Kiama Council held an Extraordinary Meeting on Tuesday night to vote on funding that could potentially transform parts of the local government area.

Councillors voted on two reports of funding which, if granted by the NSW Government, could bring in close to $1 million to spread across the community.

These grants include the Night-Time Economy Strategy and Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Trial, and the grant applications for works on Council-owned facilities including the Kiama netball courts upgrades, Bonaira Oval lighting upgrades and Gerry Emery Reserve lighting upgrades.

The Night-Time Economy Strategy and the SEP Trial was approved by the Councillors with CEO Jane Stroud to undertake key preparatory works to establish the trial.

“It is anticipated that the draft NTE (Night-Time Economy) Strategy will be prepared for public exhibition in June 2026 and adopted by Council in October 2026. The Commencement of the one year SEP trial will need to be prior to June 2027,” a Council spokesperson said. 

Kiama Council has conceded that “a large proportion of this funding will be absorbed by consultants”.

The SEP will designate an area where trading hours and sound conditions are tailored to support live music and entertainment.

It aims to reduce administrative burdens for venues, encourage performances, and provide certainty for businesses, residents, and patrons.

Council plans to consult extensively with stakeholders, including licensed venues, live performance operators, NSW Police, and the Kiama Business Network, to finalise the precinct boundaries.

Acoustic assessments and draft policies will inform the Night-Time Economy Strategy, which is expected to go on public exhibition next June and be adopted by October.

Measures include acoustic monitoring, soundproofing standards for new developments, clear complaints processes, and incentives such as reduced liquor licence fees and extended trading hours on live performance nights.

Mayor Cameron McDonald has described the initiative as "a fantastic opportunity to support live music, strengthen our hospitality sector, and give visitors and locals more reasons to enjoy Kiama after dark”.

Council also passed the motion on the grant applications for the upgrades to the sporting facilities, including $250,000 for Kiama Netball Courts, $275,000 for Bonaira Oval’s lighting and $387,000 for Gerry Emery Reserve.

“The next step is to formally apply for the grants by Thursday’s deadline (hence the extraordinary meeting),” a Council spokesperson said. 

“Once the grant applications are in, we need to wait until we’ve heard back formally to confirm the grants and then we can start the tender process for the works, which will likely go out from early 2026.”