Many residents of Shellharbour work in the steel and manufacturing industries at Wollongong and Port Kembla. The recent downturn in these sectors has led Shellharbour City Council to look at alternatives for generating employment in the local area.
With a large amount of land near the ocean, and just 90 minutes from the Sydney CBD, Council launched its Shell Cove project.
“The project comprises 3,000 residential lots, a $10 million golf course, 350 berth marina and over 40 hectares of parklands and wetlands,” said Director of Economic Development, Phil Woodcock.
Council had plenty of land but no funds, so it advertised throughout Australia for a private sector partner.
In 1992-1993, Walker Corporation was appointed as the project manager. Australand now owns Walker.
“All approvals have been gained,” Phil Woodcock said.
“The first 500 lots are completed and built upon.
“Work on the golf course is about to start as well as detailed planning for the marina.”
The year 2000 was a strong year for the Shell Cove project, with land sales totalling more than $65 million. At this point 611 lots have been sold and deposits taken on many others.
With all major approvals now secured for the boat harbour, construction is scheduled to begin in 2003.
“Even with all the activity going on at the site, we’ve been able to exceed our policy of having a minimum of 50 percent of local workers used in the project,” Phil Woodcock said.
“In the last quarter, this figure was 85.4 percent, showing that Shell Cove is continuing to be a major economic boost for the region.”
For further information contact Phil Woodcock, telephone (02) 4221 6111.
