FUTURE OF HOUSING
Housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing the Illawarra, impacting workforce attraction, economic growth and community wellbeing.
Future of Housing is Business Illawarra’s next phase of regional housing leadership—shifting the conversation from advocacy to action. Building on years of evidence-based policy work, this event focuses on delivery, accountability and measurable progress across 2026.
Business Illawarra has a strong track record in housing advocacy, including the landmark Illawarra First Housing Report launched in 2023 in partnership with Dr Judith Stubbs and Associates. The report helped set a clear regional agenda and contributed to meaningful government reform, including planning changes and increased investment in affordable and key worker housing.
Key topics include cost versus profit, business viability versus community need, old versus new housing models, the role of technology, removing barriers to delivery, and why regional housing matters—not just metropolitan solutions.
Event Details
Date: Friday 20th February 2026
Time: 8am - 12:30pm
Location: City Beach Function Centre, 1 Marine Dr, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
Member Price: $111.50
Non-Member Price: $123.50
This event brings together government, industry and regional leaders to assess progress to date, align priorities and shape the next chapter of housing outcomes for the Illawarra.
SPEAKERS announced
KEYNOTE
Jamie Durie OAM is an international, award-winning landscape designer, horticulturalist and environmental advocate. Since founding his practice in 1998, he has received more than 38 international design awards, including gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show in London. His work spans green architecture, landscape, interiors and product design, with collections created for leading global brands including Pottery Barn, McGuire and Kohls. A familiar face on television worldwide, Jamie is also a best-selling author and long-standing sustainability ambassador, recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia.
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Minister for Housing
Minister for planning and public spaces and member for wollongong
DELIVERING VIABLE HOUSING
Infrastructure, Finance & Market Reality..
With more than 1,000 new homes forecast to be delivered by private industry for affordable housing in the region over the next few years, this panel explores what it will take to sustain supply. Developers, community housing and government leaders discuss risk, viability, community resistance, and what must change to deliver affordable that meets community need, without stigma.
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BUILDING WHAT'S NEEDED
Risk, Reality & Future of Affordable Housing
With rising costs and constrained supply, delivering housing has never been more complex. This discussion examines who pays for enabling infrastructure, how feasibility is assessed in today’s market, and what new development and ownership models could mean for the future of housing in the region.
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WHAT COMES NEXT?
Technology, Skills and the Future of Housing.
As construction and housing move toward advanced manufacturing, automation and new delivery models, this panel explores what the future really looks like for the housing sector. Industry and academic leaders discuss emerging technologies, robotics, future skills and workforce needs, and how the sector must evolve now to remain viable, productive, competitive and most importantly, deliver homes in communities for our workers in livable communities.
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SPONSoRED BY
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