Wollongong City Council Lifeguards will extend patrol hours on 12 of our beaches today with forecast high temperatures.

Flags will be up until 7pm at Stanwell Park, Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul, Bulli, Woonona, Corrimal, Towradgi, North Wollongong, City Beach and Port Kembla beaches, with Sandon Point remaining open until 6pm.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Cr Gordon Bradbery AM said: “We’re expecting some very unpleasant weather conditions today ahead of the southerly change.

“Whatever you are doing, please be prepared for dangerous fire conditions. There will be Extreme fire danger in the Illawarra along with other parts of the State today. Make sure you have a bushfire survival plan in place and follow the RFS advice.

“I know that tourists and residents from the south coast are planning to spend the day in Wollongong.

“The RFS website has extensive information on how to plan and protect yourself from bushfires. The MyFirePlan website is another great tool.

“You can also download the Fires Near Me app to get fire updates on your mobile. For traffic updates, go to the Live Traffic website.

“ABC Illawarra is another very good source of information.”

As part of its preparations for today’s forecast weather, Council has closed the gates to the Mount Keira Summit Park, Sublime Point, Hopetoun Park and Bulli Tops.

Council is also preparing additional green waste collection points from tomorrow, following the expected southerly change late today – see the table below:

Location Dates and Times Dates and Times Manned By Rex Jackson Complex – carpark off Blackwell St and Park Avenue junction – Helensburgh 5 January (12pm to 4pm) 12January (12pm to 4pm) Remondis Jim Allan Oval – near Scarborough beach 11 January (7:30am to 11:30am) 18 January (7:30am to 11:30am) Remondis Ziems Park carpark – Corrimal 11 January (12pm to 4pm) Remondis Mt Kembla Oval – Stones Road carpark 5 January (7:30am to 11:30am) 12 January (7:30am to 11:30am) Remondis Beaton Park carpark 18 January (12pm to 4pm) Remondis Whytes Gully – Kembla Grange 11 and 12 January 17 January Council