Resting between Wollongong and Kiama, Shellharbour is an Illawarra holiday haven of beaches, boating and golfing. However, this is a town proving that it’s much more than a pretty face. Population growth, investment in local infrastructure, affordable median house prices and rising industry are attracting new businesses, residents and investors.
Local infrastructure and industry is booming
Previously known as the Illawarra Regional Airport, the Shellharbour Airport leads the way in driving economic growth throughout the region. Offering 32 flights per week direct to Melbourne and Brisbane and with $15.97 million secured for upgrades, positive flow-on effects are expected for tourism, employment and transport industries.
Further enhancing lifestyle and employment opportunities is the upcoming Shellharbour Marina.
Further enhancing lifestyle and employment opportunities is the upcoming Shellharbour Marina. Dubbed ‘The Waterfront’, a 270 berth Boat Harbour will feature direct access to the Tasman Sea and a world-class marina with dry stack storage, charter boat operations and a public boat ramp. Walkways, restaurants and a tavern are set to create a vibrant centre for recreation.
Government funding of $128 million is set to meet the health needs of residents with the redevelopment of Shellharbour Hospital. The upgrade to the 33-year old facility will include increased mental health, rehabilitation and ambulance services, relieving the pressure currently placed on Wollongong hospital.
New Shellharbour Airport infrastructure includes a new terminal building due 2021.
Affordable median house prices meet population growth
The population for Shellharbour is forecast to increase by 34.6% between now and 2041. In line with this, the number of households is projected to rise by 1.3% per annum, reaching 35,687 by 2041 and offering investors greater accessibility across the region.
77% of the total population increase during 2017/18 was from internal migration, a positive indication that Shellharbour is drawing in people from other parts of the country.
Shellharbour has one of the most affordable median house values in the region - as of November 2019, the median house price of $616,000 comes in lower than the Wollongong local government area, at $732,00, and the Kiama local government area, at $936,00. The average capital growth over the last ten years is 5.8% per annum. Currently, vacancy levels rest at 2.4%, which is a great sign of a tight rental market with demand outweighing supply of rental stock.
Shellharbour is an Illawarra holiday haven of beaches.
Livability factors attract residents from across the country
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Abundant natural attractions combine with recreational facilities to draw residents and tourists alike to the region. Lake Illawarra features a cycle path and barbeques for weekend leisure, just minutes from the shops, restaurants and cinemas of the city centre.
The Light Rail Museum is a firm family favourite, while Albion Oval brings the sporting action. Then, there’s Shellharbour Village for lazy morning coffees in charming surroundings. Beach-hopping is always an option, with Blacks Beach, Shellharbour North and South beaches, Warilla Central, North and South beaches. The surf’s usually up at Warilla Beach and fantastic snorkelling awaits at the Bass Point Marine Area.
Shellharbour blends all the right ingredients for a fantastic lifestyle with soaring growth taking the city towards a bright future indeed.
Photo Credit:
- "Illawarra Regional Airport terminal (1)" by Bidgee is copyright ©2018 and made available under this license.
- "Shellharbour is an Illawarra holiday haven of beaches" is by @benmack_.