The Shellharbour Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) guides the future of land use planning across the Shellharbour LGA for the next 20 years. The LSPS will help shape how we grow and ensure we have the infrastructure to support it.

The LSPS was adopted by Council on 18 November 2025. Once adopted, the LSPS is forwarded to The Secretary of the NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure to provide written advice that the Statement is consistent with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041. The LSPS will then become a consideration when preparing LEPs. Planning proposals must justify any proposed changes to LEPs, including indicating whether the changes will give effect to the relevant LSPS.

This is the first major review of the LSPS since it was first adopted in 2020. Since 2020, Council has supported new homes in Calderwood and Shell Cove, helped pave the way for the new Shellharbour Hospital, and introduced key strategies for net zero emissions, open space and active transport.

To achieve the vision for Shellharbour, the city will need to make the most of key areas that support jobs, housing and vibrant communities. This will take strong collaboration across all levels of government, industry and the community, as well as good planning across transport, health, education and local services.

The LSPS focuses on four key themes:

• Housing & Growth – planning for more homes in the right places
• Environment & Sustainability – protecting nature and preparing for climate change
• Community & Place – creating safe, welcoming spaces with good services
• Jobs & Productivity – supporting local jobs, tourism and businesses
   

To deliver this vision, the LSPS includes Planning Priorities and Actions under each of the above themes which Council will lead and aim to deliver before the next review. These actions focus on planning for housing, sustainability, infrastructure and local centres. They include reviewing the Local Housing Strategy and Development Control Plan, developing a Biodiversity Framework and Coastal Management Plan, and progressing planning work for areas like the Shellharbour City Centre, Shellharbour Hospital Precinct and key centres identified for growth in the East Lake Illawarra Corridor, which extends from Oak Flats through to Port Kembla train station, via Shellharbour City Centre, Warilla and then Port Kembla.