Wollongong Council to Debate Bellambi Point Rezoning and Coastal Safety Plans Tonight

Significant Decisions on the Agenda for March 23 Session

Tonight, Monday, 23 March 2026, the Wollongong City Council will convene for its ordinary meeting at the Council Chambers on Burelli Street. The agenda for this evening’s session is packed with critical decisions ranging from urban rezoning and coastal protection to social equity and regional economic development. With several high-impact reports and motions scheduled for debate, the session is expected to draw significant interest from local residents and stakeholders.

Key Planning and Environmental Proposals

One of the most anticipated items on the agenda is the planning proposal submission for Bellambi Point. Councillors will consider the rezoning of this significant coastal area, a move that has sparked community discussion. The proposal seeks to redefine land use in the precinct, potentially paving the way for future developments while balancing environmental sensitivities and community access to the foreshore.

In a major step for the city’s environmental resilience, the council will also review the Stage 2 Coastal Hazard Risk Assessment Report as part of the ongoing Wollongong Coastal Management Program. This comprehensive report identifies vulnerabilities along the local coastline and outlines the specific risks posed by erosion and rising sea levels. The adoption of this assessment is a vital prerequisite for securing the city's infrastructure and natural assets against long-term climate challenges.

Social and Community Safety Initiatives

The council is also set to address key social and community priorities. On the table for approval is the Draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2026-2028, which aims to strengthen the council’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through tangible actions and improved engagement. Furthermore, councillors will vote on placing the Community Safety Plan 2026-2031 on public exhibition. This five-year strategy is designed to enhance the safety of public spaces and implement crime prevention measures across the local government area.

Economic Development and Regional Growth

Economic development and regional advocacy also feature prominently in tonight's session. Key items include:

• A Notice of Motion regarding a bid for Port Kembla to host a NSW Film Studios Digital and Creative Industry Hub, aiming to boost the local creative economy.
• A Lord Mayoral Minute responding to the NSW Government's review of Joint Organisations to ensure Wollongong’s interests are represented in regional governance.
• Tender evaluations for the refurbishment of the Wongawilli Community Hall to support growing suburban populations.
• A Notice of Motion concerning the Sporting Venues Authorities Amendment Bill 2025.

Public Participation and Access

The proceedings will begin with a Public Access Forum at 6:00 PM, allowing residents who registered in advance to address the council directly on specific agenda items. The formal Council Meeting will commence immediately following the forum, or at 6:30 PM at the latest. For those unable to attend the Council Chambers in person, the entire session will be available for public viewing via the council’s official live webcast service.