People opposed to the rezoning of South Kiama are taking their campaign to outside Parliament House next week.

“We will be there at the gates when the Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, arrives for Budget Estimates,” says organiser Karen Renkema-Lang, who says she is doing this as a community member rather than a candidate.

“Other candidates are coming along, but we’ve agreed the focus should be on community unity rather than local politics.”

The protesters are writing to the Minister beforehand, hoping that he will come outside and discuss their concerns with them and explain the rationale for approving it.

“We need to remind Rob Stokes at every point that this is his decision,” says Kiama Central Precinct Chair, Mark Greaves.

It is hoped that at least two busloads will head up to Sydney on Tuesday 2 November to show the community’s concern.

Other initiatives to try and have the decision reversed were discussed at last night’s Central Precinct Meeting, including:

• organising a leaflet drop to get people to sign the petition to the Minister at change.org 
• composing an open letter from community leaders
• approaching the NSW Ombudsman to investigate possible maladministration and inconsistencies in the planning process
• approaching the Public Interest Advocacy Centre for insights on governance and accountability
• GIPPA (freedom of information) requests.

To book a place on a bus, leaving by 6am, call or text 0452 426 390. $15 return, including breakfast and refreshments.