Media Release

Travellers and businesses across regional NSW are paying more to fly, while policy gaps and funding settings continue to limit access to reliable air services in the Illawarra.

The warning follows the release of Business NSW’s new policy paper, Keeping Regional NSW Connected: The Future of Our Airports, which calls for long term reform to strengthen regional aviation and improve connectivity across the state.

Business Illawarra Director, Coralie McCarthy, said the situation at Shellharbour Airport highlights the real impact of these pressures.

“As it stands today, there are no commercial passenger flights operating from Shellharbour Airport following the suspension of services in May,” Ms McCarthy said.

“Our region has effectively lost its direct air connection overnight, and that has an immediate impact on businesses, tourism and broader economic activity.”

The report shows regional passengers across the state are paying up to 52 per cent more than city travellers, while more than half of regional airports operate at a loss and many routes rely on a single airline.

Ms McCarthy said these challenges are playing out locally. “To expect the local ratepayers of Shellharbour LGA to foot the bill for this regionally significant asset is simply not a long term plan,” she said. “The reality of Shellharbour Airport reflects exactly what the strategy is highlighting, rising costs, fragile airline markets and policy settings that don’t match how regional airports actually operate.”

See Full Release Here

Business Illawarra has welcomed the NSW Government’s $225 million investment to support low carbon manufacturing, describing it as a major opportunity to strengthen the region’s industrial base, create jobs and position the Illawarra for the industries of the future.

The funding round, now open to manufacturers, will support commercial and construction ready projects that expand local production, attract private investment and build capability in emerging sectors including renewable energy components, advanced materials and clean technologies.

Business Illawarra Director Coralie McCarthy said the Illawarra is uniquely placed to take advantage of the investment.

“The Illawarra has the skills, infrastructure and industrial heritage to lead in this next generation of manufacturing,” she said.

“This is exactly the type of targeted investment we need to help local businesses grow, diversify and compete in a changing global economy.”

See Full Press Release Here

Business Illawarra says tonight’s Federal Budget delivers some welcome measures for business, including long sought certainty on the instant asset write off and steps to reduce red tape, but is being overshadowed by a broader confidence crisis and a failure to back the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands with the infrastructure investment needed to unlock housing and support a sustainable workforce into the future.

Director of Business Illawarra, Coralie McCarthy, said the Budget acknowledges some immediate pressures facing business, but falls short of the decisive reform and targeted regional investment needed to restore confidence and lift productivity.

“There are positives in this Budget, including certainty on the instant asset write off and practical red tape reduction,” Ms McCarthy said.

“But the reality is confidence is falling because the cost of doing business keeps climbing. Fuel, energy, insurance and red tape are squeezing margins and making it harder for businesses to invest, take on staff and grow.”

Ms McCarthy said early indicators across the business conditions survey, now open, point to confidence falling to its lowest levels in years, as cost pressures continue to bite and uncertainty remains around longer term policy settings.

“When you are trying to rebuild confidence, you need policies that support investment, not settings that add uncertainty,” Ms McCarthy said.

Housing and key workers: targets mean nothing without enabling infrastructure

Business Illawarra welcomed the Government’s $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund to support essential enabling works such as water, power, sewer and roads, noting this reflects long standing advocacy.

See Full Release here 

Celebrating excellence across the Illawarra business community

Businesses across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands are being invited to share their stories of success, innovation and leadership, with entries now open for the 2026 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards.

The awards celebrate the strength, diversity and resilience of the region’s business community and recognise outstanding achievements across 21 categories, spanning individuals, organisations, innovation, sustainability, tourism and community impact.

Delivered by Business Illawarra and proudly supported by IMB Bank as principal partner, the Illawarra Business Awards are the region’s most prestigious business recognition program, shining a spotlight on the people and organisations driving economic growth and community outcomes.

Ms. Coralie McCarthy said the awards provide more than recognition.

“The Illawarra Business Awards are an opportunity for businesses to reflect on their journey, recognise their people and share the impact they’re having in our region. Every business has a story worth telling, and these awards help bring those stories to life.”

See Full Press Release Here

Global fuel supply disruptions are a timely warning for New South Wales, with forecasts pointing to a tightening gas market within the next two years. For the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands, this risk also presents a clear opportunity to lead the state’s transition to renewable gas - particularly biomethane.

 Read Full Press Release Here

Business Illawarra’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) will kick off its 2026 events calendar with an inspiring and practical session designed to help emerging professionals build confidence, credibility and presence in their careers.

