The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) supports preservation of open space and the retention and enhancement of our Natural Environment, European and Indigenous Heritage.
Since 2020 Neighbourhood Forum 3 (Woonona, Bulli, Thirroul and Austinmer) has not had a convenor and residents have attended NIRAG quarterly meetings to discuss and contribute to local community issues. We are fortunate that senior Council officers and Ward 1 Councillors regularly attend and participate.
Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) 2024
At the last meeting, Council officers Chris O’Connor and Andrew Ogg gave a presentation of the Draft Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2024-2025 and distributed a summary of the projects relating to the NF3 area. Submissions closed on 7th May and NIRAG / NF3 has submitted comment on the draft.
Bulli Hospital Community Group
Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart, was unable to attend the last meeting but she advised by email in relation to the issues with parking at Bulli Hospital that “this is a high priority and work will soon get underway to install additional parking spaces at Bulli Ambulance station (roughly 6) and that longer-term options are being investigated for parking at Bulli Hospital… the free shuttle service has expanded to include an on-demand service that is available to the public in addition to hospital staff, to provide an alternative to driving and parking at the hospital”. Maryanne is working with Wollongong City Council “to identify other local solutions to assist in creating additional parking along Hospital Road and timed parking has already been installed on Hospital Road.”
Big Ideas Community Survey
Thirroul Plaza Developments Pty Ltd has appointed Solid Void to formulate a new development vision and master plan for the Thirroul Plaza site. There was a meeting with Project Manager, Louis Goulimis, on 9th May to give background and discuss traffic issues affecting the broader community. Members are encouraged to take the survey: www.urbantalk.com.au/projects/thirroul-plaza or contact UrbanTalk on 1800 828 255. Consultation has been extended to mid June.
Sandon Point Feature Exhibition
Kerrie Anne Christian, president and curator of Black Diamond Heritage Centre, has advised that the Sandon Point feature exhibition at the Museum at Bulli Railway Station on Sundays, 1-4pm, is extended until mid-August, or email bdhcbulli@gmail.com if you would like to make an appointment for a mid-week viewing.
Special General Meeting
The next NIRAG meeting will be a Special General Meeting at 7pm on Wednesday 12 June at the Bulli Community Centre (in the upstairs meeting room) to consider and vote for voluntary cancellation of NIRAG Inc incorporation.
It is proposed that incorporation is no longer needed because NIRAG no longer has a tax deductible gift account, is not likely to apply for grants that require incorporation and is not intending to take legal action. This would simplify administration by removing the fees and reporting requirements of the Dept of Fair Trading. The group would then continue as “NIRAG” with the same aims and objectives.
40 Year NIRAG Anniversary
In mid-August 2024 it will be 40 years since NIRAG began, and to recognise this anniversary a celebration is planned at the Black Diamond Bulli Heritage Museum followed by a gathering and a meal at Resin Brewery. Save the date: Sunday, 18 August. If you are interested in attending, please reply to nirag@bigpond.com.
AGM in August
The next regular quarterly meeting (and the AGM meeting) will be on Wednesday, 14th August 2024 at 7pm at the Bulli Community Centre (in the upstairs meeting room).
The minutes of previous meetings are on the Illawarra Flame website.
For more information or to add new items to the agenda, contact Ross Dearden by email: nirag@bigpond.com