MAYOR_Patricia White 2024 - ETCHED NECKLACE

Mayor's message

Read the Mayor's message for updates on all the news and issues affecting the Shoalhaven.

 

Friday 4 July 2025

I’m saddened by the announcement of Acting CEO James Ruprai’s resignation and feel fortunate to have worked closely with him for the past eight months. Since he stepped into the role, he has helped steer Council towards our financial sustainability goals while providing a steady hand and clear direction for staff and the community. We still have four weeks to work together, but I wish him all the best for the future and give my heartfelt thanks for his unwavering support. 

To the weather, and it’s been a challenging week for our community as we experienced some extreme weather conditions, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday. Rainfall totals exceeded 200mm in many parts of our city over the 48 hours and wind gusts of more than100km/h were also recorded in some areas.  

As we head towards the weekend it’s a relief to see the rainfall ease and the water recede. We can now start assessing any damage and get to work repairing infrastructure and assets. There could still be water and trees across roads for a few days so please check for road closures and never drive through floodwaters.  

I’d like to thank you all for heeding the warnings issued by the SES and supporting your families, friends and neighbours during this almighty storm. Council continues to operate its Recovery Support Service funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and anyone needing assistance in connecting with available support services can contact them directly on 4929 5888. 

If you’re heading off during the winter school holidays, please stay safe and check with local authorities, as many communities across the state are experiencing similar challenges. Live Traffic NSW remains the best place to check for holiday traffic and road closures. If you’re staying home for the break, we have plenty of activities on offer to keep the kids active and entertained. You can check them out here.  

NAIDOC Week celebrations start this Sunday and Council will be hosting a special flag raising event at the Nowra Administration Building on Monday 7 July from 10am. The event Includes traditional dance and song, with morning tea after performances at about 11:30am. We’d love it if you could join us for this special celebration that has become an important annual event in Council’s calendar. 

If you’ve come across some extraordinary people this week, or you know an unsung hero who does incredible things for the community all year round, you might want to nominate them for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. This is one of the most prestigious national awards administered by the Premier's Department and nominations are now open. Head to their website and make sure our wonderful community members get the recognition they deserve. 

Stay safe this weekend. 

Mayor,  

Patricia White 

 

 

Friday 27 June

Council crews are continuing to clean up after strong winds swept through the region this week, causing tree branches to fall onto our roads and several power outages across the city. Staff who were on call were working from 2:30 am Wednesday morning to clear roads and ensure public safety, so thank you to them for their efforts. 

It’s also been a chilly few days in the Nation’s Capital, where I’ve been attending the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly and Regional Forum as well as the Ministerial Engagement Forum.  

I've covered a wide variety of topics at each of the events and was particularly pleased to be able use the ALGA National General Assembly to advocate for an extension of the pensioner rebate, to include low-income earners.  

The Australian Government rebate assists with the payment of council and water rates, but it has not increased in the last 13 years. Given the current cost of living crisis and the increased rates over this period, I’m concerned the benefit of this rebate has eroded. I was delighted that our motion, which called for the rebate to be reviewed, and for additional financial support to be offered to seniors, pensioners, and low-income earners across our community, was supported by all councils in attendance. This is an excellent outcome as there was a record, 1300 delegates at the assembly this year. Thanks to Cr Denise Kemp for bringing this motion to our Council to discuss at this important gathering.  

Back home, we’re making progress following the recent release of our Road Condition Assessment Report which identified the level work required to improve and maintain Shoalhaven’s extensive road network. We now have a Road Condition Report webpage that explains how the investigations were conducted and the key findings. I encourage you to subscribe to the page to continue receiving updates.  

Additionally, we have a webpage which also provides information about the local roads across our city that are likely to be inundated during periods of heavy or sustained rainfall. We hope this list will help you plan for extreme weather events, but please be reminded, you should never drive through floodwaters even if the road remains open.  

Don’t forget, you have until 30 June to have your say about a couple of important policies we’re reviewing, including the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan (CISP) Review, and the Draft Swan Lake Entrance Management Policy. You also have a few days left to take part in the Australian Livability Census 2025.  

