Backing the Illawarra Shoalhaven: Invest to Support Growth
The Property Council of Australia is calling on the NSW Government to use the 2025 Budget to prioritise investment in critical infrastructure, transport, and economic development to support rapid growth across the Illawarra Shoalhaven region.
Property Council NSW Deputy Executive Director Anita Hugo said that with more than 427,000 people calling the region home and the third-largest economy in NSW, it is time for the government to match the region's growth with strategic investment.
"The Illawarra Shoalhaven is transforming-it has a diverse and expanding economy, a world-class university, and a strong lifestyle offering, but it needs the right infrastructure and planning in place to realise its full potential," Ms Hugo said.
"The region needs funding for transport, housing, and economic precincts so it remains a vibrant and competitive place to live and work."
Ms Hugo said key projects such as the expansion of Port Kembla, investment in the Wollongong CBD, and funding for health precincts will be essential to support the region's future.
"Wollongong's CBD continues to emerge as the region's capital, but we need more backing to accelerate growth in health, tourism, commercial, and housing development," she said.
"Port Kembla is already an economic powerhouse, and with the right investment in its expansion and the Bluescope Port Kembla Master Plan, we could see up to 30,000 new jobs in advanced manufacturing and emerging industries."
The Property Council's Budget Submission will also call for dedicated funding for the Illawarra Sports and Entertainment Precinct, the Nowra Riverfront Precinct, the development of a regional tourism strategy, and more funding for improved transport connections.
"The Illawarra Shoalhaven is already a destination of choice, but we need better tourism infrastructure, upgraded entertainment precincts, and a coordinated strategy to maximise the economic impact of the visitor economy.
"We also need increased funding for train and bus services between regional centres, and better connections to Western Sydney, South-West Sydney, and the Aerotropolis-all of which are expected to see enormous growth in the coming years," Ms Hugo said.
