Council's expansion of the Flinders Industrial Estate at South Nowra is being heralded as a success with recent land sales set to stimulate jobs and economic growth in the region.
Council owns and develops a range of sites throughout the city known as 'employment lands,' as part of its vision to meet the future needs of the region's growing population.
Since 1978, these developments have been located at Bomaderry, North Nowra, South Nowra, Huskisson and Yerriyong.
During that time, over 200 lots have been subdivided, sold and developed to accommodate the needs of the local industry, equating to an estimated 3000 jobs over the 40 years of the development program.
To support this ongoing program, Council was awarded $3 million from the NSW Government to subdivide six hectares of land on Norfolk Avenue, inside the Flinders Industrial Estate, into eight serviced industrial lots.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the expansion of the Flinders Industrial Estate was a key step in driving economic growth and job creation for South Nowra and the wider region.
"These industrial lots will not only attract new businesses to the region but also support the expansion of existing businesses, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits across the community," Minister Moriarty said.
"The NSW Government is committed to backing projects like this that deliver real results for regional NSW, and I'm proud to see the progress being made here in the Shoalhaven."
This funding has allowed Council to deliver essential infrastructure on those lots, including power, drainage, water and sewage to attract serious buyers with shovel-ready projects.
"All construction work at the site was completed by local companies and five businesses have now purchased the lots with a view to expanding their operations locally or relocating to the region," said Director City Futures, Coralie McCarthy.
"It's a fantastic outcome as the sale of this land will result diversification of industries and the creation of new jobs for the city providing a positive and sustainable impact on the Shoalhaven economy.
"The NSW Government's significant investment in our city has been crucial in enabling us to stimulate this important growth to ensure our burgeoning community continues to thrive," she said.
Liza Butler, State MP for the South Coast said the expansion of the Flinders Industrial Estate marks a pivotal moment for South Nowra and the wider Shoalhaven region.
"This project demonstrates how collaboration between Council and the NSW Government can fuel economic growth, create sustainable jobs, and attract new industries to our community," Ms Butler said.
"I am proud to support initiatives that not only foster business expansion but also lay the foundation for a thriving and resilient local economy.
"This is a significant step forward for our region, and I look forward to seeing the long-term benefits it will bring to our people," she said.
A structural steel fabricator, residential and commercial builder and a chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing businesses were among the successful applicants.
Industrial goods, nutraceuticals, and infant nutrition manufacturer Essence Group also secured land at the site.
The Shoalhaven-headquartered business hopes to build a new manufacturing facility which will employ 350 staff once it is operational.
