NSW growth zone west of Wollongong to become small city by 2046
Wilton will grow to more than 37,000 residents by 2046. That's about the size of Nowra and Bomaderry. This growth will ease worker shortages.
Wilton sits about 30 minutes from Wollongong. Growth in housing here could ease the worker shortage that Illawarra businesses face.
By 2046, the suburb and Douglas Park will hold more than 37,000 people. That is 7,000 more than expected growth in nearby West Dapto and Calderwood combined.
A new high school opens in 2027. The Australian and NSW Labor Governments are jointly investing almost $125 million into planning upgrades to Picton Road and the Hume Motorway interchange.
This interchange is a bottleneck between the Illawarra and south-west Sydney. Business Illawarra says the regions already work as one economic zone.
People live and work across both daily. Growth this scale requires coordinated investment in hospitals, schools and public transport, a council spokesperson said.
- 37,000+ in Wilton and Douglas Park
- Projected population by 2046
- About 30 minutes
- Travel time from Wollongong
- Almost $125 million
- Government investment
- 2027
- New high school opens
Why it mattersLarge population growth near a major employment hub can ease worker shortages. It can also boost housing supply and reshape regional economics. This works best if roads and services keep pace.
AustraliaNSW businesses in the Illawarra gain access to a larger workforce pool, but the win depends on transport and infrastructure keeping up with Wilton's expansion.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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