More renewable energy workers for Wollongong - but they'll need somewhere to live
By Glen Humphries July 8 2026 - 7:00pm
While the health sector now employs more people than the steelworks, the renewable energy sector could be set to challenge both of them according to a KPMG report.
Wollongong will be "a key participant" in Australia's move to renewable energy, according to accounting firm KPMG.
However, housing is also tipped to be a problem for those who cannot afford a million-dollar price tag.
The company has just released its Enterprising Cities report, which assesses several capital cities and regional centres.
As well as Wollongong, the other areas in NSW under consideration are Western Sydney and Newcastle.
The report said Wollongong is well placed to grow over the coming years, partially because of diversification in industry.
The steelworks is no longer the city's main employer - it's healthcare, which employed about 27,000 people last year.
That was more than double the number working at the steelworks, the report said.
Some of the bigger employment opportunities may not have even happened yet.
"While traditional heavy industries remain important, the region's outlook will increasingly be shaped by emerging sectors and a transition toward higher-value activities," the report said.
"Advanced manufacturing and clean energy present some of the strongest opportunities.
"Ongoing decarbonisation efforts, including green steel initiatives and renewable energy generation are expected to support investment and employment in Wollongong.
"These developments position the region as a key participant in the broader energy transition, with potential spillover benefits across supply chains."
Work already under way in this field include Endeavour Energy's $150-million battery which could store solar-generated power and Sicona Batteries' plans to move into the BlueScope surplus industrial lands
The findings support those of Business Illawarra, which last year released its own report saying the renewable energy sector could create up to 15,000 jobs over the next 25 years.
But all these extra workers will need somewhere to live and the KPMG report said that was an area that needed work.
While more properties are moving past the $1 million mark, the region remains more affordable compared to Sydney. But that is little help to those for whom $1 million is unaffordable.
"These are positive indicators for the Wollongong housing market, especially compared to other cities, but more affordable housing supply is still required," the report said.
"There is very little new housing supply priced below $800,000, a more acceptable price range for many low-income workers seeking affordable options to buy or rent. Elevated construction costs continue to restrict the market, making it challenging for developers to deliver viable housing at these lower prices.
"Additionally, rising interest rates and the potential impact the conflict in Iran will have on input costs could place downward pressure on new housing supply in Wollongong."
