By secretary Ross Dearden
The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) was formed in August 1984 as a reaction to proposals to construct 40m high Coal Bins at Sandon Point, Bulli. We support preservation of open space and the retention and enhancement of our Natural Environment, European and Indigenous Heritage.
Since 2020 in the role of Neighbourhood Forum 3 (Woonona, Bulli, Thirroul and Austinmer) residents of this area have been welcome to attend NIRAG quarterly meetings to discuss and contribute to local community issues and concerns.
Tribute to Max Ackerman
Max Ackerman, one of the founders of NIRAG and a well-known Bulli identity, volunteer, and community leader, passed away on 20th March, aged 88 years. He was the spokesperson and NIRAG secretary for many years. The link to view his memorial celebration service, held at 10am on Wednesday, 3rd April is here.
Draft Community Strategic Plan 2035 and draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2025-2026
These are now on public exhibition for the period until Wednesday, 7 May 2025. As this closes before the next NIRAG meeting the link to the Strategic Plan 2035 and the Draft Delivery Program has been shared by email, and copies are in all libraries.
Your comments and suggestions should be sent by email directly to Council and copied to nirag@bigpond.com to contribute to a community submission.
Green corridor: Lot 303 (7ha) Amy St, Thirroul
This land is needed to link to Sandon Point.
A meeting was held with Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart to explore what assistance is available and what needs to be done to support the strong community support to have this land in public ownership. We are expecting a meeting with Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment, can be arranged soon. To date Council has not seen merit in obtaining this huge area 70,000m² of land (7 ha). Green corridors are generally supported but this land is not yet identified on any strategic plans for Council to acquire.
NIRAG is asking for support for acquisition of this land to be included in the Strategic Plan and brought into public ownership as recommended by the COI and the Charles Hill Report years ago. Volunteers would be willing and able to reduce ongoing maintenance and management costs,
and funding assistance is sought from State Government and other funding sources.
Next NIRAG meeting: 14 May, 7pm, Bulli Community Centre upstairs. All welcome. Email Ross at nirag@bigpond.com
