April's Neighbourhood Forum 1 Report

The 2508 community is a unique community. It is our community and I know change is inevitable but that change should be on our terms. Defined by those who live in this community. That understand the local conditions. The local characteristics. Why Walker Lane only works as a single vehicle bidirectional lane, for example. NF1 has been trying to engage with Council, work with Council to the extent that the community is empowered to have a say, to really contribute to the outcomes for the community.

Old Community Hall

NF1 has now received documents requested under a GIPA (Government Information Public Access, also known as a 'freedom of information request').

After a preliminary review and an expert from the community reviewing the building itself (from the outside as Council will not allow internal inspection), it is clear that the water issues have occurred after the lane behind was regraded in about 2009 for the multi-storey apartment blocks, which changed the flow of water down the lane, as is evident by Council adding a kerb behind Helensburgh bakery.

A hygienist report and what looks like a builder's report provides solutions to the issues with photos taken by camera through the floor vents in the hall. Those solutions were estimates – quoted to cost about $500k in 2021.

The decision to demolish the building was made by the Executive Manage Committee of Council (staff) and no decision of Councillors, resolution of Council at a Council meeting to demolish the hall can be found. 

Proposed New Community Centre and Library

Now on Council’s website are the proposed concept sketches – they cannot be called plans as there are no dimensions or sizes – and artist's impressions of the proposed building. These are the selected architect's concept design based totally on the brief given to them by Council Staff.

Council defines the new centre as a local centre for the suburb of Helensburgh, with the library drawing users within a 3km radius. The existing Helensburgh Community Centre and Helensburgh Library has had a draw of all the 2508 suburbs, giving a draw of over 10km, making both district facilities and not just a “local” facility.

When the two blocks in Walker St, next to the butcher, were purchased by Council in October 2019, the community was led to believe that the new Community Centre and Library, with parking for the town centre, would be built across the four blocks then owned by Council, with two-way access from Walker St at Lilyvale St and possible entry from Walker Lane. The rooms on the front of the existing Community Hall would be used as a temporary Library while the new complex was built. 

Make your comments to Council via email or the website. 

Council staff advised at the March NF1 meeting that the following projects would be completed by the end of this financial year: Vera St in to the Railway Station, Tunnel Road drainage works around 16 Tunnel Rd, pipe reline in Hume Drive (damaged pipe), Flood Warning signs for Otford Causeway (locations unknown at this time – 6 locations asked for), new playground equipment for Norm O’Brien Park (fencing requested due to Old Station Rd traffic and open drain) – fencing for Charles Harper Park playground equipment also requested.

Neighbourhood Forum 1 meetings are held in the Helensburgh Community Rooms in front of the old Community Centre on the second Wednesday of the Month (Feb – Nov).