Wollongong Council: Corrimal Coke Works plan gets green light

The Corrimal Coke Works site, which resembles a scene from an apocalyptic blockbuster, has moved closer to becoming a “special” and “exciting” place.

The development of the abandoned Corrimal Coke Works is another step closer to reality after Wollongong Council unanimously adopted a site specific control plan at Monday night’s meeting.

The move comes less than two months after the wobegotten 18 hectares of land at 27 Railway St, Corrimal was rezoned from heavy industry to medium density and public residential.

The development proposed for the site which was vacated in 2008 includes 550 apartments and townhouses with a maximum height of four storeys.
Of these residences, 6.5 per cent (36) will be allocated as affordable housing.

The rezoning also allows for a community hub featuring a grocery store, cafe and ample green space.

Aerial artist impression of the Corrimal Coke Works masterplan. Picture: Supplied

“Many of us are very familiar with this as it’s been long running and often controversial with the community,” Councillor Janice Kershaw said as she put forward the motion.

“It’s a special site, it’s a huge site and as a council we want something quality and something exciting.”

One of the main areas of concern about the development is traffic buildup which led Cr Kershaw to call on Transport NSW to amend their timetables to increase the number of trains stopping at the nearby Corrimal Station.

“If Transport NSW is going to get off their butt and change where the trains stop and make Corrimal one of the stops on the express route we would be able to get more developments over the line,” she argued.

Artist impression of the Corrimal Coke Works masterplan. Picture: Supplied

“Transport NSW is working against us.”

Councillor Ann Martin pushed through a variation for a designated off-leash dog area in the complex which was a common piece of feedback the council had received, however it drew the ire of Cr Kershaw.

“This has been going on for the last four or five years,” Cr Kershaw said.

“I don’t want to offend dog owners, but in the whole scheme of things [it shouldn’t be the deciding factor].”

The frustrated remark led Councillor Cameron Walters to quip “That’s a bit ruff”.

In other business…

Wollongong to develop response to Uluru Statement

Wollongong Mayor Gordon Bradbery began the meeting with a mayoral minute seeking the council develop a response to the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The mayor wants the council to engage with the city’s Aboriginal community and organisations to provide a First Nation’s voice as per their Aboriginal Engagement Framework.

“Lots of words have been spoken, but not put into action,” Cr Bradbery said.

Wollongong Mayor Gordon Bradbery wants actions to follow words. Picture: Supplied

“I think it is important we play a part in the ongoing act of healing and recognition.

“[We need to] give local Aboriginal people a voice, recognise truth and work with local Aboriginal people for a treaty of a statement about sovereignty.”

Deputy Mayor Tania Brown supported the motion citing newly-elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s commitment to create an Aboriginal voice to parliament.

“I was gathered with my Labor colleagues in Figtree watching the election results [and when Mr Albanese made the commitment] it was greeted by cheers and tears.

“Then we saw the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag added to the podium, a tangible change. Symbols matter.”

Councillor Dom Figliomeni said the “devil was in the detail” adding he wants to know what will be done at a federal level before the council make their move, however, Cr Bradbery concluded “What the feds do is up to them, it’s up to us to look after our people.”

The motion was passed unanimously.

Wollongong seeking to participate in World Pride

Cr Brown concluded the meeting with a notice of motion about staff investigating entering a Wollongong float in the Pride March to be held in Sydney when the city hosts the 2023 World Pride event.

The motion also sought a briefing to be arranged on addressing the financial or feasibility implications of being involved in the event which for the first time ever will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.

A long-time advocate for the LGBTQI+ community, Cr Brown said she was struck by Wollongong not having a presence at this year’s Mardi Gras in Sydney despite Newcastle and Shellharbour being represented.

Cr Brown then lashed out a “keyboard warriors” who complain about the council focusing on road maintenance.

“The keyboard warriors are at it again,” she said.
“The ones who says we should only be working on potholes. I believe our job is about more than just roads, rubbish and in this case potholes.

“Whenever we put something up a [flag] pole there’s rage about it. ‘How dare you do that instead of fixing potholes’ – and that’s why we need to keep fighting for this.”

Cr Brown said there was plenty of community interest in financially backing Wollongong’s involvement while committing to hosting a trivia night with local drag queens such as Ellawarra to help raise the necessary cash.

Councillor Richard Martin, who came out as gay nearly four decades ago, said it was important “words were backed up by actions”.
“Little did I know when I came out at 27 that [in 2022] a gay boy would beat a another gay boy in [the federal seat of] Brisbane. We’ve come a long way.

“Maybe for that night we are not called the City of Innovations and instead we’re called the City of Inclusivity.”

The motion was passed 12 to one with Cr Figliomeni arguing inclusivity shouldn’t be about a “one-off event” while also saying it would be a hit to the council’s coffers.

“If we are talking about equality we need to be talking about everyone having the same opportunity,” he said.

The mayor wrapped the discussion by putting forward an amendment that planning be done in consultation with Destination Wollongong – which is chaired by Cr Brown.

Though supporting the motion, Cr Bradbery’s joke that “[LGBTQI+] seems to have an extra letter each time I see it” drew an eye roll from Cr Brown, however he was able to generate a laugh when he concluded that whatever happens he “refuses to go up there in fishnets and high heels”.