NF1 examines DA for Helensburgh community centre and library

In September, Neighbourhood Forum 1 (NF1) met on Wednesday, September 9 at Helensburgh Community Rooms for its monthly meeting.

DA for new Community Centre and Library

Development Application (DA-2026/592) was placed on the planning portal in late August, with an exhibition period from 7 September to 5 October. Place a submission via WCC’s website or send an email to Council.

There are over 600 pages to review, with little changed from the concept proposed in February, but forum volunteers have noted misinformation statements. In the Traffic report, for example, there is a claim that the 3 parking spaces in Gibbons Lane behind the Health Centre are for the Community Centre, when they were created for the Health Centre. This extends to Council claiming historical parking credits to decrease the parking requirements from a total of 70 required parking spaces (35 for library and 35 for community centre – not even the requirements for a function centre) to 7 parking spaces (4 for existing library parking and 3 incorrectly claimed for the existing community centre). There is only one accessible parking space with the adjacent spare bay on the driver’s side (no allowance for getting a wheelchair in and out on the passenger side of a vehicle. 

Council staff stated that the existing Library blocks “had to be sold to pay for the new building” and now that appears to be not the case as the DA design has the driveway for the 23 parking spaces in the northern block of the existing library blocks. 

The three-storey building was criticised for high maintenance costs. The hall lacks a stage, essential for performances. The limited load in and out facilities via a very small lift was deemed as making the “hall” as unusable as a exhibition space. No public toilets after Library hours was a concern. 

The cost has risen from $10 to $15 million, with residents predicting blowouts of 20-25%. The forum has requested an extension of the exhibition period. 

Now the question that has been raised is has WCC contravened the Local Government or Crown Lands Acts in their neglect of the existing Memorial Hall and inefficient use of ratepayers funds in the new building costs and projected maintenance costs.

Otford Road Flood Signage

WCC has installed 3 of the 7 flood signs requested. One at the corner of Georges Rd and Otford Rd (south-west corner). Second one opposite 102 Otford Rd – according to council staff, vehicles can use the driveway of 102 to turn around. The forum ask for this sign to be located at Lloyd Place. Third sign at Otford Rd and Werrong Rd intersection, north-east corner. 

Otford Road and Lady Carrington Road

Residents report dangerous conditions for pedestrians, with a push to reduce the speed limit to 40km/h, particularly between Bald Hill and the railway bridge. 

There is also concern over the speed vehicles are travelling at from Otford Rd to the railway station along Lady Carrington Rd, with pedestrians also walking on the road. Note: particularly during the morning and afternoon.

Footpaths

There are currently 480 requests for footpaths in the budget. The forum was informed by the only Councillor in attendance that the length of time a request has been on the list is not a priority factor; safety and street categorisation take precedence.

NF1 next meets at 7pm on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Meetings are held at the Helensburgh Community Rooms in front of the old Community Centre on the second Wednesday of the month (Feb – Nov).