The NSW Government has advised Kiama Council that following an independent review, the Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts supports the proposed development at South Kiama.
The proposed development involves a rezoning of rural land west of the Princes Highway between Saddleback Mountain Road to south of Weir Street, South Kiama.
Council has already rejected the proposal twice before the NSW Minister for Planning held an independent review.
Council has been advised by the Department of Planning and Environment that following its review:
‘the proposal has strategic and site-specific merit and issues raised during consultation can be satisfactorily addressed”.
The Department says it has made minor changes to the proposal to address concerns and the matters raised by the independent review can be addressed by:
- Further master planning
- Preparing a development control plan
- Developing a development application assessment process
The Department has instructed Council to implement the recommendations of the independent review.
Mayor Neil Reilly and Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma have both voiced their disappointment with the decision.
“Kiama Council wants to work with the NSW Government on an alternative to the current greenfield development attitude that permits unsuitable, unsustainable and unnecessary sprawl,” Cr Reilly said.
“This will deliver poor social and health outcomes. The development is car dependant for almost every need, including schooling and shopping, leaving residents without cars isolated.”
Cr Draisma said if the South Kiama Development proceeds, then significant pressure will be put on roads, schools, and community infrastructure.
“This formed the basis of community and Council objections, and we will continue to pressure the NSW government to address these concerns,” Cr Draisma said.
The NSW Government advice and report of the Independent Review will be considered at the Council Meeting next Tuesday, 19 July.
