More than $5 million allocated to local infrastructure projects across the Illawarra

Community infrastructure projects across the Illawarra will receive more than $5 million in funding to upgrade public spaces, sporting facilities and town centre precincts.

New green space in Picton, a revitalised Wollongong CBD, and upgraded sports fields in Shellharbour are on the way, with Wollondilly, Wollongong and Shellharbour councils set to share more than $5 million in Minns Labor Government funding to get these projects moving.

Wollongong City Council will receive $2 million for the Crown Street West Precinct upgrade, which will improve footpaths, lighting, and public spaces in the CBD to support increased residential development and activity.

Shellharbour City Council will receive $1 million for the Jock Brown sports field redevelopment, upgrading the sports field with new amenities, lighting, and infrastructure to create two high-quality community sports fields.

Wollondilly Shire Council will receive $2 million to deliver the Wollondilly cultural precinct village green, a new multipurpose public green spaces as part of the Picton town centre cultural precinct.

Wollondilly, Wollongong, and Shellharbour Councils were among 35 successful councils to meet or beat the 115-day assessment benchmark set out in the Minister’s Statement of Expectations in FY 2024-25, with the successful councils now turning around assessments in an average of 89 days in metropolitan areas and 82 days in regional NSW.

Eligible councils are now being assessed for Round Two of the program, with $67 million available for councils that meet or exceeded the 105-day benchmark and improved assessment times in FY 2025-26.

For more information about the Faster Assessment Incentive Program, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park said:

“Whether it is a new green space in Picton, a revitalised CBD in Wollongong, or upgraded sports fields in Shellharbour, this funding delivers real outcomes for the people who call the Illawarra home.

“This is about investing in the community infrastructure people use every day and building vibrant and welcoming spaces for families to live and work.

“We are delivering the infrastructure the growing Illawarra region needs – more schools, more hospitals, more housing, and revitalised community spaces.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:

“More people are choosing to live in Wollongong CBD, close to jobs, services and public transport. It is a great place to live but our challenge is to make sure that the streetscape is attractive and supports the dynamic and vibrant life and community being created in the heart of NSW’s third largest city.

“This upgrade will transform an important part of the city centre, improving accessibility, encouraging more activity, and helping accommodate future residential and visitor growth.

“By investing in public infrastructure alongside housing delivery, we’re creating a city centre that is more liveable, more walkable and better equipped for the future.”

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson said:

“Jock Brown sports fields are the heart of local sport in Shellharbour, and this funding means our clubs and families will finally get the facilities they deserve.

“Two high quality sports fields will make a real difference for the next generation of local athletes.”

Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor, Tania Brown said:

“Council has been working hard to fast-track development assessments, and it is great to see that work recognised with funding that goes straight back into our community.

“This upgrade will make a real difference for residents, workers and visitors in the heart of Wollongong.”