Minister for the Illawarra John Ajaka joined the Member for South Coast, the Hon Shelley Hancock, the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, the Member for Heathcote, Lee Evans, Upper House member Paul Green and the Mayor of the Shoalhaven Jo Gash to launch the official New South Wales Government Illawarra webpage.
Mr Ajaka said the Illawarra webpage provides information about what the Government is doing in the region.
“The latest news, government consultations and key initiatives will be available as well as links to contact information for NSW Government Ministers, agencies and me as Minister for the Illawarra.”
It is one of 15 regional pages that have been launched on the NSW Government’s website.
Mrs Hancock said the launch of the Illawarra webpage in Nowra shows the importance the Government places on the Shoalhaven within the Illawarra region, and makes it easier for the visitor to obtain information on various Government services, infrastructure upgrades, plans and initiatives.
“The NSW Government Illawarra webpage is a fantastic tool that will assist in promoting the Shoalhaven region and growing local industries.”
This webpage also signals a firm definition from the State Government on what specifically consists the Illawarra region, defined as the Local Government Areas of Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Kiama and Wollongong.
Ms Gash said definition of the Illawarra is great news for the Shoalhaven as they identify closely with the Illawarra with advanced manufacturing, road, rail, health and education links.
“We are also the second largest economy on the south coast behind Wollongong which ties us together economically.
“Being part of the Illawarra means our local government area will be at the table when important decisions are being made about the region which affects jobs, growth, planning and development.”