Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald is proud of what Council has achieved under its Performance Improvement Order and is committed to Council getting back in the black by 2026-27.Cr McDonald says Council has come back from the brink and, while it has been a hard slog for both the previous and the current Councillors, as well as the wider council organisation, the results speak for themselves.“The Performance improvement order (PIO), is what’s mission critical for our council and has been since it was issued by the NSW Government back in November 2022.“The PIO is about balancing the budget and making sure that we’re financially sustainable and I’m really proud of what’s been achieved in 2.5 short years,” Cr McDonald said.A report from the CEO on the PIO in Council’s June Business Papers outlines Council’s progress, showing nearly all items are complete (70%) or underway.“We’ve seen our budget deficit reduced to a $3 million deficit – which means Council has achieved operational savings of $15 million – a huge achievement.”But that doesn’t mean Council can rest on its laurels, as there is still more to do. Council has introduced a rolling program of service reviews to ensure efficiencies and that it is delivering best practice. Service reviews are a local government requirement and they also reassure the community they’re getting a good return on investment.“The ratepayers are our shareholders and essentially they want to see their money being spent in the best way possible on services and for their local community. “So that’s where we definitely need to go. We need to be accountable to ratepayers.“Delivery of services within the restrictions imposed by the performance improvement order is the critical piece at the moment.”The Office of Local Government is looking closely at anyone who is under a performance improvement order to make sure that they are addressing their relevant issues and hitting their targets.While the Council may consider some increases (eg: the NSW Government/IPART-dictated 10% increase in domestic waste charges) and reductions of services, for example shorter seasonal hours at our Visitor Information Centre and Libraries, “it is about a partnership between the public and Council moving forward to make sure that we get that PIO lifted”.Council, like the rest of Australia, is subject to financial pressure from inflation and rising costs of living. The NSW Government’s IPART granted a rate increase of 3.7 per cent last year but Council’s wages bill went up by a similar amount, while the cost of electricity increased by double that, and Sydney Water charges have risen up to 18%.“Altogether, we’re tracking really well and if we all pull together, I’m confident we can clear the PIO and continue to deliver appropriate, effective and efficient services that benefit everyone in our wonderful Kiama community.”

Kiama Council has released the draft masterplans for both the Kiama Sports Complex and South Werri Beach Reserve.The draft masterplans will help the future layout and design of these two community facilities and are important part in attracting the necessary government funding to carry out the work.The masterplan for the Kiama Sports Complex (including the Kiama Leisure Centre) is designed to address the need for significant upgrades to the playing surface, lighting, buildings and amenities, which are nearing the end of their lifespan.It provides options for an integrated design with high-quality infrastructure and amenities, that enhance sport participation.The masterplan for the South Werri Reserve reflects the community’s desire to preserve as much native habitat as possible while creating more opportunities for recreation.This includes an improved playground, picnic area, skate park and pumptrack, new basketball court, renewed tennis courts, seating, pathways, shade trees and vegetation.The drafts were developed with extensive public and targeted consultation to learn what the community would like at each site.They also help realise our vision for a healthy, sustainable and caring community.The draft masterplans are now on public exhibition until Tuesday, 5 August 2025.

“Skate park to be removed.”When you read the summary of Kiama Sports Complex Masterplan, it seems clear: Kiama’s local skatepark will be demolished.However, for those who read the full 56-page document, the truth is buried behind the bullet points: the Masterplan suggests the skatepark is rebuilt in “Central Kiama”.This is good news for the thriving community of skaters, bikers and scooter fans who use the skatepark regularly, including Kiama Skater Kids - a social group that brings skate families together.The current skate park is old, especially compared to Berry’s Boongaree Park and Holborn Park in Berkeley.However, the local skate community do have concerns, especially the size, location and whether it’s fit for purpose.The Masterplan suggests there is space for a “small skate park” in Coronation Park or Black Beach Reserve.These have been chosen because of their “central location” and “better surveillance”.The current skatepark is covered in graffiti, tucked away in the corner of a carpark with poor lighting.Beachside skate parks make great Instagram photos, but what about the flooding and the sand that blows in? (Sand and skateboard wheels are not a good combination.)“I just hope they don’t reduce the size dramatically, and it’s built by someone who knows what they’re doing,” a local skater dad told me.My advice to Council? Ask the skater kids. This is their playground.Amy Molloy is a journalist and editor, and the creator of Kiama Skater Kids - a social group that brings kids who love to skate, bike and scooter together.

