Two key figures were in the region on Tuesday talking about the growth which is happening in the region.

NSW Minister for Planning Rob Stokes (pictured) and Domain Group chief economist Dr Andrew Wilson were here delivering their views on what was ahead for the region and most of it was positive.

It hardly comes as a surprise.

You need not look far to see the growth and development happening in the Illawarra region.

And not just incremental development, it is significant development.

In addressing local real estate industry representatives, Dr Wilson said around 1100 people were moving into the “fertile destination” every week.

He compared that to 1500 in a major metropolitan centre such as Melbourne.

“It is growing faster than Sydney at the moment [and will continue] and it’s because of factors like affordability, lifestyle, strong local economy and that sense Wollongong is becoming part of Greater Sydney,” Dr Wilson said.

 Minister Stokes added Wollongong’s population is tipped to reach half a million in the next two decades.

“This is a region ripe with opportunity and we’re starting to see the first fruits of that over the last few years and that’s going to accelerate in the future,” Mr Stokes said.

While me may be growing, we have many benefits of lifestyle in this region which set us apart from Sydney and long may that continue.

Over recent weeks neighbourhoods have been coming alight as people adorn their houses with the most elaborate Christmas light arrangements imaginable. 

This year the Illawarra Mercury is again running its popular Christmas Lights competition.

Entries have opened on our website www.illawarramercury.com.au  and close 10am Thursday, December 15. 

Voting for the People’s Choice Award will open 6am Friday, December 16 with voting closing at 5pm Thursday, December 22. 

Winners will be published on Friday December 23. The winner will receive a $500 Bunnings gift card. The runner-up and people’s choice winner will each receive a $250 Bunnings gift card.