The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA NSW) has welcomed the exhibition of the draft The Illawarra Shoalhaven Plan as an ambitious and forward-looking vision for one of the State’s most important growth regions.
The draft Plan establishes a 20-year vision for the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, replacing the 2021 Regional Plan and aligning the region with the NSW Government’s new approach to strategic planning. It focuses on delivering housing in key centres, strengthening strategic partnerships with neighbouring regions, and building on the region’s strong employment and economic base through 10 strategic responses to the State’s priorities.
Importantly, the Plan identifies the need for 117,000 new homes by 2046 to accommodate an additional 161,000 residents; representing a significantly more ambitious housing target than that implied by the region’s current National Housing Accord commitments.
UDIA NSW Chief Executive Stuart Ayres said that while the scale of the housing ambition is encouraging, it remained critical that the forward pipeline is supported by a long-term infrastructure plan and reflects the market constraints facing some housing types.
“We are pleased to see ambitious housing targets for the Illawarra-Shoalhaven. The challenge now is ensuring we have the right policy settings to turn those targets into homes,” Mr Ayres said.
However, UDIA is concerned by references to a long-term housing delivery target split of 80% infill and 20% greenfield. We do not believe that target reflects both buyer preferences and long term feasible supply. A less restrictive, more balanced and achievable split should be considered across the region.
“Achieving this vision will require a balanced approach that supports both the continued delivery of highly sought-after greenfield communities and an ambitious program of urban renewal in well-located infill areas.”
“We hope this Plan kick-starts a genuine discussion about providing the infrastructure investment, servicing and flexible planning controls needed to meet these housing targets and deliver the diverse range of homes the region wants and needs.”
UDIA NSW also welcomes the reintroduction of the Wingecarribee Local Government Area into the Illawarra-Shoalhaven for strategic planning purposes, recognising its growing importance as a connection between the region and South West Sydney.
“Key centres such as Moss Vale, Bowral and Mittagong have the potential to accommodate additional housing and employment opportunities, while supporting growth in the broader Illawarra-Shoalhaven economy.
“The Plan recognises the opportunity for the Illawarra-Shoalhaven to emerge as a nationally and internationally competitive region, underpinned by a strong employment and industry base and supported by a diverse pipeline of new housing. By working together across government and industry, we can realise that potential and ensure the region continues to prosper for decades to come.”