Around 380 residential lots are a step closer to being built after Kiama Council has received the development application for Stage 1 of the South Kiama Urban Release Area.Situated to the west of the Princes Highway between Saddleback Mountain Road to the north and Weir Street to the south, this URA contains 40 hectares of land that will also include public open space, environmental conservation and heritage areas, stormwater and associated infrastructure.The subdivision and development of the overall URA is being carried out over four stages and the DA for Stage 1, closest to Saddleback Mountain Road, provides for 81 residential lots between 300sqm and 700sqm in size.“This is the most significant housing development our Municipality has seen for many years and will affect most of us either directly or indirectly,” Mayor Cameron McDonald said.“I urge everyone, to have a look at what’s proposed, see what you think, and make a submission.”As part of the application, Saddleback Mountain Road will be upgraded and roads within the subdivision will be constructed, along with footpaths, bicycle shared paths and other infrastructure such stormwater worksRehabilitation work will be conducted on the riparian corridor, including bank stabilisation, rock batter retaining walls, bioretention basin and revegetation.Your community - Your stories Advertising is the backbone of the Bugle newspaper. We provide our print edition and The Bugle App free of charge, but we need your support to continue delivering quality content. Take action and support us today!Email hello@thebuglenewspaper.com.auA public park just under 2000 square metres will be a major part of the development, including a half basketball court, playground with soft fall areas, shade structures, seating and landscaping.Kiama Council will ensure the Conservation Management Plan protects heritage items such as Kendalls Cemetery and the existing dry-stone walls.The Stage 1 development application was placed on public exhibition this week for community feedback up until 5pm on 9 July.Kiama Council director of planning, environment & communities Ed Paterson said the Development Control Plan for the South Kiama URA would set specific controls for the subdivision and dwelling construction.“Having a site specific DCP for South Kiama ensures we can get the best possible outcomes from this development, for its future residents, and the wider community,” Paterson said.“I’d like to thank my planning staff for their efforts getting this DCP in place as well as working with the developers to ensure their plans adhere to the letter and spirit of the DCP.“Another win for our community is a Planning Agreement we’re negotiating, where the developer will provide land, works and monetary contributions to Council.”The Planning Agreement, once finalised, will also be put on public exhibition for community feedback.To view the development application and make a submission visit Kiama Council's website.The documents can also be viewed at Council’s administration office at 11 Manning Street, Kiama.

