A draft 20-year plan for the Illawarra Shoalhaven has been released for public exhibition, outlining a vision for housing, jobs, infrastructure and environmental protection across one of NSW’s fastest-growing regions.
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.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park said:
“The Illawarra Shoalhaven is one of the most beautiful regions in New South Wales, and this Plan will help ensure it remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.
“As the region continues to grow, we need to make sure we deliver the infrastructure, services, and jobs to grow with it
“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.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
“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.
“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.”
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:
“This Plan puts communities at the centre and invites people to have their say on how Shellharbour and the wider Illawarra Shoalhaven grows and evolves over the coming decades.
“It in particular highlights important investments to upgrade Shellharbour Hospital and the crucial role Shellharbour Airport will play as an economic anchor for the south of the region.”
Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:
“This plan creates a clear road map so we can get growth right for the South Coast and broader region – coordinating homes, jobs, transport and infrastructure so our region can thrive over the next 20 years.
“For the South Coast in particular, it lays crucial groundwork for a secure jobs future by identifying industrial land around Nowra as a key employment centre for the region.”
Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:
“This is an opportunity for local communities to help shape the future of Kiama and the broader the Illawarra Shoalhaven, and I encourage everyone to have their say.
“It spotlights some of the great housing projects already being delivered in our region like the Bomaderry build to rent project that is providing a vital boost to our regions rental housing availability.”
Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:
“The Illawarra Shoalhaven has always been a place of opportunity, and this Plan gives us the roadmap to continue building an ever brighter future.
“It sets a clear intention tap into the growing opportunities offered by strengthening the economic, social and strategic relationship of the region with South West Sydney in which the Heathcote electorate will play a vital role.”
