2013-23 WOLLONGONG

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

DRAFT We are global leaders in innovative and sustainable research, development and new industries. We become renowned for leading the way with green technology and jobs.

Wollongong is established as the 3 Regional Centre, creating hubs of activity with a thriving and resilient local economy. The city is able to support the establishment of new Vision industries, enterprises and business which attract and retain people to live and work.

Wollongong is a student friendly city and our residents are educated and employed. We have access to employment and education through our diverse industry base and world class learning institutions.

Source: Wollongong 2022. Community Goal 2: We have an innovative and sustainable economy. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23 Foreword Executive Summary

Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM

4 5 Wollongong is a city in transformation. under construction. Together these from the State Government’s Wollongong City Council’s Economic section 1). As the Illawarra’s regional ■ Knowledge hub – by acting as a Renowned for its world-class steel- investments bring more people into investment in a Tier III Data Centre Development Strategy outlines the Capital, Wollongong also plays a knowledge hub and information making and coal mining industries, our City Centre. that will put Wollongong a mouse click key priorities, goals and actions of key role in providing employment broker – a central point for Australia’s City of Innovation is today away from Sydney. Council, with respect to its role in opportunities for residents of investors, business and the The city’s economy continues to also an important knowledge services supporting economic activity in the neighbouring Local Government community for information about diversify, broadening our economic Our city is establishing a strong health centre, international trade hub and a City of Wollongong. Area’s (LGA’s) of Shellharbour and Wollongong. base. Our economy’s makeover has and aged care industry. Growth in leading university city. Kiama. seen it move from being heavily this industry is coming from both the One of the early actions taken ■ Infrastructure – by advocating for Wollongong is just a 90 minute drive reliant on the steel and mining public and private sectors with the by the Councillors elected in This Strategy recognises Council long term planning and funding south of Sydney, making it one of industries to one focused on advanced $186 million expansion of Wollongong September 2011 was to establish an cannot resolve the employment for key infrastructure projects Australia’s most well connected manufacturing, mining services public hospital and many local private Economic Development Advisory challenge on its own. The solution which encourage economic activity regional cities, an ideal destination to and technologies. Wollongong companies servicing this growing Board (EDAB). EDAB is made up of requires a partnership between all supporting further private sector live, work and play. Wollongong has remains home to Australia’s largest market. Councillors, business and community levels of government, the business investment. Council’s own asset many advantages, including our low- manufacturing facility BlueScope. representatives. As part of its role community and residents. This renewal program also seeks to In addition, our city’s natural cost business location, connections to help Council facilitate regional Strategy outlines what policy levers improve Wollongong’s amenity In addition, NSW Ports Port Kembla beauty and pristine beaches make to infrastructure including Sydney’s economic development, one of Council can use to contribute to and ensure it’s a desirable place to operation, just a 10 minute drive Wollongong an ideal tourism International Airport, access to high EDAB’s initial key actions was to solving the employment challenge. live, work and play. from the CBD, is supporting our destination. The city attracts over speed broadband, skilled multilingual complete an Economic Development diversification as it develops into a 4.5 million visitors annually with These include: ■ Planning – by delivering a workforce and envious coastal Strategy. This Strategy aligns with major port and logistics hub, with a approximately 7,000 visitors from planning system that encourages lifestyle. Our proximity to Sydney also Community Goal 2 of Wollongong ■ Civic Leadership – by developing, $700 million outer harbour expansion China. The tourism industry injects investment and employment, and allows us to build strong international 2022, ‘We have an innovative and communicating and implementing set to continue over the coming years. $573 million into our local economy underpinning individual planning links, including to the growing Asia Sustainable economy’, and is a key a vision for the future of the city, each year and supports 3,575 local decisions with strong strategic Pacific market. Already, our city has Supporting the transformation of our deliverable in Council’s Delivery playing a strong advocacy role jobs. We are working towards the planning for the CBD and key solid ties to this part of the world, city is the University of Wollongong. Program 2012-17 and Annual Plan for the city and wider Illawarra improvement of key tourism assets employment precincts. particularly China. Our university The University has a strong reputation 2013-14. The Economic Development Region. and to actively promote the city as an attracts some 2,500 Chinese students nationally and internationally as a Strategy will inform the annual ■ Business support – by supporting ideal conference and event location. ■ Marketing – by promoting the each year. leader in education and research. It work plan of Council’s Economic businesses, especially Small to city as a desirable place to live, brings 22,000 students, including Our Council, early in its term, set Development Unit. Medium Enterprises (SME), by In the 2012/13 financial year more than work and play. This includes 5,800 international students, to up the Economic Development providing a positive business $500 million worth of construction Wollongong’s greatest economic taking a proactive approach to our region every year. Its advances Advisory Board. This Board is a environment, seeking to reduce was underway or completed in the challenge is to improve employment marketing the region as a place in research and development mix of Councillors and key industry red tape and improving internal City Centre. This included the $200 opportunities in the city. to invest, highlighting our many are putting Wollongong on the representatives, and I’m grateful for Council systems and processes, million investment by The GPT Group Employment has been a major competitive advantages, the global map in addition to fostering the Board’s time and commitment along with ongoing support for for its new shopping complex, the challenge for Wollongong since the provision of business marketing young entrepreneurs and start-up in working with us to develop the local business networks and Australian Taxation Office’s new mid-1980s. In recent years there has collateral and information about businesses. Economic Development Strategy. industry clusters. $16 million building and Council’s been an increase in structural related the city, support of Wollongong’s own $19.4 million upgrade of the We’ve established ourselves as a I look forward to continuing to unemployment as the economy visitor economy, including hosting Crown Street Mall. There are also a knowledge services hub with a density work with the Board, Wollongong continues to diversify. Our city also national and international number of other private large-scale of ICT, contact centres, business businesses and the broader has large numbers of commuters conferences and delegations. residential complexes and mixed use processing and head office operations community to deliver a successful who travel to Sydney for work (see developments were in planning or in the CBD. The city will also benefit future for our city. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

Wollongong needs to continue to grow and broaden its economic base to create more of the jobs required in the 21st century.

