Common Questions in Easy English
Here are some questions we are asked a lot with simple answers.
If you have a question that isn't shown here you can call us on (02) 4227 7111.
What if I am deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech difficulty?
Call the National Relay Service on 1800 555 660.
More information: Visit accesshub.gov.au
How can I get help with English?
Council can help if English is not your first language.
Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong.
If you need an interpreter, call the National Interpreter Service on 131 450 and ask for Wollongong Council.
More information: See our Language Help page.
How do I update my contact details?
Please tell us if you:
- Move house
- Change your phone number, or
- Change your email address.
Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.
More information: Update Your Details
Why do I pay rates to Council?
This money is used for:
- Roads and footpaths
- Libraries
- Gyms and pools
- Playgrounds and sports fields
- Rubbish and recycling.
What if I am having trouble paying rates?
Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.
More information: See our Pay Your Rates page.
What do I do about a Council fine?
- You have 3 weeks to pay.
- Look on the back of the fine for how to pay.
- Council cannot cancel fines.
- The fine money goes to the NSW Government.
- If you cannot pay or if you disagree with the fine, call the Office of State Revenue on 1300 138 118.
More information: Revenue NSW
How can I become an Australian Citizen?
- Call the Department of Home Affairs on 131 800.
- For help, call Illawarra Multicultural Services on 4229 6855.
- If your application is approved, Council will invite you to a ceremony. You will get a citizenship certificate at the ceremony.
More information: Department of Home Affairs
Can I burn rubbish at my home?
No. You are not allowed to burn rubbish at home.
Visit wollongongwaste.com.au to learn what to do with your rubbish.
How do I book a household collection?
You can book 2 free waste collections each year.
Call Remondis on 1300 362 360 or book online
This is a free service.
How do I get a bigger or smaller bin?
We have three General Waste bin sizes: 80L, 120L and 240L.
Ask for a smaller bin:
- This is a free service
- You will pay less in your rates.
Ask for a bigger bin:
- There is a $200 administration fee
- You will pay more in your rates.
To change your bin size:
- Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.
More information: wollongongwaste.com.au
What happens if my bin is stolen or broken?
- Call Remondis on 1300 362 360, or
- Visit wollongongwaste.com.au
They will fix your bin or give you a new bin for free.
What if my neighbour's yard is overgrown or has rubbish?
Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.
More information: Report an issue with Trees, Grass and Plants
What if I see dumped rubbish?
Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.
More information: Rubbish and Recycling Issues
What if a car is blocking my path or driveway?
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm:
- Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.
Any other time (night, weekends):
- Call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444
- Or call Wollongong Highway Patrol on 4283 0211.
More information: Report Traffic and Parking Issues
How do I get my neighbour to share the cost of building a fence between our houses?
Council does not help neighbours agree on fence costs.
First, ask your neighbour if they will share the cost. If you cannot agree, you can:
- Call NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal on 1300 006 228. There may be fees.
- You can also call Legal Aid NSW on 1300 888 529. They may be able to help you.
More information: See our Fences page.
Can I cut branches or cut down a tree on my property?
You might need a permit:
- See our Trees on Your Property page to apply and pay fee.
- Or print and fill in a form and bring it to 41 Burelli Street Wollongong and pay the fee.
- Or fill in a form and mail the form and payment (cheque or money order) to:
Locked Bag 8821
WOLLONGONG DC NSW 2500
If you have questions or need help with the form call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.
We also have an Easy English Guide about Tree Permits PDF, 1133.44 KB that explains the rules.
Problem with a tree on Council land?
- Tell us where the tree is.
- Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.
- A Council officer will check the tree and decide what to do.
More information: See our Report a Tree Issue page.
What if a dog is barking too much?
Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.
More information: See our Animal Issues page.
What if my neighbours are too noisy?
First, talk to your neighbour. Ask them to stop the noise.
If the noise does not stop you can:
- Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.
- You can also call Legal Aid NSW on 1300 888 529. They may be able to help you.
More information: See our Noise Issues page.
How do I find my lost pet?
Look for your pet on our website:
- Go to the Find a Pet page
- See if you can find a photo of your pet.
If you see a photo of your pet:
- Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.
If you do not see a photo of your pet:
- Try again the next day.
You can also:
- Check with your nearest vet
- Ask your neighbours if they have seen your pet.
- Look for local lost animal pages on social media.