Have Your Say on Wollongong’s Economic Future

Wollongong City Council is looking to support the growth of our local economy through its draft Economic Development Strategy 2019-2029.

The draft Strategy, which includes a proposed jobs target of 10,500 new jobs over the next 10 years, has been put on public exhibition for feedback.

“This draft Strategy represents a renewed focus on increasing the number of high-quality jobs in Wollongong,’’ Wollongong Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“This objective is to increase the opportunity for local people to work closer to home and this will, in turn, have a positive flow on effect to improve individual wellbeing and build a more connected and engaged community.’’

Currently around 23,000 residents across the region travel to greater Sydney daily for work. The draft Strategy also seeks to attract higher-paying jobs to the city, which may reduce the need for long commutes to Sydney and the number of graduates leaving Wollongong once they’ve finished study.

“Without a clear job strategy, the commuter pool will continue to grow and young people will continue to be forced to move away when they finish their studies,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“As a Council, this is not what we want for the future of our City. It’s also not what we believe those who call Wollongong home want.’’

The draft Strategy highlights key projects that would make a substantial contribution to investment attractions and employment in the City. These include critical transport projects, increasing the availability of commercial offices in Wollongong’s CBD and delivering major tourism infrastructure such as a new convention centre.

The draft Strategy includes an Action Plan which outlines the activities Council will undertake to support local businesses in expanding their workforces and attract new investment and businesses to the city.

The draft Economic Development Strategy 2019-2029 is on exhibition from until 28 June 2019. Everyone is encouraged to have their say by following the links off the homepage of Council’s website www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au.

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