A revitalised Wollongong Health Precinct is one step closer following the release of an Engagement Outcomes Report detailing the community's views on the proposed development following community consultations in 2024.
The key issues detailed in the Engagement Outcomes Report, focused on parking and transport links to access the site, public safety upgrades, an expansion of general and specialised healthcare services, more local housing for key health workers such as cleaners, and more public open space.
The engagement program undertook extensive consultation with the local community, including eight information sessions, online surveys, written submissions and targeted workshops with culturally and linguistically diverse groups.
Feedback was also sought from local Indigenous community groups, along with research and education providers, as well as industry and peak bodies.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has been using its findings from the report to prepare the Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy.
The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy will incorporate future planning for NSW Health's Master Plan for Wollongong Public Hospital, Transport for NSW's Wollongong Station Master Plan and Access Strategy and Wollongong City Council's Local Housing Plan and Integrated Transport Strategy.
The Strategy will be publicly exhibited early next year, giving the community, landowners and other stakeholders a further opportunity to provide more feedback.
To view the report visit - Engagement Outcomes Report - Wollongong Health Precinct
Minister for Health, Regional Health, Illawarra & the South Coast Ryan Park said:
"As the demand for health services grows in the Illawarra, we recognise Wollongong Hospital needs to meet that increased pressure.
"As the largest hospital in the area Wollongong provides a comprehensive range of services for the community, and this process enables our government to shape the future of this important healthcare precinct.
"I am delighted to see the interest the community is taking in this hospital. Valuable feedback provided for this report about Wollongong Hospital will go a long way to ensuring it continues to meet the healthcare needs of the Illawarra for decades to come."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
"As Wollongong continues to grow and change, it continues to attract world class public and private investment to the area.
"This new opportunity will see investment in Wollongong's housing supply and choice, creation of new jobs and improved public spaces, infrastructure and services.
"Wollongong's emerging Health Precinct will play a vital role in contributing to this growth.
"The Engagement Outcomes Report is a key piece of information, along with the Hospital Masterplan, Wollongong Station Masterplan and Council's local housing plans, in the development of the Wollongong Health Precinct."
