15/09/2026
On 30th August the TVC held its AGM, which was followed by a general meeting. See below minutes from this meeting:
TVC AGM 4 PM, SUNDAY 30th AUGUST 2026
Attendees: Ray Smith, Elliot Stein, Maryanne Stuart MP, John Mebberson, Tony Horneman, Meg Wright, Paul Tuckerman, Annette Jones, Dan Jones, Deb Jones, Susannah Cavill, Catherine Philps, Lynne Parker, Cr Richard Martin, Cr Dan Hayes, Neil Walker, Vicki Potter, Darryl Sullivan, Ross Dearden, John Groom, Kristine Carroll, Ron Hutchings, Sue Hutchings, Julie Kiggins, Megan Taylor, Renee Malyon, Nellie Malyon, Judy Bourke, Nick McLaren, John Robinson, Chris Robinson, Mary Durrance, Glenn Durrance, Bruce Storey, Stephen Young, Nikki Main, Liz Armitage, Angela Penhallow, John Penhallow, Cathy Bloch
Apologies: Ian McKinlay, Cheryl Akhurst, Steve Dillon, Christine Hill, Cr. Jess Whittaker, Stephen Le Bas, Ben Jarvis, Barbara Mebberson, Kaye Smith, Michael Crighton
1. Annual General Meeting
● President's Annual Report
Over the past year, the TVC has been involved in many matters, including:
1. The New Mariyung Trains
2. The Acquisition of the green space behind McCauley Beach by council. This was driven primarily by Ross Dearden and NIRAG
3. A skate park for the northern suburbs here in Thirroul which should started later next year
4. The Draft Infrastructure Delivery Program 2025-29 which has major input from the TVC and the Thirroul community
5. Road Safety concerned including:
● Keep clear signs at some intersections
● Pedestrian crossing initiatives for Lawrence Hargrave Drive (LHD) north of IGA.
● E-bike; E-scooter safety.
● Better signalling at the LHD and Raymond Road intersection
I have decided to stand down from the TVC Presidency. I have been president for the past 4 enjoyable years but it’s time for change in the TVC executive.
Thank you to Maryanne for her help and advice and to Councillors Richard Martin, Jess Whittaker and Dan Hayes for all they have done in assisting the TVC endeavours over the past few years.
And a very special thank you to the TVC executive, Annette, Elliot, Tony, John and Stephen. A great team to be part of. They work hard, get involved, communicate very well and are dedicated to the wellbeing of Thirroul.
And thank you to TVC members for their ideas and comments and for coming along to our meetings its very much appreciated.
● Acceptance/amendments to the minutes of the last AGM on 24th August 2025 – accepted as read
Moved –Elliot Stein; Seconded – Susannah Cavill
● Secretary’s Annual Report
The TVC continues to receive emails concerning road safety, DAs, state of Thirroul (stating to look untidy again), new Mariyung trains and timetabling, dogs on beaches, skatepark and need for street art.
TVC keeps members informed of Council plans on exhibition and projects e.g. WCC survey about pools, indoor sports facilities and beaches; introduction of new engagement opportunity by Canva; Grand Pacific Walk; acquisition of the green corridor behind McCauley Beach. This was mainly driven by Ross Dearden and it is a huge win for the community – thank you Ross.
The TVC wrote to WCC and the Federal and State Government on a range of issues including e-bikes and e-scooters and Bulli Pass, and lodged submissions to Council on the Draft Infrastructure Delivery Program, pools, skate park and Amy Street land.
The TVC has been involved in transport meetings with Maryanne Stuart and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) concerning road safety and introduction of pedestrian crossing at the northern end of Thirroul; invited to the Wollongong Road Safety Action Plan community forum and the WCC Convenors meeting.
Thanks to the involvement of Jess Whittaker a couple of decorative panels from the original amenities block in Thomas Gibson Park were able to be salvaged, restored and integrated into the fencing at the park. Thanks to Council and Jess for working on this! Great work.
Council has prepared designs for new lighting works around Thirroul Station and through Thomas Gibson Park. Thanks to Tony, for his advocacy on this. The project is funded by the NSW Government in association with WCC, and is expected to start later this year.
As always, we would like to thank Maryanne Stuart for her continued attendance and support over the last year, which we value enormously. In addition, the TVC would like to acknowledge the support and regular attendance of WCC Councillors Jess Whittaker, Richard Martin and Dan Hayes. We truly appreciate their support, advocacy and action.
● Treasurer’s Annual Report
Outgoings include payment for the hiring of TRIPS Hall; Insurance coverage for Seaside and Arts Festival and costs associated with the web site.
THIRROUL VILLAGE COMMITTEE
Treasurer's Report
AGM 30 August 2026
2. Election of Office Bearers:
Handover to Returning Officer - Ross Dearden. All positions declared vacant and nominations called for.
Members endorsed the nominations by a show of hands.
Congratulations to all new and ongoing TVC executive members- Elliot (P), Renee Malyon (VP), Megan Taylor (T), Annette Jones (S), Cheryl Akhurst (AS) and Stephen Le Bas (PR).
Thanks were warmly extended to those retiring from their positions – Ray (P), John (T) and Tony (AS).
