Last chance to comment on controversial Gwynneville housing plans

Members of the public have just a few days left to comment on controversial plans for the transformation of a large housing precinct at Gwynneville, near the University of Wollongong.

This long weekend Monday is the deadline for feedback and the Keiraville Residents Action Group (KRAG) is encouraging anyone who hasn’t put their views forward to do so.

The proposal from Homes NSW has created a stir with plans for residential buildings of between two and six storeys replacing what is currently standard low-rise housing. The plan is for social and affordable housing to make up 60 per cent of the potential 1200 new homes.

Keiraville Residents Action Group (KRAG) has made a detailed final submission which raises ongoing concerns, including:

1. The $2.34 million infrastructure package is “grossly inadequate as it fails to address the infrastructure impacts and community needs arising from the scale and density of the proposed development”.
2. Failure to address Transport for NSW concerns: “The development will place additional demand on an existing transport network which already has documented deficiencies. A particular significant omission is the absence of a comprehensive traffic management response.”
3. Need for a comprehensive Green Travel Plan “to coordinate transport infrastructure, services and policies and promote sustainable travel”.
4. Existing transport network deficiencies: “The Planning Agreement needs to consider the cumulative impact of the development rather than treating the development site in isolation.”
5. Social infrastructure needs assessment: “The Planning Agreement should address the identified need for: community space; offsite connection; university integration; childcare; and community health."

The KRAG submission says the Development Control Plan “does not adequately address the fundamental question of how the precinct as a whole should be designed to achieve the stated objective of creating ‘a high-amenity, walkable and accessible residential medium-density neighbourhood’.”

KRAG chair Geoff Kelly said “the removal of the previously exhibited Central Park and east-west pedestrian links is particularly concerning” and “there is also no proposed allocation for community or neighbourhood facilities” despite recommendations made by consultants during the 2025 exhibition period.

“Physical and social infrastructure is required to create a liveable, well-serviced, functioning community. This needs to be addressed before the DCP is finalised,” Geoff wrote in the KRAG submission.

Monday, 5 October is the final day for community submissions.