Wollongong Council Raises Rates, Advances Port Kembla Green Energy Plans

Wollongong City Council's decision to raise rates by 4.7 per cent has drawn mixed reactions from residents and business owners across the Illawarra, with the increase set to add approximately $95 annually to the average residential bill from July.

The decision, finalised at Tuesday's council meeting, comes as the authority faces mounting infrastructure costs linked to the region's industrial transition. Council cited climate adaptation works along coastal suburbs, including Crown Street's stormwater upgrade and Belmore Basin precinct improvements, as key drivers of the increase.

"We're investing heavily in the foundations for our green economy transition," a council spokesperson said, pointing to commitments under the Illawarra Shoalhaven regional development fund, which has allocated $47 million toward transport, housing, and economic diversification over the next decade.

The rates decision overshadowed what council officials described as significant progress on the Port Kembla renewable energy zone. Plans revealed Thursday show accelerated development of the 1,200-hectare precinct, with approvals now in place for solar panel manufacturing and battery storage facilities alongside BlueScope Steel's own green steel initiatives. The zone is expected to create approximately 2,800 jobs by 2030.

Port Kembla precinct manager Tim Richardson noted the momentum reflects wider confidence in the region's economic shift away from traditional heavy industry. "We're seeing genuine investor interest from interstate and international players," he said, without naming specific companies.

Housing affordability tensions resurfaced mid-week when planning amendments affecting Coniston and Mangerton received preliminary council support. The changes would allow medium-density residential development on currently zoned industrial land—a move residents say could ease supply constraints but has drawn concern from some neighbouring properties. The amendments return to council for final determination next fortnight.

Separately, the council endorsed a new five-year partnership with the University of Wollongong focused on innovation hubs along the Innovation Campus in Fairy Meadow. The collaboration aims to boost knowledge-based industries and support BlueScope's research into sustainable manufacturing techniques.

On Friday, controversy flared over proposed changes to Heritage Street's parking regime, which would introduce metered bays to manage growing congestion in the CBD. Business owners expressed concerns the move could deter shoppers, though council data suggests parking turnover has slowed by 23 per cent since the street's pedestrianisation extensions in 2024.

The council will hold a community information session at Wollongong Library next Wednesday evening to discuss these developments, with rates, housing, and the renewable energy zone expected to dominate discussion.

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