The long-awaited transformation of the Bombo Quarry into a housing area is a step closer after the Independent Planning Commission has recommended that proposed rehabilitation works be declared a State Significant Development.

For decades, the land has been viewed as a potential solution to Kiama's lack of housing and the IPC's decision has been welcomed by Mayor Cameron McDonald.

"Bombo Quarry is one of the most prominent sites in our local landscape, and how it is rehabilitated will shape Kiama’s future for generations," he said.

"Bombo Quarry is a key component of the Kiama Urban Expansion Area.

"Declaring the project state significant will not only give our community confidence in our adopted Housing Strategy but will provide an end date for quarrying activities, thereby enabling the NSW Government to remove the restrictive covenant on Council’s Spring Creek landholding.

"This is a key component of Council’s Advocacy Plan and we look forward to working closely with the Government and the proponents as this process moves ahead.”

The advice from the IPC follows a Ministerial call-in request from the NSW Transport Asset Manager and Boral, supported by Urbis, to recognise the state importance of the rehabilitation project.

In its correspondence to NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, the Commission concluded that the proposal is of state significance under section 4.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

While the project does not meet the statutory thresholds in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021, the Commission found the development warranted consideration as a State Significant Development due to its broader significance.

“Bombo Quarry has played a significant role in the state’s infrastructure and construction story for decades," Scully said.

"The Independent Planning Commission’s advice makes clear that its rehabilitation is a matter of state importance.

“The rehabilitation of the site is an important step in the implementation of Kiama Council’s housing plans so this provides another opportunity for the Minns Government and Kiama Council to work together on good housing solutions for Kiama.”

The Commission’s advice has now been made publicly available, consistent with legislative requirements.

Newly elected Kiama MP Katelin McInerney said this was an important milestone for the local community.

“The rehabilitation of Bombo Quarry has been talked about for many years, and it’s clear the scale and complexity of the project means it should be treated as state significant," he said.

"I welcome the Commission’s recommendation and the attention it brings to getting the best possible outcome for the people of Kiama.”