6 The Economic Development Each of these strategic areas has a One Central Focus: 7 Strategy aligns with our city’s long series of actions and projects that Jobs Growth term strategic plan, Wollongong Council will undertake. These actions 2022. Within Wollongong 2022 and projects can only be achieved by Wollongong needs to continue to are six community goals, including working with a range of key partners grow and broaden its economic base Community Goal 2 that states “We in the city including but not limited to create more of the jobs required in have an innovative and sustainable to the University of Wollongong the 21st century. economy”. The Strategy focuses on (UOW), Regional Development Key aspects of this strategy Council-led actions and projects to Australia (RDA) Illawarra, the and associated key priorities are help achieve this community goal. Illawarra Business Chamber specifically aimed at addressing three Wollongong’s current economic (affiliated with the NSW Business related challenges: circumstances are identified in a Chamber), Destination Wollongong, SWOT analysis in the Strategy (see regional offices of the Australian ■ Bring unemployment in line section 5). This SWOT analysis and Industry Group and Property Council with the state/national average, background research is used in the of Australia, ICT Illawarra (ICTI), the including Wollongong’s higher rate Strategy to develop the key strategic Illawarra Innovative Industry Network of youth unemployment. areas within Council’s sphere of (i3net), as well as State and Federal ■ Reduce the number of people influence and budget. Government, along with our local forced to commute each day. council colleagues across the region. This recognises the significant It should be noted this Strategy will social costs and associated escape need to be reviewed on a regular spending. basis. It has also been written ■ Reduce the ‘brain drain’ as many at the same time as a number of our best and brightest young of other regional development people leave the region after projects. These include RDA’s graduating from their studies due Transition Illawarra project which to limited career opportunities in include the development of a region Wollongong and the Illawarra. wide Economic Plan, the NSW Government’s work on the Illawarra Wollongong’s proximity to Sydney, Regional Growth Plan, and Illawarra its world-class university, enviable Regional Transport Plan. coastal lifestyle and skilled workforce mean we are better placed than many other regions to meet these challenges.

Enterprise 1 building at the Innovation Campus ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

The GPT Groups Introduction We can contribute to $200M new Wollongong Shopping Complex economic development by ensuring there are efficient planning processes and ensuring the city’s public amenity is well maintained.

8 9 Council’s role in economic of Government, helping coordinate the NSW Government, to promote ■ Continue to partner with UOW available through the Economic ■ Maintain our asset renewal development various groups and facilitate joint the city via Advantage Wollongong. and TAFE to further strengthen Development section of Council’s program, recognising the projects. This way, resources can be It also works with Destination links and opportunities to grow website. important contribution Council This Strategy’s primary focus is to used to collectively benefit the city Wollongong to market the city as a our reputation as a university plays in improvements to the ■ Council will continually review the outline how Council can best support and our region more broadly. destination to visit through various city. To leverage our University’s public realm and the role it plays way economic data is presented economic development especially campaigns such as the Grand Pacific highly-skilled graduates, world in encouraging private sector Actions: and look for examples of best by fostering greater investment and Drive. These activities are part of class research and development investment. practice in the delivery of this jobs growth in the LGA, sending a ■ Council will continue to play the broader leadership role Council capabilities, along with an information. ■ Work with key stakeholders in strong message that Wollongong is a strong leadership role in performs for Wollongong. It’s vital extensive Alumni network. the development of key tourism open for business. advocating for policies and Wollongong’s key business and Infrastructure ■ Council will continue to work with infrastructure that adds to enabling infrastructure to drive lifestyle factors be promoted both Access to reliable and high quality Wollongong’s expansion will need to Destination Wollongong and local Wollongong’s attractiveness as a new investment and foster the domestically and internationally to infrastructure drives business growth be facilitated through appropriate conference and tourism providers destination, as well as a place to growth of existing businesses and enable the population and economic and influences decisions about planning arrangements and to market Wollongong as a live and work. industry. growth the city desires. business locations. Council has a infrastructure delivery, in line with destination to visit and encourage clear advocacy role to ensure key Planning the NSW Government’s Illawarra ■ Continue initiatives to create a Council recognises the importance of more overnight stays. transport links are maintained and The planning role ranges from Regional Growth Plan. vibrant and attractive City Centre, maintaining and forging international Knowledge hub enhanced to meet the needs of a undertaking high-level strategic recognising the role it plays as the business relations. Our Civic Council has a direct impact on many Council is often the first point of growing economy. Council also has planning around precincts through region’s capital and its importance Relations Policy has identified key aspects of business operations contact for many people looking to a role to play in providing quality to ensuring specific sites have both in terms of future international markets and Council including planning, infrastructure invest in, or move to Wollongong. local infrastructure which lifts the appropriate zoning controls, services employment and population regularly hosts foreign delegations. and business support. Consequently, Much of this information is shared city’s amenity and attractiveness. and are attractive to potential growth for the broader Illawarra Our Sister City and Friendship we can contribute to economic through our website or via our close Council is committed to meet its investors. Council is focused on region. relationships bring economic, development by ensuring there are working relationship with other key infrastructure renewal needs. Recent simplifying the planning process social and cultural benefits to each efficient planning processes and ■ Council will continue to lobby stakeholders and agencies. examples include the Blue Mile, and ensuring it remains transparent. city. With the growth of the Asian ensuring the city’s public amenity is for more support for local small rollout of free WiFi in Wollongong One of the ways this may be economy, our city’s proximity to this Actions: well maintained. These operational businesses and to leverage more CBD and the refurbishment of the achieved is by aiming to reduce the market offers many opportunities roles will encourage investment from opportunities for jobs growth ■ Ensure that Council’s message Crown Street Mall. turnaround times for development the private sector. along with the relocation of Actions: to investors is that the city is applications by increasing the use of Actions: government jobs to Wollongong. open for business. Relevant complying development provisions Council’s policy levers can be divided ■ Enhancing awareness about information and referrals to other ■ Council will continue to advocate for both residential and commercial into six key areas: Marketing activities Wollongong and the Illawarra government agencies and key for regionally significant applications. A Council is often the ‘face’ of a region more broadly, including Civic leadership business networks are provided to infrastructure to be included on city, and can encourage economic in targeted overseas markets, Council works with many investors and businesses to ease NSW Infrastructure’s priority list. development and tourism attraction particularly China. stakeholders involved in economic the uncertainties of coming into a by undertaking or supporting ■ Work with State and Federal development including industry, ■ Develop an ongoing Business new city. activities that promote Wollongong governments and key regional business and community groups, Investment and Attraction and the Illawarra more broadly. ■ Council will continue to lead stakeholders to implement and other government agencies program, in conjunction with key These might be events, marketing the way in providing the the NSW Long Term Transport and departments. Wollongong stakeholders, aligned with key initiatives or hosting delegations. up-to-date economic and Master Plan to improve transport Council also acts as a strong growth sectors. Council currently works with demographic data required by connections with Sydney and regional advocate to other levels organisations such as UOW and investors and businesses in our other regions. city. This information will be COUNCIL’S ROLE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

