Kiama Business Network’s annual Mayoral Breakfast drew a strong crowd to the Mercure Gerringong on Thursday, with local business owners, politicians and community representatives eager to hear an update on Kiama Council’s progress and priorities.

Mayor Cameron McDonald delivered the address, joined by special guests Federal MP Fiona Phillips, new state MP Katelin McInerney, councillors and senior Council staff.

He also acknowledged the contributions of CEO Jane Stroud - recently reappointed for a further three years - and Director of Planning, Environment and Communities Ed Patterson.

Cr McDonald praised KBN’s board, describing it as “one of the most cohesive” he has worked with, and commended its strong advocacy role in supporting local enterprise.

He also noted Kiama High School’s long-running involvement with the Breakfast as an important bridge between education and industry.

Reflecting on the past year, Cr McDonald highlighted Council’s work to address challenges stemming from the Performance Improvement Order and the divestment of Blue Haven, decisions inherited from the previous term.

He said Council had stabilised its financial management, with longstanding audit qualifications now cleared, and pointed to key initiatives such as:

• the opening of a Planning Hub in the old Westpac building to make planning advice more accessible,

• the acquisition of Shoalhaven Street land as a step towards “reimagining Kiama’s future” with State Government support,

Council CEO Jane Stroud with KBN treasurer Greg Langford. Photo: The Bugle

• success in the tourism sector, with Kiama placing third nationally in the Australian Tourism Awards after back-to-back NSW wins, and

• progress on major strategies, including the finalisation of the Housing Strategy, public exhibition of the Employment Lands Strategy, and work on a Rural Land Strategy.

Looking to the year ahead, the Mayor pledged to advocate for funding to repair Jerrara Mountain Road and for an upgrade to Kiama’s sewage treatment plant, which he described as critical for community health and the area’s housing capacity.

Councillor Yasmin Tatrai, Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney and Councillor Stuart Larkins. Photo: The Bugle

Other key focus areas included:

• working with the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Joint Organisation of councils on major regional issues such as waste, transport and health,

• supporting the expansion of employment lands to ensure skilled workers can remain in the area,

• addressing the challenges local businesses face beyond tourism, including rising rents and closures, and

• improving local sporting and community facilities, with particular emphasis on amenities for women and girls.

Cr McDonald stressed Council could not achieve these goals alone, calling for continued partnership with business, community, and state and federal governments.

He urged residents and operators to engage with Council strategies currently on exhibition, noting that “strong, united advocacy” would give Kiama a greater voice in future funding and policy decisions.