Shoalhaven Subregion covers an area of 4660 km2 and spans 1000 kilometres of the NSW South Coast from Foxground in the North to Durras in the South.
The Shoalhaven landscape is home to some of the outstanding natural features of the South Coast of NSW. The landscape contains wetlands of national importance, significant habitat for international migratory species, and is a habitat stronghold for the threatened Green and Golden Bell Frog. The scenic beauty of the lower Shoalhaven and the lifestyle of coastal and estuary villages attract large numbers of visitors to the area. Important Aboriginal places around the estuary, coastal floodplain and headlands reflect a cultural attachment to the estuary’s natural resources extending over thousands of years.
Already one of the largest urban centres on the NSW South Coast, Nowra/Bomaderry is identified as a growth area with population expected to double in the next 25 years.
The geology is dominated by Permian age sandstones and siltstones. Older Ordovician age slates and shales make up the basement in the Clyde Valley with volcanic intrusions evident in the north of the City and at Milton and Bawley Point. The area is predominantly hilly or mountainous country to the west with a narrow coastal strip to the east.
Most of the soils of the area are moderately to strongly acidic and due to the parent geology most are of poor nutrient status with low water holding capacity. The high nutrient status soils of volcanic origin (eg Milton Monzonite) or alluvial origin (eg Shoalhaven Floodplain) have generally been cleared and represent very good agricultural land.
This past clearing of largely rainforest vegetation has had significant impacts on regional wildlife. Today eucalypt forests and woodlands dominate the area with cleared land being prevalent in the alluvial valleys and in regions closer to the coast. Various specialised flora and fauna have developed in the rainforests, wetlands, coastal sand dunes and heath areas.
Crown Land, State Forest and National Park make up 64% of the Shoalhaven land area providing significant habitat for flora and fauna. Diverse coastline habitats represented by beaches, estuaries, wetlands and lakes along the coast are important for both the biodiversity values of the Shoalhaven and commercially for recreational and fishing opportunities.
The Shoalhaven NRM region includes a number of sensitive natural assets. The Shoalhaven River and estuary system, Jervis Bay, Coomondary Swamp and Lake Wollumboola and a number of other coastal lakes and estuaries all represent sensitive natural environments. High population growth rates in the Shoalhaven places considerable pressure on these natural resources, highlighting the need for appropriate management and investment.
To view events taking place in the Shoalhaven sub-region visit the
events page
