For too long, Kiama's sports clubs have been left with facilities that don't match their passion or potential. Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters and Councillor delegate to the Kiama District Sports Association, is calling on the NSW Government, the Opposition, and all candidates to step up now, commit funding, and give our community the sporting infrastructure it deserves.
"Our kids deserve better than cracked netball courts, flooded fields, broken lighting, and roads running through playing areas," Cr Matters said.
"They deserve safe, modern facilities, not to be getting changed in car parks because there's nowhere else."
Eighteen sporting groups, representing more than 5,500 members, most of them female athletes, use the Kiama Sports Complex. Despite the passion, planning, and volunteer effort that goes into every season, facilities are worn out and past their use-by date.
"Communities like Bomaderry and Albion Park have fields with proper drainage, irrigation, floodlighting, and modern amenities, they can play all year round," Cr Matters said.
"Meanwhile, here in Kiama, our players and clubs are stuck making do with outdated facilities and a lack of investment, or with cancellations and away games as our fields lack drainage and irrigation."
The Kiama District Sports Association, which has served the region for nearly 50 years, has already done the groundwork. The Federal Government funded the development of masterplans for the Kiama Sports Complex, which has helped create the roadmap to the future, now it needs serious investment.
Council is ready and willing to work with the State to make it happen. All that's missing is the funding, the will to partner and understanding of the dire need.
"We have the plans, the designs, the volunteers, and the local knowledge. And we're more than ready to get started." Cr Matters said.
Cr Matters is now inviting NSW Premier Chris Minns, Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, and any candidate seeking to represent the Kiama electorate to visit the facilities in person.
"Come and see for yourself. Myself and the volunteers would love to show your around," Cr Matters said.
"Sport keeps kids healthy, teaches resilience, drives social connection, and brings people together.
"This investment is not a luxury, It's the right thing to do for the future of Kiama."
