Kiama Council held discussions with NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jennifer Aitchison, on December 16, focusing on the long-term future of Jamberoo Mountain Road.

Mayor Cameron McDonald described the meeting as a significant step in the Council’s push for the road to be reclassified as a State Road, placing its management under the NSW Government.

“I want to thank the Minister for taking the time to meet with myself and senior Council staff to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Jamberoo Mountain Road,” Mayor McDonald said.

The Mayor highlighted the road's troubled history, exacerbated by extreme weather events that have repeatedly destroyed sections of the vital route, leaving it closed for extended periods.

“Since September 2022, Council has been advocating for Jamberoo Mountain Road to be reclassified from a Regional Road to a State Road,” he said. “It is refreshing and appreciated that the Minister visited Kiama to discuss this issue face-to-face.”

During the meeting, Council briefed the Minister on the road’s damage history and the significant financial burden placed on Kiama Council, as well as the NSW and Australian Governments, for repairs. Over the past four years, repair costs have exceeded $13 million, with the 2022/23 repairs alone requiring $4 million in funding.

“Our message to the Minister was clear: while we have managed to reopen the road each time, the scale of this commitment is beyond the capacity of a small council like ours in the long term,” Mayor McDonald said.

The Minister acknowledged Council’s efforts and outlined plans to introduce new funding recovery processes, with confirmation that outstanding recovery funds would be paid within four weeks.

“While funding support has been fantastic, the hidden costs for our small council lie in managing these large and extended engineering projects,” Mayor McDonald said. “There are also significant costs to our community and local economy during road closures—costs that cannot be recouped.”

The Mayor expressed hope for progress in securing a sustainable future for Jamberoo Mountain Road, calling it a vital piece of infrastructure for the Kiama region.

However, not everyone shared the Mayor’s optimism. Federal Member for Kiama Gareth Ward criticised the Minister’s visit, labeling it a "nothing burger."

“When Ministers visit our region, I expect them to bring good news,” Mr. Ward said on December 18. “This Minister came, took a photo with Council, and offered absolutely nothing new. It’s not just disappointing; it’s not good enough.”

Mr. Ward emphasised the inequity of Kiama ratepayers shouldering the financial burden of maintaining a road of regional significance, calling for stronger action from the state government.

The future of Jamberoo Mountain Road remains uncertain, but Council is hopeful that the draft Reclassification Report, set to be released soon by the NSW Government, will pave the way for meaningful progress.