{from a piece in the Shoalhaven & Nowra News May 1977}.
Mother Nature has certainly looked kindly for centuries upon the magnificent beach at Shoalhaven Heads, generously providing it with golden sands and strong, exciting waves.
Long before the days of David Berry and the district's pioneers the waves constantly pounded the beachfront with a firm but tolerant understanding.
And the sounds of the winds and gales were part of the normal weather cycle.
The area to most people Nowra people is best known as the important opening to the Pacific Ocean through which the waters of the great Shoalhaven River enter the sea. (Editor: But not anymore)
Flooding on the lower parts of the delta has occurred and while temporary concern, of course, has been expressed most residents of Shoalhaven Heads claim the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

But now all this has changed!

Shoalhaven Heads, a little centre close to Nowra, known for its excellent beach, oysters and pleasant surrounds, has a big problem. The beach is disappearing!
And what is left is being covered in some eerie way by thousands of pieces of logs and debris from upstream Shoalhaven River.
A comfortable walk up and down the beach is now almost impossible. Also the diminution of sand and erosion caused by various forces has placed the $100,000 plus Shoalhaven Heads Surf Lifesaving Clubhouse within three metres of falling into the sea.
The shire council already has spent many thousands of dollars trying to stop the erosion to save the clubhouse, but one wonders whether the great forces of Nature are going to prove unconquerable.
Council must face this possibility before it spends more money in beach patch-work.

This important issue needs serious discussion.

What are your views on the plan? Do we need some development here to improve services and enhance our area or do you think we should try to retain the 'sleepy village' atmosphere?

Add your comments to this post (use the comment form below) and also register your vote on the latest Poll.

Let's get the ball rolling - why do you like living here? Let us all know your 'pros and con's of our village. What makes it special to you and what do you think needs improvement?

Personally, having only been a 'local' for just over 3 years now, I can only say that the place is fantastic.
Everyone I have come in contact with, either personally or in business has been welcoming and friendly.

Pros: The weather (cool sea breezes on hot summer days keeps it far more comfortable than town) - the facilities (well, we have almost everything here we need don't we?) - the beach and river of course!
Cons: None that I can think of except the painful drive into town for the big supermarket shop!

I believe that our community needs a purpose built childcare centre that includes an Out Of School Hours (OOSH) service as well. The current childcare centre is based in the original town hall. It may have been suitable 15- 20 years ago when it catered only for preschool aged children. Today the centre caters for 2 - 5 years olds in one large room. This means 4-5 year old children miss out on vital learning equipment because it could be deemed hazardous for two year olds.

There has been talk about renovating the hall to accomodate this need. This would only be a bandaid as there is inadequate storage, inadequate design for appropriate supervision at all times. We need to move into the 21st century with modern facilities that cater for under two's, 2 - 3's, and 4 - 5 year old children.

Why change a perfectly good building that could be used by other community groups such as a a performing arts or theatre group etc? If the Marina goes ahead and employment opportunities increase, then families will need adequate childcare for both preschool and school age children.

If you agree why don't you convey your thought to the Shoalhaven Harbour group who are in the consultation phase with our community in regards to what our community needs.

In 1797 the Shoalhaven area was crossed by the survivors of the wreck of the Sydney Cove and then by explorer George Bass who, investigating their reports, followed Seven Mile Beach, crossed the shoals at the entrance to the Shoalhaven River and noted the fertile river flats. He named the shallow mouth of the Crookhaven River (as it is now known) 'Shoals Haven'.

In 1805 the coastline was mapped from the land by Lieutenant Kent and assistant surveyor-general James Meehan. They explored the area noting the dense rainforest and heavy timber in the area.

Seven years later surveyor George William Evans journeyed from Jervis Bay to the Shoalhaven, which he crossed in a bark canoe, and climbed Cambewarra Mountain where he remarked upon the magnificent views. He descended to Broughton Creek and struck out to the coast before returning to Appin.

James Meehan returned in 1818 when he was sent with explorers Charles Throsby and Hamilton Hume by Governor Macquarie to seek a route from the southern tablelands to Jervis Bay. Meehan and Hume followed the Shoalhaven upriver while Throsby, with the help of Aboriginal guides, explored Kangaroo Valley down to the Shoalhaven then crossed it and journeyed on to Jervis Bay. The following year Meehan and Hume returned to the area.

From 1830 the current site of Shoalhaven Heads was known as 'Jerry Bailey' for reasons now lost. The name was changed in 1955.

There were nothing but primitive huts manned by fishermen for quite some time and no lasting settlement occurred until the 1930s.

Coolangatta was settled in 1822 by Alexander Berry and Edward Wollstonecraft. They obtained a grant of 10,000 acres and 100 convicts and built their settlement on the foothills of the mountain named 'Coolangatta', an Aboriginal word meaning view.