Kiama Invites Stakeholders to Help Shape a Vibrant Night-Time Economy
Kiama Municipal Council is calling on local business owners, operators, and community stakeholders to help shape the future of the town's evening and twilight trading through a Night-Time Economy Forum to be held on Monday 3 June from 5.00pm to 6.30pm, downstairs, at The Pavilion, Kiama.
Led by Council staff in collaboration with representatives from the NSW Government's Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, the forum will explore how Kiama can responsibly and sustainably grow its after-dark economy.
While Council was unsuccessful in its recent Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Kickstart Grant application to establish a SEP in Kiama, there remains a strong appetite to support local businesses that are interested in expanding their night-time operations.
"There's little point changing the rules for businesses that don't want to stay open later – but for those that do, we can support that ambition," said Ed Paterson / Sally
This forum hopes to bring together a cross-section of voices from Kiama's business, hospitality, cultural, tourism and community sectors to help shape a shared vision for a vibrant, safe and sustainable night-time economy.
"We know that Kiama has incredible potential to strengthen its twilight economy – not just for visitors, but for the benefit of our community, our creatives, and our small businesses," said Tourism and Economic Development Committee Chairman, Cr Matt Brown.
The session will explore key themes such as trading conditions, planning and licensing opportunities, cultural activation, safety, and what local enablers or barriers currently exist.
This local initiative is part of Council's broader engagement with the NSW Government's Vibrancy Reforms and the work of the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, which seeks to support councils, businesses and the community to build vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe 24-hour economies across NSW. The outcome of this forum will also feed into the Council's Visitor Economy Strategy.
Council is seeking input from those with an interest in building a more dynamic night-time offering while preserving Kiama's unique charm and community amenity.
