A focus on new green, public spaces to take advantage of the stunning coastline and attractive townships and the creation of employment zones to boost jobs are key priorities in the latest vision for the Illawarra Shoalhaven area.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the updated Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 would guide the region's future growth while celebrating the unique scenic qualities and tourism opportunities.
"What the region needs is jobs. One of the pillars to this updated plan is the identification of seven major employment precincts which will pave the way for 45,000 new jobs," Mr Stokes said.
"It is a stunningly beautiful part of the State and we want to capitalise on the region's natural features. To do this, we want to improve and expand the green space network and suburban tree canopy cover to attract more visitors but to promote the wellbeing and health of locals.
"Underpinning this is ensuring we have the right infrastructure in place to support the region as it grows. This plan is supported by a Special Infrastructure Contribution scheme that sets out how $124 million worth of roads, green space, health, transport and emergency services will be delivered and improved."
Member for the South Coast Shelley Hancock said the plan identified opportunities to boost the region's tourism potential.
"We want to support a vibrant night-life, enhance city centres and foreshores and make it easier for farmers to grow and diversify their business through agritourism opportunities," Mrs Hancock said.
"The plan also preserves the unique rural coastal character that has made the region such an attractive place for people to live, visit and do business".
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 will help the region prosper with more jobs, improved tourism, stronger green links and more affordable housing. The plan includes:
- around 30,000 new homes focused in West Lake, Nowra-Bomaderry and a shared vision for the future of Bombo Quarry lands;
- establishing seven major employment precincts from Port Kembla to Albatross Aviation and Technology Park supporting 45,000 new jobs;
- planting more trees in our cities and towns and develop a green grid to deliver new parks, playgrounds, cycleways and public spaces;
- establishing an Illawarra Shoalhaven Affordable Housing Roundtable;
- taking advantage of the region's proximity to Canberra and the future Western Sydney Airport by making it easier for farmers to grow and diversify their business;
- supporting Port Kembla as a green hydrogen hub to create economic and jobs growth in the region.
