Close on 40 residents attended the final meeting of 2024, held on November 24. It was an action-packed meeting during which an update was provided about ongoing issues by the local member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart.
Bulli Hospital staff car park
Opened in late November providing 17 car spots for staff. Maryanne continues to work towards a longer-term solution.
Old Bulli Hospital
Discussions have taken place with Minister Scully and Minister Park regarding usage of this site for parking. Remediation works are still ongoing. Parking will be for owners and visitors onsite, easing parking on the road. In the interim, Maryanne will request if the site can be used for temporary parking.
Changes to planning regulations
The Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) is a new panel which will oversee a new state significant development for residential projects over $60 million in Greater Sydney and $30 million in the rest of NSW. This means that any project in Wollongong LGA which provides more than approximately 40 homes (that’s roughly the investment value of $30 million) the developer will have the option to go through a state-assessed pathway rather than a pathway assessed by council. The state-assessed pathway will have a timeframe of approximately 275 days for assessment, compared to the average council timeframe of over 400 days. It is yet to be seen how this will impact on large developments in the area.
In addition to this report there were other issues discussed including:
Land behind Amy Street Thirroul (Lot 303 Amy Street)
The Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) is working with the owner of the land adjoining the Amy Street block (Lot 303 Amy St) with the aim to convert it to public open space as an integral part of the Sandon Point natural environment. The majority of the area is zoned C2 (Environmental Conservation zone), is flood prone and not able to be built on. But it is important habitat and culturally significant. This land would link the coast via the revegetated creek lines of Hewitts, Woodlands and Tramway creeks to the escarpment. A sub-committee to progress this matter is to be established. If you are interested or want to find out more, please contact Ross Dearden at NIRAG via email at nirag@bigpond.com.
Presentation by local street artist
Local street artist, Jack Hendry joined the meeting explaining how he has been working with local property owners around Bulli in an attempt to reduce the incidence of tagging, or graffiti locally. He painted a 20m wall after approaching the owner, who was pleased with the result. He explained what he does is art, not graffiti vandalism. If business owners are experiencing trouble with graffiti tagging and would prefer street art, they can contact Jack via email jack.miller.hendry@gmail.com.
Presentation by Electrify 2515
The federal government has committed $5.4 million to the Electrify 2515 pilot project, which was launched on 10th November. The pilot project will allow 500 eligible households in northern Illawarra postcode 2515 obtain grants to buy electric appliances like hot water, cooking and heating and cooling systems to replace gas appliances. To find out more please go to: https://www.electrify2515.org/.
Why not join the TVC meetings at 4pm in the Thirroul Railway Institute Hall on the following Sundays in 2025: 23rd February, 25th May, 24th August and 23rd November.
