Councillor Mike Cains joined Bernie Hems on Kiama Community Radio to discuss recent council decisions and the challenges facing the Kiama community.

From waiving fees for the Kiama Show to addressing road issues and rising crime, Cains emphasised transparency, smarter decision-making, and strong community engagement.

Council backs the Kiama Show

One of the major topics in last week’s council meeting was the unanimous decision to waive the $10,520 venue hire fee for the Kiama Show. Cains, who led the motion, defended the event’s cultural and historical importance.

"The clue is in the name. It’s the Showground Pavilion, built on the blood, sweat, and tears of the Show Society," he said. "The last thing this council should be doing is charging them for their own venue."

The decision ensures that the 177-year-old Kiama Show remains supported, reflecting the council’s recognition of its deep ties to the local community.

Reforming legal costs with smarter strategies

Cains expressed serious concerns over the council’s legal expenses, which surged to $5 million in 2024. He attributed much of the expense to unsuccessful Land and Environment Court cases and called for a more strategic and cost-effective approach.

"We’ve wasted too much money fighting losing battles," he explained. "We need a risk-based legal assessment process to prevent throwing community money at losing cases."

During the interview, a listener raised an important question about whether avoiding court cases could allow developers to act unchecked, potentially overstepping regulations. Cains welcomed the question and acknowledged the concern and took the opportunity to clarify his position..

"This isn’t about not going to court," he explained. "It’s about making risk-based assessments. We need a formal process to assess the merits, risks, and costs of defending or pursuing cases in the Land and Environment Court. If the legal advice shows we’re throwing money at a losing battle, that’s when we need to pull the parachute and stop wasting community money."

Cains stressed that court action should still be pursued when justified, pointing to the council’s successful challenge to a development on Bong Bong Street as a prime example.

"We’re not saying we shouldn’t fight when it’s justified," he added. "We need proper governance and oversight to ensure we’re making smart decisions."

The proposed process would prioritise cases with a strong likelihood of success while avoiding the financial drain of unwinnable disputes, ensuring smarter resource allocation. By addressing the listener’s concerns, Cains demonstrated a commitment to community dialogue and transparency.

Jamberoo Mountain Road frustrations

Cains also spoke passionately about the prolonged closure and limited access to Jamberoo Mountain Road, calling out the state government’s failure to reclassify the route as state-managed.

"This is not just about convenience," he argued. "It’s an important trade route, and the government’s unwillingness to act is unacceptable." He called for better consultation and long-term infrastructure solutions.

Rising crime in Kiama

The conversation also touched on increasing crime across the Kiama LGA, particularly in Gerringong. Cains noted the rise in graffiti, theft, and property damage, attributing the spike to cost-of-living pressures and a lack of adequate policing resources.

"We can’t just rely on statistics. The community knows crime has increased markedly over the last 12 months," he said. "We need better policing resources to address it."

Looking ahead

Cains outlined key priorities for the coming months, including a draft housing strategy, a cultural plan, and advocacy initiatives to secure funding for important projects. He stressed the need for transparency and proactive decision-making to tackle the challenges ahead.

With The Bugle and Kiama Community Radio continuing to provide reliable coverage, the community remains informed and engaged in these vital discussions. Tune into Bernie Hems show at 9 am on Tuesdays on KCR.