I’d also like to take a moment to pay tribute to our 2013 Citizen of the Year, Marilyn Beavan-Williams, who sadly passed away last week, aged 81. Ms Beavan-Williams was one of Shoalhaven’s more colourful characters. She was a teacher and an entertainer, who was well known locally for dressing as Mazza the Clown to bring joy to children at the hospital. She will be remembered fondly, and dearly missed, by all who knew her.   

Finally, I’m pleased to inform you that my Open Office sessions are back. I’ll be at the Ulladulla Civic Centre from 2pm-5pm on Friday 11 July. See you there. 

Mayor,  

Patricia White 

 

 

Friday 20 June

This week we formally adopted our Delivery Program, Operational Plan (DPOP) and budget 2025-26, after considering your feedback during the exhibition period last month.  

While the Nowra Riverfront Project and waste take centre stage, the DPOP and budget also include significant investment in our roads and shared user paths. Repair works on the Wool Road in Old Erowal Bay, rehabilitation works on lllaroo Road in Bangalee and the East Nowra Sub-Arterial design work are among the priority projects for completion.  

Other works include the design of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct and the allocation of $56.4 million for water and wastewater projects.   

A modest increase in water and sewer usage and availability charges was also adopted, to help cover the increased costs of providing these services, as well as raising funds required for future capital works projects. This means, the treated water usage charge will go up by 25c/kL, taking it from $2.50 to $2.75/kL. 

I encourage you to read the DPOP and budget if you would like more information and detail about our priorities for the next financial year.  

You also have just over a week to provide your feedback to us about the following major policies, strategies and plans that remain on exhibition.  

And don’t forget to complete the Australian Livability Census 2025 by 30 June for your chance to win some great prizes. Place Score will announce the winners in August.  

Mayor,  

Patricia White 

Friday 13 June 2025

After the freezing temperatures of Orange, I'm thrilled to be back home where at least the weather hits double digits by midday.  

Yesterday I was at the Country Mayor’s Association meeting where we discussed the issues impacting regional NSW. The association has grown to represent the vast majority of regional and rural local government areas within the state so it’s always a worthwhile meeting to share ideas and talk about the challenges facing each council. 

What we have in common with most councils across NSW is that we have incredible people doing work that benefits our community, so it’s a timely reminder that applications for our Community Wellbeing Grants Program are open until 24 June. The program helps groups deliver local projects that support community wellbeing in the Shoalhaven with previous awardees including youth orchestras, the Lions Club, historical societies, seniors groups and much more. Make sure you get your application in. 

I’d also like to congratulate our Shoalhaven residents who were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Raymond Strong and Dorothy Joan Crabb were awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to their local community while Geoffrey Stapleton was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). Other locals were also recognised which is a wonderful achievement and we are all very proud.  

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend don't miss exhibiting artists Karla Dickens and Jaz Corr in conversation at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery on Saturday 14 June from 10am. It’s a free event but make sure you register. Also on this weekend is your local household chemical clean out. You can dispose of your household chemical waste for free at the following locations: 

  • Ulladulla Council Admin building car park (Deering St) Saturday 9am to 3.30pm  

  • Nowra Council Admin building car park (Bridge Rd) Sunday 9am to 3.30pm 

And don’t forget to have you say on the currently policies, strategies and plans we have on public exhibition.  

Mayor,  

Patricia White 

 

 

 

Friday 6 June

I’m delighted to be back in the chair after a few weeks off to recover from my recent fall. Thank you for your patience and understanding while I’ve been away. I’d also like to thank Deputy Mayor Peter Wilkins for stepping into the role so effortlessly and doing such a wonderful job to handle Mayoral matters in my absence.  

I’ve managed to get back into the swing of things quickly and am currently focused on the state of our roads. Last week we released details of a report which analysed the condition of the region’s 1,906 km of roads and the scale of cost to renew the network. The data revealed it would cost Council in the order of $300 million to undertake the repairs and replacements required. And benchmarking shows that we are not unique. Many Council’s across the state are in a similar position due to budgetary constraints and consecutive natural disasters.   

I plan on raising the findings of this report at next week’s Country Mayor’s Association meeting, which will be discussing roads and transport. In my capacity as Mayor, and as chair of the South Eastern Australian Transport Strategy (SEATS), I will discuss our concerns with the NSW Transport Minister to help find a solution.  

