By Warwick Erwin, convenor of Neighbourhood Forum 1, which covers the 2508 postcode
Helensburgh Swimming Pool
Council is planning to upgrade Helensburgh Memorial Pool to extend its life by 40 years. Council plans to replace the pool shell with a new one consisting of six lanes and a beach-type accessible ramp-style entry, a new splash pad to replace the toddlers’ pool, LED lighting (around the pool concourse), new shade structures with solar panels and new filtration and sanitation systems (two separate ones, according to Council staff who were at the NF1 meeting).
Council has received a $3.2m grant under NSW Government Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund towards the pool project and new efficient lighting at Rex Jackson Sports Fields (Yes, Council referred to the sports fields as Rex Jackson Sports Fields). Work is scheduled for 2024/2025 with a fixed completion date for the grant of the end of 2025. More information at our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/helensburgh-pool-upgrade
NF1 members objected to Council wanting to combine the new permanent amenities for pool users with the proposed construction of the new community centre and library. The amenities for pool users need to be independent of the new community centre and library with Council respecting that the pool and amenities were originally build by our community and dedicated as a War Memorial Pool.
New Community Centre and Library
No news from council on the replacement for the condemned Helensburgh Community Centre and 50-year-old demountable library. According to Council staff, there has been no decision received from Crown Lands or the Minister on having an additional permissible use added to the zoning for the Crown Land property at the pool where Council wants to place the new centre.
Demolition of the condemned Helensburgh Community Centre – due to council’s lack of, and delay in, addressing the water flow under the main hall – is set for later this year. Council says the land will be turned into a green space. NF1 has asked for public toilets, more than one, to be installed there.
No response from council as to when the Helensburgh community will see the green space on the land bought by council next to the existing library promised last year. NF1 will keep asking.
Council Draft Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2023-24
Council staff presented the draft Delivery and Operational plans for 2023-2024 with the key projects for the 2508 area being:
- Otford Causeway replacement (added after the February storm that destroyed the causeway with some funding from the State Government)
- Fenced Off-Leash Area – Proud Park originally funded in last year’s delivery plan
- Helensburgh pool upgrade
- Otford Community Centre total replacement – this was a refurbish until a survey before work started found white ant damage (which should have been discovered before the original tender was requested).
- Helensburgh Community Centre and Library – if State agrees to permissible use change.
- Roadworks – Resurfacing: Parkes St (McMillan to Halls), High St (Junction to Fletcher), Fletcher (Junction to Sutherland), Old Station (Foster to The Crescent), Blackwell (Park to Laurina), unnamed lane beside Walker (Frances to Tabratong). Reconstruction: Bennett Lane (Parkes to Lilvale), Parkes (cemetery to Lilyvale).
- Flood gates for Otford Causeway
- Footpath – Parkes St (Lilyvale to Cemetery) Shared pathway, Lukin St (72 to End)
- Stormwater – Old Station Rd, High St, Cowper St (at 38), Domville Rd (at 42)
- Helensburgh Waste facility rehabilitation.
Council’s website allows you to look up projects by suburb and map. Submissions must be made by close of business on 2 May. Councillors to discuss at the council meeting of 26 June. Submissions and feedback via our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au
Other Issues raised at April’s NF1 meeting
- Bald Hill T intersection – this is a State road
- Sandstone Curb damaged by Council and builder on Walker St – Council have “capped” and damaged the sandstone, builder has destroyed the sandstone at 65 Walker St
- Cemetery work and entry – NF1 member to obtain opinion on historical value.
The next NF1 meeting will be held at Otford Community Hall on Wednesday, 10 May.
