Kiama’s new councillors took office last September ready to bring fresh ideas and a renewed focus to the town’s future. 

Instead, they have spent months dealing with the lingering complexities of the Blue Haven Bonaira sale.

At an extraordinary meeting on 6 March, Kiama Council addressed yet another delay, with Hall & Prior requesting a final extension to 31 March. 

Council accepted a compensating payment for the delay while reserving the right to seek further cost recovery if any additional extensions are requested.

Hall & Prior has provided an irrevocable commitment that this will be the last postponement.

For the community, staff, and residents of Blue Haven Bonaira, this drawn-out process has taken a toll. 

The uncertainty, debate, and legal wrangling have stretched far beyond the council chambers, impacting those who simply wanted stability for their workplace, home, or loved ones.

While the sale decision was made by the previous council, the current councillors have had to navigate the consequences. 

The challenge ahead is not just finalising this deal but ensuring that major decisions in Kiama’s future are handled with greater clarity, stronger contracts, and firmer safeguards.

The focus must now shift to making sure Kiama never finds itself in this position again, trapped in a cycle of dealing with past baggage. 

Moving forward does not mean forgetting. 

It means ensuring that the pain and frustration of those who fought to keep Blue Haven in community hands, those who managed its transition, and those who lived through the uncertainty count for something. 

It means rebuilding trust and ensuring future councils are not burdened with the same unresolved issues.

With an official opening event for Blue Haven Bonaira set for 1 April, this chapter is finally nearing its end. 

The question for Kiama now is how we ensure history does not repeat.