Premier unveils new package to support Illawarra jobs

Premier unveils new package to support Illawarra jobs

10 July 2009

NSW Premier Nathan Rees today unveiled a new package to support jobs in the Illawarra.

 Mr Rees released the package in response to the Illawarra Jobs Summit held in April.

The package includes:

  • The $10 million SMART Rail Institute at the University of Wollongong;
  • $50,000 for a business marketing strategy to attract new business and investment to Wollongong;
  • Setting up the Illawarra Employment Lands Taskforce to investigate the availability of development ready land for employment zones;
  • Working the University of Wollongong and the Illawarra Business Chamber to deliver a new Business Illawarra Strategy;
  • Promoting tourism, particularly food and wine tourism, throughout the region by working with local producers to develop an Illawarra Food Directory;
  • Promoting the Illawarra as a conference centre to attract more large conferences and events to the area, including to NSW Government agencies; 

Mr Rees said this package was developed in direct response to the priorities identified by local business and community leaders.

Premier Rees unveils new package to support jobs “This is NSW Government investment in a better future for the Illawarra,” Mr Rees said.

“It is a package developed with a single focus – to support local jobs.

“Community and business leaders came to the Summit armed with ideas and a determination to find new ways to attract investment and jobs to the region.

“These measures have been largely developed from that discussion – it is a shining example of what can be achieved when the community, business and Government work together.”

This comes on top of other job-supporting measures the NSW Government has put in place including:

  • A $3 million boost to the Illawarra Advantage Fund;
  • Delivering the Commonwealth’s stimulus package including $64.5 million on social housing supporting 850 jobs and school projects supporting 1,800 jobs including 150 apprenticeships including $70 million on 35 schools in the first round; and
  • $250,000 to drive the creation of green jobs in the Illawarra