Building a home in the Illawarra: councils and suburbs guide
Your council decides which planning controls apply to your block. This is how the Illawarra is divided up.
Why the council matters
Each council writes its own planning controls, through a local environmental plan (LEP) and a development control plan (DCP), and assesses development applications for its area. Building in a different council area can mean different rules, so start by confirming which council your address is in.
The councils and the suburbs in them
| Council | Suburbs and towns |
|---|---|
| Wollongong City Council | Stanwell Park, Scarborough, Clifton, Wombarra, Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul, Bulli, Woonona, Towradgi, Wollongong, Port Kembla, Windang, plus Helensburgh, Fairy Meadow and Corrimal |
| Shellharbour City Council | Warilla and Albion Park |
| Kiama Municipal Council | Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa |
| Shoalhaven City Council | Berry, Huskisson |
| Wingecarribee Shire Council | Bowral, Burradoo, Moss Vale |
The list shows suburbs and towns that Illawarra builders name in their service areas. Always confirm your own address.
What changes by area
- Coastal suburbs face salt air. See coastal home building in the Illawarra.
- Escarpment and hillside suburbs are often sloping. See building on a sloping block in Wollongong.
- Southern Highlands towns sit in a different council area from the coast.
A builder who works across these areas, such as home builders serving Wollongong and the Illawarra, can tell you which controls apply.
Common questions
Which council is Thirroul in?
Thirroul is in the Wollongong City Council area, like the other northern Illawarra coast suburbs from Stanwell Park to Windang.
Is Kiama in the same council as Wollongong?
No. Kiama, Gerringong and Gerroa are in the Kiama Municipal Council area, which has its own planning controls.
Why does my council matter for a new home?
Because the council's LEP and DCP set what can be built on your lot and decide development applications for it.
General information only. Council boundaries can be checked on the NSW Planning Portal Spatial Viewer.