WWL Cargo vessel at NSW Ports Port Kembla Operations

Section 1 Background and Context

10 Actions: Actions: The structure of the Central policy focus: Jobs Some 27,660 workers living in the travelling for highly qualified jobs. 11 LGA commute out of the city each For businesses considering relocation ■ Ensure adequate capacity of ■ Develop an Evening Economy Economic Development The main economic challenge facing day for work. The majority of these, to Wollongong, this represents a strategic employment lands to Strategy that will encourage Strategy Wollongong is the need to increase or around 16,553 people, commute to large potential workforce. support development required to the use of our city both day and employment opportunities. As a Sydney and surrounds. This makes satisfy economic and jobs growth. night. The strategy will aim to The Economic Development Strategy Large numbers of people travelling result, this Strategy has job growth the Wollongong to Sydney route improve the ambience of the is divided into six sections. as its central focus. out of the area for work has broader ■ Council aims to implement best one of Australia’s busiest commuter city by encouraging new cafes economic and social implications. practice systems to facilitate 1. Background and context corridors. and bars and outdoor dining. Official unemployment data from the Sydney workers are more likely to and encourage investment. This A discussion on the current state The Strategy will be aligned with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Around 35% of Wollongong workers spend a portion of their income includes ways to continue to of Wollongong’s economy and the Council’s Cultural Plan and include shows Wollongong’s unemployment with a graduate diploma and there, resulting in a loss of economic streamline the planning process ongoing or emerging challenges the development of a Live Music rate is consistently above the state graduate certificate commute to activity for the city. The commute particularly for small business. we face as the city moves from its Taskforce. and national average. Over the work outside the LGA. This reflects a also means people are less likely to traditional manufacturing base to a past four years Australia’s average Business support knowledge based economy. number of factors including a lack of participate in family and community ■ In order to attract and facilitate Council works with other key unemployment rate has been 5.2%, opportunities in Wollongong along activities, such as sporting clubs, new events to the city, Council will agencies to ensure a coordinated 2. Wollongong Employment Lands while Wollongong’s is 7.1%. This is an with opportunities for better pay in school communities and other look to streamline the approval approach to business support Identifies Wollongong’s key sites in improvement of 1998’s rate of 12%. Sydney. broader community and cultural processes for major events. services. We also provide ongoing driving employment growth for the For youth aged between 15-19 years, activities. There is not however, Some 22% of the city’s commuters support for initiatives such as i3net, city’s future. the unemployment rate was 15.8% a clear understanding of the full are professionals. This represents ICTI, StartPad and the Wollongong Resource and budget in 2011 which is higher than the NSW economic and social costs of having 3. Key future industry drivers the highest percentage of Small Business Club. Council will average of 12.8%. such high a proportion of commuters. constraints This section includes identifying commuters, along with 10.9% continue to support small businesses A key part of this Strategy is to the sectors likely to underpin future The employment challenge is larger classified as managers. This shows and encourage innovation. Council prioritise activity so funding and growth and key industry drivers. than the official statistics suggest. a high proportion of commuters are can also provide the frameworks resources are targeted at areas to encourage and foster small 4. The Wollongong Advantage which most effectively support business in the city by ensuring Outlines the competitive advantages employment in Wollongong. Wollongong offers as a business Unemployment Rate - Wollongong vs NSW % Wollongong a regulatory framework to foster % NSW entrepreneurship and creative location in comparison to other similar sized locations. industries. 16% 5. SWOT analysis A SWOT analysis identifies 12% Wollongong’s positive features, key opportunities, the barriers hindering 8% Council works with employment and potential threats to

the city’s economic wellbeing. Rate % other key agencies to 6. Appendix 4% ensure a coordinated Past reports on Wollongong’s economic development and reference 0% approach to business documents used in this Strategy. 2011 2012 support services. 1999 1998 2001 2010 2007 2002 2003 2005 2006 2009 2004 2008 2000 Mar-13 Jun - 13 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

Occupation of Wollongong’s Commuters 2011 Change in Market Share of employees by industry 2006 - 2011

7000 Other Services 6000 Arts & Recreation

5000 Health Care & Social Assistance Education & Training 4000 Public Administration & Safety 3000 Administration & Support Services

2000 Professional, Scientific & Technical Services Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services 1000 Financial & Insurance Services 0 Information Media & Telecommunications Transport, Postal & Warehousing Accommodation & Food Services Managers Labourers Professionals Sales Workers Retail Trade Wholesale Trade Construction 12 13 Technicians and Trades Workers Machinery Operators And Drivers Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services Clerical and Administrative Workers Not stated - Inadequately described Manufacturing Community and Personal Service Workers Mining -4% -3% -2% -1% 0% 1% 2% 3%

