This green space on Willow Grove in Corrimal is among 11 sites that could be sold for housing after a Wollongong Council review. Photo: Google Maps.
Eleven reserves owned by Wollongong City Council could be sold off for housing after a review.
The council identified a number of public reserves were incorrectly zoned R2 Low Density Residential instead of RE1 Public Recreation, C2 Environmental Conservation, or C3 Environmental Management.
As a result, the reserves were being included in residential housing development data, resulting in an overestimate of the availability and vacancy of residential land.
In response, the council committed in 2023 to review all council‑owned public reserves to identify how to correctly zone them, and whether any locations could instead support new homes.
The review found 11 council‑owned sites not needed for recreation, conservation or other community purposes, and the council proposes to reclassify these sites for development.
The sites identified in the report are: Wonston Avenue, Coniston; Pennant Crescent, Berkeley, Illawarra Street, Port Kembla; Willow Grove, Corrimal; Brown Avenue, Dapto; Keira Street, Port Kembla; Rickard Road, Cordeaux Heights; Laver Road, Dapto; Halyard Street, Berkeley and Honeyeater Close, Farmborough Heights.
Some of the sites are identified as flood prone, unstable or home to endangered species such as the green and golden bell frog; all of them are close to other parks and open spaces.
Previous moves by the council to sell off vacant council-owned land have been met with mixed responses from the community.
In March 2025 four lots were sold off, for different purposes.
Two of the sales – Lot 16 Range Place Bulli and 20 Ranchby Avenue Lake Heights – were moved without debate.
The sale of Baringa Park in Dapto was carried unanimously after council staff explained the lot would be used to provide drainage for a childcare centre to be constructed on an adjacent lot, and the community would retain use of the grassed area as a thoroughfare.
18 Stanbrook Avenue, Mount Ousley, sold for housing development, generated some debate about potential tree removal, however, it was ultimately passed.
Later in 2025, the council backflipped on a decision to sell Gorrell Park in Cringila for housing development after vehement pushback from the community.
It has been retained as a public park for the suburb.
To provide your feedback on the proposal head here.
After the exhibition finishes, a public hearing will be held.
