Feedback called on Wollongong Industrial Lands Review

Wollongong City Council is taking a look at how industrial lands in the city are used and what related planning controls are in place. The results of this review will inform whether changes are needed to support the effective use of areas with this classification in the future.

Industrial lands support a variety of different uses such as mechanics, hardware and building supplies, depots, warehouses and distribution centres, fuel depots and other associated uses. How these uses are identified, and which are permitted is set out in the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2009.

Right now, Council is calling on community and business feedback on the draft Wollongong Industrial Lands Review. The Review is a planning document that aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Wollongong’s industrial lands, uses and related controls.

The findings of the draft Review will inform strategic planning decisions and future updates to several important planning documents such as:

• Wollongong Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS)
• Wollongong Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2009
• Wollongong Development Control Plan (DCP) 2009 Chapter B5 Industrial Development.

“We need to ensure that our planning controls in industrial settings are appropriate for our community and economy. We have a commitment under Council’s Economic Development Strategy 2019-2029 to deliver sustainable employment outcomes for our city,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“That means supporting businesses to continue working in Wollongong, and access to suitable industrial land is one tool we have at our disposal.

“We have a limited amount of land available in our LGA and this means there are many competing priorities for this land, from housing to employment to open spaces. The demand for industrial land in our city is highly competitive especially around Port Kembla. This review aims to get the balance of land use put into perspective to enhance future employment and economic opportunities.

“While forecasting industrial land use is a bit like looking into a crystal ball — each business has their own specific operations and needs — we’re focussing on providing a thorough outline of our existing zoned lands. This will highlight how these lands could be used more effectively to meet ongoing demand.”

This review is a strategic document that will guide future planning decisions for industrial land within the Wollongong Local Government Area.

“We’re calling for feedback because this is a chance for us to collect information about how industrial lands operate and understand what changes to zoning could be beneficial,” Cr Bradbery said.

“This Review will not change anything overnight. Any changes to planning controls will involve a separate assessment process and will be required to go back out on public exhibition. This will take some time to complete as we want to get this process right.

“For now, your feedback is helpful as we will use your feedback to draft our recommendations. Now’s the best chance to have your say and get involved in this important process.”

For more information and to provide feedback on the draft review, visit the Our Wollongong website. You can also email Council, call Customer Service on (02) 4227 7111 or write to Council: The General Manager, Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821 WOLLONGONG DC NSW 2500.