Bruce Storey and Nick McLaren will also join the broader executive team as general members appointed.
3. General meeting:
Business on Notice:
● Presentation of the inaugural Murray Jones Award to Ross Dearden
Elliot announced that the TVC had decided to create a Murray Jones Award to recognise service to the Thirroul community, named for long term TVC Secretary the late-Murray Jones.
The inaugural Murray Jones Award was presented by Murray’s wife, Deb and his son, Dan to Ross Dearden for his many years of tireless advocacy for the transfer of flood prone vacant land behind McCauley’s Beach into public hands.
Ross acknowledged that he appreciated that Murray had given him support at meetings with the developers since 2019 in order to get this land as a public green corridor.
Report by Maryanne Stuart MP on the following issues:
A. New Mariyung trains, issues and changed timetable
The Mariyung trains have commenced – 6 to 8 carriages at present, expanding to 10 carriages early in 2027. Modifications had to be made to allow these to run – guard cabin installed and platforms extended to accommodate the extra carriages.
New timetable to be introduced at the end of October/early November. All will terminate at Central station. Wolli Creek will not be included in the stopping pattern. Maryanne is still trying to have Wolli Creek included and suggested local residents continue to write to her as she continues to advocate for trains to stop at Wolli Creek.
The Minns Government has made a decision that in future all trains will be built in NSW, for our conditions.
B. Proposed pedestrian crossing options for north Thirroul
Maryanne has gathered as many interested parties as possible in the room with TfNSW to discuss the best option for pedestrians to cross LHD. At the moment TfNSW are looking at installing a refuge crossing near the Esplanade and Mary Street Thirroul. It is anticipated there will be a loss of parking on LHD, but this will be offset with 7 parking spaces, which are to be built in Mary Street. Before this can happen, funding needs to be approved and allocated.
C. New 'Keep Clear' signage on Lawrence Hargrave Drive
There are 3 new ‘Keep Clear’ signs on the roads in Thirroul shops. One is in front of the Fire Brigade. All the Firey’s are very happy with this as it has improved their access from the site.
D. Latest on E-bike safety – NSW Government rules
The NSW government rules on e-bikes include
● bikes must provide motor assistance only up to 25 km/hr,
● riders must wear a helmet,
● must not carry more people than the bike is designed for. If carrying a passenger, they must be wearing an approved, fitted and fastened helmet.
The government does want to encourage people to ride bikes, but they need to do this safely. The e-bikes need to be peddle assisted. Police have been patrolling to ensure compliance. It is recommended that parents and grandparents have discussions with children about the safe use of e-bikes.
E. TfNSW markings near the shopping centre at the corner of LHD and Raymond Road
These markings are to do with the check before you dig requirements. TfNSW is investigating installing a raised platform at the lights near the intersection of LHD and Raymond Road. This is to slow down traffic at this point. Only in the initial investigatory phase at present.
As a result of recent discussions, TfNSW is looking at installing a dedicated left hand turn lane, heading south, near Raymond Road as often people try to race off at the lights. Also looking at activating the right-hand arrow at the lights on LHD to enable safe turning into Raymond Road. All under investigation at present.
F. Update on the provision of notification to neighbours upon Private Certifier development approval – Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
The NSW Government is rolling out a single set of rules for how communities have their say on planning proposals. Changes were proposed to address current inconsistencies across the State in how CDCs are notified as there is a difference in the notification requirements for the 33 local government areas in Greater Sydney compared to the rest of NSW.
To provide consistency, the changes proposed:
• Removal of the written notice requirements before a CDC is determined in those 33 Sydney LGAs
• Retention of the notice to Council advising of the CDC determination
• Application of a consistent 7-day notification for pre-commencement of work on new buildings, additions and demolitions across all of NSW.
Also proposed:
• Notification to adjoining neighbours when CDCs for new buildings, additions and demolitions are determined to apply across all of NSW
• Notifications to adjoining neighbours will include information on whether a CDC has been determined with variations
These changes are expected to be finalised by the Government by the end of 2026 as part of the broader package of work on variations to Complying Development.
To find out more go to - https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/news/making-it-easier-have-your-say-one-consistent-approach-across-nsw
Other issues raised with Maryanne during the meeting:
Question raised about shark nets. Maryanne said the state government has expanded drone surveillance and tagging of sharks. She wants to see a transition way from shark nets.
Question raised about Bulli Pass. If TfNSW does not spend all of the $20 mil allocated will the left-over be available for other projects?
Not sure how much has been used at present as investigative work is still being done.
They have looked at 3 possibilities:
1. Up the escarpment to M1 (reportedly not feasible)
2. A bypass of Bulli town centre within the reserved road corridor
3. Bulli town centre and Princes Highway improvements to improve traffic flow
The issue is still being worked on.
Discussed the need to open up the backroads, at least for emergencies. Looking at how structurally sound the bridge is at Sturdee Street as this will be a useful exit. As would Mountain Road and Buttenshaw Drive as an emergency route to the north.
Thanks was extended to Maryanne for placing the issue of emergency access on the agenda.
Maryanne advised the lease has been negotiated for the RFS to move to Seafoam Avenue.
