The government’s latest regional job figures, released on Thursday, reveal 6300 new jobs were created in the Greater Illawarra area in the 12 months to January. 

The figure is up 3.3 per cent on the previous year.

The Greater Illawarra area covers Wollongong, the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven. 

The figures were made known on a day when coal miner South32 announced at least 300 employees and contractors would go from its Illawarra workforce and it was revealed the region’s Dick Smith stores would close. 

“The fact that jobs are growing in the Illawarra is a positive sign for me; there’s still more to do and there’ll be pockets within the Illawarra, obviously, which are struggling more than others,” NSW Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian told the Mercury.

“Generally speaking, I’m very pleased with how the region is going in terms of jobs growth.” 

Ms Berejiklian attributed the growth to the government “doing everything we can” to support regional jobs and communities.

“Especially in the areas where there’s been quite a transformation in the way in which jobs are being created,” she said. “Obviously, as some industries pull back other industries are filling that space.

“As the state’s treasurer, it’s … really important for me to drill down into the regions, have a good look at what’s happening there and do everything we can in those communities to generate jobs.” 

Ms Berejiklian acknowledged the recent crisis faced at BlueScope’s Port Kembla steelworks.

In October, the government announced a payroll tax deferral of up to $60 million over three years to help keep the steelworks open.

“We’re pleased to have come in at the right time, in the right way, and that’s one example of our commitment to regional jobs and regional industry,” she said.