The proposal forms part of the Property Council's submission on Invest Wollongong's Draft Economic Development Strategy 2025-2035, which it says is a pivotal opportunity to turn the city's growth momentum into serviced employment land, well-located homes and thriving precincts.
Property Council Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Director Matthew Wales said Wollongong's future success will depend on moving quickly from plans to projects.
"Wollongong is growing, and fast. We're seeing rapid jobs and population growth, and investor interest is real. Key next steps need to remove friction in approvals, align enabling infrastructure and get housing near jobs. That's how we lock in growth and lift liveability," Mr Wales said.
The Property Council's submission supports the plan's focus on investment, skills and innovation, and its recognition that liveability and place are economic advantages rather than "nice-to-haves."
Mr Wales said a concierge-style model within Council would streamline decision-making, fast-track strategic projects and send a clear signal to investors that Wollongong is open for business.
"The Council's focus on modern industry, education and advanced manufacturing is exactly right. The challenge now is to make sure employment land supply keeps up with demand and that infrastructure delivery aligns with the housing pipeline," he said.
The Property Council's submission also recommends:
- Establishing public benchmarks for planning and infrastructure-servicing timeframes, alongside a Council "concierge" as a single front door for major projects.
- Prioritising industrial and logistics growth areas, including the Port Kembla corridor, Tallawarra/Lake Illawarra, and West Dapto, through zoning, servicing, and fast-tracked planning.
- Coordinating infrastructure sequencing to support housing and employment precincts.
- Aligning skills, housing, and employment by enabling key-worker, student and affordable housing in transport-oriented corridors (including build-to-rent pathways).
Mr Wales said Wollongong's economy is increasingly diverse and globally connected, but planning and infrastructure need to keep pace.
"This strategy is a foundation for a stronger, more resilient Illawarra economy. If we get delivery right, Wollongong can be one of Australia's leading regional cities for jobs, housing, and innovation."
