Neighbourhood Forum 1 convenor Warwick Erwin reports on the group's September meeting.

Helensburgh Park Crown Land PoM

NF1 has unanimously passed a resolution to reject the draft Plan of Management for Helensburgh Park due to a lack of any real community consultation, with the proposal to build a new Community Centre and Library lacking details for the community about the proposed design and the substandard development of the plan for the sporting centre of the 2508 community.

It is clear from the draft PoM that Council has a “proposed design” (as per the Historical Heritage Assessment by Niche Environment and Heritage that is included in the Draft PoM). Council has not shared this with the community. What is in the PoM is that the new combined centre will be between 1400sqm and 2000sqm with a library component of 1500sqm. Doesn’t leave much for a community centre component.

Blocks of land next to Helensburgh Library and library block

NF1 were asked what they would like to see happen with the blocks of land next to the library and the library block so that they cannot be sold off by Council to developers to build more apartment blocks. Suggestions from the forum included: building the community centre/library there, parking for a new combined centre where the old Community Centre is, parking for the town centre, green space and public toilets.

Old Helensburgh Community Centre

No demolition date from Council and while the building stays there it has the potential to become a greater health hazard to the community. Demolition was promised by Council to take place over 12 months ago. A missed promise.

Otford Road Causeway

Contractor has work underway on the Causeway with the area around it now a construction zone. No access is allowed into the area. Otford Residents are calling for 40km/h speed limit on Otford Rd from Bald Hill, due to the speed of traffic using the narrow road with construction traffic. Visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/council-projects/current-works/otford-causeway

Helensburgh Town Centre Plan – Phase 3 works Western Terrace

You will have seen the lack of Council workers working on the Western Terrace with days where traffic controllers have blocked off parking all day for Council’s trucks without any Council vehicles or workers appearing for the day. Multiple days in a row. Completion by end of September now looks like another missed promise.

Land behind Undola Rd

NF1 has been informed of a Kogarah-based solicitor knocking on residents’ front doors, sometimes on a Sunday morning, “trying” to have them buy the land behind on the part of Undola Rd north of Whitty Rd. These blocks are zoned C2 Environmental Conservation land, the next level of conservation under a National Park. No buildings allowed. Advice received is that if the solicitor “persists” inform the police.

In General Business

• When will the footpath on The Ridge be done?
• Proposal for a Community Garden in Helensburgh
• Concrete blocks placed at the end of the Ridge leading to train station dangerous at night time
• Bald Hill lookout roundabout needs to be monitored by police as some weekends it is blocked by traffic entering the roundabout and unable to exit in to the carpark.
• Stairway from Stanwell Park ends abruptly in Bald Hill carpark, dangerous for pedestrians.

Election of NF1 Officers

Warwick Erwin was re-elected unopposed as the Convenor of NF1. There have been no nominations for the co-convenor role after Jenny Sherratt decided to step down. NF1 is calling on the community to nominate someone to take over the position, starting in February 2024.

Membership of NF1 is open to anyone who lives or works in the 2508 area.

Next meeting: Oct 11, 7pm at Otford Hall