Illawarra Shoalhaven
The Illawarra Shoalhaven region lies 70km south of Sydney, stretching some 230km south to the coastal town of Batemans Bay, and is bordered by the Tasman Sea and its magnificent escarpment and Morton National Park. Historically, the Illawarra Shoalhaven economies have been dominated by coal mining, steelmaking, heavy manufacturing, agriculture and fishing. Today, those industries continue to flourish, and the economic base has broadened to include tourism, defence, advanced manufacturing education, construction and health care.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven comprises four Local Government Areas: Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven.
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Population
427,338
Area
5,656 km²
Source: AEC Group (2022-23)
Top 5 Industries by Employment
Healthcare & Social Assistance
32,534
Construction
20,228
Education & Training
19,314
Retail Trade
17,890
Public Administration & Safety
15,150
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where is the Illawarra Shoalhaven region of NSW and which towns does it include?
The Illawarra Shoalhaven region is located on the NSW South Coast, extending south from the southern outskirts of Sydney.
The RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven region comprises four local government areas: Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven. It also includes the Jervis Bay Territory.
Major centres include Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Nowra, Bomaderry, Ulladulla and Sanctuary Point.
A map showing the region’s boundaries is available above.
What are the major industries in the Illawarra Shoalhaven?
The Illawarra Shoalhaven has a diverse economy, with established strengths in steelmaking, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, education, tourism and defence.
Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance, construction, education and training, retail trade, and public administration and safety.
The region’s industrial capabilities, skilled workforce, education institutions and strategic infrastructure, including Port Kembla, support a broad range of economic activity.
What business and investment opportunities exist in the Illawarra Shoalhaven?
The Illawarra Shoalhaven offers opportunities in advanced manufacturing, defence, clean energy, transport and logistics, tourism and food production.
Port Kembla is a nationally significant industrial and freight asset, while the region’s manufacturing expertise and research capabilities provide opportunities for industry diversification and innovation.
The Shoalhaven also has established strengths in defence, agribusiness and tourism.
Businesses and investors can contact RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven for information about regional priorities, industry connections and potential partnerships.
How can I contact RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven for local information and assistance?
Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven (RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven) works with businesses, government, industry and communities to identify economic opportunities, strengthen regional partnerships and address local priorities.
Its activities include workforce development, investment facilitation, industry collaboration and evidence-based regional planning.
Businesses, investors and other organisations seeking local expertise can contact RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven directly.
RDA Sydney can also facilitate introductions through its concierge service.
Visit: RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven
