Wollongong City Council adopts $604 million capital works plan and 3.9 per cent rates rise

Wollongong City Council has adopted a $604 million capital works plan for the next four years, with $151 million allocated for 2026-27. The plan prioritises transport services at $43.38 million and new libraries at $31.31 million. Local rates will rise by 3.9 per cent to help fund the works, though the impact varies for individual ratepayers.

The Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 sets out the Infrastructure Delivery Program. It covers more than 670 projects focused on shared pathways, flood risk management and new community centres such as those planned for Helensburgh and Warrawong. Council has also endorsed an updated City-Wide Development Contributions Plan that will reinvest $24 million of developer contributions into public infrastructure over four years, including $11.4 million in 2026-27.

Projects affecting daily movement and facilities

Key infrastructure priorities include renewing road pavements, upgrading treated water pools and supporting growth in the West Dapto Urban Release Area. These works are expected to affect how residents travel on local roads, access community facilities and use recreational spaces in coming years. The rates increase will apply across Wollongong households and businesses to support delivery of the program.

The capital works plan and contributions plan together provide the funding framework for the listed projects. Residents in areas such as Helensburgh, Warrawong and West Dapto may see construction activity related to new centres, pathways and road renewals as the program advances.

Next steps for implementation

The adopted plans outline the allocation of funds across the four-year period. Council documents indicate the projects will proceed according to the Infrastructure Delivery Program timelines set out in the Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029.