The long-term employment trends, Today, Wollongong is emerging as The sectors that have contracted the Population and output trends unemployment rate and the resulting These results reinforce the and their economic and social an important business and financial most were manufacturing at -3.5%, Wollongong has a higher Gross short-fall in actual economic growth importance of putting employment implications, is another reason job services centre, and is home to one retail at -0.9% and construction Domestic Product (GDP) per versus the potential for economic at the centre of the Economic creation is at the centre of this of Australia’s leading universities, at -0.6%. capita than the Illawarra average. activity in the city. Development Strategy. Increasing Economic Development Strategy. the UOW. In 2012 the University This reflects the higher skilled employment in Wollongong will The GDP per worker data reveals a boasted 25% of NSW’s IT graduates, employment opportunities in the have a positive impact on economic Wollongong the Regional more positive picture for the city. which was also the second highest city centre, which is where many growth and allow the city and the Economic transition has Wollongong leads the region in number of IT graduates in Australia. Capital professional services firms and region to better utilise its potential been underway since the terms of GDP generated per worker The Knowledge Services Sector, The Illawarra is defined as the three government agencies are located. workforce. ($163,921 versus $156,904 for the early 1980s meanwhile, employs 4,900 people in LGA’s of Wollongong, Shellharbour Despite this positive region-wide Illawarra) but also has a GDP per 72 locations in Wollongong in areas and Kiama. As the regional capital The diversification of Wollongong comparison, Wollongong GDP worker outcome above the NSW such as business/shared services, ICT Wollongong generates the highest and the Illawarra’s economy has been per capita is below the state and average. In other words, workers including software development and economic output and also provides underway for over 30 years. national averages. This may be linked make an above average contribution digital media, and financial services employment for 44% of the workforce to Wollongong’s above average to the NSW economy. Wollongong’s economic and funds administration. Other key from Shellharbour’s LGA and 24% of transformation started in the early growth sectors include advanced the workforce from Kiama’s LGA. 1980s, when BHP began to downsize manufacturing and, on the back of Size of economy its workforce at Port Kembla the expansion of NSW Ports, Port The Wollongong LGA generates steelworks. Today, BlueScope Steel Kembla operations, the growth of the Wollongong v Illawarra GRP Gross Regional Product (GRP) of (formerly BHP) employs 3,500 logistics sector. The Tourism sector $11.8 billion per year. This represents people making them still the largest is also proving to be a growing sector 83% of the Illawarra’s GRP of $14.2 private employer in the region. for our city and the greater region, Rest of the Illawarra $14.2 billion billion. In terms of the whole of NSW, The Port Kembla facility remains assisted by the investment in key Wollongong represents 2.6% of Gross the largest manufacturing plant infrastructure, street level activation Looking ahead, GRP State Product (GSP). Wollongong $11.8 billion in Australia producing 2.6 million and collaborative marketing. tonnes per annum. The region Looking ahead, GRP for Wollongong is for Wollongong is Between 2006 to 2011 the biggest has a high skill base in both the projected to grow to between $14 and change in the Wollongong economy projected to grow to mining and manufacturing sectors. $16 billion by 2022. In addition to BlueScope and BHP has been the growth of the health between $14 and $16 Billiton, there are a large number care and social assistance industry of smaller businesses supporting with a 2.3% growth in the market billion by 2022. this sector. These businesses are share of the local economy. Followed well placed to continue to look for by education and training at 0.9%, accommodation and food services at $ $ new opportunities in niche markets outside the region. 0.8% and mining at 0.7%. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

GDP Per Capita Average income per worker $65,813 $65,642 $61,309 $72,875 $51,500 $71,803 $69,610

NSW Australia Wollongong Illawarra NSW Wollongong Illawarra

14 Population and Level of Education As our economy continues to Manufacturing accounts for 12% of When comparing the size of the employment over the past 30 years. 15 diversify into more knowledge the workforce and Education 11%. economy by output, manufacturing income trends The high value of the manufacturing Wollongong’s workforce in general based industries there will be a and mining represent the highest In comparison to the NSW industry industry to the local economy Average income for employees in terms is on par with NSW in greater need to increase the regions market share with 24 and 14% breakdown, the top three sectors illustrates the fact that Wollongong Wollongong is $71,803 per year which terms of its level of education. education levels to align with the respectively. Health care in this have an above state average share needs to ensure it has adequate is above the Illawarra average of Wollongong has a higher than jobs of the future. instance only represents 5% of the of employees - health care and social industrial lands for manufacturing $69,610 (This most likely reflects the NSW average in Certificate level local economy. This emphasises the assistance 12%, manufacturing 8%, and port logistics-related industries, salaries of CBD workers employed in education, which is a reflection of our importance of the manufacturing Employment and Output and education 8%. The other notable along with an ability to accommodate professional services sectors and the traditional employment industries and mining sectors to our city both industry is mining where Wollongong the education, health and aged care public service). However, this rate is in manufacturing. However, in by industry in terms of export income and high boasts a higher than state average sectors and professional service below the NSW average of $72,875. contrast Wollongong does have a Health care and social assistance is flow on effects to the rest of the with 2.28% versus 0.99% in businesses. lower portion of people with Bachelor Wollongong’s largest employment economy, despite the contraction employment breakdown. degrees. sector, providing work for more of these industries in terms of than 15% of the labour force.

Level of Education Jobs and Output of industry in Wollongong 2011

12,000 $7,000 No. People in Wollongong Level of Education $6,000 4,615 Postgraduate Degree 10,000 1,918 Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate $5,000 8,000 13,424 Bachelor Degree $4,000 6,000 8,649 Advanced Diploma and Diploma $3,000 4,000 21,933 Certificate $2,000 Jobs 1,145 Level of education inadequately described 2,000 $1,000 Output (M) 2,071 Level of education not stated 0 $0 27,383 Not applicable Output: Output data represents the 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Mining gross revenue generated by businesses/ organisations in each of the industry sectors % Retail Trade Construction in a defined region. Gross revenue is also Manufacturing Other Services referred to as total sales or total income. Wholesale Trade Employment: The employment data Education & Training presented above represents the number Live in Wollongong of people employed by businesses / Arts & Recreation Services organisations in each of the industry Live in NSW Financial & Insurance Services sectors in the defined regions. In this Health Care & Social Assistance Public Administration & Safety Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Accommodation & Food ServicesTransport, Postal & Warehousing report the employment data is place of Administrative & Support Services work data and represents total numbers Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services of employees without any conversions to Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services full-time equivalence. Retail jobs for instance Information Media & Telecommunications Professional, Scientific & Technical Services represent typical employment profiles for that sector, i.e. some full time, some part time and some casual. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

Health care and social assistance is Business Counts (staff numbers)

Wollongong’s largest employment Non employing 6,612

sector, providing work for more than 1-4 3,467 15% of the labour force. 5-19 1,554

20-199 473

200 + 34

16 Business landscape, by operations in Wollongong. These incorporate strategies that support 17 industry and size include BHP Billiton, BlueScope existing SMEs to grow, and attract Wollongong LGA 2011 Census Data Snapshot Steel, WIN Network, UOW, new, possibly larger, employing There are more than 12,000 Vesuvius, KPMG, Energy Australia, businesses to the city. It has been ■ Population 192,418 businesses in the city and just Metal Manufactures (MM Kembla demonstrated by previous business