Question about the Maldon Dombarton rail line. This is on the government’s agenda and Maryanne is keen to see this happen.
Maryanne mentioned that the NSW Department of Housing and Infrastructure has placed the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Plan (the Plan) on exhibition. This draft Plan sets the strategic land use framework for the Illawarra Shoalhaven region for the next 20 years.
Please find attached a link to this draft plan:
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plans-in-nsw/plans-by-region/the-illawarra-shoalhaven-plan. Submissions close at 5 pm, Monday 28 September 2026. Notification sent to members.
Maryanne reminded members that she has an outposted office in the Bulli Community Centre every 2nd Friday (last one was on Friday 28th August). For an appointment, please call her office on (02) 9548 0144.
Acceptance of minutes of the last General Meeting on 24th May 2026
Moved: Annette Jones; Seconded: Ross Dearden
Subcommittee reports:
• Graffiti
Since the last report 22/05/26, the council register recorded 9 reports around Thirroul. This does not include the numerous tags removed or painted over by residents. Total cost to council to remove graffiti for the period in Thirroul was approx. $2,883. Total for the LGA $71,037.
If residents see graffiti vandalism, please report it to council. Or remove the graffiti with Graffiti Remover spray available from Bunnings. Follow the directions on the bottle. Thanks to TVC members who continue to volunteer to clean or overpaint the graffiti.
Tony offered to continue to run the graffiti report.
• Garden
The flower boxes Council placed in Thirroul are looking really good. Council has re-mulched the trees in Jackson Park, which keeps it nice; a young Eucalypt broke in the wind and has been cut very low but hopefully will re-grow. Nothing planned there because of the proposed skate park. Chris built a kind of drinking bowl for the birds, and dogs. Hopefully passers-by will refill it.
Railway Street gardens are kept reasonably tidy, palm fronds collected and placed in back corner. Council has not planted 'tough and small plants' as informed would be done after the planter beds were all cleared out.
• Development Applications (DAs)
Not many DAs being sent to Council for approval as most are being approved by Private Certifiers. The TVC still monitors the Council website and informs neighbours where a variation is requested.
Sandon Point Seniors Living Development:
Site investigations at Sandon Point continue to progress. As these studies are underway Anglicare is not able to confirm a lodgement timeframe. Anglicare added they will share further updates throughout the process. Question raised as to what happened with the Government grant for the road from Bulli to McCauley Estate.
Fresh Hope Communities – McCauley Lodge:
Fresh Hope Communities (FHC) received development consent from the Land and Environment Court for their Tasman Parade redevelopment in 2025. Modified Development Applications were lodged in August for both McCauley Lodge and Tasman Court. The TVC emailed surrounding residents to let them know about the newly lodged DAs. FHC advised that once a design review has been finalised and a builder appointed, they will provide the community with an update.
Thirroul Plaza:
The TVC continues to communicate with the development manager for Thirroul Plaza, Louis Goulimis. Louis advised the project is currently on hold and the consultant team instructed to hold on any works until there is direction to proceed. He will inform the TVC as he is updated in order to resume Design Development which will involve the community.
● Flood management plan
New flood management plan formalised for Bulli and Thirroul on 6th August. This replaces the 2002 plan. The catchment incorporates Slacky Creek, Tramway Creek, Woodlands Creek, Hewitts Creek and Thomas Gibson Creek. It extends from the Illawarra Escarpment in the west, discharging flood and stormwater into Thirroul and Sandon Point Beaches in the east.
What happens now? Projects will be prioritised. 25 of the listed projects already completed. Council will work with the state government on these. Identified that the railway and LHD create a barrier between east and west. Lot of work to be done in this area.
● Latest on E-bike safety from Federal Government
Informed by Alison Byrnes MP that the Federal Government is investigating closing loopholes around the sale of e-bikes and e-scooters. This includes the introduction of maximum 25km/h speed limit and 250-watt limit for e-bikes.
● Response from WCC regarding TVC input to the Draft Infrastructure Delivery Program 2026-2030
Copy sent to members on 7th July. Some of the projects:
● Lighting in eastern carpark and pathway to McCauleys Estate – happening later this year
● Footpath on Viriginia Terrace – included on Council’s Infrastructure Request List
● Amy monument – informed project to progress within this calendar year
● Green corridor of land at Lot 303 Amy Street – land handed over to the community. Thank you, Ross and Council.
● WCC launch of a new engagement opportunity for residents to have a say on community requirements.
Council has partnered with a private company, Canva to ask residents across Wollongong to share their goals for their community. To share your goals simply go to: https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/council/lets-talk/wollongong-goals
WCC Clean up Blitz is planned for the suburbs of Thirroul, Austinmer and Coledale between October and December 2026. This will involve sign repairs, graffiti removal, minor footpath repairs, street furniture maintenance and general cleaning.
4. Other Business
5. Close – 5.25pm
Next TVC meeting Sunday 22nd November 2026 at 4pm.
The Minns Labor Government is making it easier to have your say on planning proposals and ending confusion by developing a single Community Participation Plan, that will give communities a clearer way to have their say on planning decisions, no matter where they live.
