April's NIRAG/NF3 Report

By NIRAG secretary Ross Dearden

Northern Illawarra Resident Action Group meetings are held in the Bulli Community Hall commencing at 7pm on the first Wednesday of February, May, August and November. Contact NIRAG by email: NIRAG@bigpond.com

Some of the current issues include:

Trinity Row cycleway

Following representations by NIRAG last year to widen the cycleway, Council has given priority to reconstruction and widening along Trinity Row from Farrell Rd to Park Road. Although widening to 4m is real progress, the plans only show 4m from just north of Ursula Road to just north of Farrell Road, instead of the full length between the bridges at Whartons Creek and Slacky Creek. Another concern is the lost opportunity to redesign the entrance to the Bulli Beach carpark and cafe to improve safety for the most vulnerable users, pedestrians and cyclists. Removal of the bollards and signage to ensure vehicles Give Way to pedestrians and cycles on the shared way is recommended.

Included in the project are a new accessible picnic shelter and changes to the accessible parking at Bulli Beach carpark. NIRAG, however, is concerned that the plan is to remove the existing shelter, which provides good protection from the weather. When a new open accessible shelter is built closer to the accessible parking, the existing one should be retained for its utility, heritage and character.

The plans are on exhibition now on Council’s website, closing 3rd April.

Pioneer Dr to Woonona Beach Cycleway reconstruction

Following representations by NIRAG and meetings with residents, Council has just produced amended designs for repairs to the shared pathway at George Tate Close, between Pioneer Drive and The Blue Lagoon. Instead of relocating the entire path, after extensive feedback from the community, it is now proposed to undertake repair works to the shared pathway in its current location. A variety of repairs will be undertaken, including concrete grinding and asphalt topping; new concrete panel replacements away from existing tree roots; and some new asphalt panel replacements. We thank Council for listening to the community’s concerns, although local residents have not yet seen the revised plan and given feedback.

Infrastructure Delivery Program (IDP)

Council has advised that the Delivery Program and Operational Plan for 2023-24 will be on exhibition from 6 April for 28 days. Submissions will close before our May meeting, but hard copies will be provided to NIRAG and will also be available in Thirroul Library. Please make time to view the proposals and share any comments and concerns.

Next meeting

The next NIRAG/NF3 quarterly meeting is Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 7pm in the Bulli Community Centre Hall. All welcome.

NIRAG meeting minutes are now posted on the Illawarra Flame website.