Around 40 locals have travelled up to Sydney to protest outside Parliament House about the decision to rezone South Kiama.

While not successful in their attempt to see Planning Minister Rob Stokes on his way into budget estimates, a zoom meeting with the Minister was confirmed during the protest.

“I will be talking with Minister Stokes and Gareth Ward on Thursday,” says the Chair of the Kiama Central Precinct, Mark Greaves.

“What we have done today is symbolic and he did know we turned up. We have taken the first significant step and everyone here is galvanised to make sure we go further.”

Mr Ward sent a message of support and encouragement to the protesters, saying in part, “I am so proud of each and every one of you for standing up for the right of our local community to have a say in the future of our local urban environment.”

Greens Upper House Member David Shoebridge stopped to hear their concerns and spoke about planning laws needing reform.

David Shoebridge MLC with the protesters

“He was very supportive and said he would follow up with us on what legal paths may be available,” says organiser Karen Renkema-Lang.

“He said to keep the pressure on and don’t give up on it.”