finance
Challenges and Headwinds Facing Wollongong's Business Sector This Year
Repeated network failures and rising energy demands are squeezing local firms already navigating higher costs and supply chain delays.
How we reported this
Wollongong retailers along Crown Street lost EFTPOS access for more than four hours on 9 July, forcing many to turn away customers during the morning rush.
The outage follows months of similar disruptions that have hit digital payments, inventory systems and customer bookings across the Illawarra. Local operators now face added pressure from higher insurance premiums and slower recovery in visitor numbers after last year’s wet winter.
Pressure points on the ground
Shops inside the Wollongong Central complex and cafes near the North Wollongong train station reported the longest delays in reconnecting terminals. The Wollongong Chamber of Commerce logged more than 80 calls from members before midday, many citing lost sales from card-only customers. University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus tenants also went offline, halting online order processing for several tech start-ups based there.
Energy costs compound the problem. Average commercial electricity rates in the postcode 2500 area rose 14 percent in the first half of 2026, according to regional supply data released last month. Several small manufacturers along Flinders Street have delayed equipment upgrades because of the combined hit from power bills and unreliable connectivity.
Numbers behind the strain
A snapshot compiled by the chamber on 8 July showed 152 member businesses recorded an average revenue shortfall of $620 for the day the network first faltered. That figure does not include the cost of staff overtime spent reconciling manual transactions once systems returned. Regional train services that feed workers into the city centre also ran reduced timetables, trimming foot traffic at street-level stores by an estimated 18 percent during peak commute hours.
Businesses are now reviewing backup options. Several Crown Street operators said they are trialling satellite terminals and cash-handling procedures while they wait for clearer advice from carriers on permanent fixes. The chamber plans a briefing next week to outline grant programs that cover short-term connectivity upgrades for eligible firms.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.