It’s been 12 months since the Local Government elections, with our current body of elected Councillors sworn in and myself and the Deputy Mayor elected in October 2024.

It’s a good time to reflect on and celebrate 12 months of hard work and big decisions.

After being sworn in last year, as incoming Councillors we all committed to working together towards lifting the NSW Government-imposed Performance Improvement Order.

I’m pleased to report we’ve made huge progress on this – making fiscally responsible decisions that get us closer to our goal of financial sustainability, supporting measures that improve governance and finalising the divestment of Council’s large aged care business, Blue Haven Bonaira.

I’m pleasantly surprised, if exhausted, by the amount of work we have done, and the achievements made.

I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors for fronting up and making the big decisions – it has not always been easy but we have persisted and the results speak for themselves.

I’d also like to thank Council staff, led by our tireless CEO Jane Stroud, without whom none of this would have been possible.

Kiama Council has made significant progress across governance, infrastructure, community engagement, and environmental sustainability over the past 12 months.

These achievements reflect a strong commitment to financial recovery, strategic planning, and delivering value to the local community.

Kiama Council achievements – Sept 2024 to Sept 2025

Governance and strategic planning

• New Council sworn in (Oct 2024): Five new and three returning Councillors, led by Mayor Cameron McDonald.
• Blue Haven Bonaira divested: Completed $95 million sale to Hall & Prior.
• Clean audit results: All previous qualifications lifted.
• Local Housing Strategy adopted: Guiding future residential development.
• Covenants lifted on Council-owned land: Five Glenbrook Drive properties released for market-value sale.
• Strategic land acquisition: Purchased land beside the Works Depot (Shoalhaven St), now a State Significant Development.
• State Government Advocacy Plan: Actively campaigned during the by-election for fair regional investment.
• Performance Improvement Order: 70% of actions completed to date.
• Community Strategic Plan & Long-Term Financial Plan adopted (2025–2035).
• Budget turnaround: Deficit reduced from $18m to $3.4m, with a projected surplus by 2026–27.

Environment and sustainability

• Soft plastics recycling trial: Hosted ISJO drop-off events at Minnamurra Recycling Facility.
• Shorebird protection: Promoted awareness during nesting season.
• Coastal & resilience planning: Continued implementing the Coastal Management Program and flood/bushfire strategies.
• Community energy scheme launched: Partnered with Shine Hub, ISJO, and nearby Councils for solar bulk buy and battery program - helping residents cut energy costs and emissions.

Infrastructure and planning

• Consolidated depot plans: Early planning has commenced for purpose-built Works & Waste facility at Minnamurra Recycling Centre.
• Jamberoo Mountain Road reopened: Repairs completed; betterment works commencing.
• New Planning Agreements: Placed on public exhibition.
• Spring Creek land advocacy: Pushing for removal of restrictive covenants

Community and events

• Major events held: including Clearly Music & Arts Festival, Kiama Winter Festival, and NYE Sky Show (2024).
• $81,000 in event funding: Supporting local tourism and cultural events.
• Local Government Week Awards 2025: Celebrating outstanding citizens and community groups.
• Regional NAIDOC Awards 2025: Honoured Elders Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan Jarrett for cultural leadership.
• Lifeguard season 2024-25: a total of 375 patrol days, 285,000+ beachgoers supervised.
• Coastal safety initiatives: Promoted surf safety and responsible rock fishing.
• 20+ community pop-ups: Direct engagement on plans, strategies, and capital works.
• Strong community engagement: Thousands of submissions and conversations shaping Council decisions.

Economic development

• $200,000 grant secured: Developing Night-Time Economy Strategy and trialling Special Entertainment Precinct in Kiama CBD.
• Tourism accolades: Kiama won bronze at Australian Top Tourism Town Awards after NSW win.
• Employment Lands Strategy: Currently on public exhibition.

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