The event will feature respected WIN News presenter, journalist, and professional MC Bruce Roberts, who will share insights from his decades-long media career, including the realities of working in the public spotlight and the communication skills required to perform under pressure.

Roberts has anchored more than 22,000 primetime news bulletins across NSW, the ACT, Tasmania and Victoria, bringing extensive experience in journalism, professional speaking, workplace training and acting.

“This first YPN event of 2026 is about helping young professionals build the confidence to show up in their careers,” said Coralie McCarthy, Director, Business Illawarra.

“Bruce brings decades of experience learning how to speak with confidence, and we’re excited for our YPN community to learn practical insights they can apply in their own careers,” Ms McCarthy said.

During the session, Roberts will share actionable guidance on building a strong personal brand, communicating with clarity, and developing the kind of professional presence that builds trust and credibility. Attendees will also hear about Roberts’ career journey, from early acting roles, including appearances on Home & Away, to becoming one of regional Australia’s most recognised television news presenters.

Ms McCarthy said the event reflects Business Illawarra’s commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals across the Illawarra.

“Providing safe and friendly networking events for our up-and-coming leaders to connect with each other and hear from our region’s leaders was something several young professionals approached Business Illawarra about when I joined the organisation a year ago,” she said.

“Developing confident and capable young professionals is essential to the future strength of our region. Through YPN, we’re creating opportunities for emerging leaders to connect, learn from experienced professionals, and build the skills that will shape their careers and the future of the Illawarra.”

The event has also been welcomed by Elise Sinclair, Media and Strategy Lead at Illawarra marketing and media agency Waples, and one of the first young leaders who encouraged Business Illawarra to establish more networking opportunities for the region’s younger workforce.

“Early in your career, leadership and networking moments can feel daunting, whether you’re presenting to a client, speaking up in a meeting, or being put on the spot by the boss,” Ms Sinclair said.

“Bruce brings decades of experience performing under pressure, and I’m excited for the YPN community to learn practical insights they can apply in their own careers” she said.

The Young Professionals Network event will be held Thursday, 19 March 2026, from 7:00am–9:00am at The Sage Hotel, Wollongong. For full event details and registration, visit the Business Illawarra website.

Business Illawarra has today welcomed the Minns Government’s announcement of a $270 million investment in road and transport links for Wollongong and Port Kembla, describing it as a major boost for the region’s economic future and a strong signal that the Illawarra is central to the State’s long-term trade and freight strategy. 

Director of Business Illawarra, Coralie McCarthy, said the investment demonstrates clear confidence in the region’s growth trajectory and positions Port Kembla at the heart of future supply chains in New South Wales. 

“This landmark investment is something industry has been working together to advocate for over many years. It will strengthen Port Kembla’s role as a worldclass working port and a key economic gateway for the State.” Ms McCarthy said. 
“The Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands is expanding, our industries are diversifying, and this commitment to upgrading freight and transport links will support thousands of jobs today and into the future.” 

With the bulk port operations at Glebe Island reported to be ending by 2030, Business Illawarra is encouraging current tenants and operators to consider establishing or expanding their operations in the Illawarra. 

“Our message to Glebe Island tenants is simple: the Illawarra is open for business,” Ms McCarthy said. 
“We are a growing, future focused economy with efficient access to three international airports, a deepwater port, a skilled workforce, and a strong pipeline of infrastructure investment. There is no better place in NSW to set up and grow.” Ms McCarthy said.  

Call for progress on freight and passenger rail links to Western Sydney (SWIRL) 

Business Illawarra also welcomed Minister Scully’s confirmation that the transport package includes work to investigate transport links and reiterated the region’s strong support for advancing the long discussed South West Illawarra Rail Link (SWIRL). 

“We strongly encourage the Government to ensure that this package includes a business case and early planning for freight and passenger rail links to Western Sydney” Ms McCarthy said. 

The organisation noted the recent position of Wollongong City Council, which reaffirmed the need for both freight and passenger rail connectivity between the Illawarra, Western Sydney, particularly considering the Western Sydney International Airport. 

“The Illawarra needs direct, reliable, high-capacity rail access to the Aerotropolis and Western Sydney, not just for freight, but for workers, visitors and students,” Ms McCarthy said. 

“SWIRL will unlock enormous economic value, strengthen resilience in the State’s rail network, support the visitor economy and enable efficient freight movement. Our own studies clearly show the transformative benefits this connection would bring.” 

