Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery has welcomed the NSW government’s 20-year plan for the Illawarra, saying it shows the state is ‘‘finally singing from the same hymn sheet’’ as Wollongong City Council.
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The Draft Illawarra Regional Growth and Infrastructure Plan, released by the government on Thursday, says increasing development in Wollongong’s city centre needs to be one of six major priorities for the region.
The health and medical precinct, a University of Wollongong-led education corridor, a west Crown Street makeover, new affordable housing and commercial opportunities, and waterfront projects like the Blue Mile, are highlighted within the ‘‘Wollongong Centre’’ revitalisation plan proposed by the state.
‘‘This more or less confirms everything the council and the Southern Councils Group has been seeing as priorities,’’ Cr Bradbery said.
‘‘For once I see that the state government and local government in sync.
‘‘It’s almost like they’ve published exactly what I’ve been banging on for for the past three years.’’
But Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said Illawarra residents were ‘‘increasingly cynical about these plans and the way they are delivered by the NSW Liberals’’.
‘‘The only things I can see in this draft plan are more plans for just more plans.’’
The draft plan is open for public comment until December 7.
