Today NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Hon. Paul Scully MP announced the official rezoning of BlueScope’s 200 hectares of non-operational land adjacent to its Port Kembla Steelworks to a Special Purpose Zone (SP4) allowing for a diverse range of mixed uses.

This marks a major milestone for the Port Kembla Land Transformation project and a significant step forward in accelerating the activation of the site for an expanded range of permissible uses beyond heavy industry, paving the way for a vibrant new era for Port Kembla, the Illawarra and NSW.

The rezoning of this strategic landholding enables a broader mix of permissible uses, supporting innovation,education, advanced manufacturing, energy hub, heavy industry, warehousing and logistics, community, creative and social facilities. This milestone is the culmination of extensive planning and consultation with stakeholders and the community and reflects a shared vision to revitalise Port Kembla.

Previously limited to heavy industrial activities associated with steelmaking, the new Special Purpose zoning opens the door to education precincts, technology hubs, creative industries, recreation areas, and supporting commercial and community infrastructure. This expanded scope will help attract new industries, create thousands of jobs, and provide long-lasting benefits for the region.

Sicona Exclusivity Agreement Advances Plans for Flagship Plant

In a further boost to the project, an Exclusivity Arrangement has been entered into with Sicona, a leading battery technology startup born out of the University of Wollongong’s incubator iAccelerate. This agreement grants Sicona exclusive rights to explore locating its advanced battery materials manufacturing within the precinct for a defined period, helping accelerate Sicona’s plans to construct a flagship demonstration plant for advanced battery materials manufacturing within the precinct, another step toward commercialisation as they upscale their innovative technology.

Sicona recently received the prestigious Business NSW Award for Best International Business, a testament to theirinnovative approach and significant contributions to the industry. Building on this success, the rezoning announcement today enables Sicona to expedite planning for the next phase in their technological development.This new demonstration facility could be located within one of the existing large-scale sheds on the BlueScope Port Kembla land. Whilst subject to funding, this strategic move will help Sicona fast-track the build and planning approvals, with the Demonstration plant expected to be commissioned in 2027.

“The rezoning of Port Kembla’s non-operational land is a game-changer for the Illawarra, unlocking new possibilities for investment and development.

“We would like to thank Minister Scully and the NSW Government for supporting this accelerated pathway to rezoning. The community’s positive feedback has played a vital role in shaping the outcome, and we express our appreciation to the community for their support. We were overwhelmed to have received over 200 supportive submissions for the project while on public exhibition, with only 4 opposing. It is rare to have this level of alignment and support across industry, government, business and the community.”

Michael Yiend – Head of Property Development, BlueScope

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“This is both one of the world’s largest land transformation and the biggest change to Illawarra’s industrial landscape since steelmaking commenced nearly 100 years ago.

“The finalisation of this rezoning will benefit the Illawarra’s economy for decades to come expected to deliver up to 20,000 jobs on top of the existing 10,000 jobs that are already supported by BlueScope.”

Paul Scully - Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong

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“Sicona is proud to see BlueScope championing local innovation and advanced manufacturing. Together, we’re exploring ways to strengthen Australia’s battery ecosystem and help deliver on the promise of a Future Made in Australia.”

Christiaan Jordaan - CEO and Founder Sicona Battery Technologies