Council representatives pushed Kiama's case for greater investment in the local area during the NSW Government's Community Cabinet at The Pavilion on Tuesday.
Kiama was proud to be chosen to host Premier Chris Minns' first Community Cabinet of 2026 and more than 300 people attended the event to discuss a range of topics with the government ministers.
A public forum was held in the Norfolk Room with residents and community groups asking the Premier a series of questions on topics such as housing and development, roads and transport, health and community services.
Mayor Cameron McDonald and Council CEO Jane Stroud met with Premier Minns to discuss some big-picture projects on Kiama's advocacy list.
They expressed Council's desire for the State Government to remove the restrictive covenant on Council-owned land at Spring Creek, by replacing it with an easement. They also raised the need to include the upgrade of the Bombo Waste Treatment Plant in Sydney Water's Long Term Capital and Operational Plan, and much-needed funding for the Kiama Sports Complex and its masterplan.
"We discussed issues that are really important for the future of Kiama," Mayor McDonald said.
"The Spring Creek land holding that Council owns behind Bombo Cemetery is under a restrictive covenant from the State Government. It's been locked up for 30 years and if we can have that converted to an easement, it frees it up to become a significant game-changing project for Council. It will put Council in a vastly different financial position and be beneficial for the community long into the future.
"It will also help our Employment Lands Strategy by providing much-needed space that we could include for our local businesses to expand.
Councillor Melinda Lawton, Mayor Cameron McDonald, Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters and Minister for Planning Paul Scully.
"Bombo Waste Treatment Plant is reaching end-of-life asset stage and has capacity, odour and 'fatberg' issues. Water and sewerage are fundamental to growth and key to a healthy environment.
"Right now, we aren't in Sydney Water's 10-year plan and if we're looking at delivering housing and building infrastructure in our community, then that's a critical issue that has to be addressed.
"We are ready to partner and keen to chase funding for our upgrades to Kiama Sports Complex. With over 16 user groups inside this facility and our community's sole indoor swimming pool, the whole site needs significant investment for a rebuild so it can provide an activities hub for future generations.
Council CEO Jane Stroud, State Government Minister Steve Kamper, Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters.
"We can't do it alone and we need support from other levels of government to help fund the masterplan. To be able to speak plainly and frankly with the Premier and Ministers about our LGA was so valuable."
Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters, Councillor Melinda Lawton and Director Strategies and Communities Ed Paterson also took part in meetings alongside the Mayor and CEO with Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Steve Kamper, the Minister for Lands and Property, Multiculturalism, Sport, and Jobs and Tourism.
Councillors Stuart Larkins and Yasmin Tatrai also attended the open forum.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters.
"Community Cabinet was also a great chance for residents and local groups to speak directly to the government and we thank the Premier for extending the privilege of hosting the event to Kiama," Mayor McDonald added.
"I'd also like to thank our state Member of Parliament, Katelin McInerney, for her help in facilitating this event and supporting Council's plans.
"We will continue to meet with State and Federal Government officials to advocate for these projects and many more to get the best possible outcome for Kiama."
