As one of the country’s fastest-growing regional areas, the Shoalhaven offers diverse industries, booming infrastructure and a unique lifestyle.
A sea and tree change location with rapid growth across population and infrastructure, the Shoalhaven region is flourishing as an investor hot spot. A string of coastal villages, along with the regional centres of Nowra and Ulladulla, are located approximately two hours from Sydney. With a population of over 108,497 set to soar, road upgrades are well underway to reduce commute times to Greater Sydney.
A diverse range of industries operate in the Shoalhaven alongside increasing and exciting new business opportunities. Combined with economic growth, this is a region that offers lifestyle perks for everyone. From hinterland bush walks to beaches and vineyards, work-life balance is almost a given.
As of 2024, the population of Shoalhaven is 110,803, with the region is expecting to see steady growth towards a population of 137,673 by 2051, which represents a 28% increase. Currently, the economy has a gross regional product of $5.28 billion and growing, along with 40,582 jobs.
Among the wide range of industries operating in the Shoalhaven, education, building, construction, retail and tourism are significantly expanding. In Nowra alone, health care and construction make up approximately 7,618 businesses, making up 29% of the total output in the area. With mass infrastructure in the works, the region is gearing up for the predicted population growth.
Including two hospitals in Nowra, nearby Shellharbour Airport, navy base HMAS Albatross, the South Nowra industrial estates, a wide range of schools and the Nowra CBD, the Shoalhaven is a self-sufficient region. However, transport infrastructure ensures quick connectivity with Wollongong, just an hour away via the Princes Highway with a $671 million upgrade in the works. Expanding the education sector is the construction of the Industry 4.0 Hub at UOW Shoalhaven Campus in Nowra. Industry 4.0, known as the 'Fourth Industrial Revolution', is a new wave of innovation centred on automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. By backing from the University of Wollongong and the Australian Government, the Nowra Industry 4.0 Hub provides a collaborative environment for students, businesses and entrepreneurs.
$342 million was spent on the Nowra Bridge duplication. Now fully operational, the bridge delivers improved traffic flow and supports the region's transportation needs. Commuting to Nowra from Sydney is easier with the recently opened Albion Park Rail Bypass. Continued upgrades to the Princes Highway will smooth the way from south of Nowra to the Victorian border.
Affordable property markets in the Shoalhaven deliver strong returns. Postcode 2540 in Nowra which incorporates 19 Shoalhaven suburbs, including the new suburb of Badagarang, just six kilometres north of Nowra, is another upcoming success story.
According to CoreLogic’s 2022 Regional Market Update, the combined Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands region provides a median house price of $1,019,000 which is lower than the Sydney median of $1,087,000. Solid growth is anticipated to continue along coastal havens close to metro areas as work fromh home options continue to afford employees greater lifestyle options.
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