I strongly oppose this proposal, because it is a drastic underdevelopment for the area. We need a lot more retirement living than the slight uplift offered, especially here by the beach where people desperately want to retire but aren't permitted to. We also need more Aged Care beds, but this proposal takes all of them away. The two storey restriction should be revised by the council for the purposes of retirement living - the Council should negoitate with the proponent to triple the heights allowed here to foster more of what the community needs. Losing beds is a disaster, this proposal should be revised. Retirees don't add to traffic, and the flood study has came back positive - time for a revisit of the planning settings here for the purposes of addressing our extreme, harmful shortage of aged care and retirement living. In lieu of a proactive council to foster a significant and appropriate uplift in retirement living, the proponent should be made to apply for it through the state government.
All recent comments on applications from Wollongong City Council, NSW
Subject: DA-2024/935
Dear Wollongong City Council,
We are writing in relation to the Development Application submitted by our neighbours at 16 Robertson Street Helensburgh. While we do not object to the proposed development, we would like to bring to your attention some concerns regarding ongoing issues that may be relevant to the assessment of this application.
Over time, we have observed instances where courtesy and compliance with local guidelines, such as noise restrictions and other council regulations, has not been consistently adhered to. These have included using power tools and/or the mower after 8pm at night and impeding lane access/visitors encroaching on space close to our house. Additionally, interactions regarding these matters have sometimes been met with an uncooperative or dismissive attitude, which has made resolution challenging.
Our hope is that the approval of this application will be accompanied by clear expectations for adherence to council regulations and community standards, ensuring that future interactions remain respectful and harmonious for all parties involved.
Thank you for considering this comment as part of your review process. Please let us know if further details or input are required.
As a neighbour who backs onto this development I object to any more trees being cut down. Hundreds of trees were destroyed to create this development and we have a small number of black cuckoos and other birds who will soon be lost if more trees are destroyed. Thankyou.
I am in favour of this development for the local area. I see lots of NIMBYs have commented here but fail to see the positives of this type of development. I walk past this location most days. The cottages are made from asbestos and seem to be quite dilapidated. If approved, it will provide much needed housing near the train station on the edge of the village precinct. It seems to be a permissible type of building/ development and lots of the comments made seem to be from uneducated naysayers, for example the overshadowing etc. is all critiqued throughout the DA process, unlike the CDC duplexes popping up everywhere without public consultatation. This proposal seems to be of a higher end design and construction than what we are used to in the Wollongong region. No render to crack and allow water ingress or concrete to develop costly cancer to repair - which is all too often an occurrence here by the ocean. I am not familiar with the CLT timber construction they mention but if it is done to satisfy the building codes then it could be a new wave of sustainable building that we so desperately need to replace the archaic concrete boxes that litter the east coast of OZ. They have proposed geothermal technology, double glazed windows, cross flow ventilation which are all great ways for sustainable energy savings. I also like the idea of the community veggie garden. For all the naysayers out there that just oppose any new development ask yourself where do you live and who would have built your home?? A developer. The government has left new homes in the hands of the private sector and we are in a critical housing shortage. I am excited by this proposal and we should promote this type of sustainable development. Is it perfect - No, but it's a long way better than most other apartment blocks I've seen locally.
First off, let's all take some time to appreciate how horrible this development looks. They have cheaply and unskillfully attempted to mask its ugly design with a birds nest covered in greenery to make it seem more appealing and green from a distance. This is another cheap and lazy cash crab by developers to rapidly profiteer from sought after communities. I strongly do not support this development for a number of reasons.
The disgusting out of place high rise apartment design does not even attempt to blend with the existing scenery and architecture of the Thirroul village. It's bulky, corporate design destroys the village appeal and scenery of thirroul completely. If developments are going for cheap cash grabs, at least make them actually look decent.
