Kiama Council’s public access meeting on Monday was a packed session with speakers advocating for action on ageing sports infrastructure, heritage recognition, cycling safety and surf club governance.

For information on Kiama Council's May 20 Ordinary Meeting, click here and to view the livestream from 5pm, click here.

Sporting precinct masterplan finally on the table

Representatives of the Kiama District Sports Association – Complex Users Working Group welcomed the draft masterplan for the Kiama Sports Complex and South Werri Reserve.

They urged Council to endorse it for public exhibition and extend the consultation period to 56 days.

Download the report here

John Dawson, Craig Scott and Ryan McBride detailed long-standing issues including poor drainage, failing lights, lack of inclusive changerooms and dangerous netball courts.

The complex serves more than 4000 players and supports multiple sports and school carnivals.

Users also raised concerns about limited consultation to date and confusion over the inclusion of the Kiama Leisure Centre in current plans.

Land classification concerns

Speakers addressed the draft Community Land Plan of Management.

John Greer questioned the classification of a block in Kiama Heights, citing documentation from 2002 showing it was community land.

He urged Council to pause endorsement until the land’s status could be confirmed.

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Cycleway suspension challenged

Ros Neilsen of the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association expressed disappointment over a staff recommendation to suspend the Jamberoo to Kiama cycleway project and return unspent grant funds.

She proposed a fourth resolution point be added to initiate community consultation and publicly exhibit the “shelf-ready” design.

Neilsen questioned whether the original route remained viable given current land use, flooding and access challenges.

“We’ve waited 20 years – let’s not shelve this without speaking to those most affected,” she said.

Download the report here

Surf club debate reveals path forward

Discussion around item 20.1, a notice of motion concerning the future of surf club land, revealed clear differences – but also room for common ground.

Former Mayor Sandra McCarthy opposed the proposed reclassification of Gerringong Surf Club land from community to operational, arguing it was unnecessary, could set a dangerous precedent and failed to honour the collaborative spirit underpinning decades of volunteer effort.

Steve Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, emphasised that surf clubs must be able to operate sustainably and manage their facilities in partnership with Council.

While he spoke under the item’s listing, his remarks aligned more with a brokered governance solution than a wholesale endorsement of reclassification.

He offered Surf Life Saving NSW’s support to help resolve tensions and ensure the club could function as a community hub without undermining community land protections.

See item 20 Notices of Motions here