I will also be seeking some clarity from the Minister around the decision by Transport for NSW to reduce the load limit on the Hampden Bridge at Kangaroo Valley from 42.5 tonnes to 23 tonnes. While I acknowledge the historic nature of the 127-year-old bridge, I’m deeply concerned about the impact a reduce load limit might have on local industries, including producers from within Kangaroo Valley. I hope to update you on these matters shortly.  

In the meantime, don’t forget to have you say on the currently policies, strategies and plans we have on public exhibition.  

I hope to have my Mayor’s Open Office Sessions back up and running soon and will keep you informed about the next available dates.  

Mayor,  

Patricia White 

 

Friday 30 May 2025

Message from Deputy Mayor Peter Wilkins

My three-week baptism of fire ends today as we welcome Mayor Patricia White back to her Mayoral duties on Monday 2 June. 

I’ve certainly enjoyed attending events and meeting so many of you over the past few weeks and it’s given me a new appreciation for the work the Mayor does to support and connect with the Shoalhaven community. The Mayor will ease herself back in next week, but as she recovers from her collarbone and shoulder injury, her Open Office sessions remain on hiatus. 

I was honoured to attend the launch of Council’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan on Wednesday. Local Aboriginal elders attended the event at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery and I was thrilled to be amongst the speakers and talk about this significant milestone for Council.  

The document sets out our actions and commitments to strengthen relationships, demonstrate respect and provide opportunities for Council to work more collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.  

Yesterday I also attend the Community Consultative Body (CCB) forum in St Georges Basin. A CCB is your local community group that represents the interests of residents and talks to Council to make sure local voices are heard. So too, it’s an important avenue for Council to pass on information to your community. 

The forum covered a raft of interesting topics including a presentation on Council’s recently completed roads condition report. The inspection report reveals the condition of our region’s 1,906 km of roads and the cost to renew the network. The report will help us better predict, prioritise and plan for renewal programs and we’ll be sharing more information on this report shortly. 

I also ventured to the Kangaroo Valley CCB meeting on Monday to gauge reaction to the Transport for NSW decision to impose a weight limit on the Hampden Bridge. The time-frame has been extended to 27 June. Next Thursday 5 June there’s an information session for residents and affected businesses at the Kangaroo Valley Public Hall between 5-7pm. Representatives from Transport for NSW will be there to answer questions 

Progress also continues to be made on Council’s financial sustainability plan with almost $1.68 million in cost-saving measures reflected in the quarterly report from January to March 2025. This brings the balance of savings realised through financial sustainability initiatives to $4.1 million so far, this financial year. A lot of good work has been done and continues to be done to improve our financial position. 

As always, we have a raft of documents on public exhibition awaiting your valuable feedback, and some only have a few days left for you to have your say.  

Thanks again to everyone for making me feel so welcome over the past three weeks. 

Deputy Mayor,  

Peter Wilkins 

 

Friday 23 May 2025

Message from Deputy Mayor Peter Wilkins

On behalf of the Mayor I’d like to thank everyone for checking in on how she’s recovering from her collarbone and shoulder injury. There has been an outpouring of concern and well wishes, and I know Cr White is incredibly moved by the support from Councillors, staff and the community. 

On doctor’s orders, Cr White is extending her leave of absence by a week, which means I’m in the hot seat until Friday 30 May. The Mayor’s Open Office sessions are on hiatus until she gets greater movement back in her shoulder.  

I’ve certainly been kept busy with a raft of community events and meetings. Thanks to all community members in Ulladulla and beyond who made everyone feel welcome for the Community Cabinet on Tuesday. Around 400 constituents tackled Premier Chris Minns and many of his Ministers across a range of issues such as housing and hospitals among a raft of topics covered.  

communit cabinet minns.jpg

Separately, Acting CEO James Ruprai and I had a private briefing with Premier Minns to inform him of the current state of play in the Shoalhaven while also selling a case for the region to be at the forefront of his government’s attention. There were also productive audiences with Ministers Janelle Saffin and Penny Sharpe involving emergency management, betterment, and flooding and entrance management.

 

willinga park.jpg

I also had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Gold Buckle Campdraft final at the spectacular Willinga Park at Bawley Point (pictured above). The four-day event culminating in Saturday’s final was wonderfully staged and resulted in a hugely entertaining final with Tamworth’s Hugh Miles on Vintage Whiskey claiming the healthy 100k winner’s cheque.

