Kiama Council has welcomed today's announcement from NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Liberal candidate Serena Copley, committing to remove the restrictive covenant on Spring Creek if elected.
Mayor Cameron McDonald said lifting the covenant, which dates to 1993, would be a "game changer" for Kiama.
"It's the key to so much of our own financially sustainable future," Mayor McDonald said.
"With land costs as high as they are and housing in short supply, we desperately need this outdated, long expired, and unnecessary covenant removed.
"With just the stroke of a pen - and at no cost to the NSW Government - they could help set us free from the Performance Improvement Order and the restrictive covenant, giving our ratepayers certainty over our future."
"Breaking this restriction would give Council the ability to plan with confidence", Mayor McDonald said. "It gives us a future through a simple hand up, not a handout. I see it as a great opportunity for the future of Kiama."
"I'm grateful the Opposition has publicly committed to lifting this and doing away with the restrictive covenant. I would welcome the NSW Government doing the same. We've spoken to Minister Graham, and any progress on the removal of the covenant would be greatly appreciated."
The Mayor emphasised that Spring Creek is a core part of Council's State Government Advocacy Plan, and that Council has presented that plan to all candidates and parties contesting the upcoming by-election.
