Conversations with the community

In April and May 2021, we asked the community if we have the locations and number of bike rails right in our draft plan for the installation of new bike parking in key locations across our City.

The draft plan was shared with community and key stakeholders during the public exhibition period, 6 April to 11 May 2021. Letters with an attached Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet were delivered to property owners, tenants and businesses located near the proposed bike parking sites, inviting them to learn more and join the conversation. Emails with this information were sent to businesses and surf lifesaving clubs near the proposed sites, Neighbourhood Forums, Council’s Mobility, Walking Cycling Reference Group and Cycling Technical Advisory Group, community action groups, cycling interest and advocacy groups, local bus companies, the Our Wollongong Register of Interest (Access for People with Disability – 550+ emails) and government stakeholders. We published the information, online survey and Q&A forum on this website. The public exhibition was promoted with corflute signs and footpath decals installed at each location, a media release, Facebook post and notice published in the Advertiser. The information was also available through Council’s Customer Service Centre and libraries.

There were 73 submissions. The Bulli Times published a news story about the exhibition on their website. Some stakeholders promoted the exhibition via their social media profiles. Residents, bus and business owners, cycling interest and advocacy groups, surf lifesaving club representatives and community action groups provided comments via phone, email, letter and the online feedback form.

Most were supportive of initiatives that encourage people to ride bikes. The feedback was mainly location-specific. This Engagement Summary provides a summary of the feedback and how it was considered.

The feedback was used to finalise the designs and works to install the bike rails will follow in the coming months.