Wollongong City Council to Debate Shark Safety and Infrastructure Contracts Today

Council Returns for First Meeting of 2026

Wollongong City Council will convene today, Monday, 2 February 2026, for its first Ordinary Meeting of the new year. The session, held at the Council Chambers on Burelli Street, is set to address a range of critical community issues, from coastal safety measures to the maintenance of the region’s growing recreation infrastructure. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm with the Public Access Forum, followed immediately by the formal council session.

Emergency Shark-Bite Kits on the Agenda

One of the most high-profile items on tonight's agenda is a notice of motion brought forward by Councillor Jess Whittaker. Following a series of shark encounters along the New South Wales coastline earlier this year, Cr Whittaker is calling for the urgent installation of rapid-response shark-bite trauma kits. The motion seeks council support to secure funding through the NSW Government’s SharkSmart Program to procure and maintain up to 20 kits at popular surf spots and beaches across the Wollongong local government area.

Proponents of the motion argue that these kits, which contain specialized medical equipment to stem life-threatening bleeding, are essential additions to existing safety measures like drone surveillance and shark nets. The initiative aims to provide immediate aid in the critical minutes following an incident, potentially saving lives at the region's busiest beaches.

Major Maintenance Contract for Mountain Bike Trails

Council is also expected to formalize a significant investment in the region’s outdoor recreation facilities. Up for approval is a recommendation to award a three-year contract, valued at approximately $308,880 per year, for the maintenance of local mountain bike tracks and walking trails. The contract, proposed for Coal Coast Civil Pty Ltd, covers high-traffic areas including the Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park, Harry Graham Park, and Bulli Park.

The agreement includes options to extend for an additional two years and focuses on routine inspections and repairs to ensure the trails remain safe and accessible for the thousands of residents and tourists who utilize the facilities annually. This decision follows a competitive tender process that saw six different firms vie for the maintenance rights.

Urban Greening and Environmental Policies

Environmental sustainability remains a core focus for the first session of the year. Following the recent announcement of a $480,000 state government grant, councillors will discuss the rollout of the Urban Greening Strategy. The funding is earmarked for planting over 1,500 new trees, specifically targeting southern suburbs such as Dapto, Berkeley, and Port Kembla, where canopy cover is currently lower than the city-wide target. Additionally, the council will review ongoing work regarding planning controls aimed at phasing out gas appliances in new developments in favor of electric alternatives to meet long-term climate goals.