IMPORTANT UPDATE

Interested parties received this notification from Kiama Municpal Council's lawyers on 7 February 2025

The developer Kiama Spring Creek Pty Ltd has withdrawn their development application

Note: Thie original article was written based on information reliably sourced on 4 February 2025.

In the evolving story of the Dido Street development, recent events have brought significant updates that the community should be aware of. The project, initially proposed to create 67 residential lots and homes as an integrated development, has encountered hurdles that reflect broader themes in regional planning and community involvement.

The Dido Street project began with a rezoning of a small portion of the site in 2020, setting the stage for the subsequent development application.

This application was lodged but ultimately refused by the Southern Regional Planning Panel due to concerns not specified in the public releases. Following this refusal, the developers appealed to the Land & Environment Court (LEC).

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A Section 34 conciliation conference was held 28 January 2025, attended by residents and representatives from Gareth Ward’s office and council, which aimed to mediate and potentially resolve the issues raised by the panel’s refusal.

However, this conference did not proceed as planned. The Commissioner terminated the session citing insufficient information, highlighting a significant gap in the preparedness of the parties involved.

The termination of the conciliation conference due to insufficient information is more than a procedural hiccup; it signifies a critical need for thorough documentation and preparation in advancing any development project.

It suggests that the next steps would include a more detailed collection and presentation of data, which could potentially lead to another conciliation attempt before the matter is fully taken to a hearing.

The case is now poised to go to a full hearing, the date of which has not yet been set. This upcoming hearing represents a pivotal moment for the development, as it will determine the project's future and, by extension, the landscape of Dido Street.

It's a moment charged with potential impacts on local infrastructure, housing availability, and community dynamics.

This development serves as a reminder of the importance of community engagement and transparency in urban planning processes.

It underscores the need for clear communication between developers, planning authorities, and local residents to ensure that all voices are heard and that developments align with community needs and expectations.

As the Dido Street project progresses, further updates will be crucial in keeping the community informed and involved.

The dialogue between the council, developers, and the community must continue to evolve, reflecting the shared goal of beneficial and sustainable development.

Residents are encouraged to stay engaged, attend upcoming public meetings, and express their views on this significant community issue.

Your voice matters in shaping the future of Dido Street and ensuring that development decisions reflect the broader community’s best interests.