NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper was the latest Government bigwig to drop by Kiama on Wednesday, announcing more than $1.1 million for five projects to boost local sporting infrastructure.

Kamper and Labor's Kiama by-election candidate Katelin McInerney said the State Government would invest in upgrading facilities in Kiama, Gerringong and Albion Park as a way of removing barriers to participation in the community.

The Government has committed to providing:

• $250,000 to resurface and repair the unsafe Kiama Netball Courts at the Kiama Sporting Complex.
• $40,000 to cover essential costs of the Kiama Sevens tournament.
• $275,000 to install new lighting at Bonaira Oval, home of Kiama Power, which has been unable to host night matches.
• $200,000 to improve facilities and drainage works for Keith Grey Oval, the home of the Albion Park Cricket Club.
• $387,000 for new lighting at Gerry Emery Reserve, Gerringong, which hosts several sports, including cricket, football, touch and rugby league

Kamper and McInerney announced the funding at Kiama Sporting Complex, the same venue where Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Liberal candidate Serena Copley two weeks earlier had promised $26 million if the Coalition were to win the state election in early 2027.

When asked whether the Government's announcement would pale into comparison, Kamper said: "It's a big number. And it's a promise upon a promise.

"We're here saying we're delivering this no matter what the case and that's what government does.

"We look where there's needs and we're delivering."

When asked if this was an example of Labor pork-barreling in the lead-up to the by-election, he denied that was the case.

"This is about delivering for our community. We've established need and we've got some good eyes and ears on the ground at the moment advising us what we need to be doing.

"And I'm so pleased that this was brought to our attention.

“We understand how critical our local sporting facilities are, they are the backbone of our coastal and regional communities."

The netball courts at the Complex have been an ongoing concern with several cracks creating an unsafe playing environment.

"This is where I grew up playing netball. I have many fond memories, some sad and bittersweet defeats, but I really have to say it's almost the same as when I was here, and that's a long time ago now," McInerney said.

"We have been talking to sporting organisations up and down our area, and we really do need strong investment in this part of the world for our sporting facilities."

Kiama Netball Association president Michelle Gregory said they were a large, growing organisation with more than 800 players.

"We have been rallying for a number of years now regarding our court surfaces and the need for some investment in them," she said.