Kiama is at its best when we come together on the things that matter, and over recent weeks, you’ve made it clear just how much the future of Kiama’s town centre means to you.

I met this week with our local MP, Katelin McInerney, to talk through two planning matters currently in front of us, and we’re united in wanting the same thing: a future for Kiama that respects our character and keeps the community involved.

My position is I do not support the proposal for a 14-storey building in Akuna Street. It’s out of character for our town and raises significant concerns we cannot ignore.

I understand the confusion about these two very separate NSW Government planning processes affecting central Kiama, one being Shoalhaven Street Precinct and the other being Akuna Street.

It’s important to acknowledge that they are very different matters.

Shoalhaven Street Precinct

Council has resolved to rezone the Shoalhaven Street Precinct, including the Works Depot, from industrial to residential under our Local Housing Strategy.

The NSW Government has declared this rezoning process State Significant.

Right now, this proposal is only about rezoning – no development can occur until that process is complete. There is no Development Application (DA).

The images you may have seen are concepts from the NSW Planning Department, not approved designs, heights, or plans.

Detailed planning – including building heights, design, traffic, parking and infrastructure – will happen later through the normal DCP and DA process, with full community consultation.

Why this site? It’s in the heart of Kiama, close to transport, shops and schools – an ideal location for housing rather than industry.

This was identified in our Housing Strategy, which was shaped with strong community input.

Your voice matters. I have been out and about listening to the community and your concerns and I can assure you that, when we reach the DCP and DA stages, you’ll help shape key details like height, density, and character.

For now, the first step is rezoning.

You can have your say on the NSW Government’s Planning Portal until 3 December.

Akuna Street

This land is privately owned by Level 33. Council is defending its planning controls in the Land and Environment Court because the Development Application was simply too much: too high, too bulky, and with major traffic impacts.

We didn’t choose to go to court - we were summonsed and are legally required to defend our position.

Separately, Level 33 has asked the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority to declare the site State Significant and allow a 14-storey building.

That is not a Council decision. I’ve written to Minister Paul Scully outlining community concerns.

The letter was tabled publicly at the November Council meeting. I also note that our State Member has expressed her concerns.

I will continue to meet with our NSW and Federal MPs and Ministers to advocate on behalf of our community.

Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal

As we look ahead to Christmas, I’m also inviting everyone to help brighten the season for local families through the Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal.

You can drop new, unwrapped gifts for children up to 14 years at Council’s Admin Building, Kiama Library, Gerringong Library or The Pavilion until 12 December.

Your generosity makes a real difference ... and it reflects the very best of Kiama.

Please note - this is paid content