■ Median age 38 over half of these, or 54%, are Products), Pillar Administration and expansion and attraction projects non-employing / self employing ANZ OnePath. Only 34 businesses that 80% of growth in an economy ■ Median personal income (weekly, pre tax) $489 operators. A further 40% are small in our city employ more than 200 will come from existing businesses businesses which employ up to 19 employees. in the area and only 20% will come ■ Median household income (weekly, pre tax) $1,101 employees. Along with these SMEs, from relocations or establishments This structure means economic there are also a number of national (Lead Local Compete Global - ■ Median mortgage repayment (monthly) $1,950 development policies need to and international businesses with McKenzie Report 1995). ■ Median weekly rent (weekly) $250

■ Unemployment rate 7.1%

■ Participation rate 56.8% Institute for Super Conducting and Electronic Materials, ■ Labour force 89,048 Innovation Campus

Digital Economy Wollongong’s high speed broadband Wi-Fi in outdoor areas in the city network presents many of the centre on Crown Street between region’s large and small businesses Gladstone Avenue and Corrimal with the ability to access worldwide Street, as well as in Globe Lane, markets. Our focus on the digital and the Arts Precinct (formerly Civic economy has seen Council Plaza) on Burelli Street. The city is secure funding from the Federal also set to benefit from the newly Government for the Digital Local constructed Tier III Data Centre. Government program which will This Data Centre, which launched in ensure Council as a business, December 2013, puts Wollongong and our city as a whole, can take just two milliseconds from Sydney, further advantage of the fast speed and provides the city with fast and broadband and the digital economy. reliable connectivity to the world. Council has also launched free employment lands ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

Council is also revitalising the city centre with a $19.4m upgrade of the Crown Street Mall. This work compliments a Section 2 $200m new shopping complex by the GPT Group. Employment Lands

18 71,968 people are employed in and UOW’s main campus and of this land have servicing and supply city centre is well underway with West Dapto Tallawarra Business Park 19 Wollongong’s LGA with the largest surrounding businesses in Keiraville/ issues that need to be addressed $500m worth of construction works The West Dapto Land Release Area The Tallawarra Business Park concentration of these – or 11,628 Gwynneville account for 3,316 jobs. in order for it to be successfully underway or completed in 2012/13. is located 12km south of Wollongong Precinct, on the Western shores of jobs – in the city centre. This number brought to market. Wollongong’s key Council is also revitalising the city and covers an area of approximately Lake Illawarra, sits adjacent to the Wollongong has a number of key grows to 20,810 when taking into employment lands include: centre with a $19.4m upgrade of 4,700 hectares. The release area gas-fired Tallawarra Power station employment lands precincts. Both account the CBD fringe including the Crown Street Mall. This work will provide an additional 17,000 developed by Energy Australia. the commercial and industrial Wollongong City Centre North Wollongong (excluding the compliments a $200m new shopping dwellings for 50,000 people and Planning controls for the site propose lands markets present substantial The CBD has a vital role as the Innovation Campus), Wollongong complex by the GPT Group. 184 hectares of employment land a range of employment and tourism growth opportunities. In terms of commercial administrative centre not Hospital and Coniston. Further creating 8,500 jobs over the coming land. It sits in an area that also industrial lands, while Wollongong only for Wollongong but the broader The Wollongong CBD office afield, Port Kembla accounts for decades. This is an important key includes proposed residential land, has substantial zoned land, sections Illawarra. The revitalisation of the market equates to approximately 7,042 jobs, Unanderra has 4,421 site for the region as it is the largest open space, and environmental 150,000sqm of commercial office single release area outside the conservation land. space. According to the Property Sydney metropolitan area. Council of Australia’s Office Market NSW Port’s, Port Kembla Operation Jobs per suburb across Wollongong LGA Report, Wollongong has a shortage Innovation Campus Annual trade through Port Kembla of A-grade office accommodation The Innovation Campus, or the “iC” increased from $4 billion to $13.6 and the fifth tightest market in as it’s known, is a $500 million billion in the 2011/12 financial year. 11.628 Jobs the country. A-Grade vacancies are master-planned Research and While the Port has traditionally under 0.5%, which indicates an Development and Technology served as a bulk goods facility opportunity for further development. Precinct. iC is an ICT, mining services, handling iron ore, coal and grain, it’s In the past five years 180,000sqm of innovative materials, health and now the largest vehicle import hub in new commercial offices have been sustainability hub, which offers NSW and the principal grain export DA approved for the city centre. direct links to the ‘Global Challenges port in southern and south western However, tenant pre-commitment Research Program’ and the research NSW. Managed by NSW Ports on a to move projects into construction strengths of UOW. 99 year lease, the Port directly and phase remains a challenge post indirectly sustains 3,863 jobs and Kembla Grange the Global Financial Crisis. The contributes $839 million in gross Kembla Grange, to the south-west of additional 30,000 workers required in economic output and $239 million Wollongong, has been earmarked as Wollongong by 2030 will contribute in household income to the regional a key employment precinct. Existing to strong demand for office economy each year. Its growth will be facilities are to be expanded to accommodation. a catalyst for further development of include additional manufacturing, a employment lands in the Illawarra. The city centre is also an important business park and service industries. Expansion is underway through precinct for tourism related These employment lands will also the $700 million redevelopment of 100 Jobs businesses. With the majority of support the expansion of the NSW the Port’s Outer Harbour. Stage 1 accommodation, restaurants/cafes Ports Port Kembla Operation. of this plan was completed in 2012 and retail operators located here or in and provided an additional 8 ha of the CBD fringe along the foreshore. employment land. The density of these businesses in the CBD is what draws the visitors and residents to the area daily making it the city’s focal destination. KEY FUTURE INDUSTRY DRIVERS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