Also very importantly, Thirroul has a insufficient amount of infrastructure to support this rapid and condensed population increase, as observed in the increasingly worsening traffic conditions. Thirroul cannot support this development like so many others, and completely new plots of land and road infrastructure will be needed to do so. It's a awful design, please make something that atleast doesn't make you want to stab your eyes out with a fork nextime. Thanks
Although Childcare Care centres are in high demand, I feel the placement will ad to congestion to an already overly congested access road to the main shopping centre. I can foresee the need for traffic lights in a position that would only cause more congestion. A more suitable location away from main road would be more suitable.
Considering the extended population of Corrimal will increase dramatically in the coming years, with the development of the Coke Works site, would it not be prudent to look at placement of a child care centre inside the coke works, where new families can walk to care reducing road traffic.
There is a huge shortage of child care in the region and this seems like a sensible addition especially as it will help to cater for the expansion of families moving into the cokeworks once developed. Childcare start times are naturally staggered due to varied needs so can’t imagine it will have much traffic impact.
A great idea for a Childcare Centre- badly needed from my knowledge. However I shop at Lederer centre quite often. I already find congestion of traffic exiting the motorway causes traffic build up in Railway street if I wish to attend appointments in that street or turn into Lederer centre.
A lot more congestion will follow once The Works is built.
Can Council do an estimation of traffic in this area before allowing a Childcare centre to be built.
Perhaps a structure that attracts less traffic in/out would be better. An alternative childcare venue would be a wiser choice and safer for families. I imagine that many parents after drop off would need to wait to get back into Railway Street, and then to Memorial drive.
Thankyou for considering my comments.
This is needed
I strongly support this proposal for more childcare. The region is desperately lacking in these centres and a place like this that parents are already passing on their way to work is a great place to put it.
In reference to DA 2024/939. 61-63 Railway Street Corrimal 2518.
1. While there is no doubt this area needs the provision of childcare places, the suggestion of this location being able to service 83 places with parent drop off and pick up provision is questionable. This is the Town Centre block of Railway Street, the busiest east-west street in the suburb and regularly clogged with retail traffic between the old Princes Hwy and Memorial Dr, and just one block from the loading zone access to the Corrimal Village Shopping Centre. This proposal raises real questions for student security and traffic management.
2. The DA Application has no attached documents of the proposed design for the development and posted during the Summer quiet time for community group consideration...
Submitted on behalf of Neighbourhood Forum 4
Excellent development we should all support. Utterly atrocious behaviour from the NIMBYs here trying to stop homebuilding in a housing crisis.
Completely oppose this proposal, as a resident of the street it does not fit into the infrastructure of the area.
As many mentioned above, thus area already has congestion issues, with 10 apartments making this matter worse.
As many have mentioned above this development will:
- block escarpment views
- add to the flooding issues of the area
-imposing an ugly structure on the neighbourhood
There is no better location in Thirroul for this development. Walking distance to the train station, schools, shops, and restaurants means residents can leave the car at home. A lot of opponents to this proposal cite the traffic troubles and commuters parking in George St, however if the drivers of those cars can live in these 10 dwellings, that is 10 cars off the street. Opponents also reference Thirroul being an area for families. Having medium-density housing available in walking distance of amenities means that older folk can downsize to this location and free up the large family homes they currently occupy elsewhere in the suburb. This might be one of Thirroul’s oldest streets but times have changed and we need to keep up. We need medium density housing and this is the spot for it.
To whom it may concern,
As a local to Thirroul for the last the 20 years I just want to add some concerns I have about the proposed development.
1. Parking - parking on George Street and the adjacent Philip street is already limited having Ryan’s hotel and other various hospitality venues. This development would need to provide adequate parking for new residence.
2. Critical infrastructure like the South coast train line should be a top priority as public transport is a necessity and we unfortunately have a limited train services which suffers many delays, lots of track work and a very limited timetable.
3. The local Heritage should be respected as Thirroul is one of the oldest suburbs within the the Wollongong LGA. Any new development should have Architectural designs that don’t distract from the overall street and suburb designs.
