Project overview
The Port Kembla Land Transformation Project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock 200 hectares of non-operational land.
Following NSW Government approval, 200 hectares of land adjacent to the Port Kembla Steelworks has been rezoned from heavy industrial (IN3) to a Special Purpose zone (SP4). This rezoning enables a broader mix of uses and marks a major milestone in delivering one of the largest industrial land transformation projects in the world.
The project will pave the way for new industries and position Port Kembla as a national hub for modern manufacturing, clean energy, research, and education.
Project Summary Document
View and download details of the Port Kembla Land Transformation project.
Project benefits
The Port Kembla Land Transformation Project will deliver lasting benefits for the Illawarra and New South Wales. The project is expected to transform the non-operational land at Port Kembla into a high-value, future-facing industrial and innovation precinct that complements BlueScope’s core steel business. Other benefits include:
- An additional $3.26 billion contribution to the Illawarra economy
- Support for up to 30,000 FTE jobs, including the Port Kembla Steelworks’ existing 10,000 direct, indirect, and induced steelmaking jobs
- Improved connectivity across the site and surrounding areas
- Unlocking land for community access and public space and enhancing amenity for the region
Site context
BlueScope’s expansive 760-hectare Port Kembla site is located within the 1,200-hectare Port precinct in the Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA), just over an hour south of Sydney, spanning the neighbouring suburbs of Port Kembla, Cringila, and Warrawong, about five kilometres south of the Wollongong CBD.
The site covers 200 hectares of non-operational land within the southern portion of the steelworks, including the areas known as No.1 Steelworks Site, CRM, Steelhaven, and Centenary Park, bounded by the low-density residential and light industrial suburbs of Cringila to the west, Warrawong to the south, and Port Kembla to the east.
NSW Planning Portal
The Port Kembla Land Transformation Project has now been approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure through the State Assessed Rezoning Proposal (SARP) pathway; a process reserved for projects of regional and state significance.
This rezoning establishes the framework for a revitalised Precinct that supports a range of future-focused land uses while safeguarding BlueScope’s ongoing steelmaking operations.
Although the exhibition period has concluded, all project documentation, plans and the Department’s determination remain publicly available.
To view these materials, visit the NSW Planning Portal.
If you have any further questions, you can contact the project team using the Contact form at the bottom of this page.
Program for rezoning
Community research and engagement history
In late 2023, BlueScope commissioned independent research to better understand the local community’s views, values and aspirations for the future of the Port Kembla site. More than 500 residents and local stakeholders participated in the survey, providing valuable insights that have helped shape the Project.
Respondents highlighted clean energy, education, research, health, and cultural industries as preferred future uses for the site. Key priorities included job creation, improved transport links, accessible public space and cultural recognition.
In addition to the survey, BlueScope has engaged with the community through presentations to the BlueScope Community Consultative Committee, local industry groups, a schools-based initiative with the Warrawong Community of Schools, and community information sessions held alongside the announcement of the Project ‘vision’, launched in late 2023.
The project will continue to build on this feedback as it progresses, guiding the revitalisation of the site and reinforcing BlueScope’s ongoing contribution to the local community.
News and updates
Rezoning Milestone Reached at Port Kembla
The Hon. Paul Scully, MP announces the successful rezoning of 200 hectares of non-operational land at Port Kembla, with an Exclusivity Arrangement secured with Sicona Battery Technologies to support future innovation on the site.
Exploring Lindenfels and Port Kembla History with Craig Nealon (WIN News)
Craig Nealon (Manager Communications, BlueScope) welcomed WIN News Illawarra into Lindenfels, the remarkable manor house that is nestled in the leafy hills above the steelworks and which was once the official residence of successive general managers.
Land Transformation Project Update
The Hon. Paul Scully, MP announces that the rezoning of a major parcel of non-operational land around our Port Kembla Steelworks will be fast-tracked by the NSW State Government and could be finalised by the end of 2025.
Frequently asked questions
As the Port Kembla Steelworks approaches its 100th anniversary in 2028, BlueScope aims to reactivate 200 hectares of non-operational land for a range of new land uses.
This initiative will lay the foundation for the next 100 years, creating significant long-term economic and social value for the Illawarra region and New South Wales.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, The Hon. Paul Scully, MP, announced the official rezoning of BlueScope’s 200 hectares of non-operational land to a Special Purpose (SP4) zone in late 2025.
The rezoning proposal received immense support from the community and stakeholders, with more than 200 supportive submissions received.
BlueScope’s Property and Infrastructure division will assess a range of land uses and asset classes to create a high-value, long-term precinct that complements steelmaking operations.
Planned uses may include energy infrastructure, logistics, industry & manufacturing, research & education, and social & cultural infrastructure.
Rezoning to a Special Purpose (SP4) zone was announced in late 2025, enabling development applications to be lodged from 2026 onward.
Development will be staged over multiple decades, progressing in line with approvals, market demand, and strategic priorities.
Yes. The site is currently well-served by existing roads and public transport, and planning is being coordinated with Transport for NSW, Wollongong City Council, and other agencies.
A transport access strategy has been prepared, including a main spine road and potential additional access points. Detailed transport planning will occur as part of future delivery stages.
No. BlueScope intends to retain ownership of the land.
This approach encourages new industries and complementary infrastructure to co-locate with existing operations, while a long-term, staged development ensures the sites remain aligned with BlueScope’s strategic priorities and supports sustained job creation, strong returns, and tangible community benefits.
In late 2023, BlueScope engaged over 500 residents and local stakeholders to give feedback on preferred land uses and priorities such as jobs, transport, public space, and cultural recognition.
Ongoing project engagement has also included consulting with the BlueScope Community Consultative Committee, industry groups and local schools, as well as the facilitation of community information sessions.
Feedback will continue to guide future revitalisation of the site.
If you would like to receive updates or ask questions about the Port Kembla Land Transformation project, please send an enquiry using the Contact form at the bottom of this page.
Contact
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