Section 3 Key Future Industry Drivers Sea Cliff Bridge

20 As the economy transitions there are Wollongong’s Shared Services musicians, writers and performers in major employment generator in facilities in Australia, and also has Joy Global, Cram Fluid Power and 21 a number of key industry areas which industry features companies such as the city, as well as workers engaged Wollongong. This sector is expected one of the largest ICT undergraduate Ringway Control and Automation. will become key drivers of growth in Insurance Australia Group (IAG), WIN in software publishing, conference to continue to grow strongly to meet teaching programs. Tourism Wollongong. Network, Peoplecare, IMB, Australian and event organisers and interior the changing needs of the city and its Logistics The tourism sector continues to Health Management and Stellar. In designers. Between 2006 and 2011 ageing population, and has further Advanced Manufacturing The continued upgrading of the use the natural and cultural assets Wollongong, Shared Services Centres the growth in creative worker jobs potential growth opportunities With the dominance of NSW Ports Port Kembla operation is of Wollongong to increase visitor employ more than 4,900 people in: increased from 1,599 to 1,769. given the proximity to Sydney. The manufacturing in the Wollongong creating opportunities for companies numbers and drive employment sector’s growth is supported by economy it is no surprise that it - Back office functions in finance, Education and Research operating in the logistics field. growth with 943,000 domestic, UOW’s Illawarra Health and Medical will continue to be a strong driver accounting and IT Wollongong’s education sector is Port related industries such as 56,000 international visitors and Research Institute (IHMRI), the in the future. However, just as led by UOW, which is a five star shipping, stevedoring, warehousing, 3.7 million day visitors in 2012. - Headquarter functions in Graduate Medical Program, the $186 our economy has diversified so university ranked in the top 2% distribution, support services and Our proximity to Sydney and the administration, human resources million expansion of Wollongong’s has the manufacturing sector of universities in the world. UOW repair and maintenance are growing international airport gives us the and marketing Public Hospital (a major teaching through innovation and technology has a strong and growing research to cater for the port’s expanding opportunity to further grow our hospital) and the establishment of enhancements. Advanced - Inbound/Outbound customer capacity, underpinned by its well trade in vehicles, containers and linkages with Asia and to increase a new Wollongong private hospital manufacturing is a key source of facing operations such as call established links to business through break-bulk cargoes, as well as its the number of business events worth $120 million. Local companies innovation, technology and skills centres its Innovation Campus. In 2012 the traditional strengths in steel and and conferences to the city which include The IRT Group, Ramsay transfer for the local economy. University attracted more than bulk cargoes such as coal and grain. currently injects $10 million annually - Inbound technical help desks and Health Care, Warrigal Care and INS Wollongong boasts a growing 22,000 students, including 5,800 Companies include WWL, Patrick to the local economy. Major events support centres. Health. number of advanced manufacturers overseas students. Autocare, Prixcare Services and AAT. are also a key driver of visitors to who successfully compete Clean Technologies Information and Communication the city and in 2012/13 contributed Funds Administration Mining Technology and domestically and internationally Renewable Energy is one of Technology $22 million. Natural assets include Australia has the fourth largest Services (MTS) for business. These companies are the fastest growing industries UOW’s competencies in the Illawarra Escarpment, coastal pool of investment fund assets Wollongong has a long and proud recognised industry leaders such worldwide. Australia has a rich research areas such as ICT has foreshore and Lake Illawarra. Our in the world and the largest in history of supplying innovative as BlueScope Steel, MM Kembla, diversity of renewable energy seen Wollongong successfully cultural assets include the Illawarra Asia. As a result of compulsory mining technology and services for Bisalloy Steels, David Brown Gear, sources including wind, solar, attract development centres for Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong superannuation fund contributions, the Australian and international Vesuvius, Stolway, Leussink etc. In 2009 the Illawarra Green multinational companies such as Entertainment Centre, WIN Stadium, total consolidated funds under resources industry. Products Engineering, Fibre Optics Design and Jobs Action Plan was developed CSC, Telecommunications Systems Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong Art management total $A1.4 trillion as and services developed in the Construct and Alminco. from which a Clean Technologies Inc, Bond International, GBST, Gallery, as well as numerous festivals at 30th June 2012. This is the fastest region include coal long-wall Network was established with the Pactera and tickets.com. Wollongong and events. The iconic Sea Cliff Business Services / Shared Services growing industry sector in NSW, and mining equipment, hydraulic roof aim of encouraging the Illawarra has many home-grown success Bridge is a key tourist experience and The past decade has seen multi- Wollongong is playing an important support systems, roof bolting manufacturing sector to look for new stories as well, with UOW graduates features prominently in successful location corporations aggregate role in this success story. Our city machines and mine planning and opportunities and markets in this establishing ICT businesses, which marketing campaigns such as the business support functions is home to several large funds evaluation software. Wollongong high growth sector. have achieved global success. These Grand Pacific Drive. into Shared Services Centres. management organisations including MTS companies have the proven include Oasis Asset Management, Wollongong has experienced Creative Industries ANZ OnePath, Pillar Administration, capacity to undertake all facets of which was sold to ING, and InfoComp, strong growth in Shared Services The creative industries sector GBST and OneWealth. mining projects including design, which sold to GBST. Other local as companies in this expanding in Wollongong is dominated by construction, project management Health, Aged Care and success stories include iTree, Plaut sector tap into the city’s stable, newspaper publishing, free-to-air and equipment supply. Companies Community Services IT, Evanscorp, Selera, Internetrix skilled and multilingual workforce, television, architectural services include Valley Longwall, Nepean The health care sector, including and eHiive. UOW has one of the competitive business costs, modern and arts education jobs. There has Conveyors, Longwall Hydraulics, hospitals, medical centres, clinics largest university-based ICT research business infrastructure and superb been an increase in the number of and aged care facilities, is a connectivity. people designated as creative artists, KEY FUTURE INDUSTRY DRIVERS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

