Last week, the Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure (DPHI) released its latest NSW Population Projections.
The NSW population is projected to reach 10.07 million people by 2041.
The average annual population growth rate is 1.1% per year.
In contrast, the 3 largest LGAs in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region (Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Shoalhaven) are projected to grow at a faster rate than the rest of NSW, with each expecting more than 1.5% annual growth over the next 7 years.
This growth is positive for the region, but it must align with housing delivery.
Between 2024 and 2041, the 4 LGAs of Illawarra-Shoalhaven are expected to grow by a total of 129,500 people. The growth is distributed as follows:
| LGA | Population Growth | Increase |
| Kiama | 1,800 | 8% |
| Shellharbour | 27,900 | 34% |
| Shoalhaven | 37,000 | 32% |
| Wollongong | 62,700 | 28% |











