The Illawarra Business Chamber has called on Wollongong City Council to deliver an Entertainment Precinct Masterplan and establish a Major Projects Unit in its submission to Council's draft Economic Development Strategy, as part of a consultation process that came to a close this morning.
"In response, Council is committing itself to an interventionist approach to economic development which includes setting a jobs target of 10,500 new jobs and targeting high-paying sectors that offer permanent full-time roles."
"Councils play a vital role in attracting businesses to the region and ensuring that investment is not lost through overzealous regulation and burdensome approval processes."
"Therefore we have recommended that Council establish a Major Projects Unit to expedite Development Applications for significant commercial and industrial developments and implement processing times of less than 6 months."
"We have also proposed that Council lead the development of an Entertainment Precinct Masterplan to examine redevelopment opportunities for the area comprising the Wollongong Entertainment Centre, WIN Stadium, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre and broad surrounds."
"Council should consider an all-encompassing public-private partnership, which could deliver a modern convention centre and conferencing facility, a much-needed hotel and an appropriate mix of residential and commercial developments as part of an integrated precinct that incorporates the existing entertainment assets."
"Game-changing infrastructure is a key measure that Council has identified to enable Wollongong to meet its economic potential, and I am very pleased that the projects identified align entirely with those championed by the Illawarra Business Chamber, based on the independent research we have commissioned."
"I look forward to working closely with Council in advancing the economic cause of Wollongong and the broader region, and this strategy gives us a strong blueprint to work to." said Mr Zarth.
