Kiama Councillors voted in unison at last night's December Council Meeting to close the section of road reserve on the western side of Riverside Drive, Kiama Downs, with the view to selling it off for housing.

This came despite a strong objection at the previous day’s Public Forum from local resident Thomas Stromer who was representing a number of residents in the area who are all concerned about the lack of consultancy and transparency in this matter.

The road reserve site is included in Council’s Property Divestment program and the closure proposal was on public exhibition from July 2, 2022 to August 8, 2022. A total of 18 submissions were received during that period both in support and opposition.

Mr Stromer, whose property backs onto this green reserve on Riverside Drive, says the proposed blocks would be very small, that future home builders would need to build two storeys and this

would impact on water views for existing homes. He also raised issues around the current sewage system and says that if the strip is sold in one lot, a developer may fill it with townhouses.

All councillors acknowledged Mr Stromer’s contribution.

However, Councillor Brown said, “I’m supporting this motion (to close the reserve area) because I’m pleased to be able to provide extra housing for people in Kiama.”

Councillor Rice said that while this is consistent with Kiama’s policy of working on infill, she realised that it may be uncomfortable for neighbours. She said she was worried that there has been poor communication with residents and a number had contacted her over the emergency access planned from Mitchell Place.

“The use of the land needs to be assessed carefully,” she said, “and Council may need to develop this, themselves.”

Mayor Neil Reilly said Council has made great efforts to make people aware of this situation and that details of the blocks and emergency access will all be subject to the DA proposal.