5 hours Ago By Natalie Croxon
New draft plans outline how the state government plans to build a health precinct around Wollongong Hospital and improve the area around the city's railway station over the coming decades. SALE ON NOW! Tap into unlimited access Login or signup to continue reading The government has released its draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy and the Wollongong Station Masterplan for public feedback as it considers how to meet the needs of the region's growing population. The Illawarra Shoalhaven's population is forecast to swell to 575,000 residents by 2041 - an increase of 153,000.
Within the next six years, hospital admissions across the region are expected to rise by 25,000, and emergency department presentations by 39,000. The health precinct will cover an area west of Wollongong station, extending north and south of Crown Street, with a mix of health, educational and residential land uses. The draft strategy covers the development of the precinct to 2050 and outlines a vision for it to become a leader in regional-based healthcare and research.
It identifies a desire for social and affordable high-rise and medium-rise housing, the possible expansion of health facilities, transport links, and improved public spaces. By 2050, the strategy says, the precinct could be home to almost 15,000 more people, hold 4250 more residences - an increase of about 1000 on the current capacity - and host 10,500 more jobs. Minister for Health and the Illawarra, Ryan Park, said the strategy recognised that the region needed better access to healthcare and medical research.
" Wollongong Public Hospital is the region's principal referral hospital and specialises in a range of complex health services to support a growing and ageing population," Mr Park said. "It is running at near capacity, and strategic upgrades will be required to ensure it continues to meet the healthcare needs of the Illawarra now and into the future." Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Wollongong MP Paul Scully, said it was "crucial" to get planning right given the anticipated growth in the region's population.
"Making sure there is alignment between future plans for the health precinct and the future plans for the station is important so they are working together in the best interests of the future of the city," Mr Scully said. The station masterplan looks at transforming the area around Wollongong station into an inviting transport hub, which is connected by active and public transport to other parts of the city, including the hospital, CBD and foreshore. It proposes to do so by upgrading the station entrances on Crown Street, Gladstone Avenue and Station Street, and identifying sites that provide opportunities for future development.
To read the draft strategy and masterplan, and make a submission, visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.
gov.au/wollongong . Submissions are open until June 11.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs and education. Our Watch award winner. If you've got a story, let me know.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs and education. Our Watch award winner. If you've got a story, let me know.
More from Latest News Newsletters & Alerts Daily Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Weekdays Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.
Weekdays Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Weekly Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Weekly Going out or staying in? Find out what's on.
Weekly Love footy? We've got all the action covered. Weekly The latest news, results & expert analysis. Weekly Get the latest property and development news here.
Weekly Find out what's happening in local business. Weekly Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Weekdays Sharp.
Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.
Twice weekly Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Twice weekly Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Weekly Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.
As it happens Be the first to know when news breaks. Daily Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Daily Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia.
Fresh daily!.
