Wollongong’s proximity to Sydney results in challenges, but also opportunities to extend the economic potential of the region, the Property Council says.
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New figures highlighting Wollongong’s high house prices, poor use of active transport and low high school completion rate could be used to leverage future funding deals between the three levels of government.
Property Council Illawarra regional director Kim Rawson said the release of the National Cities Performance Framework last week demonstrates that Wollongong is a city that is growing rapidly, and requires good strategic planning and a strong stream of public and private investment.
The framework data is part of the federal government’s Smart Cities Plan.
Unveiling the new National Cities Performance Framework in Canberra on Friday, Assistant Minister for Cities Angus Taylor said the data would help to better target policies and investment.
Part of this would be done through the process of “city deals”. Mr Taylor said future city deals would be informed by the data, which compares the top 22 population centres in Australia.
The federal government has committed to deliver a city deal in all state and territory capital cities, but has not made any further commitments about whether places like Wollongong would be in line for such partnerships.
Ms Rawson said that the data shows that Wollongong’s proximity to Sydney brings with it challenges, but also opportunities to extend the economic potential of the region.
“This important framework will establish a strong dialogue with political decision-makers at the local and state level," Ms Rawson said.
“The Property Council is part of the Cities Reference Group that assists with inquiries on city deals and the publishing of feedback on the government’s Smart Cities Plan.”
Ms Rawson said the Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven LGAs together form a strong region recognised as an economic gateway, and data on performance is important.
“This framework adds rigour to the debates that surround the changing nature of Australia’s cities, particularly our regional cities, and provides critical information on housing, cost of living, transport and jobs,” she said.
“The more information that we have on our cities’ performance, the more we can implement approaches to improve them.
“Information is critical to create change and get better outcomes.”
The framework data also indicated that Wollongong ranks fourth for median house price ($655,000) and third for median unit price ($524,000).