Business Illawarra supports businesses across the Illawarra-Shoalhaven as well the South Coast and Capital regions. The Illawarra region covers the local government areas of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, and Wingecarribee.
On behalf of our members, we develop policy, 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.
WORKING FOR BUSINESS
We want to create a vibrant business environment that drives growth and sustainable prosperity for all.
To achieve this goal, we actively engage in policy debate on key economic and business issues at all levels of government and aim to foster a business environment in the Illawarra region that is conducive to profitable business growth, sustainable job creation, and sound economic and social progress.
Our policy positions are built on a foundation of solid evidence and first-class thought leadership to achieve outcomes that support business growth in our region.
The issues we advocate on include:
- reducing the burden of government taxes and regulation
- successfully advocating for improvements to regional and local infrastructure
- working to increase the availability of skilled workers
- improving connectivity between the Illawarra and Greater Sydney.
REGIONAL PRIORITIES
The Illawarra is a diversified powerhouse that drives our state economy and provides employment opportunities for many members of our community. However too many of our residents are still required to commute long distances to find work, and so our first priority is to grow local jobs.
We work with all three levels of government on specific measures to make the Illawarra a great place to do businesses, and to promote our region to prospective relocating employers who are attracted by the region’s lower cost base and skilled workforce.
Population growth is a major feature of our region, with 60,400 new residents expected by 2050. Enabling infrastructure must develop in the near term to keep pace with this growth, and we must receive the training and educational opportunities to skill our workforce and allow our key industries to thrive.
Our advocacy program is focused on results and has undoubtedly improved business conditions for the more than 27,000 businesses that call the Illawarra home.
"Initiatives, strategies and priorities are driven by members. Our advocacy is directed at advancing the issues that will make a difference for decades to come."
