The Port Kembla Land Transformation Project which will transform 200 hectares of underutilised land will be considered as a State-Assessed Rezoning Proposal (SARP) to expedite the planning assessment process.

The SARP process sets out a streamlined pathway for identifying and evaluating key sites associated with delivering jobs and amenities.

The Government aims to finalise the relevant planning framework, technical studies, and associated planning instruments in late 2025, enabling BlueScope’s plan that could support up to 30,000 jobs, transforming land previously used for steelmaking in one of the largest industrial land transformation projects in the world.

A key component of the plan is to facilitate future decarbonisation of steelmaking in the Illawarra, including the use of renewable energy infrastructure supported by domestic manufacturing.

The proposal will create public open space with opportunities for retail and entertainment precincts and recreation areas.

Community amenity may include walking and cycling paths, sports facilities, cultural facilities, and other open spaces spread throughout the complex.

With the Illawarra Shoalhaven region expected to grow from its current population of 446,000 to 575,400 people by 2041, the proposal aims to provide thousands of high-paying jobs for generations to come.

The announcement of the streamlined planning pathway follows the first round of the Minns Government’s Metering Plan Implementation Grant which has awarded more than $115,000 in funding to support BlueScope in the Illawarra.

This funding enables businesses to install the technology they need to get a clearer picture of their energy use, unlocking potential energy cost reductions of 5 per cent to 15 per cent.

The round attracted strong interest from businesses statewide, with grant recipients representing a broad range of sectors, including food production, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, private healthcare, education and sports facilities.

The funding will enable:

• BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks to upgrade metering at Project M, 21 Area at several locations, including the Recycling and Steelhaven area, so they can optimise energy usage and identify opportunities for improvement.
• BlueScope’s Springhill Works to eliminate consumption estimates in favour of metering at all relevant points, upgrade old electromechanical meters to digital smart meters, and eliminate manual meter readings.

The land transformation project is being supported through a Cabinet-endorsed Working Group, chaired by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP, to coordinate the whole-of-government strategic approach to managing the site.

The Working Group includes representatives from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, the Environment Protection Authority, Energy Co, TAFE NSW, Investment NSW, and Transport for NSW, as well as Wollongong City Council and BlueScope.

For more information please visit State Significant Rezoning Policy

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Port Kembla Land Transformation Project is a game-changer for the region and the scale of this project is extraordinary. It’s the biggest land transformation in the world right now and possibly the most significant change to the region since steelmaking began nearly 100 years ago.

“The Minns Government is taking the next necessary steps to finalise the planning framework and its instruments in the second half of 2025 so there is land use certainty, and this project can come to life.

“The Illawarra-Shoalhaven region will see a population increase of more than 125,000 people over the next two decades and this project will provide the hi-tech jobs the region needs.

“This is an exciting time for the Illawarra, future jobs, and a major boost for Australia’s hi-tech industry.”

BlueScope Head of Property Development, Michael Yiend said:

“We welcome the announcement of the State-Assessed Rezoning Proposal (SARP), which is a significant step towards unlocking the potential of the Port Kembla site. This process is key to realising the full benefits of this landmark project for both steelmaking and the Illawarra region.

“We really appreciate the invaluable support of the NSW Government, Premier Minns, and Minister Scully for their leadership, as well as the working group for their contributions. Their support is instrumental in driving this transformational initiative forward.

“With much work still ahead, we’re committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the site reaches its full potential, supporting the future of the steelworks and the ongoing economic growth of the Illawarra region.”