Worrying trend exposed as Wollongong tackles community safety concerns

The safety of people living in Wollongong is in the spotlight as Council develops a blueprint to make “our city’s spaces safer and more welcoming”.

The findings of a city-wide survey, undertaken by Wollongong City Council to inform a five-year Community Safety Plan, does create cause for concern.

Of the 350 surveys completed, more than one in three people (35%) said they had seen or experienced a crime in the past year, but less than half (46%) reported it to NSW Police.

In its draft Community Safety Plan, Council said that “people didn’t report it because they weren’t sure how the police would respond, didn’t think it would help, or didn’t believe it was necessary.”

Between now and Tuesday, 3 May 2026, Council is seeking public feedback to inform the final Community Safety Plan.

Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown said: “It doesn’t matter whether you’re at home, in a public space, at your work, or when out and about in the community, knowing that you are – and that you feel – safe, is so important. It’s everyone’s responsibility to foster safety and Wollongong City Council is proud of its role in creating a safe and resilient community.”

The draft Community Safety Plan focuses on improving safety across three areas:

• People (supporting community wellbeing and crime prevention)
• Place (designing safer, cleaner and more welcoming public spaces)
• Property (reducing theft, vandalism and fraud)

Feedback received during the consultation process to date includes:

• More lighting is needed to illuminate public places like footpaths, shared paths, parks, car parks and near public transport.
• People want to see more police and security officers, especially at night and in places like Crown Street Mall, MacCabe Park, entertainment areas and transport hubs.
• People are concerned about the number of people sleeping rough, saying it impacts their sense of safety in the community.
• Perceived mental health issues in public places were raised as a community concern impacting people’s perception of safety
• Concerns were raised about the effects of drug and alcohol use, including its link to antisocial behaviour.
• Keeping public spaces clean and removing graffiti helps people feel safer.
• Hosting events and outdoor dining can make areas feel livelier and reduce antisocial behaviour.
• Improved road safety and walking and cycling around the city and suburbs.
• More information and education is needed about how to stay safe, prevent crime, and report issues.
• Train stations, bus stops and parks were mentioned as places where people feel unsafe in their neighbourhoods.
• Many people expressed concern about being physically or verbally attacked, seeing aggressive behaviour and drug-related problems.

The community is encouraged to provide feedback by emailing engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or writing to The General Manager, Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821 Wollongong DC NSW 2500.