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City of Wollongong

Common Questions in Easy English

Here are some questions we are asked a lot with simple answers.

If you have a question that isn't shown here you can call us on (02) 4227 7111.

How can I get help with English?

Council can help people who speak other languages.

Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong.

More information: See our Language Help page.

What if I am deaf or hearing impaired?

Call 1800 555 660 for the National Relay Service.

Why do I pay rates to Council?

This money is used for:

  • Roads and footpaths
  • Libraries
  • Fitness centres
  • Swimming pools
  • Playgrounds
  • Sports grounds
  • Rubbish and recycling.

What if I cannot pay my rates?

Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.

More information: See our Pay Your Rates page.

How can I become an Australian Citizen?

Ask at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. You can call them on 131 800.

If you need help call Illawarra Multicultural Services on 4229 6855.

If your application is approved Council will send you an invitation to attend a ceremony.

You will get a citizenship certificate at the ceremony.

What happens if my bin is stolen or broken?

Call Remondis on 1300 362 360.

They will give you a new bin or fix the broken one. This is a free service.

How do I book a household collection?

You can book 2 collections each year.

Call Remondis on 1300 362 360.

This is a free service.

How do I report dumped rubbish?

Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.

More information: See our Rubbish and Recycling Issues page.

Can I burn rubbish at my home?

No.

You are not allowed to burn rubbish at home.

How do I get my neighbour to share the cost of building a fence between our houses?

Council does not help neighbours to agree on the cost of a new fence.

Ask your neighbour if they will share the cost of a new fence.

If you cannot agree with your neighbour about the cost call the Community Justice Centre on 1800 990 777.

This is a free service.

More information: See our Fences page.

What if my neighbours are too noisy?

Ask your neighbour to stop the noise.

If it does not get better you can call the Community Justice Centre on 1800 990 777.

They will make a meeting with your neighbour to talk about the noise.

This is a free service.

More information: See our Noise Issues page.

What if a dog is barking too much?

Call Council on 4227 7111 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.

More information: See our Animal Issues page.

Can I cut down a tree on my property?

We have an Easy English Guide about Tree Permits PDF, 2765.22 KB that explains the rules.

You can also download our Tree Management Customer Guide PDF, 1621.35 KB to learn more.

You might need a permit to get tree branches cut or cut down a tree.

You can ask to remove a tree on our Trees on Your Property page. You can pay by credit card.

Or you can print the form PDF, 1211.24 KB and take it to Council's Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong. You can pay at the Customer Service Centre.

Or you can mail the form and a cheque to Locked Bag 8821 Wollongong DC NSW 2500.

How do I get tree branches cut or cut down a tree on Council land?

Tell us where the tree is.

You can do this by calling Council on 4227 7111 or visiting our Customer Service Centre at 41 Burelli Street Wollongong.

A Council officer will come and look at the tree. They will decide what to do.

More information: See our Report a Tree Issue page.

What do I do about a Council fine?

Council cannot stop a fine.

You have 3 weeks to pay the fine.

Council does not keep the money from fines. Fines are paid to Revenue NSW.

Information about how to pay the fine is on the back of the fine.

You can also read our Patrols and Parking Fines page for more information.

If you cannot pay the fine or do not agree with it call Revenue NSW on 1300 138 118.