NIRAG re-elects committee

Thanks to Secretary and Treasurer Ross Dearden for providing the information in this report

The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG), which was formed in 1984 to protect Sandon Point, held its annual general meeting at 7pm on Wednesday, 3 August upstairs at the Bulli Community Centre.

Fourteen people attended the AGM, including two Wollongong City Councillors, Richard Martin and Cameron Walters. There were no new nominations for the committee and all office bearers were re-elected:

President: John Croker

Vice President: Dave Beswick

Secretary: Ross Dearden

Treasurer: Ross Dearden

Membership Secretary: Susannah Cavill

Public Officer: Michael Crighton.

It was unanimously agreed not to collect membership fees again this year.

In his report on NIRAG activities in 2021-22, president John Croker noted that a founding member, Max Ackerman, has retired to Queensland and will be “greatly missed”.

The President’s Report also highlighted Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (NIRAG continues to support the creation of a Keeping Place at Sandon Point); Bulli-Thirroul Traffic (NIRAG supports the retention of on-street parking and the minimisation of clearways); and Thirroul Plaza (the size of the proposed development has been reduced, but the impact is still seen as “excessive”).

On lobbying efforts for improved cycling conditions, the report said: “There has been success in the better prioritising of cycleway upgrades, and in planning for wider paths when the upgrades do occur. NIRAG has also lobbied for improved bicycle parking and for better road shoulders.”

NIRAG, an incorporated association since 1994, has been filling the role of Neighbourhood Forum 3, which covers from Woonona to Austinmer, while council waits for someone to volunteer as Convenor. (If you’re interested, contact Tom McColl, WCC Engagement Coordinator.)

NIRAG collaborates with other groups, including Better Planning Network; Thirroul Village Committee; Illawarra Bicycle Users Group; and the Illawarra Escarpment Alliance.

After the AGM, NIRAG held its quarterly meeting. The following text is an edited extract from the minutes:

Closing Hewitts Lane, Thirroul to the public

No Entry signs are up and the lane will now only be maintained as ‘right of way’ for council. Land and Environment Court decision has allowed the creek realignment work to commence and the retaining wall on the northern boundary has been built.

DA 2021/796, 2 Weaver Terrace

Wollongong Local Planning Panel refused this development application for a double block extension and pool on 8 March. No information was available at the meeting. It has since been advised that an Appeal has been lodged in the Land and Environment Court and proceedings have been listed for Conciliation on 1 September.

2022 Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP)

The Draft CSP was presented to Council on 2 May. NIRAG’s submission was followed up with a meeting with the Director Infrastructure and Works (Jo Page) on 23 May. It was encouraging to receive a positive response, with NIRAG’s input resulting in changes being made to the Northern Cycleway reconstruction program and completion of Point Street footpath design, in particular.

Sandon Point headland

Maintenance is needed to control growth. We were disappointed with the response received, which states, “Unfortunately Council is not resourced or planning to undertake such work, and such work is unlikely to meet the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit for the site.”

Crs Walters and Martin agreed to follow this up.

Objection to DA2021/1324 Amy St, Thirroul (and Panmills Dr)

The applicant has lodged a deemed refusal and although no new information was available at the meeting, on 20 August a joint meeting was to be held with Thirroul Village Committee and the developer to consider alternative proposals for improved vehicle, cycle and pedestrian access that would be safer and avoid demolishing the existing foot bridge to Wilkies Street. A revised plan is being prepared for consideration before the LEC hearing scheduled on 12 October.

Pioneer Dr to Woonona Beach cycle path

NIRAG is acting to support local residents who want reconstruction of the existing path in its present location, not in a new location to the south.

NIRAG will next meet on 2 November at 7pm. All welcome. Contact Ross Dearden by email nirag@bigpond.com or text 0411 484 166.