Hello,
Fingers crossed this weather is here to stay! ☀️
There is lots up for debate at next Monday’s Wollongong Council meeting. Today we’ll dig into three big items, and run through what else is on the agenda.
Today’s newsletter is 957 words, a 5 minute read.
First: Response to State's growth plan
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Plan | Image NSW Government
Council will be asked to endorse its formal submission on the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Plan, the State Government's blueprint for 117,000 new homes and 101,000 new jobs across the region by 2046.
The stakes: Wollongong is designated the region's principal city, with a target of 50,000 jobs for its city centre. Council's response is its formal opportunity to shape the final plan before it is locked in.
Worth knowing:
Council supports the plan's overall direction but flags that housing targets for individual LGAs are missing.
Employment targets sit 12% above Council's own economic strategy, with no explanation of how that figure was reached.
Council wants the State, not local developers, to fund major regional infrastructure.
What's ahead: If endorsed, the submission will be sent to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, as well as to state and federal MPs.
Second: community parks saved after residents push back on proposed sell-off
Wollongong Harbor | Image Maksym Kozlenko
Five sites are set to be dropped from a controversial plan to reclassify and potentially sell a number of council-owned properties, following significant community opposition.
The stakes: The five saved sites in Coniston, Berkeley, and Dapto were flagged for reclassification, but residents raised serious concerns about flood risk, wildlife habitat loss, and the removal of neighbourhood green spaces.
Worth knowing:
98 public submissions and a public hearing followed a six-week exhibition period.
Several other sites remain on the reclassification list, including a Corrimal park proposed for a land swap and a Wollongong site earmarked for mixed-use zoning up to 48 metres.
An affordable housing organisation has proposed using some reclassified sites for compact cluster housing rather than open-market sale.
The paper trail: The full list of affected properties is available in Monday's business papers on the council website.
Third: councillor asks to investigate wearable tech privacy risk
Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
Smart glasses and other wearable recording devices could be banned from council-owned swimming pools, change rooms, and public toilets, under a motion put forward by Councillor Jess Whittaker (Greens).
The stakes: Unlike mobile phones, smart glasses can record video and audio without detection, raising serious child safety and privacy concerns in spaces like swimming pool change rooms and public toilets.
Worth knowing:
The motion asks for a formal staff report within six months, not an immediate ban.
Any policy would need to account for residents who rely on smart glasses as an assistive device for vision impairment.
Council would also consider whether existing mobile phone rules can be extended to cover wearable technology.
What's ahead: If the motion passes Monday, a staff report with recommendations would follow within six months.
Sidebar: Nuclear subs in Port?
Port Kembla | Image Kaptain Kobold
Council has not been consulted on plans to use Port Kembla as a nuclear-powered submarine base.
Staff confirmed this week that no State or Federal government has approached council for its view on AUKUS, after Councillor Deidre Stuart (Greens) put forward questions on notice. Council also stated that no official Commonwealth document naming Port Kembla as a submarine base is known to exist.
This comes after a community-led public enquiry into AUKUS was held in August.
The stakes: The port has been publicly speculated about as a potential AUKUS facility since the previous federal government named it as a possible location.
Also on the agenda
A $9 million loan application is on the table to buy land for the Northcliffe Drive Extension, a road project designed to open up new housing in West Dapto. The state government program would subsidise half the interest costs if approved.
A Deputy Lord Mayor will be elected at Monday's meeting, including a decision on term length and whether the vote will be by show of hands or secret ballot.
July financials show a $0.2 million surplus, with $8.1 million spent on capital works so far this financial year.
The $259 million investment portfolio returned 0.39% in July, slightly above benchmark despite some negative movements in state-managed funds.
A full list of every organisation council belongs to and what it costs has been requested by a councillor. Staff could not provide the information in time and will present it at a future meeting.
Robert Lagaida is recommended for another four-year term on the committee that oversees council finances and performance, following a positive review.
The schedule for 12 ordinary meetings in 2027 will be locked in at Monday's meeting.
The annual register of financial interests for 64 council officials and staff has been tabled, as required by law.
A policy allowing reduced or waived fees for community transport and social support services is being cancelled, as these services are no longer provided directly by council.
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That’s a wrap
If anything above concerns you or you want to have your say, you can register to speak at the public forum by submitting the form on the Wollongong City Council website before 12-pm this Friday.
Alternatively, reach out directly to your ward councillors. That is exactly what they are there for. Not sure who represents you? Check our councillor guide.
Talk soon,
Liam