The updated Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 was released on Tuesday by Planning Minister Rob Stokes, who talked up its achievements including the celebrating the region's "unique scenic qualities" and tourism opportunities.

"What the region needs is jobs," Mr Stokes said.

"One of the pillars to this updated plan is the identification of seven major employment precincts which will pave the way for 45,000 new jobs."

Read more: Councillors blasted draft plan in February

These were Port Kembla, West Dapto, Tallawarra, Shellharbour Airport, Shell Cove business park, South Nowra and an Albatross technology park.

"It is a stunningly beautiful part of the State and we want to capitalise on the region's natural features. To do this, we want to improve and expand the green space network and suburban tree canopy cover to attract more visitors but to promote the wellbeing and health of locals.

"This plan is supported by a Special Infrastructure Contribution scheme that sets out how $124 million worth of roads, green space, health, transport and emergency services will be delivered and improved."

Growing the port at Port Kembla as an international trade hub was a focus, as well as planning for net zero emissions in the region by 2050.

Member for Keira Ryan Park said more detail on investment in the rail line was needed.

"The report is disappointing especially given the fact that it doesn't identify or prioritise investments in key public assets such our rail line," he said.

"I am also disappointed that our tourism industry particularly the activation of the Illawarra Escarpment through improvements to walking and mountain bike infrastructure has not been adequately addressed given we know the substantial economic impact that these activities have the potential to bring to the region."

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said while the actions in the plan were necessary, it was "lacking in ambition".

"The plan would have benefited from details of some of the specific investments needed to set up the region's long term economic, social, transport and environmental future," he said.

"While I support the aspiration of the Illawarra being a green hydrogen hub, something I have been working with local representatives on for some time to develop a broad-ranging proposal to the NSW Government, I would have hoped that the steps to achieve this were detailed in the Regional Plan and coupled with a timeline."

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