The Minister for Planning Pru Goward and Minister for the Illawarra John Ajaka announced on 9 October the release of the Draft Illawarra Regional Growth and Infrastructure Plan.
The draft plan follows extensive community consultation, and it aims to expand the region’s economy to create new jobs close to home and form the blueprint for future planning for the region.
The draft plan sets out six key areas of action:
1. Transforming places
An urban renewal plan for the Wollongong Centre will be developed with a key focus on integrating transport between the University, the Hospital and the City Centre. Further work to be undertaken in northern Illawarra to improve liveability in the Northern Growth Corridor. In the southern Illawarra the draft Plan will coordinate opportunities for new growth. The Maldon Dombarton rail corridor will be protected as part of an international trade gateway action plan.
2. Developing a prosperous Illawarra
The draft Plan makes growing the economy a priority –maximising opportunities coming from Port Kembla, the University of Wollongong and Wollongong Hospital. An economic action plan will be developed to leverage existing and new opportunities through the on-going development of Port Kembla and to attract new businesses and industries.
3. Meeting demand for housing
The draft Plan continues to ensure that there is a wide-range of homes available in West Lake Illawarra and Nowra-Bomaderry through the coordination of land release and infrastructure. There will also be opportunities for new housing in other smaller release areas across the Region.
4. Providing the infrastructure necessary for the Illawarra’s growth
Infrastructure plans will be developed for the new release areas of West Lake Illawarra and Nowra-Bomaderry in the short term. Strategic investment in the region’s infrastructure will continue to be a priority for the NSW Government.
5. Managing the Illawarra’s agriculture and natural resources
Measures will be put in place to better manage agricultural and natural resources including the protection of drinking water catchment areas, strategic biodiversity assessment of Dunmore Hills and mapping regionally significant agricultural land.
6. Managing the Illawarra’s environment and heritage
The draft Plan maps significant heritage and environmental areas in the region to ensure that appropriate controls are in place for new housing and employment land. Work will continue to protect environmentally significant areas of West Dapto and Nowra Bomaderry.
The draft plan is available for viewing and comment at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/illawarra