Neighbourhood Forum 1 report

By NF1 convenor Warwick Erwin

Delivery Program 2018-2022 and Draft Operational Plan 2021-2022

NF1 meeting discussed the items listed for the 2508 area and found missing and disappeared projects. Disappeared projects include the footpath on the eastern side of Walker St between Short St and Whitty Rd. (This project disappeared after businesses were told their entry would be blocked for days and the heritage stone curb was pointed out to Council. Council has been asked for details and why.) Council’s interactive Infrastructure Delivery Program mapping is still available to view. Search for Wollongong City Council Infrastructure Delivery Program Interactive map. NF1 has sent a submission to Council.

Hacking River crossing at Otford – Otford Rd

Now listed in operation plan as being constructed in 2022-23 – no details available yet. This was to be a higher level crossing a few years ago but is another project that just “washed down the river”.

New Helensburgh Library and Community Centre

No details regarding a location for the new Helensburgh Library and Community Centre has been forthcoming from Council Staff or Councillors, but it is listed for “Procurement” in 2022/23. The community very strongly stated that the 2508 area wanted a completed new Library and Community Centre with modern facilities, like Thirroul’s centre. Council staff have indicated that a new round of community consultation for the combined centre should commence in July of this year; construction will not start until 2025. Community consultation previously was for a library only. To Helensburgh Library staff, who go beyond the call of duty while being forced to use a temporary building that is long past its use-by date, the community says a big Thank You.

Helensburgh Town Centre update

Work is due to be completed on the Parkes St activities by the end of June. Lighting for the new pedestrian crossing and line-marking will be the last items completed. We are still waiting on the plans for Walker St, but work is to include the roundabout at Lilyvale St, work in the Plaza area between Lane 10 and Parkes St, new path at road level on the western side of Walker St between Short and Lilyvale streets, and landscaping around existing trees and access paths from shops to the road. Work is due to start in the 2021/22 financial year. NF1 has asked for the detailed plans.

Proposed Footpath Works at Junction St, Helensburgh

Council has prepared design for 1.5m wide footpath on Junction St with a concrete path between Parkes and High streets and asphalt path between High and Fletcher streets. Project to be done during the next 12 months.

Proposed line-marking at The Crescent and Postmans Track

Council proposes line-marking to help with issues of pedestrian and driver safety at the intersection with the addition of a new future footpath on The Crescent between Maidstone and Postmans Track. Residents have asked for additional bollards / barriers and a safe dedicated crossing for pedestrians – school children and parents.

Stanwell Park Beach Reserve Kiosk

A new operator is expected to be approved by Council at its next Council meeting.

Walk to Helensburgh station

Council has been asked for an additional sign directing pedestrians down Parkes St to the car park steps as the safe route to the railway station, instead of down Tunnel Rd where there is no safe pedestrian access. Numerous non-locals have been seen walking along Tunnel Rd after following current signs and this is seen as dangerous due to drivers’ poor line-of-sight on blind corners.

Council’s Draft Community Engagement Policy

This is out for comment via Council’s website with feedback due by 11 June 2021.

Coles Carpark issues

Issues with Coles carpark have been referred to the Community Safety Committee via the Lord Mayor.

Council Election is scheduled for September 2021

We have four Ward 1 Councillors elected by Ward 1 residents and registered business owners and a Lord Mayor that is elected by all Wollongong residents and registered business owners. Current Ward 1 Councillors – Cr Leigh Colacino (Lib),
Cr Janice Kershaw (Labor), Cr Jenelle Rimmer (Labor) and Cr Mithra Cox (Greens). Lord Mayor is Cr Gordon Bradbery AM.

NF1 meets at 7pm on the second Wednesday of each month, except December and January, at the old Community Centre on Walker St.