An aerial shot of the revamped Reddall Reserve promenade. Photo: Michael Boyle Photography.
Shellharbour City Council has delivered a $3.5 million positive operating result for 2024–2025, defying an early-year deficit forecast and capping off a year marked by major infrastructure upgrades, award-winning projects, and strong community outcomes.
The annual report and audited financial statements were adopted by Shellharbour City councillors this month.
Councillor John Davey said the operating result, before capital grants and contributions, was $37.5 million, or $3.5 million excluding the Shell Cove project.
“That was a nice turnaround from the expected deficit when we started the year,” he said.
Cr Davey said within that, 152 actions were identified, monitored and actioned throughout the year, with 151 on track.
He also highlighted Shellharbour’s sizable investment in infrastructure, with 77 capital works projects completed and more than $33.4 million spent on essential upgrades to roads, parks, and other essential infrastructure.
Among those were the Reddall Reserve southern amenities block upgrade and Cec Glenholmes Sportsfield.
Mayor Chris Homer said the report highlighted council’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality services and shaping a thriving and connected community.
“The annual report captures the impressive breadth of work undertaken during the past financial year, from vital infrastructure projects and environmental improvements to events and initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing,” Cr Homer said.
Other highlights included the city receiving five major awards this year, including international recognition for the Yirran muru playspace, named Best Playground in the 2025 Monocle Design Awards.
The interpretive playspace has now won a total of 11 awards since its opening.
Reddall Reserve Promenade received an Excellence Award from the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, for transforming the area into an active and accessible foreshore space blending environmentally friendly design with community connection.
Shellharbour remained one of the best performing councils in NSW for processing development applications (DAs).
DAs were assessed at an average of 73 days, well below the state benchmark of 111, resulting in council’s Accelerated Assessment Project being recognised as a finalist in the LGNSW Planning Awards.
Cr Davey said the Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park had achieved an 85 per cent occupancy rate during the year.
“That’s pretty good. That’s an excellent result for council, and particularly for Shellharbour, because I imagine a lot of money would be spent in the village as a result of that,” he said.
Cr Mitch Ellis said another element of the report proving the strength of Shellharbour as a tourist destination was a major award win this year.
“Shellharbour was awarded the silver in the NSW Top Tourism Town awards,” Cr Ellis said.
“That was supported by the successful Shellharbour Our Time campaign.”
Council has also had a focus on connecting the community, which saw more than 80,000 people attend council events throughout the year, including Carols by Candlelight, Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake and the Enchanted Forest.
The meeting also included adoption of the quarterly report and local strategic planning statement.
The full 2024-2025 Annual Report is now available to view online.
