Development of West Dapto

NSW State Plan-Illawarra Regional Strategy which includes the West Dapto Release forecasts for the next 20 years into the region:  47,600 more people, 38,000 new homes, 30,000 new jobs.

Dapto is earmarked as a major regional centre with expected population, commercial and residential growth similar growth to Chatswood, Parramatta and Hurstville in the last 10 years.

Dapto is identified in the Illawarra Regional Strategy as an 'emerging' major regional commercial centre, with strong employment growth prospects. Indicating 'A concentration of mid to high density living, business, employment, professional services and specialised shops.”

The 2006 estimated population of the region was 281,000, projected to grow by 47,600 to 328,600 by 2031.

West Dapto Land Release
The West Dapto Land Release Area is located 12km south of Wollongong and covers an area of approximately 4700 hectares. The release area will provide an additional 15,296 homes and 175 hectares of employment land over the coming decades.

As part of the West Dapto Initial Access Strategy, it will reduce congestion and ensure adequate access to the area by creating three access options for existing and future motorists to choose from.

West Dapto is a major greenfield release area and an important component of the Illawarra and Greater Sydney Metropolitan Area housing supply market.

Initial Access Strategy
The access strategy includes significant improvements to a number of existing roads and the construction of new roads to provide greater connection between Horsley and Dapto as well as to the wider road network.
Implemented between now and 2012-13.

• The Education Industry is the 3rd largest export industry in Australia worth $ 12.5 billion a year
• Approximately 500,000 international students were in Australia in 2008, an increase of 18.9 percent for the same period in 2007.
• Affordable and accessible educational facilities such as TAFE, University of Wollongong
• TAFE & University of Wollongong are internationally renowned with UOW having a campus in Dubai and Asia.
• The Illawarra Strategy recognises the education sector 'including the University of Wollongong, Illawarra TAFE and the school system' as 'a significant employer within the Region‘.

Educational Demand Every Year:

• Increase in population growth of approx 50,000 in the next 20 years requires additional planning for future capacity for students education delivery.
• Increase in international student intake demand accounts for approx 25% of University of Wollongong students .
• Demand for Practical Training Places to satisfy Vocational Training Requirements outstrips the current number of continuous practical training places available each year which students are required to undertake on average of 4 out of 5 days/wk of their courses.
• Demand for affordable and accessible programs
• Demand for a “One Stop Shop” integrated student package which provides for inclusive, community style education and accommodation facilities
• As documented in the IRIS report 'Youth Unemployment in the Illawarra' young people need at least a basic level of education and stable accommodation before they can hope to get and hold a job.
• University of Wollongong course delivery has been limited by the lack of accommodation available to its students
• University of Wollongong had 2100 students apply for student accommodation and was only able to provide for 1400 beds in 2010.

The development will generate significant economic activity in the Dapto area. During its 10 year
construction phase, the ($)700 million development will generate a further ($)1.3 billion in economic activity in the region and the economy generally.