RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven connects and collaborates with regional stakeholders to identify and convert new opportunities for economic development in the Illawarra Shoalhaven. We are part of a federally funded national network whose primary purpose is to advocate for place-based decision making, informed by an understanding of our region’s unique strengths, economic opportunities, and challenges. Our region comprises of four local government areas and is the third largest economy in NSW supported by an estimated population of more than 427,300 people across a total land area of 5,656 square kilometres. The region includes four local government areas - Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven, as well as the Jervis Bay Territory.