Kiama Council has voted to form a working group that will help decide the future of Jerrara Dam by reviewing its 27-year-old plan of management.

Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma moved a successful motion on Tuesday 15 June to form the Jerrara Dam Working Group and was voted in favour unanimously by Council.

The working group has three goals: to review the Jerrara Dam Plan of Management 1996; consider future uses for the site; and to consider the rehabilitation of the site for the conservation and regeneration of its indigenous vegetation and associated habitats

The group will submit its report to Council, who will then formally review the Jerrara Dam Plan of management, subject to available budget.

Jerrara Dam is one of the Kiama LGA’s best kept secrets, but concerns for its future were raised in April 2023 following a proposal by Councillor Warren Steel for a report to be prepared exploring options to divest the asset from the local government. Council has since announced that Jerrara Dam won’t be part of its asset divestment program.

While locals and community stakeholders know that the dam is home to a plethora of rare native flora and fauna, Deputy Mayor Draisma noted that Council didn’t have any specific data on the wildlife in the area. However, numerous studies have been conducted on the dam’s birdlife, with more than 178 bird species spotted living in the area, including four threatened species.

Members of the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association have remained ardent supporters for the protection and revitalisation of the area. The organisation formed its own working group, the Friends of Jerrara Dam at its July meeting to work with council to revitalise the area.

Speaking on behalf of the Friends of Jerrara Dam to Council, Stuart Richards reiterated the group’s desire to work together with council to achieve the best outcome for the area.

“We believe this important wetland and rainforest reserve requires the protection accorded to it by means of a revised Plan of Management which will contribute to the sustainability and security of this unique community land asset for future generations,” said Stuart at a council public access meeting.

“This magnificent area has benefits for the whole Kiama Municipality and beyond - even more potential benefits than the Spring Creek wetlands.”

He added that the motion was the first step for the community to access increased community interest to make sure the reserve is managed and maintained as a community asset.