Monthly Archives: August 2024

Wollongong council candidate wants more buybacks to ease flood fears

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By Ben Langford
August 30 2024

An independent Wollongong City Council candidate says protecting residents against the threat of flooding should take an “urgent” priority for the next council… Andrew Anthony, who is running for council and for Lord Mayor, said recent flooding in April and June had a “profound” impact on many Wollongong residents…

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/8746397/wollongong-candidate-wants-more-buybacks-for-flooded-homes/

From my press release:
The Wollongong council’s budget currently allocates $26 million over four years for stormwater and flood management. While this is a start, it is far from sufficient to address the growing challenges of flood mitigation across the city.

“We need to be proactive, not just reactive. Insurance doesn’t cover everything, and the emotional toll on those affected is immense. My goal is to ensure Wollongong is better prepared for future flood events, minimizing the damage and stress on our community.”

Video link of Swan St Flooding April 2024
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x94oa30

Support for Homes NSW Proposal for Gwynneville Precinct Rezoning to Boost Affordable Housing.

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Lord Mayor and Ward 2 candidate, Andrew Anthony, has announced his support for the Planning Proposal put forward by Homes NSW to rezone the Irvine Street, Gwynneville precinct.

Bound by the University of Wollongong to the north, the Botanic Gardens to the west, and located close to an existing public transport hub, the Gwynneville precinct has been identified as an area capable of supporting more social and affordable housing to meet Wollongong’s urgent need for additional homes.

“The proposal is an audacious plan that goes a long way towards addressing the urgent need for more social and affordable housing in the Illawarra,” said Andrew Anthony.

The proposal includes rezoning most of the precinct from R2 Low Density Residential to R4 High Density Residential, along with provisions for increased open space. Homes NSW plans to develop approximately 1,250 dwellings, with half of these designated as social and affordable homes.

While supporting the proposal, Andrew Anthony emphasises that the redevelopment of the Gwynneville precinct must be carried out in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of existing residents. He acknowledges that for some residents, moving out of their long-standing homes may be a difficult and emotional process.

“Any large-scale redevelopment has the potential to disrupt people’s lives, and it’s important that we approach this project with empathy and care,” said Andrew Anthony. “Homes NSW and the Council must work closely with affected residents to ensure they receive the support they need. This includes assistance in finding suitable accommodation and providing resources to help them transition smoothly.”

Another critical issue that Andrew Anthony urges Council and Homes NSW to consider is the impact of the redevelopment on parking in the area. Currently, many university students use the surrounding streets for free parking, and any changes to the precinct could exacerbate parking challenges.

“Parking is already a significant concern in Gwynneville, particularly with the influx of university students using the streets for parking during the semester. It’s crucial that this proposal includes thoughtful planning around parking to ensure that the needs of both new residents and the broader community are met,” Andrew Anthony stated.

Andrew Anthony encourages residents, stakeholders, and community groups to provide their feedback on the proposal to Wollongong City Council. The deadline for submissions has been extended to 30 August 2024, allowing more time for community input.

For further information:
Link to proposal

Large scale offshore wind farms

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I strongly support the transition to renewable energy as a means to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. However, I have significant concerns about the large-scale wind farm proposed off the coast of Wollongong.

The community consultation process for this project was deeply flawed. Many residents feel that the outcome was predetermined, with their voices not genuinely considered. This lack of transparency undermines public trust and raises concerns about the integrity of the decision-making process.

It is crucial that rigorous environmental assessments are conducted to ensure that the wind farm does not harm marine life, bird populations or our beautiful coastline. The potential impacts on our environment and local economy must be carefully evaluated and addressed before any further steps are taken.

Another important factor to consider is the relatively short lifespan of wind turbines. Typically, wind turbines have a lifespan of around 20 to 25 years. After this period, they often require costly maintenance or replacement. This raises concerns about long-term sustainability and the financial implications for managing and replacing these turbines. The short lifespan and associated costs must be weighed against the benefits of the wind farm to ensure that it is a viable and sustainable solution for our region.

There are also more cost-effective and potentially less disruptive ways to expand renewable energy that deserve consideration. For instance, investing in solar power, energy efficiency measures, and small scale, community driven renewable projects can provide significant environmental benefits without the large upfront costs or potential environmental risks associated with offshore wind farms. These alternatives can be more easily integrated into existing infrastructure and offer a more sustainable path forward.

While this issue is not directly under local council jurisdiction, it has significant implications for our community. As a representative of the Wollongong community, I would advocate for a more transparent and inclusive consultation process moving forward. It is essential that the community’s concerns are heard and that any potential impacts are genuinely considered before proceeding with such a significant project.

I also welcome the NSW State Parliament’s inquiry into the Impact of Renewable Energy Zones. This inquiry is a vital step in ensuring that the transition to renewable energy is managed responsibly, with full consideration of environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Network giant says huge inland renewable zones might be better idea than floating offshore wind