Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald appreciates the NSW Finance Minister visiting the electorate of Kiama today, but says the Government must also listen directly to the priorities of the Kiama Municipal Council area, which have so far been overlooked.
Today the Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos, will join the Labor candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, at Dunmore to announce a "road maintenance blitz in Kiama."
Mayor McDonald said that while investment in roads is always welcome, the priorities identified by Kiama Municipal Council in its State Government Advocacy Plan remain unanswered.
"We would welcome a sit-down with the Premier, the Treasurer, the Finance Minister and the candidate. But right now, we don't feel our community's needs are being heard," Cr McDonald said.
"Our biggest game-changer is Spring Creek employment land. Removing the outdated covenant would cost the Government nothing, but it would transform Council's financial sustainability, help us lift the Performance Improvement Order, and allow us to deliver more for our community. We would welcome the Finance Minister's view on that."
The Mayor also renewed calls for the State Government to take back responsibility for Jamberoo Mountain Road, a critical regional link.
"If the Government is serious about roads in our region, then taking back Jamberoo Mountain Road should be front and centre. It's an essential route for safety and connectivity, yet it's being ignored."
Mayor McDonald said that while recent announcements, such as funding for a Special Entertainment Precinct trial, were positive, the absence of commitments to major advocacy priorities is concerning.
"We are ready to partner and be part of the solution. But our community cannot continue to be overlooked. Kiama doesn't want handouts. We want a hand up, through genuine partnerships that unlock our potential."