Whether you have a spacious backyard or live in an apartment, composting is for everyone.Kiama Council is hosting a free workshop on the 17 June at the Kiama Community Gardens on home composting.Joe Carter, who volunteers at the Kiama Community Gardens, will be providing an overview of the benefits of composting with participants.“The good thing about this is it works for people who live in apartments… it is not necessarily about having a garden,” he said.The event will guide participants through the basics of successful home composting, which includes three different methods.The methods are the ‘Dalek composting bin’, a worm farm, and ‘Bokashi One’ composting system. All participants will be provided with one that suits their residential needs.The worms are locally sourced from Gerringong and double in population every six months, but seem to manage their population.The event will provide a guide on how to use the different composting systems and which one is best for your home. It will also troubleshoot common problems people come across when they get their hands dirty in composting.Carter said that by composting at home, residents can help bring down the cost of landfill waste to councils.Research from the University of Southern Queensland highlights that food waste is a global concern, with around one third of food being wasted annually, which can have a flow-on effect onto council resources.Kiama is viewed as an Australian leader in the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) system since its implementation over a decade ago.“I was speaking to one person recently who started composting at the age of 14 and has now moved into a share house and has their housemates doing it,” Carter said.Thursday was World Environment Day and Carter said everyone can help out: “It does make you more aware… basically I’m composting all my food waste..“Composting makes sense and it’s a good feeling as well.”Bookings are essential for the workshop and can be made at the Kiama Council Website. Registrations close on 16 June at 3pm.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Council is ready to move ahead with its Housing Strategy at its meeting next month.After he recently met with NSW Housing Minister Paul Scully, Cr McDonald is hopeful of making progress after Council was inundated with feedback from the Draft Local Housing Strategy (Draft v2) being on public exhibition between 21 February and 27 April.“Council will consider the finalised strategy for adoption at our July Council meeting,” he said.“And accompanying that will be an analysis of all the feedback we received from our pop-ups, from our website, from public discussions to show that we've listened, we've considered, and this is the final strategy.”Cr McDonald described the catch-up with the minister as positive and along with CEO Jane Stroud and Director of Planning, Environment and Communities Ed Paterson, they were able to bring Scully up to speed on the housing strategy and assure him that Council is implementing the performance directions from the state government. Council is looking at various scenarios for the Housing Strategy which will be debated at next month’s meeting.“Council will consider the finalised strategy for adoption at our July Council meeting,” he said.“We’re looking at the bigger picture from a development point of view that will take into account the infrastructure needs that we require locally and not to look at developments in isolation that possibly don't trigger the need for aninfrastructure upgrade, but to consider the overall development framework and policy of the local area as a whole so that the necessary discussions with state agencies and other agencies can occur so that we aren't caught out,” the Mayor added.Despite written submissions to the state government and ongoing discussions with the relevant departments, there is still no resolution on Council’s request to have controversial caveats lifted so residential land can be sold in Glenbrook Drive, near Spring Creek.“We do have five blocks of land out there that are connected to water and sewage,” he said.“There are houses built between those lots and Bombo Quarry, which is the subject of the caveat - the operations there. So it doesn't make sense for that caveat to remain in place. “And while we're under a performance improvement whereby we need to have balance neutral finances by 2027, that would provide much-needed income for Council to be able to move forward and achieve our objectives.”

Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Natalie Ward has accused the NSW Government of turning a blind eye to claims of a conflict of interest levelled at Kiama Councillor Imogen Draisma. Ward believes Cr Draisma should have declared a conflict of interest and abstained from voting at the recent Council meeting over a reclassification motion involving three local surf life saving clubs.Cr Draisma, who was one of five local Councillors who voted for the motion along with Matt Brown, Yasman Tatrai, Stuart Larkins and Mike Cains, is employed as an electorate officer for Wollongong MP Paul Scully, who is also the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Shadow Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman first raised concerns about Cr Draisma’s employment in NSW Parliament last Thursday, directing a pointed question to Scully.“Your staff member, Imogen Draisma, didn’t disclose a conflict of interest before voting on the 20th of May in favour of a Council motion to reclassify three surf life saving clubs from community land to operational land, allowing them potential sale,” Tuckerman said in Parliament.“That reclassification requires your approval. What discussions did you have with Councillor Draisma about this reclassification prior to the vote?”Scully responded with: “Well, well. This is deeply inquisitive, Mr Speaker. “I don’t discuss Council matters with Councillor Draisma but as for her declaration, I don’t know. I also don’t watch Kiama Council proceedings because I have got work to do.”When contacted by The Bugle about Tuckerman’s query, Cr Draisma was adamant there was no conflict of interest.“As the former Minister for Local Government, I would expect the Member to better understand the fundamental process of land reclassification under the Local Government Act,” she said.“I have, on the public record, diligently disclosed and removed myself from numerous items of business in the current and previous term of Council.“The motion in question is to commence a reclassification process of land subject to consent of each Surf Life Saving Club. The outcome of this consultation will be provided in a future report to Council. “It is not the policy of Kiama Municipal Council to sell any Surf Life Saving Club or the land that they sit on. “If the Member, or the person behind her, has concerns they are aware of the avenue available. “I will not be intimidated from serving my community by a politically motivated misinformation and disinformation campaign made under parliamentary privilege. I have written to the Speaker seeking a Citizens’ Right of Reply.”Ward said “locals are right to smell a cover-up”.“The Minns Labor Government is running a two-tier system where it is one rule for everyday locals, and another for Labor staffers sitting on councils voting on planning matters tied to their bosses,” she said.“The Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, is the Minister for Planning and the employer of the councillor who voted on a land reclassification matter - a matter that will ultimately end up on his desk. “She didn’t declare a conflict, and he says he didn’t ask. From Macquarie Street, down through the Illawarra and to Kiama, Labor’s got a transparency problem.”Ward said Cr Draisma declared at the Council meeting “a significant non-pecuniary conflict” for Item 15.5 – Quarterly Planning and Development Report, and left the chamber during that item due to her employment with the Planning Minister. However, for Item 20.1, she participated in the debate and voted on a matter that Ward claims involves planning powers held by her employer, creating a clear perception of conflict.Cr Draisma opted not to respond to Ward’s claims when contacted by The Bugle this week.

