Coal mines, industrial plants and forestry – three primary industries that are synonymous with the economic history of Wollongong.
But as the globe warms, the trees die, and manufacturing companies look offshore, the Wollongong economy has undergone some significant changes to adapt to the changing economic landscape.
While industries change, so too must the businesses that feed off their activity. UOWTV Reporters Jared Constable, Elliot Reeves, Andre Charadia and Ben Mitchell discover the ways businesses and industries are coping with the changes in trading.
Port expansion to revive the struggling south
A funding boost will see large-scale redevelopment and expansion of the shipping port at Port Kembla, south of Wollongong.
The site has long been a hot-spot for the transferring of manufacturing goods and vehicles, but upcoming improvements to the facility will see the port open for larger vessels, carrying bigger loads. This will lead to an increase in traffic through the port, and hopefully an influx of prospective customers.
Are local businesses happy about the changes?
Reporter- Jared Constable
Economic Growth > Global Warming ?
After dumping the global warming talks at the Brisbane G20 in favour of more talks on economic growth, what does this mean for the booming trade industry in Wollongong?
Economic Growth > Global Warming ? by UOWTV Multimedia
Reporter – Ben Mitchell
iAccelerate, you accelerate: Innovation improvements for entrepreneurs in the Illawarra
The nature of innovation, technology and entrepreneurialism is set to see a positive change in the Illawarra with the launch of the ‘iAccelerate’ initiative from the University of Wollongong.
The program, which “changes concepts into fledgling scalable businesses”, provides many services for potential entrepreneurs; including training workshops, networking opportunities and secure private office spaces.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery says, “The development and nurturing of companies in StartPad shows that Wollongong is developing as a city where companies and entrepreneurs can work innovative applications and tools to deliver new businesses and employment opportunities. (The) Council is keen to see this area of the city cultivated to support entrepreneurs who have ideas and foresight.”
The program is expected to change the nature of business in the Illawarra helping the area flourish both socially and economically.
According to the IAccelerate website, “iAccelerate and its associated programs represents a turning point in the industry profile of the Illawarra and will support the growing innovation ecosystem here. StartPad delivers real opportunities for companies identified through the Universities Entrepreneur Club, a pipeline of highly engaged and talented graduates into the Illawarra innovation ecosystem.”
The program has already had a significant impact within the Illawarra. UOW Director of Innovation and Commercial Research, and CEO of iAccelerate Elizabeth Eastland said recently in Connect: UOW magazine, “In just two years of operating iAccelerate StartPad, we have hosted 25 startup companies representing 52 entrepreneurs and new jobs – with just 20 available spaces. The iAccelerate Centre will have more than 10 times as many spaces for entrepreneurs.”
The official opening of the iAccelerate Hub will take place on 10th April, 10:30am and the Foyer, Mike Codd Building, Innovation Campus.
Reporter – Elliot Reeves
Job losses at Illawarra Coal part of economic change in Steel City
BHP owned Illawarra Coal has announce 36 job cuts as part of an ‘organisational review’. UOWTV Multimedia reporter André Charadia interviews business lecturer Michael Gross about the changing economy of the region.
