4 March 2026 

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.” 

 

— ENDS — 

Media Contact  

Coralie McCarthy  

Director, Business Illawarra 

M: 0417 431 564 

E Coralie.McCarthy@businessnsw.com 


About Business Illawarra 

Business Illawarra is the region’s peak business organisation; a not-for-profit advocacy group dedicated to the economic development of the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands. On behalf of our members, we develop policy and are the leading voice representing business across the region.  

Business Illawarra is owned and supported by Business NSW, the state's leading advocacy voice for business across NSW. Of the few enduring, independent, not-for-profit organisations in Australia, Business NSW is the only one focused on the wellbeing of the business community. Our purpose has always been to provide a strong advocate to all levels of government on issues affecting businesses, undertake research to guide greater public and private sector investment in economic infrastructure, and support the development of workforce capacity and skills in our region. 

Business Illawarra Transport Report: South West Illawarra Rail Link - Assessing the economic impacts of better connecting the Illawarra to Greater Sydney and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.