It began with a petition and ended with a divided vote. Kiama Council has agreed to begin talks with local surf lifesaving clubs about reclassifying their land from community to operational.

The decision follows a campaign led by Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club and supported by 2228 signatories. The petition was tabled by Councillor Stuart Larkins at the Council meeting on Tuesday night.

The motion, moved by Councillor Matt Brown and seconded by Councillor Yasmin Tatrai, was presented as a step towards surf club autonomy and passed by a 5-4 vote.

It authorises Council to engage with the three local clubs, including Kiama and Kiama Downs, about reclassification and possible rezoning, subject to each club’s written consent.

“This is about allowing our surf clubs to do what they do best,” said Councillor Brown. “They save Council hundreds of thousands of dollars every year through volunteer patrols.

“They should be free to manage their buildings and raise funds in ways that work for them.”

But many in the chamber acknowledged that the issue goes well beyond surf patrols and sausage sizzles.

Councillor Melinda Lawton opposed the motion, voicing concern about the process and the pressure being applied behind the scenes.

“These buildings sit on public land. We must ensure the community has a say in how that land is used. That means consultation, not rushed decisions driven by a single group,” she said.

Mayor Cameron McDonald also voted against the motion. He questioned the cost of the reclassification process, which Council staff estimate will be around $100,000, and noted it is currently unfunded.

“We want to support our surf clubs. But we also need to protect public assets and keep our budget in check,” he said.

Mayor McDonald, who conceded the relationship with Gerringong SLSC was “less than desirable, added that Council had no intention of “taking over” surf clubs.

Council CEO Jane Stroud advised that reclassification alone would not permit commercial activity under current zoning. She outlined other options, including a temporary development application that could enable short-term use of club spaces for functions or events.

Councillor Michael Cains supported the motion but added a successful amendment to include support for a disability access upgrade at Gerringong Surf Club, funded by the club itself.

He expressed frustration that essential services like surf lifesaving must spend so much energy on fundraising.

Throughout the debate, several councillors acknowledged the strained relationship between Council and Gerringong SLSC. The motion is seen as a chance to reset that relationship.