A fierce battle over the future of a piece of Wollongong's history has erupted in the suburb of Woonona, as a controversial development proposal threatens to erase a 19th-century home from the landscape.
Plans have been lodged with Wollongong City Council to demolish the historic McNeice family home at 10 Russell Street, a single-storey weatherboard cottage built in the late 1800s. In its place, a modern complex of five three-storey townhouses is proposed, a move locals have decried as 'cultural vandalism'.
A Home Steeped in Local History
The property is not just any old house. It was constructed for the McNeice family, prominent early settlers who were instrumental in shaping the fledgling community. The family's legacy is woven into the area's history, making the building a tangible link to Woonona's past long before it became a bustling suburb.
Local historian and author, Robyn Austral, expressed her profound dismay at the proposal. "It's a great shame," she stated. "This home is a significant part of Woonona's story. Losing it would be like tearing a page out of our history books. These older buildings give our community its unique character and soul."
Community Outrage and a Fight for Preservation
The application has sparked significant community outrage, with residents mobilising to oppose the demolition. The core of their argument is that the loss of such heritage, even if not formally listed, represents a severe blow to the area's cultural and architectural identity.
Opponents argue that the proposed townhouses are out of character with the surrounding neighbourhood and that the push for higher density should not come at the expense of the suburb's historical fabric. The sentiment is that once these pieces of history are gone, they are lost forever.
The Developer's Argument and Council's Dilemma
The development application, available for public viewing on the Wollongong City Council portal, outlines the plan for the five new dwellings. The proposal is currently on exhibition, inviting feedback from the community that has been so vocal in its criticism.
The council now faces a familiar modern dilemma: balancing the need for new housing against the passionate community desire to preserve local heritage and character. The decision will be a key test of the council's planning policies and its commitment to managing growth while respecting the past.
For the residents of Woonona, the fight for the McNeice house is about more than bricks and weatherboard; it's a fight for the memory of their suburb and a stand against what they see as the homogenisation of their community.
