The TVC held its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 24 August. All members of the executive team were re-elected unopposed:

• President – Ray Smith
• Vice President – Elliot Stein
• Treasurer – John Mebberson
• Secretary – Annette Jones
• Assistant Secretary – Tony Horneman
• Public Relations Officer – Stephen Le Bas

The following issues were discussed during the meeting:

Lighting between McCauley’s Estate and Thomas Gibson Park

Safety concerns were raised due to the lack of lighting between the station and McCauley’s Estate and through Thomas Gibson Park to Newbold Place. The meeting was informed that lighting will be installed along the pedestrian link from the Thirroul Train Station to Wrexham Road/ Brickworks Avenue as part of the NSW Transport Integrated Placemaking program. This is scheduled to happen during 2025-2026 financial year.

Condition of sand dunes at North Thirroul Beach

Members noticed that a lot of trees have been cut down north of Flanagans Creek. There is not much bushland left here. The TVC was informed that there is a Hewitts Creek Bushcare Group that has been working in this area and that they were asked to remove invasive plants and dying trees, which they have done. This group is currently working south of Flanagans Creek, removing asparagus fern and lantana. It was noted that the recent tide events have caused severe erosion.

Concerns about the Complying Development Certification process

A number of residents have contacted the TVC expressing concern about the Complying Development Certificate (CDC) process. Neighbours are often not aware that a development has been approved next door until the dwelling next to them is demolished. In the majority of cases requests to the developer and/or the private certifier to look at plans are refused, or made available for viewing only, not copying for closer examination. In most cases Council does not have the plans until after the private certifier signs off on the approval, so they are unable to assist.

In June the TVC wrote to Paul Scully, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces about apparent discrepancies in the CDC process in the Wollongong City Council area compared to other Council areas in Greater Sydney where neighbours are provided with 14 days written notice of a CDC application. The TVC was informed by the Minister’s Office that this was because "lots in these areas tend to be smaller and houses are often close to each other". However, upon examination of the areas listed in Section 134 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation (2021) a number of the listed areas do not have smaller lots or houses located any closer than that experienced in the Wollongong LGA. For example, Hornsby, City of Blacktown, City of Parramatta, City of Penrith, the Hills Shire, Campbelltown and Sutherland. The TVC believes the Wollongong LGA should be treated the same those LGAs listed in Section 134. Minister Scully’s office advised the TVC that the "feedback has been provided to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for consideration in future policy reform". The TVC is concerned this could take years and will continue to advocate for change.

Let’s Talk Thirroul, 29 August

This event was put on by Wollongong City Council to enable residents to discuss issues of concern with the subject matter experts, including stormwater and flooding, transport and sports and recreation. There were representatives from the NDIS and Electrify 2515 also on hand. The event was extremely well patronised. Thanks go to WCC for putting on this event.

New-look TVC website

The TVC website was recently updated by a member, Peter Spencer. The site looks much fresher and is easier to navigate. Peter volunteered many hours doing this, for which we are extremely grateful. View at https://thirroulvillage.com.au/about-thirroul-village-committee/

The next TVC meeting will be held on Sunday, 23 November commencing at 4pm at TRIPS Hall, in Railway Parade, Thirroul. All welcome.