Kiama Council is demonstrating its zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption with the release of its new Fraud and Corruption Control Policy.The updated policy, which is currently on public exhibition, is designed to protect Council revenue, expenditure, information and assets from any attempt to gain financial or other benefits by deceit.It includes a Statement of Business Ethics and the policy follows a comprehensive review, informed by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption.Council has issued a statement to reinforce that "fraud and corruption are incompatible with our values and threaten our ability to serve our community in a cost effective, efficient and ethical manner".Staff members receive regular mandatory training to staff on fraud and corruption.The draft Fraud and Corruption Control Policy and Statement of Business Ethics are on public exhibition until Friday 27 June 2025.You can have your say at the Council website.

Kiama Council is seeking feedback on our draft Property and Asset Recycling Strategy 2025-2028.The draft Strategy is a requirement of the NSW Government Performance Improvement Order and includes actions for our Strategic Improvement Plan (SIP).It will be used to guide how Council property is utilised, optimised and developed, to align with our service delivery. The intent is to use property assets to achieve better community and commercial value.The Strategy considers community, social, cultural and environmental factors in determining the preferred, alternative and least preferred options for each property or asset.It also ensures proceeds from recycling of assets are used to invest in Council infrastructure and assets, with funds held in restricted reserves.The Strategy will be reviewed every two years.To view the draft Strategy and make a submission, visit the Council website.

Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club is excited about the prospect of safeguarding its financial future so it can continue serving the community after getting the green light at last week’s Kiama Council meeting to have its new clubhouse reclassified.At last week’s meeting, Council voted to engage with three local surf clubs - Gerringong, Kiama and Kiama Downs - to understand if they have an appetite to reclassify, rezone and subdivide the lands that the three clubs sit on.The end goal for Gerringong SLSC is to be able to sublet space in the clubhouse for a commercially run cafe and provide a free meeting place for other local community groups.Council, as the owner and landlord of each surf clubhouse community facility, has offered Gerringong Surf Club a temporary 12-month licence agreement for the use of the building as a clubhouse for Surf Life Saving activities.Gerringong SLSC vice-president Richard Payne said they just want to explore their options and work constructively with Council to see what’s possible.“We’re super thankful for the Councillors who supported the motion,” he told The Bugle.“It’s really exciting that the Council is prepared to investigate reclassification and see what works for not only our Surf Club but the other ones as well. It’s a positive step.”Payne said it costs Surf Clubs around $100,000 annually just to get their patrols up and running, not to mention all the other costs associated with equipment, surf sports and nippers programs.He estimated it would cost Council more than $300,000 to replace the service that Gerringong SLSC provides.“This whole thing has been around our financial sustainability and ensuring that for the long term so we can ensure the safety of beachgoers.“We’re a vital organisation for developing youth, bringing people in and that’s huge in terms of mental health aspects and getting people involved in the community.”Councillor Matt Brown, who supported the motion which passed by a vote of 5-4, said the Surf Club simply wanted to go about running their business like North Wollongong, South Wollongong or Shellharbour City.Cr Brown said it was “scaremongering” to suggest that the club would use its new ownership status to privatise any part of the facility.“No one is suggesting or has thought of selling those assets. Who the hell would you sell a surf club to? The only people who would be interested in running a surf club is its current occupant - Gerringong Surf Club Club always gonna get run by Gerringong Surf Club.“I just find that really disingenuous because no one's thinking of doing it or wanting to do it - you can come up with a whole bunch of reasons to stop anyone doing anything by just making something.“The Surf Club has come to Kiama Council saying we need a lease and we need to be able to sub-let our kiosk. They don't want to have surf club members running a kiosk.“They want surf club members on the beach to patrol to save lives, not making coffee - that job is for a small business person the previous owner of the kiosk.“It’s a community club for the community - they want to rent space out for community groups but at the moment they're not allowed to under the licence agreement so we’ve just got a big white elephant sitting there.“We need to empower the surf club to go about doing their great community work.“They’re keeping the beach safe and costing Council nothing so if they weren't doing it for free, Council would have to put paid lifeguards there.”Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips was pleased to see progress being made.“When I delivered $5.5 million from the Albanese Labor Government for the new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club building, it was to help secure the future for the club and its members,” she told The Bugle.“So volunteers into the future, just like those before them, could continue to protect our beaches and save lives, which benefits everyone in our community.“The resolution at Kiama Council was a significant win.”

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has issued a statement saying Council will review contribution plans in light of concerns raised by Councillor Erica Warren.She had called upon Council to enlist the services of a specialist consultant to prepare a new Section 7.11 Developer Contributions Plan and to include the cost of this work in the 2025–26 budget.Cr Warren said poor governance had resulted in a significant cost to Council from money that had not been collected from developer contributions.Mayor McDonald released a statement on Wednesday to address what he called community concerns about developer contributions.“Regarding recent discussion in the community about Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 contributions, I have tasked the CEO with providing a review of the process that has led to the policy adopted by Council. “All non-confidential information in that report will be provided to the community.”He has requested the review be presented to the July 2025 Ordinary Meeting.“Following the completion of Council’s Local Housing Strategy, Council may consider revisiting the policy to ensure the best return for residents from developer contributions,” Cr McDonald said.

Business owners and operators will get to have their say on Kiama's evening and twilight trading through a Night-Time Economy Forum.Kiama Council has announced the forum will be held on Monday 2 June from 3.30pm to 5pm, downstairs, at The Pavilion in Kiama.Council staff and representatives from the NSW Government’s Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, want to explore with local business owners how Kiama can responsibly and sustainably grow its after-dark economy.While Council was unsuccessful in its recent Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Kickstart Grant application to establish a SEP in Kiama, there remains a strong appetite to support local businesses that are interested in expanding their night-time operations.“There’s little point changing the rules for businesses that don’t want to stay open later – but for those that do, we can support that ambition,” said Sally Bursell, Council’s tourism and economic development manager.The session will explore key themes such as trading conditions, planning and licensing opportunities, cultural activation, safety, and what local enablers or barriers currently exist.Council is aiming to build a vibrant night life while preserving Kiama’s unique charm and community amenity.Tourism and Economic Development Committee chair Matt Brown said the forum would bring together a cross-section of voices from Kiama’s business, hospitality, cultural and tourism sectors to help shape a shared vision for a vibrant, safe and sustainable night-time economy.“We know that Kiama has incredible potential to strengthen its twilight economy – not just for visitors, but for the benefit of our community, our creatives, and our small businesses,” Cr Brown said.This local initiative is part of Council’s broader engagement with the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms and the work of the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, which seeks to support councils, businesses and the community to build vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe 24-hour economies across NSW. The outcome of this forum will also feed into the Council’s Visitor Economy Strategy.Anyone interested in attending does not need to register, just turn up and share their thoughts.

