Spotlight on Illawarra Region

Unanderra adjoins Port Kembla which is one of NSW’s five deep-water freight ports. The port is pivotal to the region’s economy, contributing over $543 million each year and providing over 3,500 jobs.

The port connects the Illawarra Shoalhaven to the rest of the world through its export of bulk commodities and import of motor vehicles, positioning it as an international gateway for freight and logistics just 11kms south of Wollongong’s CBD.

With industrial take-up and locational preferences for businesses in Wollongong traditionally influenced by port related activities, industrial space in the Wollongong region is primarily located around Port Kembla, Unanderra and Wollongong. Outside of these areas, industrial activity is scattered, although with a focus along the Princes Highway, to the west and south-west of Lake Illawarra.

Looking at the type of businesses located within the Industrial precinct of Unanderra, located north-west of Port Kembla, provides a solid perspective on the type of industrial occupiers/businesses located within the region. The largest share of businesses within the Unanderra industrial precinct (by number) falls under wholesale trade and transport and logistics at 25% and 18% respectively, with services and construction close behind at 16% and 15%. An increasing number of major businesses and logistics operators have established themselves within the Unanderra industrial precinct to position themselves as the focal point to service the greater Illawarra region.

Global and national logistics operators such as Star Track Express, Ceva Logistics, TNT Express, Toll Priority and Aramex are well established within the precinct. The lack of availability has coincided with sustained demand from occupiers particularly logistics and trade operators. As a result there has been significant rental growth across all industrial markets, with this likely to continue throughout the year.

Average gross rents in Wollongong broadly range between $160-$210/sqm for A-Grade options and $110-$140/sqm for secondary. 9 The port is pivotal to the regions economy, contributing over $543 million each year and providing over 3,500 jobs. The largest share of businesses within the Unanderra industrial precinct (by number) falls under wholesale trade and transport and logistics at 25% and 18% Average gross rents in industrial across the Illawarra broadly range between $160- $210/sqm for A-Grade options and $110- $140/sqm for secondary.