The community representative group Neighbourhood Forum 5 (NF5) has added its voice to concerns raised about a large new residential precinct proposed for Gwynneville near the University of Wollongong.

Wollongong City Council is currently considering a proposal from Homes NSW for more than 1200 new homes on a site immediately south of UOW.

Locals in the area have raised numerous concerns including the higher density, future traffic and parking challenges and the loss of amenity and open space.

At its latest meeting on 7 May 2025, NF5 asked Council to reject the higher densities proposed, and establish a steering committee to guide master planning, including representatives from Homes NSW, Council, UOW, Transport for NSW, Healthy Cities Illawarra and local community and advocacy groups.

Submissions to Council about the controversial proposal closed on 5 May 2025.

UOW access roads congestion

With increasing reports of traffic congestion in the streets and suburbs near the university, NF5 will ask UOW to reinstate the Keiraville-Gwynneville free bus (even if only in peak hours) and to provide advice as to what short and long-term measures they are undertaking to address the growing traffic issues in the area.

NF5 will also ask Council what measures it is proposing to address the situation.

Improved rail services

NF5 has expressed concern that despite increased population growth in Wollongong LGA, train services between Wollongong and Sydney are inadequate to meet commuters' needs.

NF5 will ask local state members Paul Scully and Ryan Park to make representations to the relevant minister, seeking advice on the increased patronage on South Coast trains and requesting an improved and more regular rail service.

Beaton Park Leisure Centre review

Responding to concerns raised by members of Beaton Park, NF5 will ask Council to advise the scope of works for consultants currently reviewing the future of the leisure centre.

NF5 is calling on Council to ensure community sporting groups and fitness classes currently using Ted Tobin Hall "are involved in throughout the feasibility, design and implementation processes, and they are not shut out of Ted Tobin Hall unless they are provided with facilities which are at least of equal quality and accessibility".

Wollongong Harbour breakwall and Port Kembla breakwater

Following a recent drowning at Easter involving a man fishing at the Wollongong Harbour breakwall, NF5 will ask Transport for NSW to undertake an urgent safety audit of the breakwall, and consider replacement of the ageing, broken safety fence. NF5 is also calling for the placement of life buoys along the breakwall and warning signs in multiple languages.

NF5 is also asking Paul Scully MP to make representations to the relevant minister, seeking reinstatement of public access to the northern breakwater at Port Kembla Harbour.

New city bus layover

NF5 will ask Council what arrangements will be made to provide alternatives for users of the existing 80 parking spaces in Atchison Street in the CBD when it is converted to the new bus layover site, replacing the existing location near City Beach on Marine Drive. NF5 is concerned at the loss of disabled parking spaces reserved for the NDIS group located adjacent to the new bus layover site.

Journalist Jeremy Lasek is a member of Neighbourhood Forum 5