Rethinking Wollongong
Regional identity, business support and skills development were some of the key themes in Tuesday’s open forum on the vibrant future of the Illawarra region, hosted by the Regional Australia Institute and Business Council of Australia.
Attended by over 40 representatives from across Wollongong’s business, research, government and community sectors, the forum was the second in a series of ‘Community Conversations’ being held across regional Australia.
Presenting data unlocked by [In]Sight, the RAI’s recently launched regional competitiveness index, CEO Su McCluskey opened the forum by detailing the Illawarra’s competitiveness profile.
Regional identity, business support and skills development were some of the key themes in Tuesday’s open forum on the vibrant future of the Illawarra region, hosted by the Regional Australia Institute and Business Council of Australia.
Attended by over 40 representatives from across Wollongong’s business, research, government and community sectors, the forum was the second in a series of ‘Community Conversations’ being held across regional Australia.
With clear strengths across a range of indicators, including the value of building approvals, wages and labour costs and infrastructure and essential services, Wollongong is classified as a ‘highly competitive’ region.
It also performs well across human capital, technological readiness and innovation, the three key areas that drive sustainable growth in regions regardless of their size, location or natural assets, making it a highly desirable area for future investment.
The conversation was then turned to local perspective; how forum attendees residents perceive their region, and what pathways they thought might be taken to ensure its vibrant future.
Creating a supportive business environment was a key focus, and developing a positive regional identity to make the Illawarra a more attractive option for investment.
Participants also raised concerns with the lack of options available to job-seekers out of university, and how the region might develop its ability to support innovation and entrepreneurialism in its younger population.
Ms McCluskey said she was impressed by the depth and tone of the conversation, which took a creative and positive approach to the development of the region.
“Unlocking the data on the Illawarra through [In]Sight was really just the first step in the journey,” she said. “The next is merging this data with local knowledge to identify future pathways to success.
“We were so pleased to have been able to bring this conversation to Wollongong and look forward to continuing to work with the region to drive policy and future research”.
More information on the outcomes of the open forum will be available in the coming weeks. Make sure to stay in touch with the Regional Australia Institute by subscribing to updates.
RAI CEO Su McCluskey and Deputy Chief Executive of the BCA Maria Tarrant at Tuesday’s open forum
