Neighbourhood Forum 1 report

NF1 meetings are cancelled until lockdown lifts. That does not stop the work of NF1 and conversations with Council staff.

New Community Centre and Library

The two blocks of land between the current Library and the butchers are to be auctioned on 8 September. Response from the Lord Mayor: “With all Councillors I want this project to proceed ASAP. That particular site you note is up for sale was investigated for the site of the Library and Community centre and had constraints on it that means we could not progress in that location.

“Any future Library and Community Centre would also need to be located for ease of access and refuge in case of emergencies especially bushfires and any post disaster recovery. Helensburgh has unique constraints and all sites need to be taken into consideration both public and private land opportunities.”

NF1 will keep asking for the proposed location.

Helensburgh Town Centre Plan Works

Council staff have completed investigation around the tree in Walker street for the new “footpath” beside the curb on the western side of Walker St. We are waiting on the latest plan for the Western Terrace (newsagent to Chemist area) with some of the changes taking in to consideration the request for access for food trucks and similar vehicles for events in the terrace area and power availability.

No update from Council on the footpath on the eastern side of Walker Street. NF1 will keep asking.

Helensburgh CBD area timed parking

Helensburgh is listed for a 30km/h speed zone in the CBD area once the Town Centre Plan work is completed in about a year. Over the next few months NF1 will ask for input in to what timed parking zones will be in the CBD and any parking issues possibly caused by timed parking zones.

Coles Group DA for Liquor Premises – Commercial – change of use to liquor store and extension of trading hours

Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd is the applicant, which is contrary to what was stated in the ILGA liquor licence application, but DA does state the site as 19 Walker St but again states “forming part of the Helensburgh Plaza”.

The proposal includes two primary elements, including the use of the tenancy as a Liquorland and subsequent extension of operation hours. Building is owned by Larvotto Pty Ltd whose sole director is Tony Lapanaitis of Vaucluse, as per the paperwork submitted in the DA on Council’s website. Do we have the same issue with the landlord for the Helensburgh Plaza who does not care about the impact on the community of what happens in the carpark after-hours? Council has to accept all reasons for an objection submission. Email your submission to council@wollongong.nsw.gov.au Reference DA-2021/822. Closing date for submissions is 25 August 2021, but that does not stop you sending a submission as this DA may go to the Wollongong Local Planning Panel.

Night closure on Lawrence Hargrave Drive at Stanwell Tops – TfNSW Notice

Work will be carried out between Stonehaven Road at Stanwell Tops and Chellow Dene Avenue in Stanwell Park between 8pm and 4am on Monday 16 August, weather permitting. Detours will be in place via the M1 Princes Motorway and Bulli Pass, as well as Otford Road and Walker Street.

I Love Wollongong because …

Council invites young people to share their responses to “I love Wollongong because…” using their own photo, story, poetry, artwork, images or short film.

Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan - TfNSW Notice

The Plan is a 20-year blueprint for transport in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region and has been developed together with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041. See https://future.transport.nsw.gov.au/plans/illawarra-shoalhaven-regional-transport-plan

Slope work on Lawrence Hargrave Drive at Clifton

TfNSW advise road users of changed traffic conditions on Lawrence Hargrave Drive south of Sea Cliff Bridge at Clifton for slope stabilisation work. Work will be carried out from Monday 23 August, between 7am and 5pm, for about five weeks, Monday to Friday, weather permitting.

Lockdown Learning – TAFE NSW

Needing something to do in lockdown? Check out TAFE short courses – some are fee-free.

And, finally, stay safe, look out for your neighbours, phone someone you haven’t talked to in a while.