The TVC held a general meeting on Sunday, February 25, with a full agenda. A synopsis of discussions is provided below.

McCauley Lodge

The TVC worked closely with residents located near McCauley Lodge to help them prepare for the Land and Environment Court (LEC) Conciliation Conference, held on site on February 27. There was no shortage of speakers opposing the proposal before Council. Concerns with the development include building height, bulk, overshadowing, privacy, stormwater drainage and protection of the heritage-listed trees. At time of writing no outcome had been reported.

Changes to Planning Policy

The TVC made a submission to the Department of Planning and Environment (DPIE) about the planned changes to state planning policy. The proposed changes will certainly have an adverse effect on most LGAs across the state. It will mean an increase in housing density and building height – especially for those suburbs close to the railway stations and shopping centres. The effects will forever change the look and liveability of suburbs.

Bulli Bypass

From discussions with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), there are a number of options under consideration, but it was reported that TfNSW has no preferred option. The TVC encouraged residents to make submissions about a bypass of Bulli. Submissions are now closed and TfNSW is currently reviewing the submissions.

Graffiti Report

During the past three months graffiti attacks have continued around Thirroul and Thomas Gibson Park. A check of the Council register revealed there were 22 reports around Thirroul with the cost to Council of this graffiti removal estimated at $8850.

If residents see graffiti, please report it to council on (02) 4227 7111, or email Council with the details – council@wollongong.nsw.gov.au.

Garden report

Before Christmas, Council cut down the mature Hibiscus trees on Lawrence Hargrave Drive (LHD) by the railway overbridge. The reason was there had been complaints that bits of the Hibiscus were falling onto the cars parked in the railway carpark behind/beneath them. When staff attended to trim them, the trees were found to be rotten through the trunks, so were at risk of falling. They were planted about 40 years ago by a resident. The Northern Depot Manager is aware of residents’ concerns and is looking into suitable replacement plants.

There are only a few months to go before the crowds arrive in town for the Thirroul Seaside and Arts Festival, and the garden sub-committee is working to help make the town look its best for the festival. The Seaside and Arts Festival will be held from Friday, May 31 until Sunday, June 2.

Amy monument

Recently there was wilful destruction of the Amy monument on the roundabout at the entrance to Thirroul Beach. The monument commemorates the lives lost on board a brig, the ‘Amy’ which ran aground off Thirroul in 1898. The broken bricks and top section of the monument have been taken into safe keeping by Council staff and discussions have been held with Recreation Services staff about relocating the monument to a safer site.

Update on Skate Park

As a result of a recent budget meeting with Councillors, a number of things planned for 2023-2024 had to be postponed due to increasing costs. The skate park was one. This will be looked at in the 2024-2025 financial year when a suitable site will be selected and plans drawn up.

Leash-free areas for dogs

Council is looking for a potential dog park in the northern suburbs, which is proving difficult. Council responded to the TVC about the issue of dogs running freely on ‘Orange Zoned’ beaches – timed off-leash beaches. Council is investigating extending the operational hours of compliance officers and providing more education for dog owners.

Traffic lights near library, corner of Lawrence Hargrave Drive and Railway Parade

A local resident raised concerns about the pedestrian wait times at the intersection of LHD and Railway Parade. A lot of people ignore the don’t walk sign and walk or run across the road, which could lead to an accident. It was suggested that consideration be given to changing the signalling on LHD. This has been a problem since the introduction of the three traffic lights that occur in quick succession – LHD and Railway Parade, LHD and Phillip St and LHD and Wrexham Road. A letter will be sent to TfNSW, with a follow up letter of support from the TVC.

Bulli Pass and possible secondary route to and from Thirroul

The fallout from the recent traffic accident is still raw. Bulli Pass has been a concern for many years, as it is an old horse and buggy trail that has been converted to a main road by being bituminised. Perhaps having the Bulli Bypass join up with the M1 might be the best and most cost-effective solution as constant work needs to be done to maintain safety on Bulli Pass.

In the meantime, one suggestion was to utilise the green parkland at the end of Bulli Pass where the exit ramp to Thirroul is located in order to create a more sweeping left-hand turn. This would be safer than the current ‘stop’ sign at the junction of LHD and Bulli Pass as sight lines at this junction are extremely difficult.

Traffic noise studies

The NSW Government agreed that Wollongong will be part of a trial with one camera in place per ward. This is the same system that has been trialled in the UK.

Next meeting 4pm Sunday, April 28 at TRIPS Hall; thirroulvillagecommittee@gmail.com