Council statements on Buttenshaw Drive

Buttenshaw Drive is a local road managed by Wollongong City Council. Traffic calming measures are the responsibility of the council. These questions form part of an ongoing Illawarra Flame investigation into the wildlife death toll on the northern suburbs backroads that began in 202o. 

June 2026: Is possible to crowdfund speed humps, as part of 'tactical urbanism'?

Council's response: The placement of speed cushions and other raised thresholds are important, and require significant consideration and guidance from Council’s Traffic Engineers to ensure matters like:

• They form part of a Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) plan that is aligned with the function of and use of the street.

• There is a need to reduce vehicle speeds, and the desired speed is less that 60km/h.

•  There is clear visibility to the device/s, away from bends or crests, and with adequate street lighting for nighttime visibility.

•  The placement does not impede access to any properties.

•  Changing the level of the road does not negatively impact or concentrate the stormwater run-off from the street.

• Consultation occurs with all local residents.

While the community may consider crowdfunding traffic calming measures, Council’s capacity to fund ongoing costs associated with this infrastructure (i.e. maintenance and replacement) would need to be considered and prioritised against funding ongoing costs associated with other traffic calming priorities across the Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA). At present, traffic calming on Buttenshaw Drive Austinmer is considered a lower priority compared to other streets within our LGA.

Details on how we prioritise transport facilities projects for inclusion in the draft Infrastructure Delivery Program can be found on our website under the ‘Transport Facilities’ section.

April 2026: Residents have requested that council mow the sides of the roads more often, as this is known to reduce vehicle strike. How often are these verges mowed and could council do more?

Council's response: We recently received correspondence from residents regarding a lyrebird that was struck by a car at Buttenshaw Drive. We share their concern about the impact of cars on wildlife and will be responding to the residents directly.  

Keeping our environment and wildlife safe is something we all play a role in. We encourage everyone to reduce speed while travelling in wildlife zones, avoid distractions when behind the wheel, and to drive cautiously at night. These steps can make a big difference and keep our roads safer for everyone, including the animals that share our environment. 

When more people share this knowledge and experiences within their communities, it can help raise awareness and play a significant role in protecting wildlife.

We will continue to monitor the site as part of Wollongong’s Transport Strategy, and with key stakeholders, Transport for NSW and NSW Police. 

There is a high demand for mowing across our city, especially with the recent weather patterns making it perfect growing conditions for parks and garden growth. 

The roadside verge on Buttenshaw Drive is part of Council’s regular LGA-wide mowing schedule and is mowed approximately every 28 days.  There are no plans to change the mowing schedule at Buttenshaw Drive at this time.