There will be three speakers at tomorrow's rally against the South Kiama Planning Proposal - Gareth Ward MP, the Chair of the Central Precinct Mark Greaves and Mayor Neil Reilly, but there is room for one more speaker at the event.

Yesterday, Mr Ward wrote to the NSW Planning Minister, Anthony Roberts, inviting him to the rally, which coincides with the NSW Government’s Independent Review of the South Kiama rezoning decision which saw the Proposal approved.

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“I am totally opposed to the South Kiama Planning Proposal," says Mr Ward.

"I join with the vast majority of our community in condemning the plan that would put significant pressure on existing road, water and community infrastructure and detract from the village character of Kiama.

“Having worked with Kiama Central Precinct Chair Mr Mark Greaves, we secured a meeting and agreement from former Planning Minister Rob Stokes for an independent review of this proposal to be undertaken. Given that this review is currently underway, we want to send a loud and clear message to the NSW Government that our community does not support this proposal.

“I am not anti-development, I am pro sensible and sustainable development. This re-zoning proposal isn’t sensible or sustainable.

“I hope the Minister comes this weekend and provides an update to our community on the current process. I am very keen for the Minister to understand the reasons why this development cannot be supported by the Department of Planning.

“I encourage anyone in our community concerned about over-development to attend this rally at the weekend.”

Protesters travelled to Macquarie St in November

Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly has also invited new Minister for Planning to visit Kiama to discuss the South Kiama development, at any time that suits.

Kiama Council voted to oppose the development twice, due to projected impacts on traffic, access to the highway, impact on the local schools, impact on rural landscapes and the adequacy of current infrastructure for the development and future residents.

“We have a new minister in The Hon Anthony Roberts MP and I’d love the chance to meet him here in Kiama, to gain a first-hand understanding of what’s proposed, why Council opposes it and the concerns of our community as well,” says Mayor Reilly.

“I believe once he visits the site, and listens to our concerns, he cannot help but see the significant impact this development will have in terms of local and highway traffic, demands on local schools and other existing infrastructure.

“This is on top of the permanent loss of yet more of our rural landscape.”

Mayor Reilly has thanked the Member for Kiama, for his lobbying of the NSW Government on the issue.

“Gareth and Kiama Council have always worked well together in advocating for what is in the best interests of our community.

“As the new Mayor I want to see this continue.

“I will be working hard with Council and the community on strategies that take into account the needs of the community in respect to growth, which will in turn inform the State and Federal Governments. I also extend an invite to Minister Roberts to work together with Council to ensure the best outcomes for local development and our community.”

The rally is on Saturday 22 January at 10am at Hindmarsh Park, and is expected to finish by 10.30am. Bring masks.