Shoalhaven City Council has proposed a new round of public land sales aimed at improving its long-term financial position, but the plan has generated significant concern among residents, community groups and local stakeholders across the New South Wales South Coast.

The proposal forms part of the council's financial sustainability strategy, which seeks to reduce debt and strengthen the council's budget following years of increasing financial pressure. Council says proceeds from land sales would primarily be used to repay loans and improve its financial stability rather than fund day-to-day operations.

However, the proposal has been met with strong opposition from sections of the community who argue that many of the sites identified for possible sale have important environmental, recreational and social value. Residents fear that once public land is sold into private ownership, it may never be available for community use again.

Among the most controversial proposals are parcels of land in Berry, Depot Beach, Nowra and Ulladulla, where locals have previously objected to the disposal of council-owned properties. Some councillors had already voted to retain several of these sites following earlier rounds of public consultation, but new recommendations have reopened discussions about their future.

Community organisations argue that several of the properties play important roles as open space, parking areas, environmental corridors or future community facilities. Critics also question whether the financial benefit of selling the land outweighs the long-term loss of public assets.

Council maintains that every property has undergone assessment before being considered for sale. Factors examined include whether the land is actively used, whether it has strategic value for future development, planning restrictions, environmental constraints and whether private ownership could deliver better use of the land. The council says only underutilised or non-essential properties are being considered for disposal.

Public consultation remains an important part of the decision-making process. Residents are able to review maps of the proposed properties, access detailed information about each site and submit feedback before final decisions are made. Council says community responses will be considered before any sale proceeds.

The debate comes as Shoalhaven continues to manage financial challenges linked to infrastructure costs, disaster recovery spending and rising operational expenses. Council believes reducing debt through selective property sales will improve its long-term financial outlook while allowing continued investment in essential community services.

Opponents, however, say alternative cost-saving measures should be explored before valuable public land is sold. Several local groups have called for greater transparency and stronger community involvement throughout the process.

Council is expected to continue reviewing submissions before making final decisions on the proposed land sales. The outcome will determine whether a number of council-owned properties remain in public ownership or are placed on the market as part of the financial sustainability program.