The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) was formed in August 1984 as a reaction to proposals to construct 40m-high Coal Bins at Sandon Point, Bulli. We support preservation of open space and the retention and enhancement of our Natural Environment, European and Indigenous Heritage.
Since 2020 in the role of Neighbourhood Forum 3 (Woonona, Bulli, Thirroul and Austinmer) residents of this area have been welcome to attend NIRAG quarterly meetings to discuss and contribute to local community issues and concerns.
As a conduit for community engagement, we are fortunate that senior Council officers, Maryanne Stuart, Member for Heathcote, and Ward 1 Councillors regularly attend and participate.
Anglicare Seniors Living Development
In 2023 NIRAG made a submission regarding Modification 6 of the Anglicare Seniors Living Development in support of the amendments proposed emphasising concerns for construction of the Tramway Creek/ Geraghty St linking bridge early because of the traffic impacts on existing Thirroul streets and Point St (and further south), with traffic calming needed to prevent a “rat run”. There is now a new Project Manager, Cameron Byrne who can be contacted via the community hotline (1800 965 985).
Environmental studies required by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), for the Environmental Impact Assessment are expected to be complete this year (2025) for the State Significant Development (SSD) application.
BushCare area expanded
For 40 years NIRAG has been actively working to improve our local environment and volunteers have annually won environmental awards for regeneration and clean up work of the Hewitts Ck / McCauleys Beach area. Our work area has now expanded to include an area at Flanagan’s Creek. Each Monday morning the NIRAG Hewitts Ck Bushcare Group, led by Ian McKinlay, meets either at the Hewitts Creek cycleway bridge or at Flanagan’s Ck site to control noxious weeds and revegetate with endemic species. New volunteers welcome.
Green corridor - Lot 303, Amy St, Thirroul land needed to link to Sandon Point
NIRAG has asked both Wollongong Council and Maryanne Stuart, Member for Heathcote, for assistance to obtain support and funding to keep the C2 zoned part of this land (about 700m²) as a natural reserve and accessible to the public as a green corridor.
Ms Stuart has assisted by requesting a response from the Minister for Lands and Property, the Hon Steve Kamper MP, and also from the General Manager Wollongong City Council.
Although there has been strong community support to have this land in public ownership, Council has however not seen merit in obtaining this huge area of land even though green corridors are generally supported.
Council has advised that the land is not identified on any strategic plans for Council to acquire and that the site has a number of constraints which could cause a financial burden should Council own and manage the site.
NIRAG believes that volunteers would be able to reduce ongoing maintenance and management costs, and that this land should be reassessed and included in the council’s strategic plan, with assistance from State Government or other funding sources.
Bulli Bypass Planning Report, Jan 2025
A report on the community consultation has been released showing strong support for a Bulli Bypass. TfNSW will investigate potential options for a bypass with opportunities to reduce congestion and improve safety that also considers impacts on community and the environment. An options report summarising the findings will be released in 2025 for community feedback. However, currently there is no funding for construction. Updates on the project are available on the TfNSW website: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/bulli-bypass
The next NIRAG quarterly meeting will be on Wednesday, 12th February 2025 at 7pm at the Bulli Community Centre upstairs. All are welcome to share and contribute. Contact Ross Dearden by email: nirag@bigpond.com
