Invest Wollongong has released the 2026 Wollongong Investment Prospectus – a document which celebrates Wollongong as having all the benefits of a metropolitan centre without the big‑city complications.
The prospectus launched at the Property Council Australia Illawarra Outlook event presents a confident and fast‑evolving city supported by a clear Economic Development Strategy, a highly skilled workforce, a collaborative business ecosystem and lifestyle advantages that offer all the benefits of a metropolitan centre without the big‑city complications.
The document showcases why the city is rapidly emerging as one of Australia's strongest locations for business growth with a decade of economic strength, including more than $1.5 billion in CBD development and a further $1.3 billion in projects in the pipeline. It also reinforces Invest Wollongong's commitment to advocating for the region and elevating its strengths to national and global decision makers.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said the prospectus reflects a city ready to seize new economic opportunities.
"Wollongong is a city on the rise. We are seeing unprecedented investment, new industries emerging, and a community benefiting from thoughtful, strategic planning,'' she said.
"This prospectus captures our momentum and the opportunities ahead for businesses."
As the regional capital of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Wollongong is at the heart of the fastest growing region in NSW, forecast to welcome 130,000 new residents by 2041. With 700,000 workers within one hour of the CBD, Wollongong offers a competitive and diverse talent pool that supports high growth sectors like tech, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, professional services and creative industries.
A significant opportunity outlined in the prospectus is BlueScope's rezoning of 200 hectares at Port Kembla, opening the door to new education, technology, commercial and creative precincts. Wollongong's clean energy sector is also accelerating, supported by more than $750 million in major projects and a growing cluster of innovators in hydrogen and battery technology.
Wollongong City Council's Economic Development Manager Mark Grimson said the prospectus strengthens the region's investment narrative.
"Interest in Wollongong is growing from businesses seeking scale, talent and affordability. Invest Wollongong continues to advocate for these opportunities and ensure prospective investors clearly understand the advantages of choosing this region."
The prospectus also highlights Wollongong's lifestyle advantage, featuring shorter commutes, strong health and education infrastructure and exceptional natural assets that support workforce attraction and retention.
Invest Wollongong, a partnership between Wollongong City Council, University of Wollongong and NSW Government, continues to champion the region through targeted investment attraction and promotion.
The 2026 Wollongong Investment Prospectus is available at: Resources | Invest Wollongong