Kiama Council is on the lookout for new faces to join its Finance Advisory Committee.The committee is aiming to add at least four suitably qualified community members for the term starting in July.Convening quarterly, the committee guides Council’s long-term financial plan and related reforms. Meetings are held in person at the Council Administration Building or virtually via Microsoft Teams.The committee aims to:provide expert advice which informs the future financial sustainability of Council;support and provide advice to Council’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer;act as a conduit between the community and Council on financial concerns;make recommendations to Council on specific financial concerns and matters.Council will consider several factors in determining whether members should be added to the committee.They must have relevant experience and expertise and be able to demonstrate that they are connected and representative of the community.Council will also consider whether the person is a resident of the Kiama Local Government Area, there is a gender balance on the committee and a representation from across the full Kiama geographical area, and that cultural and age diversity is represented.If you would like to apply for the committee, click here by June 8.

Every Tuesday at 9am, Bernie Hems hosts Counsel Council on Kiama Community Radio, a segment that invites local councillors to speak openly about the matters on the community’s mind.This article has been created based on Bernie’s conversation with Cr Matt Brown on 20 May 2025.The following views expressed are those of Cr Matt Brown and not necessarily those of Kiama Council or Kiama Community Radio.Cr Brown was pleased to confirm that the much-anticipated Bombo staircase is now open.“I can finally say with great confidence that the Bombo staircase is now open,” he said.“It’s an essential link in our coastal walking track and a truly special place. You feel like you’re walking on a different planet.”He credited former councillor Warren Steel for his persistence in pushing for the staircase and shared that Steel is proposing the name “Thunder” for the new feature.“He says it has cultural significance for First Nations people and also reflects the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks,” Brown explained. “He wants to spell it with an A. I think it’s a great name. It’s catchy.”Destination Kiama plans to make the site a feature of future tourism promotions. Cr Brown encouraged locals to go and experience the walk themselves.Turning to Kiama Harbour, Cr Brown expressed support for Councillor Mike Cains’ notice of motion to form a local committee that would lead a revitalisation plan.“We all know that our harbour is the jewel in the crown of this area,” Brown said. “But some parts of it are looking tired. People are constantly asking what’s going on with the Cargo’s building, the storage sheds, the cabins.”Cr Brown explained that the proposed committee would help bring together local voices and the various government departments responsible for different sections of the harbour.“This committee could act as a conduit between the community, Crown Lands, Transport for NSW and other key stakeholders. We need to bring all the pieces together and start making progress.”He acknowledged concerns about cost and said the motion had been scaled back to minimise budget impact.“The goal is to get better planning, better access, and better use of this treasured space,” he said.

