Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has expressed disappointment at the NSW Government's decision to progress the Akuna Street State Significant Development with an 8-storey outcome, which exceeds the locally adopted planning controls for the Kiama town centre.
"Like many in our community will be, I'm disappointed by this decision," Mayor McDonald said.
"Council has recently adopted planning controls for the Kiama town centre that reflect extensive community consultation and set a 6-storey height limit for this site."
"The State's decision to advance an 8-storey proposal is not consistent with those locally adopted controls and community expectations."
Mayor McDonald said Council supports the delivery of new housing, but not at the expense of local planning integrity and appropriate scale.
"Housing delivery matters, but so does getting the right outcome for Kiama. Development in the heart of our town must respect our local character, amenity, infrastructure capacity and the plans our community has helped shape."
The Mayor acknowledged that Council's role in the State Significant Development process is limited.
"With the project now in the State's SSD pathway, Council's role is largely to make submissions and represent the community's concerns through the formal process and we will do that clearly and strongly.
"I want our community to know this: Council will stand with you at the appropriate time and will continue to advocate for an outcome that is consistent with Kiama's planned town centre future."
How can the community have their say?
The State Significant Development process includes a formal public exhibition period. During this time, community members will be able to review the proposal and lodge a submission directly with the NSW Government.
Council encourages residents, businesses and stakeholders to engage respectfully in this process and make a submission, outlining their views and concerns. Community input remains an important part of how planning decisions are considered.
Community engagement – important note
Council will provide information to the community about when and how submissions can be made once the exhibition period opens. We encourage everyone who has an interest in the future of the Kiama town centre to participate in the process.
