Fast five: decisions from the latest Council meeting

Although the meeting agenda was a short one, the Monday 9 October Council meeting saw some detailed debate in the Council chambers.

Every three weeks, except for school holidays, the City of Wollongong Councillors meet to make decisions about policies, services and important issues that affect Wollongong.

Council meetings are open to the public. We also record our meetings so people can watch at home or give the meeting a re-watch when they have more time. Access previous recordings via our webcast.

Don’t have time to watch the full meeting? We’ve got you covered! Here’s what you missed…

1. We’ll make a submission to the Australian Government on their proposed offshore wind zone.

We feel that the proposed offshore wind zone strategically aligns with Council’s efforts to respond to the climate emergency and support local employment opportunities.

At the same time, we recognise the significant community feedback received on the proposal. We’re asking the Australian Government to take on board the feedback from our community and consider the visual impacts from our coastlines, as well as the potential impact on recreational fishing, shipping channels, wildlife and marine life, as well as migratory birds.

The concept is in its early days but could align with Council’s efforts to respond to the climate emergency, our ambition to create a clean energy city and desire to create more local jobs. Renewables are the way of the future and will help get us to our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for Wollongong by 2050.

Read more about Council’s decision in our media release: ‘Council calls for further consideration of offshore wind area’.

2. We’ve adopted the Wollongong Heritage Strategy 2023-2027

Our city’s heritage is much more than just architectural forms. It’s in rural lands, mining sites, as well as cultural and natural landscapes.

The adopted Wollongong Heritage Strategy 2023-2027 includes changes to bring a stronger focus on Aboriginal heritage and the management of cultural landscapes. This means it will align closely to the work we’ve already been doing through Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-2023.

Some of our other changes will help acknowledge the impact of climate change on many of our significant places, particularly those located along our coastline and in flood affected areas.

3. Council’s is awarding $400,000 to local sporting clubs

We’ve awarded a total of $400,000 to 8 projects pitched by local sporting clubs and associations, all which will help improve their facilities.

Council’s Sports Grants Program aims to provide direct financial assistance to sporting clubs and associations who use Council facilities. The grants will be used to fund small and medium sized projects that will directly improve the facilities.

Read more in the media release: ‘$400,000 awarded to local sporting clubs to finance their dreams’.

4. The draft Debt Recovery and Hardship Assistance Council Policy will go on exhibition

We’ll soon be seeking feedback on Council’s draft Debt Recovery and Hardship Assistance Policy. This document guides how we can meet community needs while also funding the services our community expects.

Keep an eye on the Our Wollongong website as we’ll share updates there once it’s time to give your feedback.

5. Works to start soon to improve drainage at three sportsgrounds

We want to reduce the impact of weather on the usability of our sporting fields. At the Monday Council meeting, we accepted a tender valued at $1.5 million for the design and construction of sports field drainage at Lakelands Oval and Cawley Park, and Judy Masters Oval. The scope of work also includes sports field irrigation at Judy Masters Oval to further improve the playing conditions on these fields during extended dry periods.

All three fields were significantly impacted by wet weather in recent years, particularly in 2021-2022. These upgrades will help ensure that these spaces remain functional after wet weather.