July's update from Thirroul Village Committee

At the last TVC meeting on 24th May, there was discussion on a variety of hot local topics.

Timetable changes due to Mariyung trains

After many years of delay the new Mariyung trains are now operating on the South Coast Line. As part of the new trains starting full operation there will be a new timetable commencing in October.

The timetable has two significant changes to our current service. Trains will not stop at Wolli Creek and they will now terminate at Central. This is due to two factors – the length of the new 10 car trains and the ‘decoupling’ of the South Coast and Eastern Suburbs lines.

In good news these changes will mean an extra service in peak hour and a train every 30 mins in off peak. But it will come at the expense of those who wish to travel to the airport with a single change at Wolli Creek and for those who wish to travel on after Central to the city loop and through to Bondi Junction.

Residents have expressed their frustration about these negative parts of the changes and the inconvenience for those travelling to the airport. The TVC has written to the Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart MP on this, who has shared her concern for these impacts and is representing them to the Minister for Transport. Residents can also write to Maryanne on this matter.  

Disposal of whale carcass

Concerns were raised as to how badly the recent disposal of a whale carcass from Era Beach was handled. The towing of the animal’s body down the coast and the process of removal from Bellambi boat ramp without warning to swimmers, surfers and boaties alike was deeply concerning. It was reported that several large sharks were attracted by the remains while people were in the water, unaware of what was happening. Apparently, Council was told not to inform anyone that the whale was being moved. The TVC has been informed that a conversation has started about offshore disposal. The question was asked if removal was necessary at all as the carcass was located in an isolated spot. 

Need for pedestrian crossing between Thirroul and Austinmer

Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart has been approached by residents about the need for one, or more pedestrian crossings north of Thirroul shops to ensure safe passage for pedestrians, as well as for motorists. Maryanne held a meeting with a number of TVC and NIRAG members to discuss the issue before meeting with Transport for NSW (TfNSW). It was suggested that at least one or two safe (pram) crossings of Lawrence Hargrave Drive (LHD) were needed north of Thirroul shops through to Mountain Road, Austinmer.

Resident Elizabeth Edwards has been working on developing a community campaign to help highlight the issue. The campaign will bring attention to the real, negative issues experienced by residents and visitors trying to cross on foot, or turn right by car, onto LHD, from the western side of the road between Mountain Road, Austinmer and King Street, Thirroul. 

Elizabeth will communicate with the TVC and NIRAG and information will be shared once the action has been organised. 

Progress of Grand Pacific Walk

The Grand Pacific Walk project is funded in partnership between WCC and the NSW Government through TfNSW. It is being done in a number of stages with work in front of Austinmer Beach in progress. From here it will progress to Little Austi and Coledale, which are more complex. To find out more head to council's webpage.

The next TVC meeting (AGM) will be held on Sunday, 30 August 2026 commencing at 4pm at TRIPS Hall, Railway Parade, Thirroul.
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