NIRAG/NF3 Report for June

The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) supports preservation of open space and the retention and enhancement of our heritage. Residents of Neighbourhood Forum 3 area are welcome to attend NIRAG meetings.

1. Amy Street, Thirroul: The majority of Lot 303 (about 7ha) of the lot is zoned C2, Environmental Conservation. This is a vital Green Corridor. Council has agreed to review the strategic value of this land as public reserve. Advice is awaited. 

2. Draft Infrastructure Delivery Program (IDP): At the May meeting Council officers attended to discuss the Draft Infrastructure Delivery Program (IDP) and Operational Plan 2026 – 2027. Members were encouraged to make individual submissions to Council and contribute to the NIRAG/NF3 response; and in particular ask for completion of Point Street footpath and for the design for the shared cycleway from Aragan Circuit, Bulli and Hamilton St, Thirroul to be widened for safety, to cater for future aged care residents and active transport needs.

3. Bulli Hospital parking: It is pleasing that after a long struggle residents received advice that four-hour restrictions would be extended on the southern side of Hospital Road from 27-33 Hospital Rd (where staff were parking all day). This part of the road has zero impact on residents as it runs along the old hospital site. It would provide about 19 more parking spaces for patients and visitors.

4. E-bikes: NIRAG received a request in March to ask Council to take urgent action to require e-bike riders to dismount in shopping centres. Council replied that it “does not currently support a blanket ban around shopping centres, as the suitability of ebikes, bicycles, scooters, and pedestrians sharing these spaces depends on a variety of considerations”. We request Council does something, consistent with its duty of care; perhaps signage or pavement markings warning of a hazard on shopping centre footpaths.

5. NIRAG E-Bike policy: A motion for greater controls was discussed at length. There was agreement we need education and safety measures to control battery-powered bikes (mopeds, i.e. e-bikes that do not require pedalling). These should be treated as motor vehicles – licensed, registered and have third party insurance. 

All E-bikes (cycles that are pedalled to activate the battery) must be speed limited to be compatible with pedestrians on shared paths. Bulli High has taken steps to have students display bike number plates and it is hoped this will promote safer cycling. Our State and Federal Members are urged to take action to make the changes needed for public safety.

Next NIRAG quarterly meeting: 14 August, contact nirag@bigpond.com