Kiama Council has rejected Jamberoo Action Park's development application to use its car park as a holding yard for imported cars during the off-peak season, putting the theme park on notice.

The vehicles in question are BYDs - a Chinese manufacturer which has gained significant traction in the Australian market in recent years and are built as electric vehicles.

It is understood that concerns about the use of Jamberoo Road, a Council-managed road where the park is located, to transport a large amount of vehicles in and out of the area is a major reason behind the DA being rejected.

Council became aware three months ago that the overflow parking areas were being used to store a significant number of new vehicles after receiving complaints during the winter months.

Compliance officers inspected the site and instructed the Action Park owners to cease operating without consent via a Notice of Intention to issue an order to comply with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

It is understood they have been imported to Port Kembla and transported to Jamberoo before being distributed to dealerships throughout the country.

A spokesperson said Council staff have been working on the issue in accordance with its Compliance and Enforcement Policy and timeframes.

Compliance officers and planning staff met with the operators and representatives of Jamberoo Action Park and they were advised that a development consent was required to operate a transport depot and noted that this use was prohibited in the rural zones.

Jamberoo Action Park then lodged a DA with the Council for a Car Park and Passenger Transport Facility.

The public exhibition period for this DA closed on 22 September and the DA was refused by Council on Monday afternoon.

Council is working with the owners of the Action Park towards resolving this issue and ensuring the site is only operated for authorised uses.

Mayor Cameron McDonald confirmed Council is always open to hearing concerns of the community and urged residents of the Kiama region to engage with Council directly if they want to receive a response from Council. 

“People can contact us through our traditional customer service channels such as phone, email or at the Council Chambers on Manning Street,” Cr. McDonald said.

“We acknowledge receipt of all correspondence within 10-days and, while we can’t promise to solve every issue in that timeframe, people can be assured they’ll hear back if they contact us [Council] directly. 

“It is simply not possible or appropriate for Council to respond to queries or complaints via social media.” 

The land on which Jamberoo Action Park is situated was bought by the Eddy family in 1974 when milk quotas were reduced in NSW, and the dairy farm became no longer needed.

Since then, the park has become NSW’s largest family-owned and operated water theme park and currently has a masterplan development approved to provide entertainment for 4500 – 5000 people.