Property Council Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Director Matthew Wales said the passage of the legislation was important recognition of the opportunities ahead for the region.
“The Illawarra is a region managing industrial change and also a growth region with an enormous opportunity to build the next generation of industries and jobs,” Mr Wales said.
“We aren’t starting from scratch – we have Port Kembla, an experienced industrial workforce, advanced manufacturing capability, strong education and research institutions and strategic industrial land.
“The challenge now is bringing all those advantages together into a compelling investment proposition and making sure the Illawarra competes successfully for projects and capital that could otherwise go elsewhere in Australia.”
The new Authority will be backed by $29.7 million in ongoing funding and more than $170 million through the Future Jobs and Investment Fund, with powers to attract investment, support new industries and jobs, facilitate productive post-mining land uses and establish local divisions involving industry, workers, local government and communities.
Mr Wales said Property Council discussions across the region during 2026 had highlighted the many opportunities in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, logistics, construction, and innovation.
“Every conversation we are having with industry points in the same direction – the Illawarra has the capability, the workforce, and the economic assets. What we need now is the investment and infrastructure to turn that potential into projects on the ground,” Mr Wales said.
“The funding attached to the new Authority is welcome, but the real prize will be found in using it to crowd in private investment and get more projects moving – meaning more serviced industrial and employment land, enabling infrastructure, better freight and transport connections, workforce development and active investment attraction.
“We have the port, the people, the industrial capability, and the land. Now we need to turn those advantages into investment, jobs, and a stronger economy for the next generation,” Mr Wales said.
