The yet-to-be-opened Bombo Quarry staircase has remained closed to the public because it did not pass compliance inspections.

Kiama Council revealed in an update that the contractors who built the staircase did not pass Development Consent compliance inspections and therefore did not achieve an Occupation Certificate, which is required before any new building or construction can be used by the public.

Until it receives such approval, the contractor cannot hand ownership of the staircase back over to Council to officially open and manage it.

The Kiama Council update said that staff and contractors are currently working with a structural design consultant to investigate the compliance issues. Council also noted that the stairs are structurally sound but may require adjustments to some aspects like the stair treads to comply with safety standards.

“We once again apologise for the protracted delay to the opening of the Bombo Stairs,” said Kiama Council Director of Infrastructure & Liveability Michael Malone. “We are working hard to ensure the stairs can be opened and enjoyed by all – I am looking forward to the stairs being open and providing better access to this magnificent part of our foreshore.”

The staircase, which will link the Kiama walking track from Minnamurra into the Bombo headland, was originally slated to open to the public in 2022, and then early 2023, but ongoing battles with compliance and other issues like floods and COVID delayed its completion. Kiama Council received $500,000 plus concrete and steel from the State Government in 2018 to fund the project.