From the Lord Mayor's Office
Time to action our shared vision for Wollongong
When it comes to our long-term vision for Wollongong, there is no more important document than the Our Wollongong Our Future Community Strategic Plan (CSP) adopted at our most recent council meeting.
In outlining the future we want to see for our city and community over the next decade, we can’t rely on guess work. That’s why this defining document has drawn on the extensive community feedback and consultation we received through the exhibition process.
It’s been great to see how passionate and invested our residents are in the future of our city and what it will look like in the years to come. The wide range of issues and priorities reflected through community submissions speak to the scope and breadth of Council’s service delivery.
Managing $7 billion of community and corporate assets is no simple task, and it is important that we do so in a way that aligns with community expectations and priorities.
It’s clear though the public submissions received that transport and infrastructure are top of the list for much of our community, while the need for new and improved sporting infrastructure is always among the hottest topics when I’m out speaking with residents.
Our Infrastructure Delivery Program for the coming financial year lists 350 projects; from guard rail replacement to pool repairs, from footpaths to playgrounds, and the ongoing need for drainage and lighting at our sports fields.
In particular, the list highlights our commitment to being a pedestrian-friendly city that provides for safe and effective active transport, as well as safer routes to schools.
Projects like new amenities for Thomas Gibson Park, Thirroul and Figtree Oval are progressing, along with plans for skateparks in the northern suburbs and CBD. We’ll continue working with all levels of government to secure funding for these vital projects.
Of course, the big-ticket items for this term of Council are the delivery of the new Helensburgh, and Southern Suburbs Community Centres and Libraries. We’re thrilled to have awarded the tender for the construction of the Library in Warrawong and to have secured funding for the design of the Helensburgh facility. We know how important these two projects are to their respective communities.
There is no shying away from the fact that this CSP is an ambitious document, but we believe it reflects our commitment to delivering what our community deserves. I thank our residents for their input into the plan, and to our hard-working council staff for their efforts in bringing it together.
Now, it’s time to get on with the job.
