Kiama's Acting (Deputy) Mayor Melissa Matters has issued a call for both the NSW and Federal Governments to stop ignoring the pressing needs of our community, starting with a new preschool premises for Jamberoo and proper support for one of our region's most vital transport links, Jamberoo Mountain Road.
In a newly released video, Cr Matters delivered a clear and uncompromising message: "Enough is enough."
"Kiama is a childcare desert. Families face waitlists stretching months just to access care," she said.
"And yet, here in Jamberoo, our local preschool sits on a floodplain, vulnerable every time it rains, without the funding it needs for a new facility."
Despite years of advocacy, reports, and meetings, the response from higher levels of government has been silence. Cr Matters warned that the issue is no longer just about education.
"This isn't just an education issue, it's a safety issue. A workforce issue. An equality issue. And it's not acceptable," she said.
The provision of funding for a new Jamberoo Community Preschool is now listed as a top priority in Council's Draft Delivery and Operational Plan, which is currently on public exhibition.
But the preschool isn't the only area where Kiama Council has been left to carry the burden alone.
Jamberoo Mountain Road, an essential regional route used daily by residents, tourists, and emergency services, will once again be closed for major repairs from early May 2025.
And once again, Council is only able to rebuild to outdated standards due to State and Federal funding limitations.
"We are doing the heavy lifting again, repairing a road built in the 1800s, to the same 1800s standard, because that's what the rules say," Cr Matters said.
"Building back better isn't allowed under the current disaster funding arrangements. It's absurd. We need common sense, not more red tape."
Kiama Council has called on the NSW Government to take over responsibility for the road, and for both State and Federal Governments to fund a proper rebuild before another landslip or tragedy occurs.
Cr Matters said she will continue knocking on doors until the region gets the support it deserves.
"We're not asking for favours, we're just asking for a fair go. And until we get it, we'll keep raising our voices," she said.
View the Draft Delivery and Operational Plan and have your say:
draft-delivery-program-operational-plan-and-resourcing-strategy
