Asthma data strengthens case for electric homes in Illawarra
And the business tipped to secure three-year contract to secure the region’s mountain bike tracks
Before we get into the news of the week, we are excited to let our subscribers know that we’ve entered into a content partnership with Community Industry Group and the Community Matters podcast.
Hosted by CIG CEO Nicky Sloan, the podcast features conversations with Illawarra leaders on issues shaping the region. We’ll be sharing selected episodes and insights with readers throughout the year.
You can read, listen to or watch the latest episode below.
Electric homes push in the Illawarra flagged as win for asthma and the economy
The Illawarra’s push to electrify new homes is drawing attention for an unexpected reason: its potential to reduce asthma-related illness and long-term health costs.
Healthy Cities Australia’s asthma program coordinator Alexander Brown told the Community Matters podcast that research now shows that up to 12.3 per cent of the childhood asthma burden is associated with indoor gas appliances, linking everyday energy choices directly to health outcomes. “We’ve all grown up with [gas] as very normal,” he said, “but we’re increasingly understanding that it’s actually quite polluting in indoor environments.”
He said Healthy Cities’ Breathe Better Illawarra program has been working with Wollongong City Council on updates to planning controls that would begin phasing out gas appliances in new developments, replacing them with electric alternatives. Brown said the changes, expected to go on exhibition shortly, could help accelerate a move towards “healthier electric buildings”.
The implications extend beyond public health. Asthma-driven hospitalisations, missed school days and parental time off work create ongoing economic costs. Brown argued that improving indoor air quality should be seen as an upstream investment. “Improving indoor air quality will benefit people with asthma,” he said, “but it’ll actually benefit all of us.”
Council set to rubber-stamp $308k-a-year contract to maintain Wollongong mountain bike tracks
Wollongong Council is expected to rubber-stamp a recommendation to award a $308,880-a-year contract to maintain the region’s mountain biking tracks and walking trails at its meeting on Monday, February 2.
The proposed three-year contract, with options to extend to five years, would be awarded to Coal Coast Civil Pty Ltd and would cover sites including Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park, Harry Graham Park, and Bulli Park.
Six tenders were received from City Coast Services, Dirt Art, Iconic Trails, Waratah Lawncare & Garden Management and Lynchy Construction.
The work includes routine inspections, maintenance and repairs to keep trails safe and accessible.
The decision will go before councillors on Monday.
Rising insurance costs push regional businesses to breaking point
Rising insurance premiums are emerging as one of the biggest pressures on regional businesses, with Business Illawarra warning some operators are facing costs that have doubled or even tripled in recent years.
Business Illawarra director Coralie McCarthy said the latest inflation data confirmed what businesses across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands have been experiencing on the ground.
“Insurance has become one of the most significant and unpredictable costs for regional businesses,” Ms McCarthy said.
“We’re seeing premiums increase dramatically, often with no change to claims history, leaving businesses with little choice but to absorb the cost or cut back elsewhere.”
Business NSW today highlighted an annualised inflation rate of 3.8 per cent, well above the Reserve Bank’s target band, adding to cost pressures already intensified by high interest rates and energy prices.
Local businesses report steady workloads but declining profitability, with rising insurance costs eating directly into margins and delaying investment decisions. Some are reassessing staffing levels or questioning long-term viability.
Business Illawarra is calling on governments to address the cost of doing business, warning that unchecked insurance costs risk undermining regional jobs, services and economic resilience.
NSW planning shake-up on exhibition as new authority aims to cut approval delays
Proposed changes to NSW’s planning system designed to speed up approvals and cut red tape have been released for public comment, with a new Development Coordination Authority (DCA) set to act as a single gateway for development applications.
The reforms aim to untangle a system that currently requires applicants to navigate dozens of agencies and rules. More than 800 triggers for agency consultation, spread across 175 planning instruments, would be consolidated into a single framework, making it clearer when referrals are required.
The DCA would also check early in the process whether agency input is needed, reducing late delays. A standard 28-day deadline would apply to all agencies providing advice on development applications, along with a simplified, more consistent fee structure.
“There is nothing more frustrating for applicants than having their DA bounced from one department to another and then getting conflicting answers as to what they need to do. It has often meant that a proponent gets to the front of one queue only to be told to join another one,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully.
The changes follow the passage of the Planning System Reforms Bill 2025 and are on public exhibition until February 25, 2026. You can have your say here.
What we’re reading
If you’ve ever stepped into the Gala Theatre in Warrawong, you’ll know it’s like taking a step back in time. Region Illawarra’s Zoe Cartwright bagged the interview we wished we thought of - with owner, Ian Hyslop. You can read the story here.
Hot Ticket
Yes, that’s right. TEDx is coming to Wollongong, and 12 local voices are set to share their insights. The event, being held on Saturday, March 7, is already sold out, but you can join the waiting list here.
You can also find our full list of networking events in February here.
If you refer your friends to The Pulse Illawarra, and they subscribe, you will receive complimentary access to our content. Find out how it works here.