Kiama Municipal Council representatives have pushed the town’s case for greater NSW Government investment during a Community Cabinet session held in the town on Tuesday.
More than 300 people attended the Government’s first Community Cabinet event of 2026, with a public forum allowing residents and community groups to ask Premier, Chris Minns, a series of questions on topics such as housing and development, roads and transport, health and community services.
Mayor, Cameron McDonald and Council CEO, Jane Stroud, also met with Premier Minns to discuss Kiama’s advocacy list, which included a proposed upgrade of the Bombo Waste Treatment Plant in Sydney Water’s Long Term Capital and Operational Plan, and funding for the Kiama Sports Complex and masterplan.
Council also expressed its belief that the State Government should remove a restrictive covenant on Council-owned land at Spring Creek, by replacing it with an easement.
“We discussed issues that are really important for the future of Kiama,” Mayor McDonald said.
“The Spring Creek land holding that Council owns behind Bombo Cemetery is under a restrictive covenant from the State Government. It’s been locked up for 30 years and if we can have that converted to an easement, it frees it up to become a significant game-changing project for Council. It will put Council in a vastly different financial position and be beneficial for the community long into the future.
“It will also help our Employment Lands Strategy by providing much-needed space that we could include for our local businesses to expand.
“Bombo Waste Treatment Plant is reaching end-of-life asset stage and has capacity, odour and ‘fatberg’ issues. Water and sewerage are fundamental to growth and key to a healthy environment.
“Right now, we aren’t in Sydney Water’s 10-year plan and if we’re looking at delivering housing and building infrastructure in our community, then that’s a critical issue that has to be addressed.
“We are ready to partner and keen to chase funding for our upgrades to Kiama Sports Complex. With over 16 user groups inside this facility and our community’s sole indoor swimming pool, the whole site needs significant investment for a rebuild so it can provide an activities hub for future generations.
“We can’t do it alone and we need support from other levels of government to help fund the masterplan. To be able to speak plainly and frankly with the Premier and Ministers about our LGA was so valuable.”
Deputy Mayor, Melissa Matters; Councillor, Melinda Lawton and Director Strategies and Communities, Ed Paterson also took part in meetings alongside the Mayor and CEO with Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully; Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig and Minister for Lands and Property, Multiculturalism, Sport, and Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper.
Councillors Stuart Larkins and Yasmin Tatrai also attended the open forum.
“Community Cabinet was also a great chance for residents and local groups to speak directly to the government and we thank the Premier for extending the privilege of hosting the event to Kiama,” Mayor McDonald said.
“I’d also like to thank our state Member of Parliament, Katelin McInerney, for her help in facilitating this event and supporting Council’s plans.
“We will continue to meet with State and Federal Government officials to advocate for these projects and many more to get the best possible outcome for Kiama.”
