Wollongong unveils $24m infrastructure push and CBD levy cuts
Helensburgh, Warrawong builds lead the way
Wollongong’s draft 2026 development contributions plan proposes $24 million in infrastructure spending over four years while slashing upfront levies for major CBD developments.
The package, passed as part of this week’s council meeting, positions Warrawong and Helensburgh as the standout winners from the proposed spending pipeline.
The draft plan also contains one of the council’s clearest signals yet that it wants to stimulate private investment in the city centre during a difficult construction cycle.
Under the framework, commercial or mixed-use developments valued above $20 million within the Wollongong CBD’s E2 Commercial Centre zone would have the standard 2 per cent levy cut in half.
Critically for developers, payment of the levy would also be deferred until just before an occupation certificate is issued, rather than be paid upfront. The change is aimed squarely at easing cash-flow pressure during current conditions.
The incentives are backed by a substantial reserve pool. Council’s Section 7.12 balances now sit at $48.2 million, including $35.7 million allocated to city-wide projects and $12.5 million quarantined for the city centre.
Helensburgh secured the largest single project allocation in the draft works schedule, with $4.5 million earmarked for a new community centre and library.
Warrawong is also positioned for a significant civic overhaul, including $1.7 million for a new town square, $1.5 million for a southern suburbs community centre and library, and $900,000 tied to laneway relocation and parking upgrades supporting the precinct renewal.
Public domain spending dominates the broader program, accounting for more than $9.2 million in projected expenditure, including skate parks planned for Wollongong’s CBD and Thirroul.