Illawarra Shoalhaven Sets a Strong Pace on Housing Approvals
New building approvals data released today show councils in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven are setting a strong pace compared to others in NSW, but home approvals are still projected to fall short of meeting State Government housing targets under the National Housing Accord.
Property Council NSW Deputy Executive Director Anita Hugo said the latest figures show just 2,039 new homes have been approved in the region in the first nine months of the Accord period - less than 11 per cent of the five-year target of 18,800 homes.
"At this rate, the region is on track to deliver 72 per cent of its target by 2029 - marginally better than the 60 per cent state-wide outlook but still leaving the region more than 5,000 homes short.
"These figures reflect a broader trend across NSW - approvals are improving in some areas, but the system is too slow and too patchy."
Ms Hugo said Wollongong has a strong track record of strategic planning but remains hampered by delayed rezonings and infrastructure shortfalls.
"Wollongong's city centre is well positioned for higher density living, but we need faster approvals and infrastructure investment to bring those homes online," she said.
Ms Hugo also pointed to major opportunities in the Shoalhaven, where population growth continues to outpace housing delivery.
"The region has real potential to support hundreds of new homes, but that won't happen unless the State Government steps in to fast-track enabling infrastructure and planning approvals," she said.
The Property Council is calling for the upcoming State Budget to boost funding for council planning teams to lift DA assessment capacity and prioritise enabling infrastructure in Wollongong and Shoalhaven's growth areas.
"This is a region with huge housing potential, but delivery is being choked by delay," Ms Hugo said.
"With the right support in the Budget, we can unlock thousands of homes, support the region's growth, and contribute meaningfully to NSW's housing targets."
