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The Snake Issue

Just an addition to your guide on local snakes. There is a colour form of the Tiger Snake that is olive green on the back with a cream belly and no obvious striping. The stripes are limited to darker blotching along the flanks where the dorsal and ventral surfaces meet. I’ve found a few of these over the years and comprise around a third of my Tiger Snake sightings.

Browns are about down here too, more commonly in open coastal areas like South Thirroul or Bellambi reserve, or drier ridge country. I heard of a couple of 2m jobs fleeing the bulldozers when the new estate at Southy was being cleared a few years ago. At school in the 70s one of my classmates told me of a huge brown he and friends encountered in bush between Bulli Pass and George Ave, not likely to be mistaken for any other species.

Thought this might be of interest to you and your readers.

Cheers,

Russell, at The Niche Nursery

True Or False?

A resident asked: “I heard that in Clifton either Rube Hargrave Park (which already has some parking) or – which would be worse – Moronga Park opposite is supposed to be replaced by a parking lot.

False. A Wollongong City Council spokesperson said: “There is an existing carpark in Rube Hargrave Park and Council has no current plans to extend its capacity. Council has no plans to change Moronga Park into a Carpark.”

Thirroul Needs A Skatepark

Josh Landman started a Change.org petition titled “Local Support for a Skatepark in Thirroul”, calling on Wollongong Council to act.

Will it?

A Council spokesperson told 2515: “Wollongong City Council’s Sportsgrounds and Sporting Facilities Strategy outlines plans for the future development of a district level skate facility in the northern suburbs, and is part of Council’s plan to ensure a diverse range of skate facilities throughout Wollongong.

“While the preferred location of the skate park in the northern suburbs is yet to be determined, the project is currently programmed for delivery in the 2023/24 financial year.”

Term 1 2021 Program for U3A

Mon, 1 Feb: Interlude in Prague (on Mozart) DVD

Mon, 8 Feb: Chernobyl – Bill Barnetson

Mon, 15 Feb: Nuclear Power and the Environment – Jim Brough

Mon, 22 Feb: Current Affairs Discussion – Doug White

Mon, 1 March: Helensburgh Then and Now – Jim Powell

Mon 8 March: International Women’s Day,
UN Women – Jenny Lee-Robins

Mon 15 March:  Portrait Photographers – Brendon Parker

Mon 22 March: Does Australia Need a Bill of Rights? Ainslie Lamb

The first Session, including a presentation on the discussion topic, is from 9.30-10.30am, followed by Morning Tea and the second Session on Music Appreciation is from 11am to 12pm.

All are welcome. For further information contact Jenny Lee-Robins on 0406 350 025.

Bottle Shop No. 4?

Helensburgh – a town that already has three bottle shops, plus licensed pubs, clubs and restaurants – could be in line for a new Liquorland on the corner of Walker and Short streets.

Liquor and Gaming NSW issued a ‘Notice of Intention to Apply for a new Liquor Licence’ to neighbouring premises last month. It stated that the applicant, Liquorland (Australia) Pty Ltd, intends to apply for a new packaged liquor licence for a 172sqm store, open daily, at 19-33 Walker St, Helensburgh Plaza.

The subject stirred up a storm of comments on social media, with many concerned about its social impact, as well as its effect on the competition.

Neighbourhood Forum 1 convenor Warwick Erwin told 2508 fears included: “Liquorland will come in and underprice existing outlets, especially the two in Walker Street that are locally owned small businesses, and once they have put them out of business Liquorland will increase their prices.”

Community members can provide feedback (email n.beath@jdklegal.com.au) within 30 days of the notice, issued on 15 January.

Feedback will be used to create a Community Impact Statement (CIS). If the application is lodged, the CIS will be published on the e-noticeboard at www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au. Further submissions can then be made directly to Liquor and Gaming NSW.

Warwick recommends copying emails to Heathcote MP Lee Evans and Wollongong City Councillors.

Neighbourhood Forum 1 meetings are held at 7pm at Helensburgh Community Centre on the second Wednesday of the month.

Comment on Stanwell Park plan

Wollongong City Council has developed a Draft Plan of Management (PoM) covering Stanwell Park Reserve and Bald Hill Lookout and is seeking public comment. Comments close on February 19. Visit our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au