NIRAG/Neighbourhood Forum 3 presents a February update

The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) supports preservation of open space and the retention and enhancement of our Natural Environment, European and Indigenous Heritage.

Residents of Neighbourhood Forum 3 area (Woonona, Bulli, Thirroul and Austinmer) are welcomed to attend NIRAG meetings to contribute to local community issues and concerns.

Have your say on transport plan

The Draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) has been released by Transport for NSW. Feedback is requested by 6 February 2006. 

We would like to see actions that support improved frequency or speed of rail connections (either locally or to Sydney) or improvements to public transport within our local area. Residents are encouraged to register interest and by visiting engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au and make a submission.

Southview St proposal awaits feedback

Homes NSW proposal at 6-10 Southview St, Bulli to replace three existing homes has been revised and a public meeting at the Sandon Point Surf Club was organised by Maryanne Stuart, the Member for Heathcote. The CEO of Homes NSW, Rebecca Pinkerton, attended and we are hopeful that Maryanne’s efforts to strongly advocate for residents’ concerns that R2 zone two-storey limit be observed will result in a better outcome for the community. There has been no feedback from Homes NSW to date.

With good judgement and strong leadership, this project could be approved in a way that demonstrates how social housing can be integrated with private homes. Minister Scully is asked to change the legislation so that Homes NSW does not repeat this; and ensure that all social housing in Wollongong LGA complies with the intent of new State Government policies and does not exceed the DCP/LEP constraints that all other developers must follow.

Amy Street, Thirroul: DA 2025/374

A DA for a dwelling on part of Lot 303 zoned R2 was approved by the Wollongong Local Planning Committee, on 28th October. The majority (about 7ha) of the lot, west of the shared cycleway between Woodlands Creek and Hewitts Creek, Thirroul is zoned C2, Environmental Conservation.  There is a potential loss of public accesses to McCauley’s Beach. Ongoing management of the C2 Environmental Conservation part of the land is essential as this is a vital Green Corridor (similar to the Keira and Kembla 'green corridors').

NIRAG met with the GM Greg Doyle last year and Council is now reviewing the strategic need for, and alternatives for public ownership. With Council and the developer’s cooperation, a rezoning of part of the C2 land to C4 (Environmental Living) could be a way to move forward (at no cost to ratepayers) by separating most of the C2 land from the R2 residential area.

NIRAG meets February 11

The next NIRAG quarterly meeting will be on Wednesday, 11 February 2026 at 7pm upstairs in the Bulli Community Centre. All are welcome to share and contribute. Contact Ross Dearden, Hon Secretary by email: nirag@bigpond.com