With the Illawarra’s population estimated to grow by 63,000 residents by 2041 and major infrastructure projects slated to begin in the next year, a critical component for the region’s success will be housing supply.


Accommodating the population growth during that period will require 25,000 new homes. It is predicted the region can meet that demand, but house prices may remain higher than many can afford and there is no immediate housing solution for the skilled workers and trades needed to deliver planned infrastructure.


RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy said the Illawarra needs a gameplan that will deliver housing targets across multiple markets and at an affordable price.


“There is the mobile population that also needs to be considered. We have a significant number of major infrastructure projects slated for the region with construction and development to begin within the next year. These projects will all need skilled workers to design, construct, operate and manage them and we need to find homes for these vital workers.”


To find some answers, the strategic think tank and regional advocate RDA Illawarra is facilitating a Housing Supply Roundtable, drawing together key speakers and interested stakeholders to discuss the region’s challenges and identify potential solutions to ease the burden.


Ms Murphy said the roundtable was an opportunity for people to discuss opportunities for short and medium-term solutions to the issue.


“We need to house the short-term influx of people who will design and construct our regional infrastructure, while also delivering affordable longer-term housing options that encourage people to live in the Illawarra to operate and maintain those projects,” she said.


“We also need to make housing affordable for existing residents because housing stress impacts other areas of a person’s life. It’s time to think outside the box and seek new ideas that can offer positive impacts.”


The RDA Illawarra Housing Supply Roundtable will feature two guest speakers and thought leaders from local industries, government, industry peak bodies and community organisations.

The guest speakers are Housing Trust CEO and CHIA NSW Chair Michele Adair, and Adaptable Innovations CEO Travis Doherty.

The roundtable will be facilitated by RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy and will be held on Tuesday 29 November from 10am to 11.30am at the Innovation Campus.

Access the presentation here.