One resident has reported problems with runoff into the drains on Parkside Ave multiple times to Wollongong City Council, as well as to the Environment Protection Authority.

He was told that the works – a major apartment complex on Harbour St – were approved by a private certifier, so it was not the council’s responsibility. He should contact the private certifier, who covered compliance.

He contacted the Environment Protection Authority, and was told there was  not much they could do.

“I know it is frustrating when councils won't take action if the site is under a private certifier but the EPA has no legal power to enforce council to take action,” he was told.

He was not impressed.

“So I could essentially wash my paintbrushes in Wollongong Harbour and unless council takes action noting can be done,” he said.

“All lip service and no action so far.”

The resident would not be named for fear he would encounter reprisals.

After his first complaint two sandbags were stuck in the way to stop the runoff.

Council’s compliance officer had inspected these “extra measures” and deemed them satisfactory – but as soon as the rain came again, the paint was once more being washed down the drain to the harbour and the ocean. Plenty remained in the street.

The Mercury contacted the developer for comment but they did not respond by deadline.

On Friday, there was some success. A truck arrived in Parkside Ave and appeared to be pumping the pollution out of the drain.

The Mercury asked Wollongong City Council whether it had directed the developer to take action, or whether the pump truck was council’s.

A spokesman would not say whether either of these was the case, other than to say council had spoken with the developer.