NIRAG's November 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 welcome to attend NIRAG meetings to contribute to local community issues and concerns.

1. Point Street Pedestrian Safety issues

On Thursday, 15 October Zarah Tonkin, the director of Sandon Point Children’s Centre organised a site meeting with Cr Ryan Morris. Conditions are unsafe for children and the elderly who are forced to walk in the traffic lanes. Council has not been able to include the project in a works program and additional funding is needed. Children from the centre have contributed to make the case by making posters, pictures and “telling important people” so that they could walk safely along Point St. They have produced flyers and an online petition for community support. Cr Morris said he was very supportive and would help make a case for State Government funding. 

2.  Grant funding changes

The Local Government Grants Commission had proposed changing the method of allocation funds, which would have resulted in Wollongong Council losing about $16 million in funding (from $23.8m to $7.7m).  NIRAG and other community groups supported Council with a strong submission opposing the changes. In a surprisingly quick response from the Office of Local Government, we were advised that the proposed draft methodology will not be implemented. This is a most pleasing outcome.

3. Rise and Shine Clean Up Day

The NIRAG/Hewitts Creek Bushcare annual cleanup will be held on Monday, 23 November at McCauley’s Beach and Sandon Point.  Meet at the Hewitts Creek bridge at 8.30am. Please wear enclosed shoes and protective clothing.  Gloves, collection bags and hand sanitiser will be provided to volunteers.

4. Hewitts Creek Bushcare

The recent acquisition of the 6.8ha area west of the shared cycleway between Woodlands Creek and Hewitts Creek provides the green corridor that the community has been fighting for. NIRAG is now looking forward to working with Council to achieve the Coastal Park that has been our dream for decades. 

Council is drafting management options for a Coastal Management Plan with formal options to support and enhance estuary and riparian restoration and resilience. Bird watchers from both the local clubs (Illawarra Bird Observers Club and Illawarra Birders) have also been invited to visit, survey and contribute to recorded sightings. This area will certainly in future, become a destination as a nature conservation area, valued not only by the Bulli/Thirroul community but by the whole Illawarra.

To volunteer and be part of the Bushcare group, led by Ian McKinlay, meet at Hewitts Ck bridge on Mondays at 8.30am.

The next NIRAG quarterly meeting will be on Wednesday, 11^th November 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