This tree-covered block on the corner of Gorrell Street and Lakeview Parade may help inspire a reinvigoration of Cringila’s main street. Photo: Louis Parnis.
Cringila has plenty to celebrate, after Gorrell Park received a stay of execution and Lake Avenue was offered a facelift.
Wollongong City Council backflipped on its earlier decision to sell the residentially zoned land after outcry from the community.
A rally picketed the subsequent meeting, and two speakers addressed the council during the public access forum.
Paula Loustros told the council Cringila felt they were forgotten about.
“We are the ones who have put you where you are; please do what you were chosen to do and represent us,” she said.
“Save our park. I invite all councillors who haven’t already done so to come to Cringila, grab a cup of coffee, take a walk, have a chat to the locals.
“This is the only flat green space in our CBD.”
Greens’ councillors Dierdre Stuart, Jess Whittaker and Kit Docker put a rescission motion before the council.
Cr Stuart acknowledged the site was never intended to be a public park, but said Cringila residents felt they were not adequately consulted.
The majority of other councillors supported the motion – although not without some heat from Councillor Ann Martin.
“I congratulate the Greens on being able to find Cringila,” she said.
“Those of us who have been working there some time are there a lot, and I resent the notion that we have somehow betrayed Cringila.
“We acknowledge the poor level of consultation with residents, mea culpa, we get it and my apologies.”
Councillor Dan Hayes stood as the lone opponent to the rescission.
He said he would always vote in favour of any option that could increase housing supply in the region, regardless of its popularity.
“We are in a housing crisis, and we are limited in what land can be made available in Wollongong,” he said.
“If every block of land was considered in isolation they could all be dismissed, but together they all add up.
“I cannot say I stood here today and did not support an opportunity to address the housing crisis.
“Change is hard, but we don’t live in snow globes frozen forever in time.”
The rescission was carried, and the decision to sell the land reversed.
Councillors Ann Martin, Linda Campbell and Tiana Myers subsequently proposed the council consult the Cringila community on how the Lake Avenue streetscape could be enhanced.
These enhancements would include pedestrian safety, parking, and options to rezone and reclassify Gorrell Park.
“We hope to end up with a better deal for the people of Cringila,” Cr Campbell said.
The motion was passed unanimously.