Shout out to Cr Matthew Norris who got his dancing shoes on and performed at the Stars of Nowra event last weekend. While I wasn’t able to attend, I heard it was a stellar performance and I’d like to extend my thanks to the community for their support of Cr Norris and the whole event. I continue to be in awe of the generosity of residents here in the Shoalhaven.  

As always, we have a raft of documents on public exhibition awaiting your valuable feedback, and some only have a few days left for you to have your say.  

I’ll be chairing the Ordinary Meeting again next Tuesday 27 May – hope to see you there. 

Deputy Mayor,  

Peter Wilkins 

 

 

Friday 16 May 2025

Message from Deputy Mayor Peter Wilkins

I’ve had some mighty big shoes to fill this week and it’s certainly given me a new appreciation for the work carried out by the Mayor. 

Cr White has had little choice but to hand me the reins as she recovers at home from a fractured collarbone and injured shoulder. When we spoke earlier this week, she was in good spirits but must limit the movement in her arm to aid her recovery. I’ll be filling in until 23 May while she takes a leave of absence and I'm sure you'll join me in wishing her a speedy recovery. 

Today, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) approved Council’s request for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) of 12 per cent from 1 July 2025. The rate increase of 12 per cent, including the 3.8 per cent rate peg, will see an average increase in rates of around $3.46 a week. We know that every cent counts in households across the Shoalhaven, but this increase will allow us to prioritise the backlog of maintenance required for critical assets across the city. You can find more information here. 

My week has had a sport focus which, as a cricket tragic, has suited me just fine. I had the honor of attending the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) Mayoral Afternoon Tea on Monday to recognise the outstanding achievements of local athletes and coaches. I also headed out to the Artie Smith Oval to receive an award from Cricket Australia and one from the New South Wales Cricket Association (which triggered the major award). The Oval has been recognised as the Community Facility Project of the Year and if you’ve ever visited this incredible facility, you’ll know why. 

As well, there was a delightful midweek visit to Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services in East Nowra for morning tea as part of their Neighbourhood Centre week celebrations. The team do an incredible job with a wide range of social, training and support activities for individuals, families and groups. Congratulations for your ongoing dedication to the community. Thank you Nadia and the team for a warm welcome and ongoing inspiration. 

Speaking of facilities and the places and spaces that we love to visit, Council has just kicked off its review of the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan (CISP) which establishes a 30-year vision for community facilities and open spaces to help guide short, medium and long-term planning and investment. With more than 600 open spaces and community facilities across the Shoalhaven, we want to know what you want from the buildings, parks, pools, sportsgrounds and playgrounds in your neighbourhood. Make sure you do the survey.   

Next Tuesday I'll be heading down to the Ulladulla Civic Centre where the NSW Government will be holding its Community Cabinet. The event presents residents with an opportunity to engage with the NSW Premier, Chris Minns and Cabinet Ministers about local priorities. I hope you’ll consider attending as it presents a great opportunity for us all to raise issues that matter to us here in the Shoalhaven.  

One issue we tackled this week was around stormwater at Culburra and Orient Point. Residents will be pleased to know Council will now begin clearing your drains on a quarterly basis to help mitigate flooding of low-lying areas. Thank you to the residents out there who raised this with us. We’re pleased we could find a resolution and hope it will ease your concern, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. We should have a maintenance schedule up on Council’s website in the coming weeks. 

We also announced this week that specialised rehabilitation works on The Wool Road in Old Erowal Bay will begin after the long weekend in June. A single lane is being built so residents won't have to detour via Tomerong and we’ll keep you updated on the exact start date in the coming weeks. 

I’d also like to remind you of the important polices, strategies and plans we currently have on public exhibition. Please take some time to have a read and make sure your voice is heard.  

Have a great weekend.

Deputy Mayor,  

Peter Wilkins 

 

 

Friday 9 May

I’d like to start this week by congratulating Fiona Phillips on her reelection to the seat of Gilmore following the Federal election last weekend. I acknowledge the commitment of all the candidates who campaigned for the seat. I look forward to continuing to work with the Member for Gilmore and the Albanese Government to deliver important projects across the Shoalhaven.

