Across Wollongong, hundreds of council-owned properties are parks, reserves and other public spaces. On the planning map, many are still zoned for residential use.
Now the council is proposing to correct the mismatch, while considering whether six sites could instead have a future in housing or other development.
The review covered 477 council-owned properties zoned, or partly zoned, for low-density housing, along with another 23 properties zoned, or partly zoned, for medium-density housing. More than half were found to be used for purposes that do not match their zoning and are proposed to be rezoned for recreation or conservation.
The proposal going before council’s September 21 meeting would shift 231 properties (or parts of properties) from low-density residential zoning to public recreation. Another 15 would be changed to environmental management, while four properties or parts currently zoned for medium-density housing would also become public recreation land.
There is a second, more consequential part of the review.
The council originally identified 11 sites that were not considered necessary for public recreation, conservation or community purposes and could potentially be used for development. Following public feedback and further investigation, staff have now recommended five of those sites be removed from the development list, all have flood concerns. They are:
Wonson Avenue, Coniston
Halyard Street, Berkeley
Pennant Crescent, Berkeley
Brown Avenue, Dapto
Scott Road Park, Dapto
The sites in the spotlight
Six sites would remain in the process of being made available for possible future development. The change would allow council to consider selling or leasing the land, but it does not itself approve a sale or development. Those decisions would come later through a separate process.
1A Denison Street, Wollongong: Part of the 5728m² site is proposed to be rezoned for mixed-use development, with a maximum building height of 48m. Council’s report says the site is well placed for multiple dwellings due to its proximity to transport, employment, shops and services. It also says the site could continue to accommodate the community organisation currently leasing the ground floor, with affordable housing potentially provided above.
Former NES Hall site, Port Kembla: Two of the four lots are proposed to be rezoned for low-density housing, while three would be changed from community land to land that could potentially be sold or leased. All four lots would have the same development controls: buildings up to 12 metres, a floor space ratio of 1.2:1 and a minimum lot size of 300m². Council says the site is well positioned to accommodate multiple dwellings in response to housing shortages.
Willow Grove Park, Corrimal: The existing 971m² park would be rezoned from public recreation to low-density residential use to facilitate its disposal for future housing. Council proposes to establish a new Willow Grove Park across the road at 1 Willow Grove. That site is 1108m² and would be rezoned for public recreation.
The other three sites remaining in the development group are Rickard Road Reserve in Cordeaux Heights, Honeyeater Close in Farmborough Heights and Illawarra Street Park in Port Kembla.
Housing pressure
The Housing Trust, one of the community organisations that responded to the proposal, welcomed the review. In its submission, the community housing provider said the work provided “an accurate picture of land available, or not available, for housing and other public purposes”.
It said more than 4000 households currently needed affordable housing, while more than 2,000 households waiting for social housing were awaiting an offer.
The planning proposal was publicly exhibited from February 17 to March 31, 2026, and a public hearing was held on April 21. Council received 98 submissions.
Councillors will vote on whether to adopt the officer recommendations and submit the finalised Planning Proposal to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for LEP amendment.