Business Illawarra highlighted that multiple inquiries and government responses have already recommended further evaluation of the SWIRL link, including the newly developed Integrated Transport Plan, and urged the Government to embed a clear commitment to feasibility assessment and business case development. 

A region ready to grow 

Ms McCarthy said the new investment builds upon transformative local initiatives already underway, such as the rezoning of 200 hectares of BlueScope surplus lands and major upgrades to the region’s road and rail networks. 

“The scale of opportunity in the Illawarra region and surrounds has never been greater,” Ms McCarthy said. “This infrastructure funding is a critical step, and we look forward to continuing the strong partnership between business and the NSW Government to ensure the Illawarra is equipped with the transport infrastructure it needs to thrive.” 

Business Illawarra has today released its Homes for Workers 2026 Policy Report 2026, calling for urgent action to ensure workers can live locally and businesses across the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands can continue to grow.

The report identifies 11 game changing opportunities to unlock housing supply and urges immediate NSW Government investment and planning reform to address critical workforce pressures.-changing opportunities to unlock housing supply and urges immediate NSW Government investment and planning reform to address critical workforce pressures.

Director of Business Illawarra, Coralie McCarthy, said housing availability has become one of the most significant barriers to workforce recruitment, retention and regional economic growth.

“Workers need somewhere to live. Without housing, businesses can’t grow — it’s that simple.” Coralie McCarthy, Director, Business Illawarra

Examples of priorities highlighted in the report include:

• Transforming Nowra CBD through a coordinated planning and investment package to finally move from strategy to delivery.

• Investing in enabling infrastructure, including the West Dapto Ring Road, Nowra–Bomaderry utilities, and addressing ongoing shortfalls in Mittagong and Colo Vale.

• Accelerating social and affordable housing precincts at Bellambi, Gwynneville and Bomaderry–Nowra to support essential worker access to homes close to jobs.

• Recognising childcare as critical economic infrastructure to support workforce participation.

Ms McCarthy said the region urgently needs aligned transport, planning and infrastructure investment to keep pace with population and industry growth.

“In the Illawarra, South Coast and Highlands, the number of women aged 25–44 in employment has almost doubled over the past five years, yet more than 70% of local families remain in a ‘childcare desert’. In some areas, there are three young children for every one childcare place. Childcare is now a frontline workforce issue, housing and access to essential services must go hand-in-hand if we want people to be able to work.”

She also stressed the importance of moving quickly on key housing precincts:

“Delivering mixed social and affordable housing in Bellambi, Gwynneville and Bomaderry–Nowra is critical to ensuring long term housing close to major employment hubs. These precincts must be accelerated.”-term housing close to major employment hubs. These precincts must be accelerated.”

And on Nowra: “Nowra has been identified as a key regional centre for decades, but delivery has stalled due to fragmented planning and inconsistent investment. The opportunity is enormous and coordinated action is needed to deliver confidence to the private sector to invest”

WEBSITE-TILES-Events-(9).zipThe full report is available here: Homes For Workers Policy 2026 Report

ILLAWARRA BUSINESSES WELCOME ACTION ON UNAFFORDABLE HIGH INSURANCE COSTS

 Business Illawarra has welcomed long‑awaited momentum on fixing the Emergency Services Levy (ESL), saying meaningful reform is critical for local operators increasingly being priced out of essential insurance.

The NSW Government’s decision to refer ESL reform to a parliamentary inquiry marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to spiralling premiums. The ESL currently adds at least 23 per cent to the average business insurance bill, with NSW raising $1.3 billion through the levy in 2024–25.

Local businesses across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands have been sounding the alarm for years. Rising insurance costs have consistently ranked as the number‑one cost pressure for NSW businesses since 2023, and our businesses are no exception. 

Recent regional survey results highlight that businesses in the region continue to face sharp increases in insurance costs, compounding pressures from skills shortages and softening consumer spending. 

Coralie McCarthy, Director of Business Illawarra, said the urgent need for insurance reform is clearly reflected in the experiences of local businesses.

“Businesses throughout the Illawarra, South Coast and Highlands have been raising the alarm about soaring insurance costs for years, and the impact is now impossible to ignore. From small operators to major employers, the rising cost of simply staying insured is putting jobs, investment and community resilience at risk. So many businesses we speak to are either significantly under insured or no longer insured at all” Ms McCarthy said. 

“Reforming the Emergency Services Levy is a critical step toward restoring fairness and affordability. Our region is highly exposed to natural disasters, and businesses need insurance. The risk is huge for local families. We need a modern funding model that supports businesses, not one that pushes them out of the insurance market altogether, its short term gain for long term impact when businesses can’t recover in disasters without insurance!” Ms McCarthy said. 

