Leave our park alone!

By Gina Krohn

Stanwell Park residents have voiced strong objections to any potential changes to the Kiosk that is located in the large main recreation park, during a recent packed Community Planning Session.

Organised by Wollongong Council, the consultations are part of the development of a draft plan of management for the Stanwell Park Beach Reserve and Bald Hill areas, with six areas identified for community feedback – Bald Hill, the childcare centre, the surf club, the kiosk, the natural habitat and other general areas.

The session was the first step for Council’s Commercial Projects and Planning Division to give locals an opportunity to give their views for the future development and management of the area. People who attended were able to move from table to table, leaving written comments relating to each of the areas. The Council also welcomes any written input from community individuals or groups.

By far the most crowded table during the session concered the future of the Kiosk with the most popular sentiment being ‘leave the kiosk alone’. Many people felt that any upgrades to this popular venue would risk losing what they feel are its valuable and unique attractions - its relaxed and family friendly atmosphere, reasonably priced quality food, lovely welcoming hosts Dora and Leo as well as its function as a social focal point for Stanwell Park.

Several residents voiced concerns that the proposed upgrade was geared towards attracting a new tourist clientele at the expense of the locals. A small number expressed the belief that change was opposed simply because it was change and such opposition didn’t take into account added benefits these could bring to the Park.

Bald Hill was another area residents felt was best ‘left alone’, arguing that its lack of development was one of the attractions for visitors to the area and its current amenities were sufficient. There was support for the installation of better signage and both a walkway and cycleway from Bald Hill to Stanwell Park. There was interest in re-opening the child-care centre as a public facility with a management committee responsible for its operation, but selling it off to developers or to house a tourist centre was not a popular option. There appeared little support for a museum featuring the achievements of Lawrence Hargraves, either in the centre (in whatever form it may take) or at the kiosk. The surf club needed a facelift and possible expansion to accommodate its equipment and there was some concern about pollution control and overflow into Hargreaves Creek. The point was also raised about banning the exercising of dogs on the beach, forcing owners to drive to one of the limited number of council beaches where this is permitted.

Comments relating to the overall care and maintenance of the area were positive, although weed control and traffic congestion were issues.

Wollongong Council has been directed by the Department of Lands to develop a plan of management for the area.

Generally, the majority of meeting attendees felt the Park was fine as is; improvements such as walking tracks and better drainage would be welcomed but major development was most definitely not welcome. As one resident put it, people came to Stanwell Park to see the natural beauty of the place – why build over it?