UDIA is part of a coalition of peak bodies and councils working on an Illawarra-Shoalhaven City Deal proposal to the Federal and NSW Governments. If approved, a City Deal would deliver transformative change to the region and generate thousands of jobs and billions in revenue from key sectors of Aviation, Marine, Visitor Economy, Waste Management, the Arts and Civic Infrastructure.
In 2016, the Australian Government began entering into City Deals to support economic development in specific communities. A City Deal represents a partnership between a community and all 3 levels of government focused on jobs creation and renewal. The Illawarra-Shoalhaven City Deal proposal would include the Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour, Illawarra and Shoalhaven LGAs and is being developed by:
- RDA Illawarra
- RDA Far South Coast
- Shoalhaven City Council
- Kiama Municipal Council
- Shellharbour City Council
- Wollongong City Council
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation
- Illawarra Business Chamber
- UDIA
- Property Council
- University of Wollongong
- Smart Infrastructure Facility, University of Wollongong
The prospectus outlines 10 key projects for delivery, representing $148.5m Federal, $589.5 State, $47m council and $90m private investment.
- Business case for the South West Illawarra Rail Link (SWIRL)
- Picton Road Duplication and Mt Ousley Interchange
- M1 Albion Park on/off ramps
- Development of Albatross Aviation Technology Precinct
- Wollongong Entertainment Centre Precinct
- Blue Highway: Develop a Cruise, Boating and Voyaging Network
- Kiama Arts and Cultural Precinct
- Develop Nowra Waterfront Mixed-Use Precinct
- Circular Economy and Reduced Waste to Landfill
- Implementation Plan and delivery of Smart City Regional Projects
The coalition will present their proposal to governments in the near future.