9 July 2025


BUSINESS ILLAWARRA CHARTS CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE WITH THOUSANDS OF REGIONAL JOBS IN FOCUS 

 

LAUNCH OF THE CLEAN ENERGY ROAD MAP

 

Bold vision sets stage for 15,000 new jobs and a clean energy transformation in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region. 

 

Today, Business Illawarra officially launched the Illawarra Clean Energy Roadmap at the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus, outlining a bold and strategic vision to position the region as Australia’s clean energy powerhouse.

 

Developed in partnership with the University of Wollongong, the roadmap details the opportunity for the region to lead the nation in clean energy and its supporting industries, leveraging the region’s industrial strengths, Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) status, world-class port and logistics infrastructure, proximity to international airports and world recognised clean tech leadership with local regional business innovators. 

 

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our region,” said Coralie McCarthy, Director of Business Illawarra.

 

 “Our region should be a global destination for clean energy jobs, investment and innovation—and this roadmap shows exactly how we get there” Ms McCarthy said.”

 

“The roadmap shows how we can deliver more 10,000 - 15,000 local jobs, attract significant investment into the region and create a $10-15 billion dollar economy, securing economic security for Illawarra Shoalhaven community and the NSW economy” Ms McCarthy said.

 

The launch event brought together key stakeholders and business leaders from across government, industry, and academia, offering an exclusive first look at the roadmap and a call to action for coordinated investment and policy reform.

 

“The roadmap reflects deep collaboration across the region’s business leaders” said Ms McCarthy. “It provides a clear and achievable path to deliver the region a national leader in clean energy”

 

The Roadmap outlines practical steps to unlock the region’s clean energy potential, including :

 

  • Establishing the region as a recognised clean energy leader to attract investment and grow industry capacity.
  • Position Port Kembla as the East Coast’s first offshore wind servicing port.
  • Urgently invest in enabling infrastructure, including 
    1. Road upgrades and a vital freight and passenger rail link to Western Sydney, and 
    2. Fast-track upgrades to the electricity grid and gas pipelines to support clean energy production and distribution.
  • Create a clear community consultation framework for major clean energy projects
  • Expand skills and workforce development pathways to meet future industry needs
  • Work across all levels of government to cut red tape and align policy to accelerate clean energy investment. 

 

 

Acknowledging Our Collaborators

 

Business Illawarra extends its sincere thanks to the industry leaders, organisations and experts who contributed to the development of the Clean Energy Roadmap:

  • ATCO Australia
  • Oceanex Energy
  • BlueScope Steel
  • NSW Government
  • BOC Australia
  • Squadron Energy
  • KPMG
  • Hysata
  • NSW Ports
  • Wollongong City Council
  • Endeavour Energy
  • Business NSW
  • University of Wollongong

 

“We’re proud to work with such a strong coalition of partners who share a commitment to this region’s future,” said Ms McCarthy. 

 

“As we look 30 years into the future, the region is facing a huge opportunity as the world focuses attention on energy resilience, transition and cost. Together, we’ve delivered a roadmap that’s ready to be put into action. The opportunity is now to leverage the opportunity to deliver a strong and diverse economy for our kids and our grandkids”

 

Businesses can email info@businessillawarra.com or policy@businessnsw.com. 

 

Media Contact 

Coralie McCarthy 

Director, Business Illawarra

M: 0417 431 564

E Coralie.McCarthy@businessnsw.com 

 

— ENDS —

 

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.