Wollongong backs LG8 alliance to boost regional influence and airport links
The goal? Stronger transport links, more jobs, and a bigger say in decisions tied to Western Sydney Airport.
Efforts to formalise a new eight-council alliance are signalling a shift in regional power, as Wollongong and its neighbours align to capture the economic benefits of Western Sydney’s new airport.
Wollongong City Council is backing a push to strengthen regional cooperation through the LG8 strategic alliance.
At its latest meeting on Monday, March 23, Wollongong City Council backed moves to strengthen regional cooperation through the emerging LG8 strategic alliance, supporting a Lord Mayoral Minute endorsing closer collaboration across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Macarthur and Southern Highlands.
The alliance, first reported by The Pulse Illawarra in August last year, brings together Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Wollondilly, Camden, Campbelltown and Wingecarribee councils and is positioning itself as a “super region” to advocate more effectively to state and federal governments.
Central to that agenda is improving connectivity between Western Sydney Airport and Port Kembla, a link councillors say could unlock major economic and freight opportunities for the region.
The LG8 group is also targeting growth in tourism, health services and regional development, with the airport expected to bring more visitors to Greater Sydney.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said ensuring those visitors head south into the Illawarra would be key to maximising the region’s economic potential.
“We know that the Western Sydney Airport is going to open soon, and when those passengers arrive, we want to make sure that they head south rather than up north,” Cr Brown said.
Councillor David Brown said the expanded alliance reflects growing ties between south-west Sydney and the Illawarra, particularly as population growth accelerates in the Macarthur region.
“We know that people from that part of the world are using the Wollongong and the Illawarra for a range of facilities… health, education, recreation in our city,” he said.
The push comes as the state government reviews the role of joint organisations - regional bodies designed to coordinate planning and advocacy between councils.
Wollongong is currently part of the Illawarra Shoalhaven joint organisation, but councillors indicated the LG8 model could strengthen collaboration beyond traditional boundaries.
The Mayoral Minute read: “The Joint Organisation framework has enabled ISJO (Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation) to successfully plan and advocate on behalf [of] the Illawarra Shoalhaven region. Whilst the JO boundaries established in 2018 aligned well with communities of interest and regional economic activity, Wollongong City Council acknowledges the need to review regional collaboration arrangements to ensure they are current and reflect future growth and investment priorities.”
Council leaders stressed the alliance would not replace local decision-making, but would instead enhance coordination on major issues such as transport, economic development and tourism.
The motion supporting the LG8 approach was carried.
And … Singapore Airlines launch deals out of Western Sydney
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be the first international carrier to operate from Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport, with the inaugural flight scheduled for November 23, 2026.
The daily SQ201 service will arrive at 10:20pm, while the return SQ202 flight departs WSI at 11:55pm. These late-night departures are designed to provide seamless connections to over 130 global destinations across Europe, North Asia, and the Americas.
The service will use Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft, configured with 40 Business Class and 263 Economy Class seats. This expansion adds 2121 weekly seats in each direction, increasing the total capacity between the Sydney basin and Singapore to 12,334 seats per week.
According to SIA, introductory launch fares from WSI are available until March 31, 2026. Learn more about the new services with Singapore Airlines here.
More hotel rooms added to Wollongong’s CBD
Wollongong City Council has resolved to progress a planning proposal that would lift the permissible building height at the former David Jones site on the corner of Crown and Church Streets from 55 to 80 metres — enabling the proposed Globe Hotel to expand from 236 to 262 rooms, and an associated motel from 114 to 172 rooms.
The council received 16 public submissions during the December 2025–February 2026 exhibition period, with eight in support, including one from Destination Wollongong. Opposition centred on shadowing impacts on MacCabe Park. Council’s analysis decided acceptable sunlight retention during key use periods.
The Globe Hotel would be the first 5-star-class development in the Wollongong CBD — a gap the city’s tourism operators and event organisers have flagged repeatedly since the UCI World Championships exposed accommodation shortfalls in 2022.
Council has secured a Gateway Determination from the Department of Planning to exhibit a city-centre-wide proposal offering a 30 per cent height and floor space bonus for hotel developments, with 5-star or equivalent projects prioritised.
UOW clinches global elite status
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has solidified its position in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject. In a landmark result for the region, UOW’s Philosophy program surged to sixth in the world, while Nursing climbed to an impressive 36th.
These rankings, which analysed over 6200 institutions, assess academic reputation, research impact, and employer standing. Vice-Chancellor Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO attributed the success to a university-wide effort across teaching and professional services.
The results also highlight the university’s alignment with industrial and healthcare workforce needs. Mineral and Mining Engineering maintained a top-100 position, while Materials Science improved its standing to 87th globally. These rankings reflect UOW’s ongoing strength in advanced manufacturing and health education research. Additionally, the university secured top-150 spots for Archaeology, Geography, and Sports-related subjects.
Big ticket
The place to be this weekend is the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre - if you move quickly.
There are limited reservations available to see Arawarra, is the story of freedom fighter, a Ngandah, a protector and a First Nations leader in the Shoalhaven at the time of colonisation on Friday and Saturday nights. Try here.
You’ve already missed out on seeing Erth’s Dinosaurs at IPAC on Saturday as it’s sold out, but if you might be able to catch some exceptional line dancing at The Stomp at the nearby Wollongong Town Hall.
In your ears
Hot on the heels of Atlassian cutting 1600 jobs from its global workforce, the New York Times’ Hard Fork podcast asks if companies are “AI-washing” layoffs. It’s a good question.
And a congrats
… to the Destination Wollongong team. Their Why Bother? campaign, with its wonderful self-deprecating tone, has officially surpassed 2 million views across social media platforms.
DW General Manager Jeremy Wilshire, the results exceed initial expectations and demonstrate the effectiveness of non-traditional regional branding.
The “Ultimate Gong Getaway” competition, valued at over $3000, offers a curated itinerary including accommodation at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach and experiences at Jamberoo Action Park and Skydive Australia.
Have a crack, it closes on March 31, at 11:59pm.