Our new Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart, attended the June meeting and commented on a list of questions asked by forum members.

Otford Causeway – Maryanne supported a better causeway than the old one and will ask Council for a higher capacity crossing.

24-hour Helensburgh Police Station – election promise that Maryanne is working on.

Helensburgh Courthouse – there is a land claim on the Courthouse that has to be sorted out.

Bald Hill T intersection – to be taken to TfNSW.

Lawrence Hargrave Drive – will request work on slippage locations at Stanwell Tops.

Mining under Water Catchment – Maryanne does not support mining under the catchments.

She supports coal transport by rail (with covered coal wagons) and not by road.

She will discuss with the appropriate State Minister the fact that the council rates discount for pensioners has not increased in 34 years.

Confirmed Helensburgh Fire & Rescue Station will not be taken “Off Line”.

She is investigating ambulance crews remaining local and not being tasked out of their local area.

Will ask for the status and potential buy-back of Wildlife Corridors from Royal National Park to Illawarra Escarpment.

Maryanne to ask TfNSW why Helensburgh Station is not being extended for new 10-car trains. She will investigate buses not waiting for trains, especially school buses and what can be done.

A number of issues Maryanne asked for further details about and these will be provided.

Charles Harper Park Memorial Trees

Council means to replace the memorial pines in Charles Harper Park and is asking which trees should replace them. The meeting favoured native trees with high fire resistance – Illawarra Flame Trees were high on the list.

Re Curb, Gutters, footpaths

In a letter, Linda Davis, Director Planning and Environment, Wollongong City Council, said there is no rule requiring kerb and gutter be installed at new developments, rather “it is assessed on a case by case basis”. Who makes these decisions? We need a policy fair for all.

Helensburgh Community Centre and Library

A forum suggestion: build a new centre on the existing site, turn the two blocks across the road in Walker St into parking. This would not be in a flame zone and we’d get the green space promised.

Next meeting 7pm, Wed 12 July, Otford hall.