It began with a petition and ended with a divided vote. Kiama Council has agreed to begin talks with local surf lifesaving clubs about reclassifying their land from community to operational.The decision follows a campaign led by Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club and supported by 2228 signatories. The petition was tabled by Councillor Stuart Larkins at the Council meeting on Tuesday night.The motion, moved by Councillor Matt Brown and seconded by Councillor Yasmin Tatrai, was presented as a step towards surf club autonomy and passed by a 5-4 vote.It authorises Council to engage with the three local clubs, including Kiama and Kiama Downs, about reclassification and possible rezoning, subject to each club’s written consent.“This is about allowing our surf clubs to do what they do best,” said Councillor Brown. “They save Council hundreds of thousands of dollars every year through volunteer patrols.“They should be free to manage their buildings and raise funds in ways that work for them.”But many in the chamber acknowledged that the issue goes well beyond surf patrols and sausage sizzles.Councillor Melinda Lawton opposed the motion, voicing concern about the process and the pressure being applied behind the scenes.“These buildings sit on public land. We must ensure the community has a say in how that land is used. That means consultation, not rushed decisions driven by a single group,” she said.Mayor Cameron McDonald also voted against the motion. He questioned the cost of the reclassification process, which Council staff estimate will be around $100,000, and noted it is currently unfunded.“We want to support our surf clubs. But we also need to protect public assets and keep our budget in check,” he said.Mayor McDonald, who conceded the relationship with Gerringong SLSC was “less than desirable, added that Council had no intention of “taking over” surf clubs.Council CEO Jane Stroud advised that reclassification alone would not permit commercial activity under current zoning. She outlined other options, including a temporary development application that could enable short-term use of club spaces for functions or events.Councillor Michael Cains supported the motion but added a successful amendment to include support for a disability access upgrade at Gerringong Surf Club, funded by the club itself.He expressed frustration that essential services like surf lifesaving must spend so much energy on fundraising.Throughout the debate, several councillors acknowledged the strained relationship between Council and Gerringong SLSC. The motion is seen as a chance to reset that relationship.

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 tableRepresentatives 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 hereJohn 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 concernsSpeakers 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.Download the report hereCycleway suspension challengedRos 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 hereSurf club debate reveals path forwardDiscussion 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

The Jamberoo Cycleway may soon be shelved.Not because it lacks funding. Not because the community does not want it.But because the right people were not in the room early enough to solve a predictable problem.At its 20 May meeting, Kiama Council will consider a staff recommendation to return $2.4 million in grant funding from Transport for NSW.Council staff have advised that the cycleway project, even in its scaled-back form, cannot be delivered by the funding deadline of 30 June 2026.Their concerns are valid. The project involves land acquisition, community consultation, design approvals, utility relocation and public procurement.Staff estimate it would take at least 15 to 18 months after all approvals are in place before construction could be completed.The deadline is not expected to be achievable.But a critical factor has received little attention. The developer of Golden Valley is currently preparing plans for a new sewer main running from Jamberoo to Jerrara Rd.The sewer line will run along the northern side of the road - the same alignment as the proposed cycleway.Sydney Water is expected to sign off on the sewer works later this year, with construction taking place into mid-2026.That timing makes it physically impossible to start building the cycleway along that route until the sewer is in the ground.In other words, even if every other condition had been met, construction could not have begun until the developer’s pipeline was complete.This unavoidable conflict could also have given Council a valid basis to request an extension of the grant timeline, supported by clear evidence that the delay is beyond its control.This kind of dependency should not come as a surprise. But there is no indication that it was considered as part of Council’s initial negotiations with Transport for NSW or factored into its delivery estimates.This is where a working group could have made the difference. A project of this complexity, involving Council, state funding agencies, utility providers, private developers and the community, cannot be managed in isolation.It requires shared timelines, early warnings and open channels between those doing the digging, the planning and the funding.Had this kind of group been established earlier, Council could have used the sewer conflict to justify a formal request for an adjusted timeline.With design work already complete, and strong community support, the case for a reasonable extension may have been compelling.Now, the project is at risk of being withdrawn entirely.Council staff have recommended returning the funds, recovering design costs, and waiting for a future grant opportunity.That may be fiscally cautious, but it will be a disappointment to residents who have long supported the project and assumed its delivery was a matter of when, not if.There may still be a way forward. If Council engages quickly with Transport for NSW, armed with clear information about the sewer installation timeline, there may be grounds for a further extension. But that will require urgency, collaboration and leadership.The bigger lesson is simple. Working groups are not just talkfests. When formed early and structured properly, they can prevent costly delays, align parallel infrastructure, and unlock funding that might otherwise be lost.If Kiama is serious about delivering complex projects in constrained times, it needs more than plans on paper. It needs all the players at the table, from the beginning.

When Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters called out the State and Federal Governments for failing Jamberoo families, the director of Jamberoo Community Preschool, Belinda Hibbert, felt seen.“The Jamberoo community just comes together to support us so much,” she said.“And now it feels like the support is even broader. It’s clear this preschool means a lot to a lot of people.”Jamberoo Community Preschool is part of Kiama Preschool Incorporated, which has been educating local children for more than 50 years.Generations of families have come through its doors, and now many are returning as parents.But demand has never been higher. There are around 150 children on the waitlist in Jamberoo alone.In Kiama, the list is even longer. Belinda estimates there are more than 300 names waiting for a place.“A lot of families want to come to community preschools,” she said. “We are not for profit, we have higher staff-to-child ratios, and we are truly part of our local community. People know us. They see us walking up the street.”Jamberoo Preschool legally requires three educators each day but currently employs six. That means more time for relationship building and school readiness, which Belinda believes is central to their success.The preschool has been actively searching for a new site after years of operating on a known floodplain.A breakthrough came when local developer Fountaindale Group offered to donate a parcel of land in their proposed Golden Valley Stage 2 subdivision.But with that development proposal still to be formally assessed and approved, the offer remains just that, an offer.Jennifer Macquarie, a representative of Fountaindale Group, said Council has the ability to fast-track the rezoning process if it chooses.“Once Kiama Council’s housing strategy is adopted we will immediately start to prepare and lodge a rezoning application over the land, and then it will be up to Council and State Government how quickly the assessment progresses.”She is also calling for a working group to be established between Council, the preschool and the developer to prevent the project from stalling.“What is missing is a coordinated plan and a clear timeline,” she said.Many grant programs require a matched in-kind contribution. The donated land could meet this condition, but only if its value is formally recognised and documented.Belinda welcomed the strong advocacy from Cr Matters and said she hopes the preschool’s inclusion in Council’s Delivery and Operational Plan will spark more than just talk.“This is not just about buildings,” she said. “It’s about giving families the start they deserve, close to home and connected to their community.”

It’s hard to overstate how grateful the community can be to have Council Counsel, a regular segment hosted by Bernie Hems on Kiama Community Radio (KCR).These open and informative interviews keep the community up to date on key council matters and give councillors the chance to speak directly to residents about what’s happening in our LGA.In her Tuesday conversation with Cr Stuart Larkins, listeners heard about:Cr Larkins’ participation in the Regional and Rural Local Government Summit, including a conversation with the Mayor of Wingecarribee about shared management of Jamberoo Mountain Road and local bushwalking tracks.Minister Ron Hoenig’s comments on the possibility of expanding rate categories, including changes to short-term rental classifications.Minister Rose Jackson’s feedback on Kiama’s water infrastructure needs and the role of Sydney Water, highlighting the fact that unlike most regional councils, Kiama does not manage its own system.The ongoing debate about whether developments like Springside Hill can be adequately serviced by existing infrastructure.Upcoming road closures on Minnamurra Street (19 May), Gipps Street (19 to 20 May), and Manning Street (21 to 25 May).National Road Safety Week reminders and the importance of road user awareness.A reminder that the Volunteer Expo returns to Kiama Farmers Market on 21 May, with more than 30 local groups attending.Reflections ahead of National Sorry Day (26 May) and Reconciliation Week, including Cr Larkins’ personal connection to the Stolen Generations and an open discussion about cultural healing.A call to better protect Indigenous heritage sites, which Bernie has committed to following up in a future program.Progress on masterplans for South Werri and Kiama Sports Complex, funded by the federal government. See 20 May Council Meeting Agenda Item 16.3 here Long-awaited upgrades to the Kiama Sports Complex, with multiple concept options to be considered before Council moves to the next stage.Broader precinct planning for the Leisure Centre, emergency services, and the Havilah Place site.Council’s resolution to demolish Havilah Place, with a subdivision report still pending to guide the site’s future use.Listen to the podcast here To hear more from Council Counsel, tune in at KCR.org.au or on the KCR app. Thank you to Bernie for making sure our community stays informed.