“This inquiry is a welcome sign that NSW is finally taking this issue seriously. We urge all sides of politics to work together to deliver a sustainable, transparent system that keeps the Illawarra, South Coast and Highlands economically strong and protects the communities that rely on local business most. We need our local small business, surly, as we now are years past black summer and the many floods since, we have learned something!”

NSW remains the only mainland state still relying on an insurance‑based levy to fund emergency services, long after other jurisdictions have transitioned to broader property‑based models. 

With the Government also preparing an options paper outlining five potential levy models, Ms McCarthy said local businesses are looking for reform that will reverse years of mounting pressure and restore confidence.

“Businesses want a system that is fair, sustainable and future‑focused. Our region cannot afford to see more businesses priced out of insurance, this reform is essential to protecting our economic strength and community resilience.”

RED TAPE COSTS LOCAL BUSINESSES HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS, BUSINESS ILLAWARRA CALLS FOR ACTION

As inflation and interest rates continue to rise, Business Illawarra members are warning that government taxes, levies and regulatory burden are becoming a critical threat to business sustainability, with red tape now imposing sixfigure costs on some local businesses. 

Business Illawarra is calling on businesses across the region to submit examples of government red tape that are costing them unnecessary time and money, as part of a new Red Tape Register aimed at driving reform over the next 12 months. 

Recent discussions with local businesses highlight the scale of the problem. 

“One local professional services firm told us that complying with newly introduced government regulations will cost their business an additional $20,000 every year, purely in administrative and compliance costs,” said Coralie McCarthy, Director – Illawarra, Business Illawarra. 

“In another case, a business was seriously considering setting up a second company, not to grow or innovate, but simply to navigate the system, because the paperwork and regulatory structure would save them around $300,000 a year. That’s not productivity. That’s red tape madness.” 

Business Illawarra believes these examples are not isolated and is concerned that the cumulative regulatory burden is quietly eroding competitiveness, investment and jobs across the region. 

“In an environment of rising interest rates, higher energy prices and increased wages costs, businesses are telling us that government taxes, levies and charges are now among their top concerns,” Ms McCarthy said. 

“Red tape is a hidden cost. It doesn’t show up on a bill, but it shows up in lost time, delayed decisions and money that could otherwise be reinvested into staff, equipment or growth.” 

The Red Tape Register will collect direct input from businesses on: 

• What the red tape is – approvals, reporting requirements, duplicatedprocessesor compliance obligations
• The impact on your business – delays, lostproductivityor constrained growth
• What it is costing you – in dollars, staff hours or foregone opportunities

The register will be published on the Business Illawarra website and used to prioritise advocacy with all levels of government, with a focus on achievable reforms within the next 12 months. 

“We’re not asking for regulation to disappear,” Ms McCarthy said. 

“We’re asking for it to make sense. If something takes longer than it should, costs more than it should, or exists simply because ‘that’s how it’s always been done’, then it’s time to challenge it.” 

Business Illawarra is urging all businesses - small, medium and large - to contribute their experiences and help build the evidence base for change. 

Businesses can submit their examples via a simple online form at: 
www.businessillawarra.com/redtape 

“This is about giving business a collective voice,” Ms McCarthy said. 

“If we want red tape reduced, I need help to show clearly show where it exists, what it’s doing to our economy, and why change is urgent. I encourage businesses to get on board and submit their stories and examples.” 

BUSINESS ILLAWARRA LAUNCHES FUTURE OF HOUSING SUMMIT – ANNOUNCING JAMIE DURIE AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER - CALLING FOR DELIVERY LED SOLUTIONS

Business Illawarra will launch its 2026 advocacy agenda with the Future of Housing Summit, headlined by sustainability advocate and Future House host Jamie Durie, as the organisation calls for a sharper focus on housing delivery and infrastructure alignment across regional NSW.

Housing supply constraints across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands are increasingly undermining workforce participation, business investment and productivity, with flow on impacts for the NSW economy.

As Business Illawarra’s first major advocacy event of 2026, the Summit will focus on accountability, infrastructure readiness and delivery timelines — and on what must change to turn policy reform into housing on the ground.

Business Illawarra Director, Coralie McCarthy, said the inclusion of Jamie Durie as keynote reflects the need to challenge traditional thinking on housing delivery.

“Jamie brings a national perspective on what future ready housing must look like,” Ms McCarthy said.

