Mr Scully proposed his plan in May 2020 that the Government examine whether space at the Wollongong State Office Block in Crown Street, or leasing another location, could be an option for public service workers to work locally periodically instead of commuting to Sydney CBD on a daily basis as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey MP, wrote to Mr Scully yesterday (see attachment) confirming that his idea would be implemented by the Government as part of its ‘NSW Touchdown Office Network’:

Subject to securing the necessary Government approval, it is anticipated that Wollongong will be included in the NSW Touchdown Office Network.

The Network would provide the style of office accommodation to members of the public service that your ‘Work from Wollongong’ concept proposes.

Mr Scully said he was pleased the Government saw merit in his proposal which would be a big boost to the Wollongong CBD as it recovers from the economic recession.

“The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to re-think many things and the way we work must be high on that agenda.

“My ‘Work from Wollongong’ strategy benefits public sector workers who won’t have to commute regularly and it will reduce escape spending to Sydney while helping the local economy in Wollongong – supporting other local jobs.

“It also demonstrates to the private sector that this is a viable approach to working from Wollongong.

“The point I’ve made to the Government is that working at a city location for public servants doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be in the Sydney CBD – it can also be in the Wollongong CBD.

“I’m pleased the Minister has seen merit in my proposal and I look forward to working with her to implementing my ‘Work from Wollongong’ plan as part of the NSW Touchdown Office Network”, he said.