Business Illawarra is the leading voice for more than 40,000 businesses across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands regions - one business district that is central to NSW’s economic strength and future growth. We are a results‑driven advocate, championing the policies, investment and reforms needed to ensure our communities thrive today while shaping bold opportunities for tomorrow.
Our work is driven by a simple, powerful belief:
The Illawarra, South Coast and Highlands deserve the same access to opportunity, infrastructure, jobs and services as any globally competitive region.
We are one economic region anchored by the Port Kembla Port and 3 international airports. The region is experiencing significant transformation, demographic change, major industry shifts, and increasing demand for better transport, housing, health, education and economic infrastructure. With the right planning and investment, this growth represents enormous potential.
To realise that potential, we advocate for:
- World‑class transport links that connect our people to jobs, services and markets.
- Housing supply that keeps pace with population and workforce needs.
- A skilled and adaptable workforce, supported through training, education and ongoing development.
- Critical economic and social infrastructure that strengthens communities and attracts investment.
- Vibrant town centres and cultural assets that enhance livability and wellbeing.
Our advocacy is grounded in credible, independent research forming the basis of our evidence‑based policy recommendations. This approach has already secured major wins, key infrastructure investment, meaningful policy reforms, and streamlined regulation, directly improving business conditions across the region.
We engage with all levels of government on issues that matter most to employers and communities across the South Coast and Highlands. From economic diversification and industry transition to renewable energy, manufacturing, visitor economy growth, workforce development and clean energy investment attraction, we ensure regional priorities are front and centre in policy conversations.
As a division of Business NSW, we are uniquely positioned to amplify our region’s voice at both state and national levels—linking local priorities to statewide strategy and shaping decisions that unlock future growth.
Our mission is clear: To make the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands the best places in Australia to live, work, learn and invest.
We stand behind the businesses that power our regions, backed by research, strong policy, and unwavering commitment to meaningful change. Let’s build a future where opportunity reaches every community, and where our regions lead with confidence, resilience and innovation.
HOW DO WE DO IT?
Business Illawarra delivers real impact through a strategic, evidence‑driven and highly collaborative approach.
1. We identify the issues that matter
We work closely with our members, councils, industry, community partners and government agencies to spot emerging challenges and opportunities early.
Examples:
- Identifying housing blockages with ongoing advocacy
- Highlighting transport gaps impacting access and transport routes
- Identifying opportunities to grow the clean energy sector to support jobs of the future.
2. We develop practical, evidence‑based policy solutions
We work with our members to translates insights into clear, actionable recommendations that governments can adopt.
Examples:
- Housing Advocacy Policy
- WIN Entertainment Centre advocacy, securing in 2026 $17.5mil in funding for the next stage of the project.
- Illegal Tobacco Reform impacting vibrant towns and villages.
3. We back our advocacy with research
We produce high‑quality papers, reports and submissions and commission external research when needed to ensure our positions are supported by robust data and community sentiment.
Examples:
- Clean Energy Road Map
- 10 year Regional Defense Strategy
4. We engage directly with government
We meet with Ministers, Mayors, MPs, advisers and senior public servants to make the case for our regions priorities.
Examples:
- WIN Entertainment Centre Funding
- Briefings with NSW Ministers on housing supply and planning reform
- State Minister engagement on critical road and rail infrastructure
5. We bring the region together
Our events program connects members with policymakers and key regional stakeholders to debate ideas, test solutions and set the agenda.
Examples:
- Major summits on housing, transport and clean energy
- Roundtables with leaders and decision makers
- CEO Connect events
- Young Professional events
6. We lead the public conversation
We use media, digital channels, social platforms and public commentary to amplify our regions priorities and spark statewide debate.
Examples:
- Media releases driving housing reform coverage
- Commentaries in major newspapers
- Video storytelling and campaigns showcasing our regions businesses and opportunities
In collaboration with our Regional Advisory Council (RAC), we devise our key priorities for our coming year. Continuing to focus on right now issues and big thought leadership projects.
VISITOR ECONOMY
Strengthening the visitor economy, major events, and hospitality to boost local businesses and attract visitors.
CLEAN ENERGY
Position the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands as a premier destination for future focused trade and investment opportunities in clean energy industries.
KEY WORKER HOUSING
Supporting smart housing policies to ensure workers and families can live and work locally.
TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
Faster, more efficient, road, rail, freight and air networks to keep businesses moving and trade flowing.
A STRONG PERSONAL IDENTITY
Leading the conversation on who we are and our future, promoting Illawarra as the destination of choice for new investment, talent, and new opportunities
WORDS IN WHITE TO MAKE SPACE
WORDS IN WHITE TO MAKE SPACE
BACKED BY RESEARCH
Through a close engagement with all levels of government and leaders in business, the region’s premium leadership forum Illawarra First presents a sophisticated voice for the Illawarra with a clear emphasis on outcomes. Effective public policy must be evidence based, and so a fund comprising $1 million has been established to support our thought leadership and advocacy work.
The fund is being used to advance research and advocacy projects of region-wide economic significance, and Illawarra First members are deeply involved in policy development to influence our research priorities and inform our advocacy efforts.
