Kiama Council is escalating its advocacy efforts for the NSW Government to resume ownership and maintenance of Jamberoo Mountain Road, following ongoing issues with landslips, closures, and financial burdens on local resources. 

At the November 20 Kiama Council ordinary meeting, Councillors Erica Warren and Mike Cains presented a motion highlighting the challenges posed by the road, which connects Kiama to the Southern Highlands. Originally managed by the state government, the road was handed over to Council without adequate compensation for its upkeep. 

Jamberoo Mountain Road has faced frequent closures due to landslips, with the most recent incident in May 2024. These disruptions have affected commuters, businesses, and tourism, with the road often viewed as unreliable. 

Council Chief Executive Officer noted that while disaster restoration funding covers emergency repairs, the process is resource intensive. The $702,000 annual state funding allocated for all regional roads in the municipality is insufficient for significant upgrades, leaving Council struggling to maintain the road. 

“Jamberoo Mountain Road is a vital connection for our region, and it’s simply too significant a burden for a council of our size to manage,” Councillor Warren said. 

The motion reaffirmed Council’s longstanding position that the NSW Government should resume responsibility for Jamberoo Mountain Road. Local MP Gareth Ward has expressed his support for the proposal, which Council hopes to present directly to the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Hon Jenny Aitchinson, in a future meeting. 

Council also emphasised the road's strategic importance as an alternative to Macquarie Pass, especially during closures. “This isn’t just about local traffic—it’s about ensuring a reliable and safe connection for the entire region,” added Councillor Cains. 

The motion seeks to pressure decision makers to address the road’s maintenance and reliability issues, alleviating the strain on local resources and ensuring safer, more dependable infrastructure for the community.