Regional Development Australia (RDA) Illawarra welcomes the opportunity to
provide feedback on Wollongong City Council’s Economic Development Strategy
(draft) 2019-2029 (ED Strategy).

RDA Illawarra strongly supports the three key strategic objectives outlined in the
ED Strategy:

• Jobs target – generate 10,500 new jobs in the next decade to reduce the
  jobs deficit
• Lifting median incomes – focusing on industries that are higher-paying
  and have a greater share of full-time jobs and are expected to grow in the
  future
• Targeted sectors that align with talent pool, including those of
  commuters and graduates of UOW

The submission highlights that the relocation of government administration bodies to regional areas over time can rovide substantial cost savings for government and improve labour force participation and unemployment in regional areas.

RDA Illawarra notes in the submission that it is important for the Committee to appreciate the transformation taking place in the Illawarra as it transitions from a predominately manufacturing economy to a diverse economy built on knowledge services, advanced manufacturing, trade and logistics and an increasing defence sector capability.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Illawarra is pleased to provide this submission on the Draft Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy.

RDA Illawarra supports the implementation of the proposed Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy, as it:

• Enables Mountain Biking, which is one of the fastest growing adventurebased tourism activities, and is generating world-wide tourism benefits
• Is time to build a world-class Mountain Biking destination in the Illawarra that is well-planned and managed
• Is aligned with NSW, regional and local tourism strategies
• Is mindful of the unique biodiversity and important Aboriginal and nonindigenous culture heritage values, which have a low tolerance for disturbance
• Supports economic development of a significant Illawarra economic catalytic site, the Illawarra escarpment, including Mount Keira