In April more than 20 of the region’s key figures – the ‘‘Illawarra Consortia’’ – got together to formulate a long-term strategy to push for Port Kembla as a possible relocation site for Garden Island.

Part of that strategy included  writing the report released on Tuesday –  The Jewel of the East Coast.

The report lists the advantages of Port Kembla as  a safe, deep-water port  located in an industrial area.

It is also close to the Jervis Bay naval training area and HMAS Albatross.

The Illawarra Consortia was started by Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who had lodged a submission to a Defence white paper throwing Port Kembla’s hat into the ring.

Sen Fierravanti-Wells said it was ‘‘going to be a long road’’ to get the navy to Port Kembla.

‘‘White papers look into the future operational needs of the Royal Australian Navy and this is the [first] step,’’  she said.

‘‘Now we are hopeful, as part of the first steps, that the white paper will include a reference to the need for Garden Island to relocate. That is the very important starting point.

‘‘We believe that the time has come, as do many other people, but that needs to be crystalised in a formal way.

‘‘Clearly we ask for Port Kembla to be given a fair hearing. We believe it’s the right option, we believe that it is really the best option on the east coast.’’

 Sen Fierravanti-Wells  dismissed  comments that the navy admirals would refuse to move away from Double Bay to Port Kembla, saying stronger issues would be the basis for any relocation.

‘‘Whilst I appreciate the beauty of the location of Garden Island, nevertheless I think that there are long-term operational needs that will determine this relocation.’’

Throsby MP Stephen Jones was part of a bipartisan approach to the issue and he was very much in favour of a move.

‘‘We think we’ve got the best port on the east coast of Australia,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s an under-utilised asset and there are plans to expand it, and those plans can incorporate moving of the Sydney naval base to the Illawarra.

‘‘It’s not just the defence base coming here, it’s the families that move into the region. It’s the  jobs that are associated with it. They purchase equipment and services and supplies locally – it makes a huge difference to the economy of the region.’’

RDA Illawarra CEO Natalie Burroughs said it was important that the region spoke with a united voice.

‘‘We’ve got to be in there – if we weren’t, more fool us,’’ Ms Burroughs said.

 ‘‘We’re a prime opportunity, a prime location, close to Sydney, Albatross, Canberra and Jervis Bay. Why not?’’