EnergyCo advances Illawarra's Renewable Energy Zone
Plus BlueScope's multi-million dollar deal - and more
Hopefully you too are enjoying a seasonal siesta, just too keep you in the loop here’s a quick catch-up on a few notable happenings …
EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey and CEO Mark Vassella. Pic via Gemini
EnergyCo is in the throes of establishing a local Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) community reference group to create a formal channel for discussion and feedback.
This is in addition to the partnership with the region’s industry network, i3net, as work continues towards making the region the state’s first urban REZ.
The government agency responsible for planning and delivering electricity infrastructure projects, reconnected with energy experts, community representatives and key stakeholders at UOW before the Christmas break.
EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey and Executive Director of Strategy Chloe Hicks provided updates on the REZ vision and project progress.
Discussions focused on decarbonising local industry, meeting community needs, partnering across government, and the role of BlueScope’s Land Transformation Project. Among the business luminaries were Michael Yiend, Gill Goldsmith, Douglas Thomson, Tom Bakker, Bianca Perry and Ty Christopher.
Work continues with Endeavour Energy under the memorandum of understanding signed in May 2025, with both organisations assessing needs and opportunities across Endeavour’s distribution network in the Illawarra, including community battery initiatives.
Pic via EnergyCo on LinkedIn
EnergyCo is examining how integrated consumer energy sources, including rooftop solar and batteries, could be used, alongside opportunities to repurpose existing infrastructure to reduce community and environmental impacts.
BlueScope’s West Dapto land bonanza
BlueScope has exchanged contracts with one of Australia’s largest home builders to sell 33 hectares of residentially-zoned land in West Dapto for $76 million.
It is expected the deal will bring forward a transaction previously flagged for 1H FY2026 to 2H FY2026.
The agreed price, above $200 per square metre, sits ahead of recent comparable sales. BlueScope said the transaction will not materially impact its previously affirmed 1H FY2026 guidance, citing sustained operating strength through the final months of calendar 2025.
The West Dapto development is expected to deliver more than 350 residential lots, adding to housing supply in the Illawarra. The project will also showcase BlueScope products, including Colorbond steel roofing, fencing and garage doors, alongside Truecore steel framing.
Managing director and CEO Mark Vassella said the sale provides immediate cash profit and a clear benchmark for the value embedded in BlueScope’s more than 1200 hectares of non-operational land, while supporting residential growth in the region.
The announcement comes on the back of
Upgraded tennis facility just weeks away
Despite challenging weather conditions, Wollongong’s new Regional Tennis Centre remains on track for completion soon.
Subject to weather, the centre (AKA Beaton Park) is expected to become operational mid-January, aligning with the start of the Australian Open, with an official opening planned alongside a Wollongong Festival of Tennis in partnership with Tennis NSW in mid-February.
Once operational, the centre will feature eight international-standard cushioned acrylic courts, two community hard courts, four synthetic grass courts, and a multi-purpose court for broader community use. Supporting infrastructure including shade structures, seating, floodlighting, pathways and soft landscaping has also been installed as work on the elite courts is finalised.
Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown said the project had faced several unanticipated challenges, including the discovery of asbestos and surface issues on some courts, but welcomed the progress now being made.
Once completed, the facility will be one of only a handful of Tier 2 competition venues in NSW.
Back in May, Pulse Illawarra revealed Wollongong City Council commissioned a major review of Beaton Park, tapping top consultants to future-proof facilities amid booming sports demand and community growth.
Councils lock in 10-year kerbside waste deal
Wollongong City Council has locked in its kerbside waste collection services for the next decade, securing a core service that supports public health, local amenity and emissions reduction.
Following a joint procurement process with Shellharbour City Council, council unanimously endorsed Remondis Australia at an extraordinary meeting on December 16. The contract runs for seven years from July 2027, with a three-year extension option.
The agreement covers waste services for more than 89,000 properties across the Wollongong LGA, providing long-term certainty around the collection of domestic waste, recyclables and organics, and supporting council’s push to keep more material out of landfill.