The Minns Labor Government is backing the Illawarra Shoalhaven and helping it plan for a strong future with the release of the draft Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Plan.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven is one of the state’s fastest growing regions and the Plan will help cement its position as a globally connected hub for investment, innovation, jobs and a great place to live.
The draft 20-year Plan, which is now on exhibition, will guide the region’s long-term direction for homes, jobs and infrastructure investment.
It has set clear goals to help deliver 117,000 more homes, more than 101,000 new jobs and mapped out the delivery of critical infrastructure such as transport, roads, schools, and health services to make sure communities across the region can continue to thrive.
With the Illawarra Shoalhaven expected to be home to an extra 161,000 people by 2046 it’s critical we create a clear vision now which can make sure the growth of homes and jobs happens in the right places.
For the first time the draft Plan sets a benchmark for jobs growth targets for each local government area in the region.
Through this planning it has identified 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.
To continue to support vibrant communities around 80 per cent 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.
Building on this the Plan will strengthen vibrant centres and public spaces across the region, including key destinations such as Wollongong Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centre, the Nowra Riverfront and Warrawong Parklands, alongside beaches, national parks, and other community spaces.
It also prioritises protecting the Illawarra Shoalhaven’s unique environmental assets, while creating new opportunities for First Nations land management and stewardship.
Importantly, the Plan 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 community have until Monday, 28 September 2026 to have their say on the Plan.
For more information and to view the draft Plan, visit NSW Planning.