Existing Council plans - Key objective We will have achieved this when: Wollongong 2022 Cross-sector initiatives are implemented to increase business The Economic Development Strategy is investment and jobs growth, particularly for young people. consistent with the goals and actions outlined in Wollongong 2022. This is Wollongong’s CBD continues to expand as the regional centre for our Community Strategic Plan for 2012 commercial services, health services and other high order services, to 2022 which outlines the vision for Local the city and six key community goals retail, entertainment and dining to stimulate and retain local of which Goal 2 relates to the local employment employment. economy. opportunities are 1. Local employment opportunities are Initiatives to retain local talent are developed and implemented. This goal states that “We have an innovative and sustainable economy”. increased within a increased within a strong local economy. Innovation through social enterprise and social business Sitting beneath this high level strong local opportunities is encouraged and supported. 22 community goal are five objectives: 23 economy. Opportunities for training and education for unemployed and The disadvantaged community members in employment growth areas are pursued. region’s Major urban growth areas such as West Dapto are managed industry base is effectively to balance employment and population growth. diversified. A coordinated approach to business and investment attraction results in an increase in the number of new businesses opening in the Wollongong area. The Working in partnerships with industry and education institutions, an profile of Enterprise Hub is supported within the city. Wollongong, as the 2. The region’s industry base is diversified. Lobbying for necessary infrastructure required to support tourism in regional city of the the region and to attract new industries is coordinated. New Illawarra, is expanded Organisations work in collaboration to support the development industries and and improved. of innovation industries, including the regional Information green technologies Communication Technology (ICT) sector and creative cultural are established industries. and flourish. 3. The profile of Wollongong, as the Wollongong’s City Centre is revitalised and active. regional city of the Illawarra, is expanded Wollongong is promoted as a preferred conference and events and improved. destination, and the place to live, learn, work and visit. The development of renewable energy products and services is Wollongong 4. New industries and green technologies supported. continues to are established and flourish. Partnership opportunities in research and development are expand as a place expanded. 5. Wollongong continues to expand as a Wollongong is established as a learning place of excellence. These objectives are further segmented of learning to specific actions over varying place of learning. timeframes and, importantly, a discussion of ‘what success looks like’. KEY FUTURE INDUSTRY DRIVERS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

University of Wollongong internationally for the quality economy contributing $2.06 of its performance across a billion in gross economic output, UOW is a world-class university range of diverse areas. UOW’s or $607 million in household with extensive research and strategic research priority areas income and 7,979 full time development capabilities that is and emerging strengths are the equivalent jobs to Wollongong. driving Wollongong’s reputation Illawarra Health and Medical UOW also brings international as the City of Innovation. UOW Research Institute (IHMRI); the students into the city, providing Section 4 is currently ranked in the top Smart Infrastructure Research local companies with access 2% of universities worldwide Facility (SMART) and Australian to students and graduates in the QS World University Institute for Innovative and through research and Rankings. UOW is a research Materials (AIIM). UOW is a collaboration with business. intensive university recognised vital part of the Wollongong The Wollongong Advantage

Approximate Number of Graduating Students in 2012, excluding overseas campuses: Arts: 560 Health & Behavioural Sciences: 550 Commerce: 1250 IT/Computer Science: 470 24 Creative Arts (including Design): 230 Law/ Legal Studies: 100 Wollongong is one of Australia’s technology and knowledge-based Enviable Coastal Lifestyle 25 Education: 250 Science: 200 major cities without the industries. There is a large Sydney With its mild climate and relaxed Engineering: 320 associated costs of capital city- commuter pool, trained graduates coastal lifestyle Wollongong is based operations. We have great from UOW and TAFE, and a broad a great place to live and raise a connections both in terms of mix of foreign language skills to family. People can choose to live Enterprise 1 Building at transport and technology, and an draw upon thanks to the city’s in the inner-city, suburbs or semi- Innovation Campus enviable costal lifestyle. Renowned multicultural population. rural locations. Everyone can enjoy for its world-class steel making and good shopping, excellent sporting Competitive Business Costs coal mining industries, Australia’s facilities and a spectacular natural We are a major city without many City of Innovation is reinventing environment. of the high costs associated with itself as an important knowledge capital cities like Sydney and Affordable Living services centre, international trade Melbourne. Labour, facilities, Wollongong offers affordable living, hub and leading university city. telecommunications and utilities with relatively low housing and Wollongong has many advantages costs compare favourably to similar journey to work costs. as a competitive business location: sized locations in Australia. Quality Public Infrastructure Strategic Location Modern Business Infrastructure Wollongong has quality education, Our city benefits greatly from Wollongong has a lot to offer. From medical and transport infrastructure. its proximity to Sydney with the ultra-modern office spaces at UOW’s The city’s educational institutions international airport one hour’s drive Innovation Campus to the state-of include excellent state and private away. This gives Wollongong superb the-art import/export infrastructure schools, an internationally recognised connectivity to Australia and the at NSW Ports Port Kembla operation. university and a TAFE college world for both business and tourism. Wollongong also has the latest network. Wollongong has excellent Wollongong is also strategically technological infrastructure with the public and private hospitals and a connected to Canberra. development of a Tier III Data Centre large medical specialist community and access to fast speed broadband. with close connections to UOW’s World-Class University Graduate School of Medicine. UOW is internationally recognised Supportive Business Networks Wollongong is connected to the for its extensive research and This city has a number of strong Sydney Trains (formerly CityRail) development capabilities, which business networks including UOW, network and free shuttle buses link are helping drive Wollongong’s RDA Illawarra, Illawarra Business the CBD with the university, hospital reputation as the City of Innovation. Chamber (affiliated with the NSW and Innovation Campus. The University has strong links Business Chamber), Destination with business and industry and Wollongong, the regional offices offers opportunities for extensive of the Australian Industry Group collaborative research, and well- and Property Council of Australia, trained, job-ready graduates. ICTI and i3net, as well as State and Federal Government business Skilled Multilingual Workforce agencies including NSW Trade and Wollongong’s large and experienced Investment, AusIndustry, Industry workforce has skills ranging from Capability Network and Austrade. traditional manufacturing to high THE WOLLONGONG ADVANTAGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

ICT Illawarra (ICTI) Illawarra Innovative Industry Network (i3net) Within the Illawarra, the ICT sector is i3net is a network of manufacturing and Section 5 predominately comprised of small businesses engineering businesses in the Illawarra. The and a cluster is an ideal way for these network provides member companies with the businesses to work together without reducing opportunity to take part in activities previously their independence, entrepreneurial spirit or out of reach of smaller enterprises including individual competitiveness. networking, joint marketing initiatives, joint ICTI has been formed to assist with the project bids, and information regarding SWOT Analysis ongoing growth and competitiveness of tendering opportunities. the Illawarra’s ICT industry, recognising the i3net is your gateway to the Illawarra’s vast potential for the IT sector in the region, based range of manufacturers, engineering service on the success of local companies already providers and industrial suppliers. 26 performing on the international stage and 27 In order to develop key strategies ■ The ‘Opportunities’ in this analysis major international organisations using this www.i3net.com.au and actions to promote economic are the issues that Council – and region as a base of operations. development, it’s important to other stakeholders - need to www.icti.org.au understand the economic strengths, act upon in order to realise the weaknesses, opportunities and potential gains so they become threats facing Wollongong. ‘strengths’.

