By community campaigner Louise Wellington

After a two-and-a-half-year campaign, myself and the Save Thirroul Village group are delighted by the Land and Environment Court’s rejection of the latest proposal to redevelop Thirroul Plaza (DA 2020/363).

This decision, announced on 19 October 2022, recognises the significant issues inherent in the proposal, and validates the long-held concerns of Wollongong City Council, subject-matter experts and the local community.

Thirroul Plaza Pty Ltd was proposing to redevelop the existing shopping centre by demolishing the existing building and constructing four separate buildings with a new bigger Coles, underground parking, and 77 residential units. The development would have required a new set of traffic lights at the intersection of King St and Lawrence Hargrave Drive, and removal of most of the street parking in the main part of the village.

The developer made four attempts at the DA, each time requiring their proposal to be publicly exhibited. In the last round (March 2022), over 1200 submissions were received.

The developer appealed Wollongong City Council’s refusal in the Land and Environment Court, and after a hearing in July, the Court dismissed the appeal and refused the development application. Commissioner Dickson found the built form of the development was incompatible with Thirroul, that it would have a detrimental impact on the Illawarra Escarpment Conservation Area, and that noise impacts had not been appropriately addressed.

This win is about more than this DA. For the first time in a long time, the community’s voice and common sense are being considered. How incredible it is for everyone to have their voices heard. Save Thirroul Village would like to congratulate Council and their solicitors for putting forward a powerful defence and for engaging with the community throughout this process. We would like to thank the local media and community organisations who have kept people informed.

Much of this success is owed to our amazing local community. We have been proud to represent your voice in this matter and remain awed by your tireless campaigning and unrelenting dedication. We hope this decision represents a change in the way proposals are considered for Thirroul.

Of course, the existing site is tired and we would welcome a new proposal that considers the community’s needs, and involves us from the start.

Council recognises ‘proactive’ community

Wollongong City Council welcomed the judgement by the Land and Environment Court to dismiss the development proposed for a central site in Thirroul village.

“We know this judgement will be welcomed by many in our community who advocated against the proposed development,” a spokesperson said on October 19.

“This decision will be regarded as a positive step and reflects the impact a proactive and engaged community can have on decision-making.”