The announcement of a significant rezoning proposal for Port Kembla is poised to transform the region’s economic landscape, marking what many are calling a generational opportunity for Illawarra. According to Matthew Wales, the Regional Director of the Property Council Illawarra Shoalhaven, this initiative reflects years of advocacy aimed at securing investment for the future of Port Kembla.
“Port Kembla has always been the industrial heartbeat of the Illawarra, and today’s announcement sets the stage for it to become the region’s growth engine for the next generation,” said Mr. Wales. The proposal aims to unlock new industries while preserving the site’s rich industrial history, a vision long championed by the Property Council.
The Port Kembla Master Plan, developed by BlueScope, is central to the ambition of fostering a diversified economy in the Illawarra. “BlueScope’s master plan shows what’s possible when we plan big – thousands of jobs in emerging industries, billions in new investment, and a secure future for local workers,” Mr. Wales added. With the rezoning now on exhibition, he expressed optimism about collaborating with government, industry, and the community to realize this transformational project.
The Property Council has consistently advocated for state investment to bolster Port Kembla’s expansion, recognizing its potential to support economic growth and cultivate a multi-faceted industrial hub. “We’ve highlighted the opportunity to unlock underutilized land around the steelworks to attract new industries and create a stronger future for the Illawarra,” Mr. Wales stated.
This initiative aims to instill confidence among local workers and businesses that Port Kembla will remain the region’s industrial powerhouse while opening doors to new careers in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and technology. “That certainty is exactly what investors, educators, and contractors have been waiting for,” Mr. Wales emphasized.
Drawing a vivid analogy, he noted that while the site might be the same size as Monaco, it will not feature luxury yachts or casinos, but rather be a testament to the hardworking spirit of the Illawarra. “It will be proudly Illawarra – practical, hardworking and focused on building the industries of tomorrow,” he said.
The Property Council remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that this momentum translates into lasting jobs and opportunities for the community. As the region looks ahead, the potential for economic revitalization in Port Kembla stands as a promising chapter in Illawarra’s industrial narrative.
