Planning Minister Paul Scully and BlueScope’s Michael Yiend discuss the Port Kembla Land Transformation Project. Photo: Supplied.
The NSW Government is fast-tracking the “most significant change” in industry in the Illawarra since steelmaking was introduced almost 100 years ago.
The Port Kembla Land Transformation Project will transform 200 ha of excess land adjacent to the Port Kembla Steelworks into a next-generation multi-industrial precinct with the potential to create 30,000 jobs in emerging industries such as clean energy and defence.
NSW Planning Minister and Wollongong MP Paul Scully visited BlueScope on Thursday (10 April) to announce that the Port Kembla Land Transformation Project will be considered as a State-Assessed Rezoning Proposal to expedite the planning assessment process.
“By the end of this year we’ll have all the studies, the technical information and the underlying planning instruments done, so that BlueScope are able to get out, attract investment, job creating investment, with a view to getting up to 30,000 people working on that site over the coming years,” he said.
“[It’s] absolutely a fast track, because of the size and significance this is to the region, to the state and to the country.
“We’re talking about a site that already generates one and a half per cent of gross state product, and doubling that over the coming years.
“This is probably the most significant change in the way industry, and a section of industry, is done in the Illawarra since steelmaking was introduced 100 years ago.”
BlueScope announced the project in late 2023, when managing director and CEO Mark Vassella described it as “one of the most significant land transformation and job creation opportunities in Australia”.
It plans to transform a parcel of land – larger in size than the Melbourne CBD – into a multi-industrial precinct and a potential “super TAFE”.
An artist’s impression of BlueScope’s proposed multi-industrial precinct. Photo: BlueScope.
The company believes the precinct could employ as many people as it did during the heyday of the steelworks.
BlueScope’s head of property development Michael Yiend welcomed Mr Scully’s announcement and said it was a significant step towards unlocking the potential of the Port Kembla site.
“This process is key to realising the full benefits of this landmark project for both steelmaking and the Illawarra region,” he said.
“With much work still ahead, we’re committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the site reaches its full potential, supporting the future of the steelworks and the ongoing economic growth of the Illawarra region.”
Mr Scully said the proposal would also create public open space with opportunities for retail and entertainment precincts and recreation areas.
“Community amenity may include walking and cycling paths, sports facilities, cultural facilities, and other open spaces spread throughout the complex,” he said.
“With the Illawarra Shoalhaven region expected to grow from its current population of 446,000 to 575,400 people by 2041, the proposal aims to provide thousands of high-paying jobs for generations to come.
“I’m leading a cabinet-endorsed working group across a range of departments to not only open up an area that’s been closed to the public for 100 years, but also to see how state government agencies such as TAFE might be able to be part of the future of that site.
“The idea that you could have some of our industrial training and the like, coupled with our industry on a really dynamic and vibrant site with industries on it we probably haven’t even contemplated yet, is too big an opportunity for the NSW Government not to consider seriously.”
