Five things we learned from the Invest Wollongong 2026 prospectus
Big targets, bold claims and a city betting on its next phase of growth.
Invest Wollongong has released its 2026 investment prospectus, laying out an ambitious blueprint for the city’s next decade of growth.
The document points to billions in development, tens of thousands of new jobs, and rapid population growth, framing Wollongong as a city already changing and expecting that pace to continue.
Many of the elements are not new, but the document reframes them as part of a broader investment case.
Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown describes the moment as one of increasing momentum:
“We’re a city on the move,” she said. “We have momentum, and we’re ready to capture opportunities that come our way and prove that Wollongong is the regional capital of the region.”
The document points to billions in development, tens of thousands of new jobs, and rapid population growth, painting Wollongong as a city where the current pace of change is expected to accelerate.
Brown said the shift from earlier prospectuses is the move from planning to delivery.
“There’s been a lot of planning and strategies developed, but now we’re seeing real interest in the region,” she said.
“You’re seeing tangible projects, investment that’s happening … this is a really exciting time, and this document is there to showcase to externals that this is the place to be.”
Here are five takeaways from the document:
1. Wollongong is repositioning itself as a metro alternative
A consistent theme throughout the document is Wollongong’s proximity to Sydney, paired with significantly lower operating costs.
Office space is cited as more than 65 per cent cheaper than in the Sydney CBD, with shorter commutes and access to a large workforce.
Wollongong is presenting itself as a viable alternative to metropolitan Sydney for certain types of business.
The prospectus says: “Wollongong offers a rare blend of opportunity and balance – with metropolitan amenities without the big city costs, where commutes are shorter, where businesses thrive, and people build truly satisfying lives.”
2. The city’s growth is tied to a small number of large projects
While the prospectus outlines broad economic diversification, much of the projected growth is linked to a handful of major developments.
These include the long-planned transformation of land near Port Kembla, continued investment in the CBD, and the expansion of clean energy infrastructure.
It also notes the opportunities associated with the Western Sydney International Airport.
3. Talent is a key selling point, but also a constraint
The prospectus highlights a workforce of more than 700,000 people within a one-hour commute, supported by the University of Wollongong and local training institutions.
That access to labour is central to the city’s pitch to business, and underpins the Council’s target of 20,500 new jobs by 2035.
However, regional data points to an existing gap. A recent RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven workforce report found more than 1,500 roles already going unfilled across the region, highlighting ongoing skills shortages.
Against that backdrop, the scale of the jobs target reinforces the importance of expanding the local talent pipeline, particularly in high-demand sectors such as technology, engineering and clean energy.
4. Tourism push backed by accommodation and cruise proposals
Tourism is a growing focus, with the prospectus pointing to several projects aimed at increasing visitor capacity.
These include The Globe development in the Wollongong CBD, which proposes more than 430 hotel and motel rooms, as well as commercial space.
The document also highlights ongoing efforts to secure NSW’s third cruise terminal at Port Kembla.
Both initiatives are presented as part of a broader push to grow the visitor economy.
5. Core message unchanged from 2025, with stronger emphasis on delivery
A comparison with Wollongong’s previous investment prospectus shows the city’s core positioning remains largely unchanged, with both documents emphasising proximity to Sydney, lower operating costs, access to talent and lifestyle as key advantages.
What has shifted in 2026 is the emphasis. The latest prospectus places more weight on the city’s growth and the investment already underway.
Aunty Barb Nicholson on Justice, Care and Community Change
This week’s Community Matters podcast featured Wodi Wodi woman and community leader Aunty Barbara Nicholson, in conversation with Community Industry Group CEO Nikki Sloan.
The discussion centred on the stark overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the justice system, with Aunty Barb reflecting on the continued rise in deaths in custody and the systemic failures that underpin it. Issues such as breaches of duty of care and limited access to adequate healthcare remain critical concerns.
While acknowledging the scale of the challenge, Aunty Barb emphasised the power of collective action, noting that many small efforts can lead to meaningful change.
Her long-running Dreaming Inside writing program is one example. Supporting incarcerated people to tell their stories in their own words, the work reveals deeply personal experiences often unheard in courtrooms.
You can watch and listen to the latest episode below.
Hot ticket
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Visitor Economy Symposium at The Pavilion in Kiama on May 27.
The event has a price tag this year: $30 per person, or $20 per person if you bring a friend.
Karen Jones, CEO, Destination NSW, will speak on the progress and priorities of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, while Despina Karatzias from the Institute of Excellence will run a workshop on how collaborating with complementary businesses can create stronger visitor experiences.
You can register here.
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