4. Community safety - as well as parking this development would be within 50 metres of a major corner into Thirroul (having come off Lawrence Hargrave drive and turning left into George Street. It’s suggested that adequate signage and pedestrian controls are included to accommodate the increase in foot traffic. They is also a local school and high volume of children moving around both morning and mid afternoon - measures should be made to ensure public safety.
Phillip St houses and shops including Railway St locations already flood during storms. The Unit block in Railway St appears to be constantly pumping out water from a basement area. This development will take away areas for the rain to soak down into the natural springs. It will increase the storm water. It will also block the natural springs given the underground parking. This will further increase flooding and increase the insurance policies for current homeowners. This escarpment area is at capacity and any new development has an impact on existing development.
I am a resident who lives nearby to this proposed development. I support it because I believe Thirroul is desperately in need of more medium density housing. Currently most of the new housing being built in the area are either enormous ugly townhouses which are very expensive to buy/rent or McMansion style homes that would definitely be out of reach to purchase or rent by most people on average incomes. (Most of the new townhouses/McMansions also use the entire block so do not preserve any greenspace, so I don't see why people are objecting to this development on those grounds.) This development adds 10 new homes & I think the 3 storey height is acceptable but I would not support anything higher. I do believe Council, or whoever is responsible, should address the problematic intersection at George & Phillip Streets, which is in need of a new design to ensure smoother safer traffic flow, and improve pedestrian safety at the nearby zebra crossing. This should be done now before a serious accident occurs!
I completely disagree with this development proposal
Traffic congestion is already a critical issue in this part of Thirroul. The traffic flow at the intersection of George and Phillip Streets is notoriously poor, especially during peak hours such as school drop-off and pick-up times, and weekends. Adding more units to an already congested area will exacerbate the problem. Furthermore, the increased number of vehicles will not only result in further delays but will also harm the air quality, a serious concern given the proximity to a local school. The NSW Road Traffic Authority provides guidelines that demand careful traffic impact assessments, but these concerns do not seem to have been adequately addressed in the proposal.
The additional pressure on George Street, which already serves as a popular parking spot for commuters, will create more strain on an area that is already difficult to navigate. It's crucial that the development takes into account the needs of the local community, including families, children, and commuters, rather than simply prioritising a quick economic gain.
Finally, the impact on the community, particularly families and schoolchildren, cannot be overlooked. Thirroul is a town that is known for its space and family-friendly lifestyle, not for high-rise developments. Many families and young people choose to live here for the quality of life, which is drastically different from the dense, urban environments closer to Sydney or Wollongong. The risk is that these units, due to their location and high price point, will remain vacant or be filled by people who do not value the community's lifestyle. Furthermore, the proposed development is likely to disrupt the safety and well-being of local children, as the intersection is already a hub of activity for schoolchildren, families, and teenagers, who rely on the streets to get to and from school and catch public transport.
While the building may or may not be fully compliant in terms of regulations, it fails to respect the history, traffic flow, and community needs of Thirroul. I urge you to reconsider this development in light of its broader impact on the area and its residents.
I strongly support this proposal for more housing here, we need a lot more options for downsizers and singles and childless couples - over 60% of Wollongong City Council households fit this description. The building looks very good and will add character to Wollongong. I think it is worth the minor variation request which is mostly for railings and a small section of roof for the rooftop terrace, it should have been taller heigh limits here anyway like the neighbouring buildings - it should be approved. Same for the minor shadowing over the road, that will only be there for a few days of the year over winter.
This development is designed to make a profit at any price such as:
blocking escarpment views; creating more traffic congestion; not addressing flooding concerns;
Imposing an ugly structure on the neighbourhood
It is not designed to create affordable housing for young people struggling in the rental market.
I oppose this development
I do not support this application for all of the reasons other residents have already given. George Street is already difficult to turn out of, there is limited parking in front of the property also noting flooding potential for basement parking. Not the correct type of housing (apartments) for this location.
I strongly oppose this proposed development. The design is entirely inconsistent with the character of the area. As a long-time resident, I am well-acquainted with the significant traffic congestion that already affects this intersection.
