Kiama’s Acting Mayor, Cr Melissa Matters, says it is time for the State and Federal Governments to stop turning their backs on regional communities like Jamberoo.

From early childhood education to critical transport links, Cr Matters says Kiama Municipal Council is being forced to carry the load while higher levels of government remain silent.

“Kiama is a childcare desert,” she said.

“Families are stuck on waitlists for months. In Jamberoo, our community pre-school is on a floodplain, one heavy rain away from being unusable, and we still have no funding commitment for a safe, modern facility.”

The need for a new Jamberoo Community Preschool is now listed as a top priority in Kiama Council’s Draft Delivery and Operational Plan.

Cr Matters is encouraging residents to make a submission and show their support during the public exhibition period.

“This is more than just education,” she said. “It is about safety, equality and whether young families in our region are given a fair go.”

Another pressing concern is Jamberoo Mountain Road, a vital route for locals, tourists and emergency services, which will again be closed for major repairs in May.

Council will carry out the work, but under disaster funding rules, the repairs must follow outdated standards.

“We are doing the heavy lifting, rebuilding a road from the 1800s, but the funding rules stop us from building it to modern safety standards,” Cr Matters said. “That is not just frustrating. It is dangerous.”

Kiama Council is calling on the NSW Government to assume responsibility for Jamberoo Mountain Road and for both levels of government to fund a long-term solution before another landslip or tragedy occurs.

“We are not asking for handouts,” Cr Matters said. “We are asking for common sense and a fair go. Until we get it, Council will keep fighting.”