Ms Goward met with representatives from Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven Councils on Thursday to discuss planning issues.

Top of the agenda was the state government’s Draft Illawarra Regional Growth and Infrastructure Plan, which sets a target of an additional 45,000 dwellings for the Illawarra region by 2031.

Ms Goward said the region’s four mayors, which include a former minister of religion, a former council general manager, an ex-State Labor MP and ex-Federal Liberal MP, raised a number of concerns with her.

Messages she took away included concern over processes surrounding biodiversification, particularly in greenfield sites.

Ms Goward said the information she was given that the processes were often complex, uncertain and costly.

Council issues with population and dwelling forecasts in the draft plan could still be worked through as the plan remained in a draft stage, she said.

Despite recent concerns from some Wollongong councillors who argued the Shoalhaven was a ‘‘cling-on’’ that was ‘‘too far away’’, Ms Goward said there was a consensus among the mayors that the Shoalhaven being confirmed as part of the Illawarra region was a good thing.

Ms Goward, whose Goulburn electorate covers most of the Wingecarribee Shire, said the removal of the Wingecarribee from the defined Illawarra region was also viewed as a good thing on the southern highlands.

‘‘The coastal councils share many issues ... while the Hume Highway is an important link on the highlands,’’ Ms Goward said.

The Department of Planning and Environment will host a series of community events in the region during November to discuss the draft growth plan.

Events will be held at Corrimal Leagues Club (November 3), the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre (November 5), Wollongong Town Hall (November 11), Dapto Leagues Club (November 17) and the Kiama Leagues Club (November 19). All meetings start at 6.30pm.

More information is available and submissions can be made here.