DECEMBER 2022 - NEWSLETTER

RDA Housing Supply Roundtable highlights a crisis

RDA Illawarra’s recent Housing Supply Roundtable underlined that the current housing shortage in the region is both a social and economic issue. With over $30 billion in transformative infrastructure planned for completion over the next two decades, just housing the peak construction workforce of more than 4,000 will be a significant challenge.

Keynote speakers emphasised the social impact of transient accommodation and the potential economic impact to the region of not being attractive enough to attract and retain skilled workers. Projects may be delayed or relocated, reducing jobs growth in the Illawarra. Solutions including rented, modular homes were discussed in detail and several other options were brainstormed and will form the foundation for RDA Illawarra's advocacy with NSW and Australian governments.

Illawarra-Shoalhaven City Partnership supported by NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra

The Illawarra-Shoalhaven City Partnership projects were a key focus of a recent meeting between Peter Poulos (NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra) and Regional Development (RDA) Illawarra – represented by Alex Spillett (Policy Manager).

During the discussion, success of the previous RDA-led City Deal was highlighted, along with the need to update the Prospectus considering recent changes to the Australian Government and the inclusion of Illawarra-Shoalhaven in the Six Cities Partnership, coordinated by the Greater Cities Commission (GCC).

“City Deal Phase One was very successful, with many projects either obtaining funding or already underway – so it was time to include new initiatives for the region,” stated Spillett.

The emphasis of the City Partnership is now on the development of Precincts and ensuring Connectivity, “Our focus remains on transformative infrastructure such as Picton Road and a rail link from Port Kembla to Western Sydney, but we have also included planning for a 30-Minute City and the delivery of a ‘Blue Highway’ to encourage marine tourism”, added Spillett.

The Parliamentary Secretary was very supportive of the updated City Partnership, noting that the projects are well selected for the Region. He made a number of suggestions regarding advocacy and offered his assistance to make it happen at a State level.

Leadership Illawarra Program visits Governor-General and Parliament House in Canberra

On 24 November the LIP were honoured to visit Government House for morning tea with His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Her Excellency Mrs Hurley. His Excellency delivered an address to the LIP, remarking on our shared connection with the Illawarra region. He shared personal leadership insights and encouraged the LIP to give all they can as leaders for their organisations, their communities and Australia.

The group also visited the Parliament of Australia as part of the two day visit, supported by the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services the Hon Stephen Jones MP and Ms Alison Byrnes MP, members for Whitlam and Cunningham who met with the group and generously shared leadership advice, candidly answered questions and explained their role in the parliament.

The LIP also had the unique opportunity to meet with the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories the Hon Kristy McBain MP (pictured below), the Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Senator Jacqui Lambie, Former Senator Chris Ketter and Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore. A visit to Question Time enhanced the groups' understanding of the parliamentary process, culture and environment even further. Participants were grateful for the openness with which each leader shared their personal story, the passion behind their commitment and their reasons for being involved in parliament.

Tackle cyber security threats with the ATO’s eInvoicing

Australian small businesses can now team up with the ATO to tackle cyber security threats. The ATO is hosting its next eInvoicing webinar on 8 December.

eInvoicing is the new and safer way to exchange invoices digitally that will make vulnerable email an invoicing channel of the past. See an eInvoicing demo by MYOB, Xero and Reckon.

Find grants and funding information all in one place

Looking for NSW Government Grant Information?

The Grants and Funding Portal is a centralised website that lists all NSW Government grants and funding programs in one place.

Check here to find a government initiative, grant or funding program to help support your business, project or community.

Inside Industry Wollongong Summer Tours Program

Experience the sights, sounds, smell and feel of steelmaking this summer. Check out the range of tour options available at Inside Industry:

• Steelworks Tour
• Twilight Steelworks Tour
• Working Port Tour
• Port Kembla History Tour
• Blue Mile History Tour
• Educational Tours

Make secure online bookings and access instant gift vouchers here.