With just days to go until the by-election, the message from Kiama Council is clear: our community deserves real partnerships and real solutions, not short-term politics.

In the past fortnight, we’ve seen some important wins.

The NSW Coalition’s $26 million pledge for the Kiama Sports Precinct recognises how important this facility is for more than 5,500 local players, families and volunteers.

The NSW Government’s $200,000 for a Special Entertainment Precinct shows that when we advocate with one voice, government listens.

But these announcements are only part of the picture. Our adopted State Government Advocacy Plan lays out the full list of priorities that will shape Kiama’s future, from upgrading the Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility, to revitalising our harbour and main street, to ensuring Jamberoo Mountain Road is safe and reliable.

Above all, lifting the outdated covenant on our Spring Creek employment lands is the game changer.

This reform costs the State Government nothing, but would transform Council’s long-term financial sustainability, free us from the Performance Improvement Order, and give us the means to deliver more for our community.

That’s the difference between a handout and a hand up. We are ready to work with any government that’s serious about giving Kiama a fair go.

The NSW Coalition has made a commitment regarding Spring Creek but we have nothing yet in regards to this issue from the NSW Government.

One year into my term as Mayor, I am proud of the progress we’ve made. We’ve taken tough decisions when needed, we’ve kept pushing our case to government, and we’ve never lost sight of the future we want for Kiama.

The by-election is a chance to secure the commitments our community deserves. Now is the time for all parties to step up.

Recently, Council voted on whether to spend almost $100,000 we don’t have on New Year’s Eve fireworks. I know this decision is disappointing for many families, locals and visitors.

Some councillors proposed plugging that gap by selling public land. At a time when Council is under a State Government Performance Improvement Order to reduce our deficit and live within our means, I could not support that.

Using the sale of public assets to fund fireworks is not responsible financial management.

This pause is for one year only.

The NYE Sky Show will return when we have sustainable funding in place.

Please note - this editorial is paid content