Illawarra-ShoalhavenAn economy transformed, the Illawarra-Shoalhaven combines proximity to

Sydney with an educated workforce and an ecosystem of innovation. Ourregion is a natural fit for businesses looking to grow.

Connected and clever

Strategically located just over one hour fromSydney Airport

Strategically located just over one hour from Sydney Airport,offering a competitive geographical and infrastructure base for

businesses to benefit from global and domestic markets

Stable workforce

Stable workforce supported by competitive rents, wages andretention rates, an experienced supply chain and ancillaryservices, and a large, highly skilled, multilingual workforce

Sophisticated and well-developed innovationecosystem

Sophisticated and well-developed innovation ecosystemcentred on the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus

Strong industries

Strong industries at Shoalhaven, including two naval bases andAustralia’s only naval air station, as well as established ICT,professional services and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The Illawarra-Shoalhaven region contributes A$15.5 billion to NSW annually, supporting24,900 businesses.

The Illawarra-Shoalhaven is a region transformed. Traditionally known for its world-class steel making and coal miningindustries, the region’s economy is today driven by the advanced manufacturing, ICT and professional services and defencesectors.

The region’s significant defence presence is anchored by the Australian naval aviation at HMAS Albatross and the AlbatrossAviation Technology Park (AATP). Global prime contractors have established themselves at the AATP to service both HMASAlbatross and the national defence sector.

The region is well connected to domestic and international markets through a high quality broadband network, road and railconnections into Sydney and other markets on Australia’s east coast, and NSW’s third largest port at Port Kembla and theIllawarra Regional Airport.

The region boasts an enviable and cosmopolitan lifestyle, just over one hour from Sydney Airport, Australia’s internationalgateway. House and apartment prices are 30% less than in Sydney. Residents have access to a coastal lifestyle and café culture,and quality local infrastructure means short work commutes.

Key infrastructure supporting the Illawarra-Shoalhaven economy

Wollongong and Nowra are the region’s two urban centres.

Illawarra-Shoalhaven is serviced by excellent infrastructure including access to the NBN and high-speed internet connectivity,major freight corridors into Sydney and south-eastern Australia, the Shellharbour Regional Airport and the international port ofPort Kembla located 10 minutes from the Wollongong CBD.

Illawarra-Shoalhaven has a supportive business environment, offering competitive rents and wages, half the staff turnover ofthe national average, and strong existing supply chains and ancillary service providers.

A large, experienced and multilingual workforce supports local industries. Commercial real estate in Wollongong is on averageA$450 per square metre for office rent per annum compared to $695 in Melbourne’s CBD, while industrial rent is on averageA$100 per square metre in Wollongong.

Innovation is a key attribute of business in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, driven by the University of Wollongong which is ranked inthe top 2% of universities worldwide and renowned for producing 1000 high-quality, job-ready ICT and 600 engineeringgraduates every year. Research experience covers ICT, engineering, cyber and advanced materials.

Businesses are well connected to the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus and the vocational education provider,TAFE NSW. These connections provide local industry with access to cutting edge research and testing facilities, and world-classgraduates and post-graduates.

Aerial of the scenic route over Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton - image courtesy of Dee Kramer Photography

Sectors of opportunity

Professional and financial services

The region has a strong footprint in shared services, ICT and financial services withsome of the lowest reported staff turnover rates in Australia.

Workforce

Infrastructure

Success

For more information on Professional and Financial Services, please refer to the sector detail page.

Over 16,000 employed in traded finance and professional services⟩

Almost 60% of the workforce is tertiary educated.⟩

Broad range of affordable commercial property options⟩

7.3MW Tier 3 Data Centre⟩

Connections to Sydney International markets and the Illawarra Regional Airport.⟩

Professional and financial services output in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region contributed A$2.8 billion to the NSWeconomy in 2018

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University of Wollongong Innovation Campus, iAccelerate technology incubator, has the largest ICT graduate cohort inNSW

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Home to large knowledge service organisations such as Stellar, Department of Human Services and Australian HealthManagement

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An indicative 150-seat knowledge service centre operation delivers a 29% salary and real estate cost saving comparedto Melbourne.

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Advanced manufacturing

The region has a competitive advantage in industrial, chemicals, building products,food and beverage and machinery manufacturing. This is due to a stable and skilledworkforce, access to world-leading expertise at the University of Wollongong, andAustralian and international customers.

Workforce

Infrastructure

Success

For more information on Advanced Manufacturing, please refer to the sector detail page.

Growing employment, with over 954 businesses in the manufacturing sector employing 9,904 people in 2017⟩

A historically strong manufacturing sector which the region considers an important part of its identity, supported by alarge and diverse range of skilled labour

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One in four adults have a tertiary science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) qualification and 60% ofmanufacturing workers carry a trade certificate or higher

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Reported staff turnover is 8% or lower.⟩

Access to world-leading research at the University of Wollongong across advanced materials, steel, robotics andautomation

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Access to major domestic and international markets through extensive road, rail and air links and the Port Kemblainternational trade gateway

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Access to heavy industrial zoned land which allows for 24/7 operations.⟩

The region's manufacturing sector is characterised by advanced business models, advanced processes and advancedapproaches to technology

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Significant tertiary-level research in advanced materials, automation, robotics and steel⟩

Bisalloy Steels, Manildra, BlueScope, NowChem and CSR all operate significant manufacturing operations in theIllawarra-Shoalhaven.

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Defence

Anchored by HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell, the region has a strong industrybase across air, land, sea and joint domains.

Workforce

Infrastructure

Success

For more information on Defence and Aerospace, please refer to the sector detail page.

Experienced local supply chain including mechanical and electronic systems⟩

70 year history of supporting Australian naval and air power workforce requirements.⟩

Naval and maritime cluster focused around HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell⟩

Albatross Aviation Technology Park adjacent to HMAS Albatross airfield includes companies Sikorsky, LockheedMartin Australia and BAE Systems.

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The region has a long and proud history of providing innovative defence technology and services to the Australian andglobal defence industries

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A growing light aeronautics and simulation training industry⟩

HMAS Albatross base at Nowra is home to four Naval Air Squadrons and the Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm⟩

Historic Australian Navy’s HMAS Creswell Base and Royal Australian Naval College since 1911.⟩

Illawarra-Shoalhaven success stories

Nigel McKinnon

Deputy Director for Illawarra-Shoalhaven

Office contacts

Ground Level, Block E, 84 Crown StreetPO Box 892WOLLONGONG NSW 2520

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