'Fundamentally flawed in its scale, planning and approach' 

Controversial plans from Homes NSW for a big, new housing development at Gwynneville, near the University of Wollongong, have been slammed by locals who have called for them to be scrapped and reworked.

With the opportunity for public comment closing on Monday, 5 May, in its formal submission, the Keiraville Residents Action Group (KRAG) has slammed the state government plans to add 1250 homes, where 134 currently exist.

In a scathing criticism of the plans, which are currently before Wollongong City Council for determination, KRAG says: "The scale and impact of the proposed development are considered inappropriate in the area."

Many of the people living in the area bounded by Murphy Avenue, Irvine Street, Madoline Street and Wollongong Botanic Garden have raised concerns at two public information sessions conducted by Homes NSW and Council. Nearly 60 of the properties earmarked for demolition are privately owned while 75 are owned by Homes NSW. KRAG's submission echoes the comments from locals who told The Illawarra Flame that Housing NSW should go back to the drawing board and scale back its plans.

The rezoning and planning proposal has been lodged with Council in an effort to increase densification to help ease the current housing crisis. Under the plans, medium to high density would be permitted with a mix of four and six storeys permitted.

Rezoning is strongly opposed

In its four-page submission, KRAG says it "strongly opposes the rezoning" based on the impacts of the scale of the proposed development and that it "sets a concerning precedent for future radical planning changes".

"KRAG supports the need for social and affordable housing but believes the current proposal is fundamentally flawed in its scale, planning and approach," their submission says.

In a list of concerns, KRAG says in its current form the rezoning and future plan for the area would result in:

• An over concentration of dwellings and population, placing unsustainable pressure on local infrastructure and services;
• Traffic congestion and safety risks, both for new and for existing users of nearby roads;
• Severe parking shortages, due to underestimated car ownership rates;
• Inadequate flood management, which could impair access during heavy rainfall and pose risks in emergencies such as fire;
• A lack of meaningful public open space;
• Extended construction impacts, including years of noise, dust, congestion, and disruption to local movement in an already congested area;
• Potential social issues, including the risk of creating a student-dominated enclave with limited integration into the local community.

Calls for an independent assessment

KRAG has called for an independent assessment to gauge the increased risk of flash flooding from the nearby Mt Ousley Interchange currently under construction.

While the NSW Government is wrestling with the dilemma of how to build more homes to ease the current housing crisis, KRAG says what is proposed sets a worrying precedent.

"This undermines strategic planning and community expectations, potentially opening the door to unchecked future rezonings. The precedent which this sets is clear, and no doubt will be exploited in the future."

One of KRAG's biggest concerns is the pressure on local streets in the area once the development was built.

"The planning proposal itself acknowledges the current traffic and parking congestion within and around Gwynneville and the University of Wollongong (UOW). This development would significantly worsen these conditions, especially during peak periods, with spill-over parking likely to overwhelm surrounding residential streets."

Detailed master planning is required

KRAG is calling for a halt to the plans in their current form to allow for much greater consultation and planning to address the community's needs.

"High-density developments bring well-known challenges, particularly when not guided by comprehensive master planning," the KRAG submission says. "For this proposal, a holistic approach is essential, considering not only buildings, but also community wellbeing and cohesion, infrastructure capacity, and long-term sustainability."

KRAG suggests the formation of a steering committee to guide the master planning with representatives from all key stakeholder groups, including the local community.

"This committee should oversee the development of a comprehensive, transparent, and community aligned master plan. Without a robust master plan, comprehensive transport solutions, and meaningful community engagement, the proposal risks creating long-term problems for Gwynneville residents and the wider Wollongong community."

Given the level of community concern over the new housing plans, Council granted a one-week extension to the consultation period. That ends on Monday, 5 May. 

Residents can provide their comments by completing a feedback form on Council's website, emailing council@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or mail General Manager, Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821, Wollongong DC NSW 2500.

Read more

• Homes NSW seeks to calm Gwynneville locals angry over big new housing plans
• 'It’s too big!' Locals tell Homes NSW go back to the drawing board on massive Gwynneville housing project
• First drop-in session to discuss big changes at Gwynneville is on today