Speaking of democratic process, the NSW Government will be holding its Community Cabinet at the Ulladulla Civic Centre on Tuesday 20 May. The event presents residents with an opportunity to engage with the NSW Premier, Chris Minns and Cabinet Ministers about local priorities. Registration is essential as seats are limited. I’ve provided a link below for more information.

 Community Cabinet | NSW Government

And if you’re looking for more important events to attend, Council and our emergency services partners are hosting a mini emergency management and recovery expo at the Sussex Inlet Community Centre on Wednesday 21 May from 5pm until 7pm.

Meet with the RFS, SES, Police, Marine Rescue, Fire Rescue, NSW Health and our floodplain and coastal teams at the expo. Get your questions answered and hear about emergency management and recovery services. The expo will also travel to Huskisson in July and Kangaroo Valley in September. Make sure to RSVP here.

We currently have several important policy documents on exhibition including our draft Delivery Program, Operation Plan and Budget 2025-26 and both the draft Lake Conjola and Shoalhaven River entrance management policies. We’ve recently extended the exhibition period for both EMPs, so I strongly encourage you to have a read and provide your feedback before the consultation period ends.  

Please also keep an eye out for our Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan review. With more than 600 open space and community facilities across the Shoalhaven, we’re asking what you want from the buildings, parks, pools, sportsgrounds and playgrounds in your neighbourhood. The plan establishes a 30-year vision to help guide short, medium and long-term planning and investment so, please make sure you have your say when it goes live next week.

Unfortunately, my next Open Office session at Sussex Inlet will be cancelled as I’ve been unwell this week. I will update you about the next opportunity to meet with me soon. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Council representatives in each of your wards or contact Council directly.

Mayor,

Patricia White

 

Friday 2 May 2025

The rain has been unrelenting this week and combined with the darker, cooler nights, it’s certainly feeling like we’re gearing up for winter.  

On Wednesday, the wet weather saw Tabourie Lake reach its planned opening level of 1.3 metres and the entrance was mechanically opened. In addition, the grass out the front of the Ulladulla Civic Centre is sodden, so make sure you enter from St Vincent Street where there’s a good concrete pathway if you’re headed to the polls this weekend. 

I had the great pleasure of announcing the winner of the Halloran Contemporary Art Prize People’s Choice Award at the Jervis Bay Museum at the weekend. Congratulations to Beric Henderson who received the most votes for his artwork ‘Landfall (29th April, 1770)’.  

I also popped into Mudgeroo Wombat and Wildlife Refuge to hear how they’re trying to secure their property and wildlife facilities. The refuge does such valuable work for our precious native animals and I was happy to offer advice on the steps they need to take so they can continue to operate. 

At this week’s Ordinary Meeting Council endorsed the Delivery Program, Operational Plan and budget 2025-26 which is now on exhibition. The document outlines what Council will deliver next financial year and also includes longer term community goals and objectives.  

The draft Community Strategic Plan 2035 is also on exhibition, detailing the community’s aspirations for the Shoalhaven and the actions Council will take to work toward achieving these goals for the long term. Make sure you have your say on these important documents. 

Shoalhaven Water is proposing an increase in water and sewer usage and availability charges to help cover the increased costs of providing these services, as well as raising funds required for future capital works projects. These extra funds will go towards the delivery of the Bamarang to Milton Water Trunk Main Stage 2 project and major sewerage treatment plant refurbishment. The treated water usage charge will increase from $2.50 to $2.85/kL although Shoalhaven Water will remain one of the most affordable for water customers in NSW. 

We also have important policy documents on public exhibition, and we’re keen for your feedback. I’d encourage you to have a read and have your say before the consultation period closes.  

My next Open Office session is on Saturday 10 May at the Sussex Inlet Neighbourhood Centre between 9.30am and 1pm so please swing by if you have something to discuss. 

Before I go, I’d like to share some personal news. Many of you will know that last December I underwent a surgical procedure to have melanoma removed from my cheek. At a recent check-up, more cancer was discovered, and I will once again need to undergo surgery. 

I’m optimistic about making a full recovery but it has once again reminded me about the importance of being sun-safe, particularly in this beautiful part of the world where we’re outside so often. I am guilty of not always wearing a hat and I implore you to please think of sun protection every time you leave the house.  

My procedure is a few weeks away yet, but I’ll be certain to keep you updated on how I'm going. 

Mayor,  

Patricia White 

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