5 May 2026

Business Illawarra is leading renewed calls for accelerated delivery of social and affordable housing across the Illawarra, warning that housing availability and affordability have become one of the most pressing workforce and economic challenges facing the region. 

Business Illawarra Director, Coralie McCarthy, said housing pressures are no longer a secondary issue, but a core constraint on business growth, workforce participation and community wellbeing. 

“Housing has quietly become one of the biggest economic and workforce issues facing the Illawarra,” Ms McCarthy said. 


“When people can’t find a place to live, businesses can’t attract or keep staff, essential services come under pressure, and whole communities feel the impact.” 

Data shows rough sleeping in Wollongong has increased by 40 per cent in the past year, with more than 80 people sleeping rough on any given night. At the same time, one in three people now seeking assistance from Vinnies are doing so for the first time, highlighting how rapidly housing stress is spreading to working individuals and families. 

Ms McCarthy said the changing profile of people affected should be a wake‑up call. 

“No matter what labels we use, social housing or affordable housing, at the heart of this are real people and real families,” she said. 
“Teachers, tradies, frontline workers, cleaners and healthcare staff are increasingly unable to afford to live in the region where they work. This is no longer an abstract policy debate, this is our workforce.” 

Business‑led evidence: housing now a top priority 

Ms McCarthy said Business Illawarra’s most recent Business Conditions Survey confirms housing is now front‑of‑mind for employers across the region. 

“When Illawarra businesses were asked to rank the priorities they would like governments to focus on in order to improve business conditions, housing availability and affordability ranked as the second‑highest priority,” she said. 


“It sat just behind taxes and government charges, and ahead of energy costs, red tape and insurance. That tells us very clearly housing is now a core business issue.” 

Across the Illawarra, more than 2,000 households are currently on the social housing waitlist, reinforcing the scale of unmet demand and the urgent need for increased supply. 

Clear priorities for housing delivery 

As outlined in Business Illawarra’s Homes for Workers Report, the organisation is calling for faster delivery of practical, place‑based housing solutions that support workforce participation and local economic activity. 

Priority projects in the report highlight the need to fast‑track delivery of integrated housing precincts across the region, with a focus on government‑owned renewal opportunities such as Nowra Estate, Bellambi Estate and Gwynneville. These projects are critical to lifting housing supply while strengthening long‑term community outcomes. 

Ms McCarthy said housing delivery must be supported by enabling infrastructure that connects people to jobs and essential services. 

“Our advocacy is clear - housing delivery fails when planning reform is considered in isolation,” she said. 

“Enabling infrastructure, including coordinated road and rail investment, such as the delivery of Picton Road and planning for improved freight and passenger rail links between the Illawarra and Western Sydney, remain critical to unlocking housing supply, supporting workforce mobility and ensuring people can live close to work opportunities.” 

CEOs stepping up: leadership in action 

As part of Business Illawarra’s leadership on housing advocacy, Ms McCarthy will take part in this year’s CEO Sleepout, calling on fellow business leaders to back the advocacy agenda with visible leadership. 

“The CEO Sleepout is not just about raising funds, it’s about leadership,” Ms McCarthy said. 
“Housing supply and affordability sit at the top of our advocacy agenda, and this is one practical way business leaders can step up, support people doing it tough right now, and keep the focus firmly on long‑term solutions.” 

Business Illawarra is encouraging CEOs and senior leaders across the region to participate, donate and use their influence to advocate for housing policies that support workers, businesses and communities. 

Ms McCarthy also called on the housing and construction sector to stand together and help elevate the issue. 

“I’m calling on business leaders across our region to stand with us and help bring attention to the scale of the housing challenge facing our community,” she said. 

“No one should be homeless in Australia in 2026. Our community, and our workforce, deserve better.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Media Contact  

Coralie McCarthy  

Director, Business Illawarra 

M: 0417 431 564 

E Coralie.McCarthy@businessnsw.com 

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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. 

About Vinnies CEO Sleepout – Wollongong 

This year’s Wollongong Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held at Wollongong Conservatorium of Music on Thursday, 18th June. The event brings together business and community leaders from across the Illawarra to raise essential funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness. 

Coralie’s Profile: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/coraliemccarthy19552/nsw 

CEOs can register here: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/event/nsw