Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement

The draft Wollongong Local Strategic Planning Statement outlines priorities for housing, jobs, transport, and the environment over the next 20 years.

A Local Strategic Planning Statement is a planning document which is used to guide changes to the planning framework including our Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plans. Planning Proposals to amend the Local Environmental Plan are assessed against the Local Strategic Planning Statement.

Background

Wollongong has an existing Local Strategic Planning Statement which was adopted in 2020. The Local Strategic Planning Statement is required to be reviewed and updated at least every seven years. We have taken the opportunity to review and refresh our Local Strategic Planning Statement now because we have developed a number of significant land use strategies since 2020 and it is important that the Local Strategic Planning Statement reflects these. This timing has also given us the ability to develop the Local Strategic Planning Statement alongside the review of the draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035, which is also on exhibition.

Context

Wollongong is an extraordinary environment which has been cared for by traditional custodians for tens of thousands of years. The beautiful landscape and environments which make this place unique and are so valued by our community, are also the things which make it sensitive to growth and change. Environmental sensitivities such as biodiversity, flooding and bushfire, and infrastructure constraints relating to transport and servicing make some locations inappropriate for significant growth.

The Local Strategic Planning Statement includes an ambitious agenda to deliver sustainable and resilient places, liveable and connected communities and a productive and vibrant economy, and outlines where we will see growth and change. With limited land to expand and a need to maintain a range of land uses to deliver housing, recreation, jobs and services, we will see some of our existing neighbourhoods evolve with denser and taller housing. A more diverse collection of housing types in well located areas will create more choice for renters and home buyers, both in terms of lifestyle and housing affordability.

Vison and Planning Priorities

The draft Local Strategic Planning Statement sets a vision to deliver planning policy that enables a sustainable, liveable and vibrant Wollongong:

As Wollongong’s community grows and the climate changes, we will plan and develop for a sustainable future.

Our plans will have their foundation in Wollongong’s unique places and landscapes and seek to deliver healthy Country and community well-being.

Wollongong’s housing, employment precincts, recreational spaces and natural areas will be resilient, diverse and well connected, and support a thriving and innovative economy

This vision is supported by 12 planning priorities under three themes:

Sustainable & Resilient

1. We rehabilitate and protect natural environments and ecosystems

2. We are resilient to climate risks and environmental hazards

3. We have access to green and healthy urban open spaces and streets

Liveable & Connected

4. The natural, built and cultural context informs the design of places and buildings

5. We are growing our capacity for housing, so our community have access to diverse and high-quality homes in the future

6. The network of Centres provides for the needs of our community

7. Transport options are safe, reliable and accessible

8. The city is enriched by creative and cultural expression

Productive & Vibrant

9. Employment generating uses are prioritised in Centres and Industrial areas

10. The freight network is efficient, from international trade to the last mile

11. The Port of Port Kembla industrial precinct is a hub for economic growth, employment and innovation

12. The growing visitor economy celebrates natural and cultural assets

Details of each planning priority are contained in the draft Local Strategic Planning Statement. A high-level summary can be found in the Council Report.

We’d love your feedback on the vision and planning priorities outlined in the draft Local Strategic Planning Statement. Let us know if you think we’ve covered what’s important to you as we plan for the future.

Please provide your feedback by Wednesday 7 May 2025. For written and emailed submissions, please quote: 'Draft Wollongong Local Strategic Planning Statement'. Any submissions become public documents and may be viewed by other persons on request. Please read Council's Privacy Policy before submitting your feedback.

Accessibility and language assistance

If you’re d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or language difficulty, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. If you need an interpreter, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111 for either service.