By 2046, the population of Wilton and Douglas Park is expected to exceed 37,000, rivaling the size of Nowra and Bomaderry. This growth, larger than the combined increase projected for West Dapto and Calderwood, is prompting calls for coordinated planning across the Illawarra and Macarthur regions.
Business Illawarra director Coralie McCarthy emphasized that the regions are interconnected. "We are simply no longer the separate regions we once were," she said, noting that people already live, work, and invest across boundaries daily. The growth of Wilton and Appin could accelerate housing availability, a key need for Illawarra businesses.
The Wilton 2040 Plan outlines rezoning for urban development, infrastructure plans, and a jobs creation strategy. A Wollondilly Shire Council spokesperson stressed the need for state infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and public transport, alongside local amenities like sporting fields and parks.
Council identified the Wilton Interchange at Picton Road and the Hume Motorway as an urgent priority, describing it as "at failure point" and critical for connecting Western Sydney and the Illawarra, including Port Kembla. Minister for Planning Paul Scully noted a $125 million joint investment for Picton Road upgrades.
McCarthy highlighted that housing is a major barrier for Illawarra businesses in attracting workers. Growth in the Macarthur region could help, but only if transport links improve. "This conversation comes back to a simple point: connectivity," she said.
