Smart growth agenda for the Illawarra

Smart growth agenda for the IllawarraHousing affordability in the Illawarra must be addressed through local and planning reform, finds the Property Council of Australia’s new research into unlocking the region’s potential.Greater Illawarra: The Smart Growth Agenda outlines the population and economic growth strategies needed to provide jobs, affordable housing, transport, cultural activities and services such as education and medical facilities. The report, commissioned by the Property Council in response to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s Draft Regional Growth and Infrastructure Plan, finds that current plans for growth are below ‘business as usual’ and are missing opportunities for the region to capitalise on its proximity to Sydney.The report also emphasises the importance of housing affordability and identifies the need for local and state planning reform to alleviate housing stress. According to the Property Council’s regional director Peta Fitzgerald the region is often overlooked, with “the potential for growth in the Illawarra often undervalued.” “This research not only makes the case for greater investment in the region, it makes the case for smarter growth where we protect our biggest assets – our natural environment – and maximise our existing infrastructure by densifying around our existing urban centres,” Fitzgerald says.The research finds that housing stress in the Illawarra is high when compared with Sydney, due to lower regional incomes. The report provides recommendations on how the region can reduce its reliance on commuting to Sydney and build local economic prosperity.The report has received bipartisan support, with Gareth Ward, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Illawarra and South Coast, commenting that the report will “provide an evidence base to argue for greater investment in the Illawarra and help us make better decisions about our future”. Ryan Park, Shadow Minister for the Illawarra says he looks forward to the research being used by government and the private sector to “drive local investment, job opportunities and grow our regional economy while protecting our natural environment.”