Liveability leads Council’s meeting agenda

We’ve a bumper agenda for the next ordinary meeting of Council on Monday 8 April.

Topics up for discussion at the 6pm meeting include the Draft Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2024-2025, and the Wollongong Integrated Transport Strategy.

“This meeting has a big agenda and the items being discussed really set the tone and direction for the future,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“Each of these important reports speaks to the vital work that Council does every day to deliver the services, facilities and activities our community has come to expect from Council. I know, and understand, that not everyone tunes in to watch a Council meeting online or joins us in the Council Chambers. However, it is important for people to be aware of the work Council is doing on their behalf at these meetings because each one of these reports being discussed contributes to Wollongong’s liveability.’’

Here’s a short summary of two of the key items for the Council Meeting of Monday 8 April.

Item 1: The Draft Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Draft Operational Plan 2024-2025

The Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan details both the big projects as well as the vital day-to-day services Council will deliver in the next financial year and the years ahead. If endorsed by Council, these documents will go on public exhibition for community feedback.

“The draft documents outline Council’s priorities and what we’ll be focussed on for the next 12 to 24 months and, if endorsed on Monday, will be placed on exhibition for community feedback,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“These proactive planning documents are always fascinating to work on and deliver as they set out how we will work to support Wollongong’s growth as a great place to live, work and socialise. For example, there are actions around the delivery of community cultural development programs, education, exhibitions and forums, and preparation of a Coastal Management Program for our open coast. Our infrastructure investment also includes upgrades to Warrawong’s CBD and more than 175 road upgrades across the city.

“These documents are not set-and-forget, either. The Delivery Program and Operational Plan is reviewed each year with tweaks made to the timing of projects, programs and services that respond to changing community needs, priorities and impacts from the broader economic climate. There is no doubt, just like many of our residents, we’re experiencing the impacts of tougher economic conditions. This is particularly evident when we’re considering the cost of resources, and we’ve kept this in mind as we’ve worked through these documents.’’

The suite of documents that make up the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan also include the Draft Budget 2024-2025, Draft Infrastructure Delivery program and the Draft Revenue Policy, Rates, Annual Charges & Fees 2024-2025.

Item 2: The Draft Wollongong Integrated Transport Strategy

Council manages transport networks across the city, and works closely with the State Government’s agency Transport for NSW on integrating Council-owned transport assets like local roads and pathways with State-managed public transport services.

Until now, we’ve considered transport development and delivery in a site or mode-specific way through documents like the Cycling Strategy 2030, the Wollongong Pedestrian Plan and various Town Centre Masterplans.

The Draft Wollongong Integrated Transport Strategy takes a more holistic view of the city, and considers what steps we can plan now, to ensure there is accessible and affordable transport options into the future.

“The Draft Wollongong Integrated Transport Strategy is a fascinating forward-looking document that considers how we want people to be able to move about the Local Government Area into the future. It’s a plan that looks at building upon current active transport links, advocating for investment in public transport and a long-term vision for the city,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“Its focus is to modify the approach to transport development away from simply responding to evolving transport needs, and planning ahead to facilitate more sustainable transport options like walking, cycling and public transport rather than just building more roads to support more cars alone.”

The report seeks Council endorsement to go on public exhibition.

Cr Bradbery said interested community members can read all the Council reports being discussed at the 8 April meeting on our website or in Council libraries.

Community members may also attend the meeting which is held from 6pm at the Level 10 Council Chambers at 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong, or watch it online via a live webcast.