Since the mid 1970s Shoalhaven Council established an Economic Development Office to stimulate the growth in the local economy.
Realizing that to achieve employment growth, a specially tasked group within Council was needed to work with all industrial sectors but especially in those sectors that have the greater multiplier effects like manufacturing, defence & defence support, transport & logistics. Government services are also able to bring new money into the economy and major offices for the Royal Australian Navy, NSW Fisheries, NSW Office of Local Government, Corrective Services NSW have been attracted to Shoalhaven in recent times.
When helping business, the Economic Development Office works collaboratively with other government services to assist business and will adopt a role as an advocate for business in their dealings with Council.
Council's Economic Development Office also develops employment lands and currently has industrial estates at South Nowra, Huskisson and Yerriyong (adjacent to HMAS Albatross). The EDO can provide information on industrial and commercial premises to lease.