At its meeting on 1 February 2011, Wollongong City Council endorsed a local history report that will allow Council to ensure the unique history of the region is fully understood and appreciated within its planning and policy guidelines.

Prepared by historian Dr Terry Kass, ‘A Thematic History of Wollongong’ identifies major themes in the Illawarra’s history and will inform a review of the Heritage Schedule in the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 2009 which is currently being undertaken.

Wollongong City Council Administrator Robert McGregor, said that the report had been prepared with input from the Wollongong Heritage Advisory Committee and the wider community, and with funding assistance from the State Government’s Heritage Grants Program.

“We are grateful to the many local historians and community groups that have assisted Dr Kass in the preparation of this significant report,” Administrator McGregor said.

“The report is an important tool that will assist Council to identify items of heritage significance, and to better understand and appreciate their historical context.”

“While this report has not directly generated any changes to Council policies, it will act as an important reference tool to inform our policies and planning controls in years to come,” said Administrator McGregor.

“The report looks at major forces that have shaped the development of the region and its communities, including the natural landscape, occupation by Aboriginal peoples, European settlement, and the development of housing, industry and technologies.”

The next phase of work is the review of the schedule of heritage listings in the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 2009 and this review will include extensive consultation with property owners and the wider community.