One of the blueprint's architects, South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris, said the region was being primed to snatch a share of hundreds of thousands of green jobs to be created nationally over the next 25 years.

"This is a turning point," Mr Rorris said. "It's about positioning the region at the forefront of change rather than following it ... and I'm very pleased the Premier is behind us."

The Government will provide $100,000 for the creation of a Green Jobs Action Plan to identify how environmentally friendly industries can be created immediately, and over time, in the Illawarra.

Another $150,000 would be spent on the education and training required to implement the plan.

Mr Rees said the creation of green jobs was the key to building a stronger, sustainable workforce.

"The NSW Government is supporting jobs - stimulating investment in emerging industries in the transition to a lower carbon economy," he said. "This is an investment in a better future for the Illawarra."

The new funding comes in response to a blueprint put together by University of Wollongong academics and the South Coast Labour Council, which was given to Mr Rees when the Government held its Cabinet meeting in the region last month.

The blueprint shows how the industrial skills base could help drive the creation of renewable energy infrastructure like wind farms, and how jobs in green industries for plumbers, electricians and builders could curtail unemployment due to job cuts in more traditional manufacturing areas.