Investing in Wollongong’s future through advocacy
Wollongong was the word on everyone’s lips at NSW Parliament House tonight, Wednesday 20 March 2024.
More than 160 people representing the property sector, investors, the business community and government gathered for the launch of Invest Wollongong's 2024 Investment Prospectus.
The event’s pitch? Wollongong is the city where business and lifestyle grow together.
“Events like this are really important as they ensure that people, business and industry outside of Wollongong are exposed to the benefits our city provides and the fact that the CBD has seen a 50 per cent uplift in new A-grade office space in the past four years. With 30,000sqm of newly completed space, and an additional 50,000 sqm of potential A-grade office space, Wollongong is positioned as a legitimate alternative CBD office market location,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
“The Prospectus launch gave Council and our strategic partners the opportunity to showcase Wollongong as a city that not only offers a great base for business, but also supports employees to achieve a better work-life balance. This can be a really attractive proposition to those looking to relocate outside of the Sydney CBD, while also attracting and retaining strong and dedicated employees.’’
The event included an opening address from The Hon Ryan Park MP, Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health, and Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, the launch of the Prospectus by Cr Bradbery and Minister Park, a speech by University of Wollongong Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Patricia M. Davidson and closing remarks from The Hon Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.
Read: 2024 Wollongong Investment Prospectus
There was also a panel discussion about the benefits of doing business in Wollongong featuring Paul Barrett PhD, CEO of Hysata, Dr Tamantha Stutchbury who is the Director iAccelerate and Steven Turner from ColonySix who spoke about the from BlueScope Master Plan. The Master Plan will see BlueScope transform 200 hectares of surplus industrial land at Port Kembla. There is the potential to create 30,000 jobs in emerging industries like clean energy, defence and modern manufacturing, making it one of the most significant projects at both a state and national level.
“The advantages to business in terms of A-grade office spaces, our highly-skilled workforce and the University of Wollongong were key points of discussion during the evening,’’ Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said.
“However, how the city offers a great balance between work and lifestyle was also a key part of the conversations. We know that Wollongong offers employees a good balance in terms of liveability, and this is increasingly an important consideration for employers looking to attract and retail quality staff.
“Events like this support the efforts of Council and our key partners in Invest Wollongong to ensure our city grows, and that we’re able to secure the city’s future as a hub for innovation, employment and creativity.
Invest Wollongong is a strategic partnership of Wollongong City Council, NSW Government and the University of Wollongong, with the goal of attracting new businesses, investment and jobs by promoting Wollongong as a superior business location in key target sectors. Visit the Invest Wollongong website for more information.
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