The Mayor of Kiama has publicly condemned a state government intervention that could see a proposed apartment development in the coastal town double in height, labelling the move as "not good planning."
State Government Overrides Local Council
The controversy centres on the Level 33 development proposed for Akuna Street in Kiama. The developer initially submitted plans to the Kiama Council for a seven-storey residential and retail complex. However, the project's scale is set for a dramatic change after the State Government's Housing Development Authority recommended that Planning Minister Paul Scully declare it a State Significant Development.
This declaration would effectively remove the project from the local council's purview, allowing the building's height to potentially reach 14 storeys—twice the size of the original proposal. This decision bypasses the local planning controls that the Kiama Council and community have developed.
Mayor Fights for Local Voice in Planning
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has been vocal in his opposition, emphasising that the council was not responsible for this significant shift. He stated that the state government's action overrides the collaborative planning work recently undertaken by the council and its residents.
"While we welcome reforms and changes, the role of local government and local communities in planning outcomes should be a primary one and should always be protected," Cr McDonald said.
He pointed to the council's recently delivered local housing strategy, which was created in consultation with the community at a significant cost. "We worked with residents to deliver a local housing strategy that balances growth with infrastructure, protects the character of our towns and ensures housing meets real local needs," he explained.
Historical Precedent Highlights Local Knowledge
In a powerful analogy, Mayor McDonald referenced the original 1830s town plan for Kiama, which was drawn up by a Sydney-based cartographer who failed to account for the area's unique topography. He used this historical example to illustrate the problems that arise when planning decisions are made without local insight.
"Kiama's future should not be dictated by Sydney-based planners and bureaucrats," Cr McDonald asserted. "We'll continue to speak up for planning done with our community, not to it."
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to advocate for growth that is supported by the right infrastructure and that protects the unique qualities which make Kiama a special place to live. The situation sets the stage for a continued debate over local autonomy versus state government housing targets.
