The NSW Government is calling on members of the community to have their say on an updated plan for the future of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region.
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Group Deputy Secretary of Planning and Assessment Marcus Ray said the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan provides councils with vision and direction to address future needs for land use, housing, jobs, infrastructure, a healthy environment, access to green spaces and connected communities.
"The Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan is the blueprint to ensure the ongoing prosperity and growth of the region which encompasses the Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and Shoalhaven local government areas," Mr Ray said.
"Regional Plans undergo a review and update every five years to reset priorities and ensure continued delivery for the next 20 years. The Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan is the first in the state to undergo a review and update."
The community will have an opportunity to have its say on a draft updated Regional Plan that will go on public exhibition later this year.
"In the meantime, today we are launching an interactive website for people to learn more about the regional plan and how to take part in the review process," Mr Ray said.
"People will have an opportunity to make their mark on an interactive map, answer survey questions and watch a video series where community leaders and members talk about how the region has evolved and their vision for its future.
"This year the Illawarra Shoalhaven community continues to confront one enormous challenge after another, from drought, bushfires, floods and global pandemic, so it's more crucial than ever people participate in the plan that will help the region emerge from the crisis with sustainable growth."
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation chief executive Leanne Taylor said since the first plan was released in November 2015, the NSW Government has worked closely with the four Illawarra Shoalhaven Councils, other regional stakeholders and the broader community to deliver on key priorities.
"Highlights include the NSW South Coast Marine Tourism Strategy, valuing and protecting regional environmental assets including biodiversity corridors, riparian areas and Lake Illawarra storm water management, monitoring of land for housing and jobs, and a review and analysis of Metro Wollongong Precincts," Ms Taylor said.
"This year the Illawarra Shoalhaven Councils have been preparing their Local Strategic Planning Statements and these will be a key input into the updated Regional Plan."
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 will be aligned with the new Transport for NSW plan for the region that is currently being developed by Transport for NSW.
The interactive website is available at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/ISRP
Editors' note
About the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) was established in 2018 to bring together all parts of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region to deliver on a shared regional narrative.
ISJO leads regional priorities and initiatives through forming collaborative relationships and partnerships; as well as building capacity within and across its four member councils: Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council, Kiama Municipal Council and Shoalhaven City Council.
ISJO operates to reduce duplication across its member councils through shared services to enable economies of scale and greater reach to achieving regional outcomes. These include the Southern Regional Waste Strategy Program; the Regional Joint Procurement Program; and the Illawarra District Weeds Authority.
Both the NSW and Federal Governments work with Joint Organisations, such as ISJO, as an efficient way to consult, plan and deliver services for communities.
