Project overview
The Port Kembla Land Transformation Project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock 200 hectares of non-operational land.
BlueScope is proposing to rezone 200 hectares of non-operational land adjacent to the Port Kembla Steelworks, shifting from heavy industrial zoning (IN3) to a Special Enterprise zone (SP4). This change will enable a broader mix of uses and facilitate 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.
Register for a community drop-in session
Learn more about the rezoning proposal and how you can support the project during public exhibition.
Project Summary Document
View and download details of the Port Kembla Land Transformation rezoning proposal.
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 proposed rezoning 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.
Submission to the NSW Planning Portal
The Port Kembla Land Transformation Project is being assessed through the NSW Government’s State Assessed Rezoning Proposal (SARP) pathway, a process designed for projects of regional and state significance. The proposed rezoning will enable the development of a revitalised Precinct, fit for a variety of future-focused uses. It will also protect and enhance the ongoing operations of BlueScope’s core steelmaking activities.
Public exhibition is a key stage in the rezoning process. During this period, community members can review the proposed planning changes and formally provide feedback to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
To make a submission, visit the NSW Planning Portal, search for the ‘Port Kembla Land Transformation Project’, and follow the steps to submit your feedback. You can also attend a community information session or contact the project team directly via 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
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
As the Port Kembla Steelworks approaches its 100th anniversary in 2028, BlueScope is proposing a rezoning to unlock new land uses for the site.
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.
Most of BlueScope’s landholdings in the precinct are currently zoned Heavy Industrial (IN3) for steelmaking purposes.
BlueScope has submitted a planning proposal to the NSW Government seeking to rezone the precinct to a Special Enterprise zone (SP4). This will enable a more diverse land use for the site without impacting current operations at the Port Kembla Steelworks or Port.
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.
Subject to government assessment and approvals, rezoning could occur 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 at the development application stage, and no issues have been identified that make the rezoning inappropriate.
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. Engagement has also included the BlueScope Community Consultative Committee, industry groups, local schools, and community information sessions.
Feedback will continue to guide the rezoning and future revitalisation of the site.
The proposal is being assessed under the NSW Government’s State-Assessed Rezoning Proposal (SARP) pathway for projects of state and regional significance.
After public exhibition, technical reviews, and community feedback, a decision is expected in late 2025.
Should you wish to learn more about the Port Kembla Land Transformation rezoning proposal, BlueScope is hosting two community drop-in sessions on:
- Thursday 11 September, any time between 3pm – 6pm, BlueScope Visitors Centre, Northgate Entrance, Springhill Road, Coniston
- Thursday 18 September, any time between 10am – 2pm, BlueScope Visitors Centre, Northgate Entrance, Springhill Road, Coniston
BlueScope will continue to keep interested stakeholders* informed as the application progresses.
* If you would like to receive updates on the status of the application, please send an enquiry via the contact form at the bottom of this page and tick the opt-in box.
Contact
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