Port Kembla is a seaport near Wollongong, in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. It is essentially an industrial complex (one of the largest in Australia), but also covers a small harbour foreshore nature reserve and a small town with shops. It is linked to Wollongong by the small village of Coniston and is notable for its steel works, with many ships passing by the Wollongong beaches every day northward. Port Kembla has two main railway stations, Port Kembla (near the town), and Port Kembla North, (near the industry complex). It also contains Australia's tallest chimney.

Industrial Pollution

Port Kembla's industrial heart has caused significant environmental, health and socio-economic problems. The heavy industry of the area has significant emissions of Nitrogen oxides and other dangerous gases. Gas emissions also result in the formation of acid rain which has caused spotting of metal surfaces and the rapid corrosion of many structures. The steel works also discharges some industrial waste into the waterways draining into the port. The pollution in some areas is so great that it has been used by the EPA as a case study.

Health problems associated with noxious gases are more common, the area has higher rates of asthma. Fallout has also introduced elevated levels of lead and other heavy metals to the soil around Port Kembla and has formed thick deposits in many buildings and industrial structures. Until a few years ago, the Port Kembla Primary school was located next to the largest industrial Chimney in Australia. The school was fitted with alarms and sensors to warn the teachers and students of toxic gas levels. A public outcry occurred when it was reported in the local press that the students spent hours at a time, unable to leave their classrooms because of the level of dangerous gases.

In early 2006, dangerous Dioxin levels were detected in Sydney Harbour, prompting public concern that Port Kembla maybe similarly contaminated.

Economic and Social Problems

A reduction in the use of unskilled labour at the steel works has resulted in the whole area entering a long term economic downturn. The area has much higher rates of unemployment, prostitution and crime than the state average. Urban Blight has resulted in the main street of Port Kembla being filled with empty shops, faded signs and architecture that dates from the 50s. Property prices are similarly weak.

Ports and harbours of Australia

Suburbs of Wollongong, New South Wales | Wollongong