Concerned Kiama Heights residents have organised a rally on Monday 7 March to protest against State Rail’s plans to sell off land once designated, and always used, as a reserve.

The around 5000m2 strip of land, crossed by two streets so it is divided into three portions, is above a rail tunnel.

Originally zoned Open Space/Recreational, in 2011 the State Government directed Council to change the zoning to Residential.

In the face of community opposition, it was zoned as a Deferred Matter and has been that way ever since.

Having seen drilling and other activity taking place, long time resident Joe Mura contacted State Rail and was sent an email confirming they are doing due diligence for future development.

“We want Council to put it back to its original zoning so this can’t happen,” says a resident whose home adjoins the land, Rayner Zuch.

The open space is loved by people of all ages

Other residents we spoke to confirmed the land is much used, and is the only place in Kiama Heights where children can play cricket or other ball sports. It is also used as a connecting lane for residents moving around the area.

While State Rail gets a contractor in to mow the lawns, the community tends the rest.

The northern block, with its stunning views over Easts Beach, has a number of vegetable plots and a fine stand of bananas.

The other blocks have long established trees and garden beds, and locals mow out the cricket pitch for the kids.

The central block, where cricket is played, has recently been surveyed by a botanist who identified over fifty local native species of trees and shrubs and eight non-local native plants.

When the Kiama Heights Residents Group conducted a survey last year, retaining the railway land as a park was established as one of the top three priorities.

Concerned residents have approached the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, to contact the relevant ministers to stop the sell-off plans.

He has said he will be attending the rally, and councillors have also been invited.

“Back in 2011, councillors rejected the sell off unanimously,” says Rayner.

“We would like them to do it again.

“Kiama Heights has so little open space compared to other parts of the LGA.”

They are taking comfort in the Planning Minister’s refusal of the Iluka Reserve sell-off when it was said, “The NSW Government is committed to

ensuring communities have access to parks and open spaces. As such I encourage Council to continue to review and further develop the delivery of improved open spaces for the local Kiama Community.”

The protest comes at a time when Council is developing its Housing Strategy to identify suitable land for residential development.

The Rally will be onsite, on Monday 7 March, at 6pm.