Wall of stone installed to keep hoons out of Stuart Park
After CCTV cameras had limited success, council has used sandstone blocks to stop vehicle-related vandalism at one of Wollongong's biggest beachside parks
Over the past two years hoons in hotted-up cars have caused thousands of dollars of damage to North Wollongong’s popular Stuart Park. Worse still, this has created an eyesore in a part of the city visited by tens of thousands of people each year.
Today, after fielding many complaints, Wollongong City Council hit back.
In just four hours, 50 large sandstone blocks were trucked on to the site and placed along the north-eastern perimeter of the park, the section most frequently targeted by late-night vandals. The Illawarra Flame understands the plan is to encircle the park to ensure it is fully protected.
Earlier this year, skydiving operations were hampered when one of the attacks infringed on the parachute drop zone. Skydivers expressed concern that this presented a new risk for those participating in the tandem jumps.
Your author, a regular visitor to Stuart Park, was one of many who regularly tipped Council off to the hoonish behaviour, which has increased in the past six months.
Council staff responded, saying they were aware of the growing number of “vehicle-related vandalism incidents at Stuart Park, with damage ranging from minor impacts to more significant turf damage. We understand this is concerning for residents, park users and stakeholders who value this important public area.”
After independent Ward Two Councillor Andrew Anthony raised his concerns, Council installed temporary a CCTV camera in the hope it would deter the revheads.
Council staff said it only had limited success in preventing more incidents. “This is partly because many incidents occur after dark and the cameras have a limited field of view. The damage also appears to be more noticeable after wet weather when the turf is more vulnerable.”
After considering numerous options to provide a more permanent solution to protect the park and reduce the risk of further damage, it was decided to install a wall of sandstone, stretching for about 250 metres, where the majority of damage has been done.
“This is a practical and cost-effective measure that can be reviewed and extended to other areas of Stuart Park if further issues arise,” Council staff said in their correspondence.
The use of sandstone blocks isn’t uncommon on Council property.
An area close to the Lagoon Restaurant and children’s playground in Stuart Park has been blocked off for many years.
Sandstone blocks have also been installed in the City Mall and included in streetscape improvements in Lower Crown Street to protect people and property.
Cr Anthony was pleased to see this week’s positive action after years of frustration and four-wheeled vandalism.
“It’s been upsetting to see a small minority repeatedly damage the park through their reckless behaviour,” Cr Anthony said.
“It’s unfortunate that Council has had to resort to installing sandstone blocks as this obviously comes at a cost to ratepayers, but it is far less expensive than continually repairing the damage.
“I thank residents who have continued to be vigilant and report these incidents, and encourage anyone who witnesses illegal vehicle activity in our parks to report it to NSW Police or Council.”
