Opinion

The NSW Government’s push for high density development in Kiama without addressing the glaring inadequacies of the South Coast Rail Line is a masterclass in poor planning. 

A six storey future for Kiama sounds ambitious, but when the town’s train services are unreliable, overcrowded, and ignored in state transport budgets, it is nothing short of reckless, according to local MP Gareth Ward.

Ward has been vocal about the neglect of the South Coast Rail Line, raising concerns in parliament about the lack of infrastructure investment.

His recent speech in the NSW parliament outlined clear priorities, including upgrades such as the Toolijooa passing loop, express services to reduce travel times, and the deployment of the new Intercity Fleet that sits idle at Waterfall. 

His concerns are not political grandstanding, they are rooted in commuter frustration.

A survey of over 1,000 local passengers found that 80% are dissatisfied with the current rail service.

Yet, instead of prioritising the transport solutions that Kiama desperately needs, the state government has blindsided the community with a six-storey development plan without consultation. 

Ward argues that if the South Coast Rail Line cannot reliably transport its current users, how will it cope with the increased population that comes with high-density living?

He also points to the government’s decision to move a key rail signalling station to Sydney, which has worsened delays on the South Coast Line. Meanwhile, funding for crucial projects such as the Toolijooa passing loop, which would have doubled rail capacity, has been scrapped.

In other words, Ward contends that state authorities have chosen to cut regional transport investments while pushing for rapid urban expansion.

This is planning in reverse,” Ward stated. “Instead of ensuring that essential infrastructure is in place before increasing residential density,

Kiama is being forced into a model of growth that lacks the necessary support. "

While the government argues that new housing is vital, it fails to acknowledge that growth must be accompanied by corresponding investment in roads, public transport and essential services.”

Ward believes this is a familiar story, Sydney-centric decision-making that leaves regional areas behind. 

If the government is serious about making Kiama a viable location for increased housing, he argues, it must first prove it can deliver reliable, safe and modern public transport. 

Without that, the six storey plan is nothing more than a half-baked scheme that sets Kiama up for congestion, frustration and a decline in liveability.

“The message from the community is clear, fix the rail line first, then talk about building up,” Ward said.