■ The ‘Strengths’ in this analysis are ■ The ‘Threats’ in the analysis are the issues that can be used now to the issues that Council needs to promote the benefits of operating be aware of – often external – and a business in Wollongong. to act to minimise the impact

■ The ‘Weaknesses’ in this analysis The diagram on the following page are the barriers to economic represents the SWOT which was development that Council needs produced and endorsed by the EDAB. to work towards lowering so they can become ‘strengths’.

Public Forum, Wollongong City Council North Wollongong Beach SWOT ANALYSIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23 SWOT analysis

Economic Development ➔ Wollongong

28 Strengths Opportunities Weakness Threats 29

Natural assets (coal deposits, harbour, beautiful Communication and transport projects ($100 Inward looking (escarpment is physical and mental Natural assets (degraded by development or and diverse landscape, agricultural land) million Port privatisation funds - potential to lower barrier) vandalism, natural disasters) unemployment rate, lower dependency on Sydney Proximity to Sydney and Canberra (global city, Transport (improvements to road and rail links to Investment outlook (lack of entrepreneurs/ for jobs, grow Port Kembla, fast speed broadband international links, functioning main arterial links) Sydney required) incentives, lack of visitors or new businesses) opportunities) Lifestyle (access to key services and community Communications (patchy broadband coverage in Economy (too reliant on ‘old’ sectors, loss of key Economy in transition (shifting from industrial to services) certain areas) workers, ‘brain drain’, public funding access limited service base e.g. ICT, finance, business services, and finite, lack of private sector investor interest) Strong education institutions (UOW, TAFE, tourism, higher-end manufacturing, education Planning and investment (lack of A grade office Innovation Campus researchers) and research, logistics/freight, aged care, mining space, West Dapto has many challenges, lack Image/attitudes (continue to do what has been services) of community support for high density, small done in past, apathy, lack of co-ordination, reactive Port Kembla (its import and export capabilities and developers can’t access finance, no overall policy not proactive, competition from surrounding LGAs) direct economic benefits to the region) Planning (regional planning under new planning vision - too project focused) system, potential future employment lands on old FIFO (poor planning could see the benefits of People (skilled commuters to Sydney, regional manufacturing sites no longer in use, vision for Poor external image and awareness (‘steel city’, employment outweighed by high social costs) pride, multilingual workforce, integrated CBD and precincts within it) ‘ICAC hangover’, lack of regional ambassadors, multicultural population that welcomes Proximity to Sydney (encourages less action in focus on downturn in manufacturing, lack of newcomers, solid graduate base, active New partnerships (regional based such as south Wollongong) awareness on Wollongong offer) volunteering culture) west Sydney, organisational based such as social enterprise and creative businesses or with business High unemployment (youth and unskilled, Business support services (professional services, organisations) ‘brain drain’ to Sydney, pockets of great social innovative and creative industries, networks) disadvantage and welfare dependency) Fly in fly out (chance to keep families in the Affordable and accessible (housing, local road region with temporary external employment Political situation (safe seats, some sensitive network, land available for residential growth) arrangements - Shellharbour Council already representatives, fragmented, under-resourced Engaged civic leadership (Councils and local State/ planning around this) community/business organisations) Federal MPs) Health (both private and public expansions Housing (pockets of unaffordability, seasonal Beaches/foreshore/escarpment (Attracting underway) student demand) tourists to Wollongong and providing a higher Tourism (including business tourism potential and quality of life for residents) cultural/sporting events) Major arterial road/rail corridor (Well connected) Nan Tien Temple (expansion into education) Strong industry clusters (Aged care, Mining centre Growing creative industries (growing numbers of for Excellence, i3net,) professional artists in region) Access to industrial land (Proximity to road University (research opportunities plus links to networks and port) international students) Data connectivity (on main Sydney/Canberra link - will further improve with fast speed broadband) APPENDIX ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2013-23

Section 6 Appendix

30 There have been a number of reports These include: ■ Wollongong Business Attraction commissioned by Wollongong City Review – Knowledge Services 2012 ■ State of Australian Cities Report Council and other stakeholders (KMPG) 2013 (Infrastructure Australia) that have looked at economic ■ Illawarra/South Coast Regional development issues in Wollongong. ■ National Urban Policy 2011 Action Plan 2012 (NSW Govt) Many of these were used in (Infrastructure Australia) compiling the Economic Development ■ The Planning Bill 2013 (NSW Govt) ■ Regional and Census data 2011 Strategy. (Australian Bureau of Statistics) ■ RDA Illawarra Plan 2011 (RDA Illawarra) ■ Illawarra Regional Strategy 2007

(NSW Gov) ■ Various Illawarra data reports (IRIS) ■ NSW Long Term Transport Master

Plan 2012 (NSW Gov) ■ Reports undertaken by local business groups – IBC, PCA and Ai ■ NSW State Infrastructure Strategy Group 2012 (NSW Gov)

■ Civic Relations Policy 2013 (WCC) ■ Wollongong LEP 2009 (WCC)

■ Remplan 2013 ■ Wollongong LEP (West Dapto)

2010 ■ Leading locally, competing globally: measuring the University ■ Wollongong 2022 Community of Wollongong’s contribution to Strategic Plan 2012 (WCC) economic and social prosperity: ■ Delivery Program 2012-17 and Wollongong: University of Annual Plan 2013-14 (WCC) Wollongong 2013

■ Advantage Wollongong 2010 ■ The GPT Group’s Wollongong (WCC) Central – totally transforming Wollongong City Centre – 2012 ■ Wollongong Economic

Development Road Map 2003 ■ Fast track Wollongong City (WCC) revitalisation with NSW Government pre-commitment ■ Wollongong City Centre Economic - 2012 Development Strategy 2005 (WCC) Wollongong City Council Economic Development Unit Ph: (02) 4227 7111 Email: [email protected] www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au