tape and streamline compliance requirements across all levels of government.
• Advocate for payroll tax relief and raising the threshold to $2 million and indexing for SMEs.
• Foster a pro-business culture within the three levels of government to support small business and regional investment.
• Provide retraining opportunities in emerging technologies, including AI, for the region and especially the aging workforce.
• Promote stronger grant programs for regional NSW businesses.
• Improve collaboration and engagement with RDA Illawarra/Shoalhaven.

5. Health Services

• Support implementation of the Regional Health Master Plan across the Illawarra/Shoalhaven.
• Ensure appropriate housing and education pathways for new health workers relocating to the region.
• Invest in the expansion of allied health services in line with hospital growth.
• Advocate for the upgrade and resourcing of Milton Hospital.

6. Aged Care, Disability & Childcare Services

• Support the growth of a high-quality, locally based aged care industry.
• Advocate for wage support in the care sectors to encourage workforce participation.
• Promote the expansion of accessible childcare services to support workforce re-entry and productivity.
• Enhance training and education pathways to meet the demands of these critical sectors.

7. Tourism Infrastructure & Development

• Restore youth tourism and hospitality training programs via TAFE NSW.
• Develop marina-based tourism opportunities through infrastructure investment (fuel, pump-out, etc.).
• Support short-term rental accommodation to fill gaps in the hotel and motel market.
• Reinstate state government tourism and business events funding, including conference support.

8. Environment & Sustainability

• Promote clean, sustainable agriculture for both domestic and export markets.
• Support region-wide rollout of green waste bins.
• Encourage alternative housing models such as small home parks and community living.
• Strengthen local recycling initiatives and the circular economy to reduce waste and increase sustainability.
• Advocate for a balanced energy policy focused on commercially viable alternatives to fossil fuels, including waste-to-energy and renewables.

9. Defence & Supporting Industries

• Recognise and support the economic impact of HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell.
• Ensure continued funding for the Illawarra/Shoalhaven Defence Industry Network.
• Advocate for housing and land development to support incoming defence personnel and workers in related industries.

10. Community Activation

• Support revitalisation of the Shoalhaven Riverfront for community and tourism benefit.
• Encourage shop-top housing in the CBD to increase residential density and vibrancy.
• Develop the night-time economy through support for hospitality, entertainment, and cultural activities.
• Continue to support free outdoor dining to attract visitation and stimulate local business.