When it comes to Windang, there's no shortage of things to talk about. It's why Wollongong City Council is headed there this Thursday for 'Let's Talk Windang', a face-to-face community information session for residents.
From the management of the foreshore to long-term plans for Lake Illawarra, to play space solutions for summer there's plenty to cover. The session at the Windang Senior Citizens Centre will provide an opportunity for the community to hear directly from Council staff about the many projects being planned and undertaken in the area.
The session will include members of Council's Engagement, Environment, Infrastructure and Works, and Sport and Recreation teams to talk about short, medium, and long-term plans for the suburb of Windang.
Windang faces unique challenges and complexities related to ongoing foreshore erosion at the entrance of Lake Illawarra, which was permanently opened by the Lake Illawarra Authority in 2007.
We understand this is a major concern to the Windang community, and we continue to investigate all the steps we can take to allow the community to safely enjoy the foreshore while also contributing to the long-term management of the area.
We have written to the NSW Government requesting it undertake a Strategic Business Case for the long-term management of the lake, considering specified options outlined in the Lake Illawarra Entrance Options Study.
Council continues to advocate for this measure on behalf of our community, as well as collaborating with the NSW Government to prioritise delivery of key informing studies under the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Plan.
Through the Windang Foreshore Improvements Project we are also looking at how we can manage erosion in the short-term and medium-term. We have engaged a consultant to conduct a feasibility study on foreshore protection works and we are liaising with NSW Crown Lands, the Reconstruction Authority, and other relevant agencies as part of this study.
We have completed the removal of the old Windang Playground and carried out upgrades to the nearby Windang Tourist Park playground, which is now open to the public. This ensures families have access to a play space in time for the busy summer period as we continue to investigate options for a replacement playground in the area.
These topics and more will all be on the table, with all interested community members encouraged to attend the session any time between 4-6pm this Thursday, 11 December.
"As a council we have a duty to keep our residents informed, and these types of face-to-face opportunities are crucial in doing that," Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"Events like Let's Talk Windang allow us to put all the plans and projects in one place and encourage people to have that conversation with us. Having knowledgeable Council staff from our various teams on hand to address concerns ensures people are reliably informed on matters important to them.
"It allows for better decision-making and a more connected community, particularly in a suburb like Windang that faces quite unique challenges and opportunities. I encourage the community to come and have that conversation with us."
