A draft 20-year plan for the Illawarra Shoalhaven has been released for public exhibition by the NSW Government, outlining a vision for housing, jobs, infrastructure and environmental protection across one of the state’s fastest-growing regions.
The plan outlines a vision to deliver 117,000 more homes, more than 101,000 new jobs and the delivery of critical infrastructure such as transport, roads, schools, and health services, with the Illawarra Shoalhaven expected to be home to an extra 161,000 people by 2046.
The draft plan also sets a benchmark for jobs growth targets for each local government area in the region.
“We’re planning for the years to come by creating more opportunities close to where people live, whether that’s new jobs, more homes or better-connected communities,” said Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and Member for Keira, Ryan Park.
The plan identifies Port Kembla, the Wollongong Health Precinct, Shellharbour Airport and industrial lands around Nowra as key locations to drive employment and economic growth.
Additionally, it acknowledges the need for improved transport connections between Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and Shoalhaven and stronger connections to South West Sydney and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, which is an emerging epicentre for employment and investment opportunities.
The plan also highlights the increasing connectivity and strengthening economic, social and strategic relationship of the region with South West Sydney by bringing the Wingecarribee Local Government Area into Illawarra Shoalhaven region.
Around 80% of housing growth will be focused around key urban centres like Wollongong, Shellharbour, Bowral, Kiama, and Nowra with access to jobs, transport, schools and services.
This reflects recent work around Transport Oriented Development precincts in Corrimal, Dapto, and North Wollongong, and will help councils identify opportunities for more housing to make sure there is a steady supply of feasible development-ready land, said Planning Minister, Paul Scully.
“The Illawarra-Shoalhaven is one of the country’s great regions and through this plan for the region we are helping build a bright future for it,” said Mr Scully.
“By including the Wingecarribee region for the first time this recognises the growing social and economic connections between the Illawarra and southwest Sydney.
“Through its jobs targets the Plan is backing the region’s economic future. Driving key employment precinct in Port Kembla, the Wollongong Health Precinct, Shellharbour Airport and industrial lands around Nowra while also strengthening ties to the emerging innovation and investment hub that is Western Sydney Aerotropolis.”
The plan prioritises protecting the Illawarra Shoalhaven’s unique environmental assets, while creating new opportunities for First Nations land management and stewardship.
It also supports the delivery of Australia’s first Urban Renewable Energy Zone, helping position the Illawarra Shoalhaven at the centre of the state’s clean energy future.
Following the release of the NSW Government’s draft Sydney Plan in late 2025, the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Plan is the next region plan to be released as part of a new generation of simpler, action-focused plans.
Together, these plans will support a more consistent, coordinated and fit-for-purpose planning system that delivers on the NSW Government’s broader planning reforms flowing from the passage in November 2025 of legislation to overhaul the nearly 50-year-old Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
Once finalised, the Plan will make sure the region’s growth is well-planned and support a more connected coastline with liveable communities, backed by a strong economy, the Government said in a statement accompanying its release.
“Through the LG8 we have demonstrated how our super region is working collaboratively to meet the challenges identified in this plan. We will continue to work with our State colleagues to meet these targets and deliver our regional priorities,” said Wollongong Lord Mayor, Tania Brown.
The public have until Monday, 28 September to have their say on the plan.
For more information and to view the draft Plan, visit NSW Planning.
