The Framework is part of a new place-based approach to planning the future needs of NSW’s regional harbours.

In releasing the Draft, Gareth Ward MP said the use of Kiama Harbour has evolved over the years, but it continues to have an active commercial fishing and charter fleet, with a popular boat ramp.

“As the harbour sits between the town CBD and the popular tourist destination of Blowhole Point, moving pedestrians and vehicles within and through the precinct is a key consideration.

“I am very pleased that the New South Wales Government has worked in partnership with the Government Architect NSW and Kiama Municipal Council to develop the draft vision.”

The vision is for the Harbour to be dynamic, welcoming, resilient and authentic.

The objectives of the Strategic Framework are to:

• identify short, medium and long term opportunities for revitilisation, including potential infrastructure enhancements to improve outcomes for recreational and commercial vessel operators
• identify opportunities to enhance the connectivity of the Harbour precinct to the town centre, Greater Sydney and regional areas
• place the community at the centre of the vision making process.

“The most significant opportunity identified is to consolidate maritime-related activities into the outer area of the harbour by relocating the boat ramp and extending the existing breakwater,” Mr Ward said.

“Relocation of the boat ramp would allow for a potential waterfront ‘Corso’ as an attractive destination point, and would strengthen the pedestrian connection from the CBD to the Harbour.”

The draft strategic framework identifies a shared vision for the Harbour, based on maritime infrastructure needs, urban design principles, and feedback from key harbour users and local stakeholders.

The document does not include funding commitments.

“While targeted consultation has taken place with harbour users and key local stakeholder groups, we want to hear the views of the broader community,” said Mr Ward.

The Draft is available at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/projects/maritime-infrastructure-delivery-office

Feedback closes Fri 5 March.

To register your interest in a online information session, email: [email protected] and include Kiama in the subject line.