At Kiama Council’s March Meeting, councillors voted unanimously to support a revised submission from staff on the draft Kiama Harbour Revitalisation Framework.

The amendments agreed to strengthened the wording in the submission opposing the relocation of the boat ramp to, “Council is not supportive of the relocation on the basis that the existing location and supporting infrastructure is considered appropriate and adequate for the location.

“In addition, the proposed relocation of the boat ramp appears to contradict the guidelines and safety considerations for boat ramps as stated in Transport for NSW’s Maritime Boat Ramp Facility Guidelines, specifically in regards to proximity to trailer parking, open space and public swimming areas.”

While supporting a balance of commercial, recreational and tourism industries and uses around the harbour, Council’s submission highlights a number of other specific concerns with the Draft Framework, including:

• complex and conflicting land management arrangements
• access to the waterfront, in particular the Blowhole Rock Pool
• reviewing, repairing and embellishing the full harbour seawall.

The submissions says that Council is supportive of further investigations into smaller scale breakwater extensions or groyne installation at the entrance of the harbour to improve and protect existing harbour infrastructure.

“This submission speaks to all of the concerns that I have heard,” said Councillor Neil Reilly at the Meeting.

Councillor Matt Brown said that a lot of hard work had gone into getting a collaborative response, “We, as a council, wanted to try and put forward a joint submission to encapsulate as best we could a community view to go forward.”

Councillor Mark Way, who has championed keeping the boat ramp where it is, was also pleased with the result.

“I know it doesn’t have any funding dollars attached to it, and I’ve heard people say why are we worried about it?

Well, if all of a sudden some money does come up we want to have the right plan in place.”

Deputy Mayor Andrew Sloan cautioned understanding that Council was not the final decision maker.

“Whilst we were unanimous with our opposition to the relocation of the boat ramp and various other factors here, we aren’t in fact the decision maker, although I’m sure they will pay a lot of attention to the Council’s submission.

“I’d like to make it clear that it’s not a decision being made tonight to not move the boat ramp. That will be up to the RMS over time.”

Acting General Manager Jessica Rippon notes the Draft has been successful in engaging people’s attention.

“Getting everyone engaged is always quite a complex process, they certainly did as best as they could given COVID.

“Often people don’t become fully engaged until they feel like there is something they could potentially lose.”

Just over 200 submissions were received from the public on the Draft, and Transport NSW’s Kiama Harbour Revitalisation Project Team is now reviewing and identifying issues raised.

The consultation summary will provide a response to issues rather than individual submissions, and the community will be notified when the summary is available on its website.

Council’s submission is available now on its website.