“This Summit is about lifting the conversation — not just on supply, but on how we design, deliver and future-proof housing for growing regions.”

Ms McCarthy said while recent planning reforms were welcome, enabling infrastructure remains the critical barrier to delivery.

“We recognise the significant progress made through planning reform,” she said. “But approvals don’t build homes. Roads, water and essential services must move at the same pace, or housing targets will continue to fall short.”

“Infrastructure alignment is now the missing link between policy ambition and delivery.”

Ms McCarthy said housing constraints are no longer a purely regional issue, but a material economic risk for NSW.

“Housing is not just a social issue — it’s a workforce and productivity issue,” she said.

“If regions like the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands can’t house the people who support industry, health, education and construction, the State’s growth ambitions are at risk.”

The Summit builds on Business Illawarra’s Housing Report released in 2023, which helped establish a coordinated regional agenda and contributed to planning reform and increased investment in affordable and key-worker housing.

“That work created momentum,” Ms McCarthy said.

“This Summit is about the next phase — delivery, infrastructure and outcomes.”

The Future of Housing Summit will bring together senior State Government ministers, industry leaders and regional stakeholders to assess progress, identify barriers and align policy and investment priorities.

In addition to keynote speaker Jamie Durie, confirmed speakers and panellists include the NSW

Ministers for Planning and Housing, alongside senior leaders from the property, development and housing sectors.

“If NSW wants strong, resilient economic growth, housing delivery in outside of the city centres must be treated as core economic infrastructure,” Ms McCarthy said.

“That’s why housing is where our 2026 advocacy agenda begins”

Proudly sponsored by: Housing Trust, Colliers, Wollongong Granny Flats & Edmiston Jones

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Friday 20 February 2026 Time: 8.00am – 12.00pm Location: CityBeach Function Centre, 1 Marine Drive, Wollongong NSW

Confirmed speakers and panellists include:

• Jamie Durie, TV Host, Future House

• Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

• Rose Jackson, Minister for Housing, Homelessness, Water, Mental Health and Youth

• Amanda Winks, CEO, Housing Trust

• Simon Kersten, Managing Director, Colliers

See event information online here.

Proudly sponsored by: Housing Trust, Colliers, Wollongong Granny Flats & Edmiston Jones

BUSINESS ILLAWARRA WARNS RISING COSTS AND INFLATION HITTING REGIONAL BUSINESSES HARDER

Business Illawarra Director Coralie McCarthy says today’s inflation figures confirm what regional businesses have been experiencing for months, rising costs are eroding confidence, delaying investment and putting longestablished businesses at risk. “Today’s inflation data is a wakeup call for government,” Ms McCarthy said.  “Stubborn inflation, high interest rates and escalating business costs are hitting regional businesses harder and for longer, with little room left to absorb more pressure.” 

Business NSW today warned that an annualised inflation rate of 3.8 per cent, well above the Reserve Bank’s target band, is undermining confidence and reducing the likelihood of nearterm rate relief.  Business Illawarra says the impact is being felt acutely across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands, where small and mediumsized businesses dominate the local economy.  “Insurance, tax and energy are the three biggest pressure points for our members, exactly as Business NSW has identified,” Ms McCarthy said. 

 “In our region, we’re seeing insurance premiums doubling or tripling, energy costs becoming unmanageable, and payroll tax and compliance costs eating directly into already thin margins.”  Feedback from Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands businesses shows consumer demand is volatile, bookings are increasingly lastminute, and customers are spending less.  Many businesses report steady workloads but shrinking profitability, forcing tough decisions about staffing, pricing and future investment.  “Businesses are working harder than ever, but confidence is fragile,” Ms McCarthy said.  “Some are holding back on hiring, some are shelving expansion plans, and others are questioning whether they can keep operating at all.” 

Business Illawarra strongly supports Business NSW’s call for governments to rein in spending, reduce red tape and focus on productivityenhancing reform. “Reducing the cost of doing business must now be the priority,” Ms McCarthy said. 
“That means cutting red tape in housing construction, speeding up planning approvals, reforming inefficient taxes like payroll tax and stamp duty, and delivering infrastructure that supports workforce participation.” 

In regional communities, these reforms are critical to addressing workforce shortages, housing affordability and transport constraints that directly affect business viability. “Small business is the backbone of the economy throughout our regions economy,” Ms McCarthy said. 

 
“If inflation and costs remain unchecked, the risk is not just slower growth,  it’s the loss of businesses, jobs and essential services our communities rely on.”