Our Priorities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
