OCTOBER 2023 - NEWSLETTER
National Hydrogen Strategy Review
RDA Illawarra recently made recommendations to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in a submission that centred on the following key themes:
- The need for speed in developing Australia’s hydrogen industry. If we are to be world-leaders, we must rapidly develop our emerging hydrogen industry
- Recognition that a significant increase in power generation is required by the hydrogen industry, and that offshore wind will play a crucial role in delivering this
- Acknowledgement that a transition period may be needed, and this could require the commercialisation of early hydrogen production using power generated by fossil fuels
- It is crucial to link hydrogen production to ‘green’ power generation. Eventually all hydrogen will be generated using sustainable energy, and the need for power must be linked to hydrogen production
- Remain neutral on technology especially during the transition period when marriages of new and emerging technology may be required. Ultimately the market will decide best technology outcome
- Government support will be vital to support the emerging industry and its supply chains. Support will be needed in policy, regulation, training, research and commercialisation, and could include significant funding, incentives, tax breaks and partnerships.
Read the full submission here.
Wollongong Industrial Lands Review
RDA Illawarra has provided a submission to Wollongong City Council’s Wollongong Industrial Lands Review, calling for a coordinated Master Plan that promotes the ‘Highest and Best’ used of existing and developing industrial land. Against a background of major industrial transition in the region, there is an opportunity to create an enhanced vision for the use of industrial lands.
Included in the submission are the following recommendations:
- Create a Master Plan for Port lands and surrounding industrial lands
- Promote ‘Highest and Best’ use of existing and developing industrial land
- Advocate for better direct road and rail access from Illawarra to Western Sydney
- Encourage larger lot size development for freight and logistics as well as manufacturing
- Normalise planning controls with LGAs in the Six Cities region
- Increase amenity and flexibility in industrial land use
- Collaborate with other agencies to accelerate delivery of basic services (water, sewerage, power) as well as public transport and high-speed internet to industrial land
- Protect industrial lands, freight corridors and buffer zones from residential encroachment
- Develop plans with other agencies to improve road access to current and emerging industrial land.
Read the full submission here.
Work + Stay new service for Skilled Migrants
RDA Illawarra presented an online migration settlement session for Skilled Migrants in September together with Work+Stay. Attended by over 50 migrants, the information session included information on settling into the Illawarra, support services and pro tips on finding employment. Following the session, RDA Illawarra and Work + Stay representatives answered a range of questions and provided helpful website links to assist migrants to access further support.
Work+Stay is a Social Enterprise with a social impact goal to support regional Australian employers find people with the right skills needed for their business. Work + Stay offer a free service for Skilled Migrants to help them secure a job and move into a regional area. They also provide wrap-around support for candidates throughout the recruitment process and will work closely with candidates to understand their career and lifestyle priorities before matching them with regional job opportunities.
NSW Government Small Business Month
During October, Wollongong City Council is hosting a number of free events to support local small businesses:
Illawarra Aboriginal Business Expo: Wollongong City Council is partnering with the Illawarra Indigenous Business Network to host the Illawarra Aboriginal Business Expo. The expo will showcase a great range of Aboriginal businesses local to the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
WHEN: Thursday 12 October, 10am-12pm
WHERE: Wollongong Art Gallery Burelli St, Wollongong
Find out more
Cybersecurity: step-by-step workshop on how to protect your business - get started on your cybersecurity journey with pragmatic advice explained in plain language.
WHEN: Tuesday 17 October, 10:30am - 12pm
WHERE: Wollongong City Council, 41 Burelli Street
Register here
Planning your website for success: learn practical guidance on how to create a winning website strategy and optimise your website for search engines and people.
WHEN: Friday 27 October, 10am - 2pm
WHERE: Wollongong City Council, 41 Burelli Street
Register here
Free Workshops for Tourism Operators
Destination Sydney Surrounds South invites you attend one of their Face-to-Face Fundamentals sessions as part of NSW Small Business Month 2023.
Explore the benefits of having an Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) listing, why you need to be online bookable, and dip your toes into the world of marketing at one of two workshops in Kiama or Wollongong.
WHEN: Monday 16 October, 9:30am - 12:30pm
WHERE: The Pavilion, 2 Bong Bong St Kiama
WHEN: Tuesday 17 October, 9:30am - 12:30pm
WHERE: 93 Crown St Wollongong
Free outdoor event in Wollongong - Culture Mix
Wollongong City Council is proud to present Culture Mix, a free one-day outdoor event that celebrates Wollongong’s diverse community with vibrant music, dance, workshops, installations, and food from around the world.
WHEN: Saturday 21 October, 12pm to 8pm.
WHERE: Various locations in Wollongong CBD - Lower Crown Street and Mall, The Arts Precinct, Wollongong Library, Wollongong Art Gallery and Wollongong Town Hall.
Culture Mix is a new and contemporary multicultural festival. It will be a celebration of the cultural diversity of Wollongong residents and will showcase the many cultural and language backgrounds that make up the community.
Check out the Facebook event page for updates.