This development is fundamentally out of step with the unique identity of Thirroul and the qualities that attract people to live here. The claim that this project will benefit young people is misleading; the proposed units are likely to be unaffordable and appear to serve the interests of the developer rather than the community.
Thirroul has already experienced substantial subdivision activity, which has significantly increased traffic volume in and out of the village. Moreover, this area is located in a known flood zone, which was recently impacted by severe flooding that caused extensive damage to the surrounding streets. Additionally, the threat of bushfires within the escparment area, mean that the area will be impossible to evacuate or to get emergency services into.
Thirroul is currently experiencing a surge in development activity, with numerous subdivisions being approved. This trend appears to disproportionately benefit developers, often at the expense of the community and the village's unique character. I urge Wollongong Council to reconsider its approach and prioritize sustainable and community-focused planning.
Thirroul should be preserved as a village, not transformed into a semi-urban area reminiscent of suburbs like Kogarah in Sydney. The pace of development risks eroding the qualities that make Thirroul a desirable and livable community. It is critical that council policies reflect the long-term interests of residents, focusing on protecting the character, natural environment, and infrastructure of the village
The design does not appear to accommodate young families and a safe space for young children. Being close to the train station many young families live in this area. A grassed outside area with garden shade and space to kick a ball, have a swing or other healthy outside areas is needed. It’s not reasonable to assume families will 100% go to a park to be outside. Without a safe outdoor space it will discourage community and collection of people living. Any reasonable design should consider and compliment the psychology of the people intended to live in its building as a home.
Unclear how the building compliments the heritage pub across the road. It appears to offer no link in style or outdoor living similar to that offered in the heritage building adjacent.
Will the building offer electric charging for all car spaces including visitor spaces? Is there faculties to charge electric motorbikes, e-bikes and scooters?
Will the building offer solar panels inclusive of battery facilities?
Will sustainable building material be used? Sustainability in design and construction is standard practice. Can information be provided? Will windows be double glazed? How will the southern rooms get natural light?
The area is popular and offers a vital employment precinct. Will sound proofing (double glazing) and other green (planting along the street) controls be included to maintain the weekend night life and early morning cafes at nearby commercial locations.
The height of the building does not consider neighbours. Can input from neighbours (this is a community based area) please be included and complimented to avoid conflict.
The area suffers from severe flooding. Will funds from the developer go towards drainage improvements on George Street? Suggest less concrete and increased green space to subdue impacts to increased flooding at the end of George Street and at the intersection with Phillips St and LHD.
With three stories, will commercial spaces be made available at ground level?
Lifelong resident of the area here.
I’m in full support of the development. Thirroul is in desperate need of more housing and i struggle to see how 8 dwellings will have much impact on traffic. Although i do believe the design of the building could use a bit of work to better reflect the aesthetic of the area.
I strongly oppose this development for multiple reasons: 1) Increased traffic congestion. Following a large number of subdivisions in east Thirroul, the traffic congestion has reached dangerous levels. It is now extremely challenging to exit George st onto Phillip st. This is exacerbated during flood events when Kelton lane closes, which happens often. The argument that new residents won’t have cars is a moot point. These apartments will have visitors, and a constant flow of trade and other services. 2. Reduced efficiency of emergency services. Extending from the traffic congestion problems, it is increasingly difficult for emergency services to reach residents in need. In the event of a bushfire in the escarpment, it will be near impossible to evacuate people out of Phillip street. 3. Impacts on flood mitigation strategies. The proposed development is literally a few houses from Lachlan st, which is severely impacted by flooding in every major storm event. A development of this magnitude will surely reduce water absorption. Hewitt a creek (which is only tens of metres away) needs protection, not further destruction. 4) Increased pressure on local amenities. Thirroul schools and doctors are already at capacity. 5) A precedent will be set for additional 3 storey dwellings in East Thirroul. Please do the right thing by Thirroul and carefully consider a long term plan for the area.