Heritage in the Kiama electorate is set to get a massive boost due to NSW Government funding and the establishment of a Heritage Advisor Service as part of Council’s new Planning and Development Hub.

A total of $8.65 million in investment has been committed statewide under the NSW Heritage Grants Program with the Kiama electorate, which stretches south to Bomaderry and Shoalhaven Heads, will receive $60,000.

The money designed to restore and protect properties and sites for future generations.

Berry and District Historical Society is receiving $10,000 for the conversion of a 1970s bathroom back to 19th century storage facility at Berry Museum, providing a safe space to store the museum’s collection.

A total of $25,000 is going to Shoalhaven City Council to establish heritage conservation areas in Shoalhaven towns and villages, focusing first on Kangaroo Valley and Milton.

And the same amount has been granted to Kiama Council for a heritage advisor Service to provide specialist heritage advice to Development Assessment Planners and the general community.

Government spokesperson for Kiama, MLC Sarah Kaine said the heritage advisor service would be a valuable community asset.

“This is great news for Kiama and a credit to the people and grassroots organisations who preserve our local heritage sites for everyone to appreciate and enjoy,” she said.

“This record NSW Government investment in the 2025-2027 Heritage Grants Program is vital in ensuring the stories of our past are never forgotten.

“We want to continue to unlock more opportunities for local people and visitors to engage with our heritage and culture.”

Council’s new Planning and Development Hub, at the old Westpac Bank, is where people can get face-to-face advice and guidance from its team of planners, building certifiers and lodgement specialists.

This will soon include being able to book meetings with a specialist Heritage Advisor.

Council director of strategies and communities Ed Paterson said this new service would assist owners contemplating any maintenance or work to their historically significant properties.

“Kiama has a rich First Nations and European history which can be seen in the many heritage buildings, landscapes and historic infrastructure found throughout our towns and villages,” he said.

“These structures and landscapes, and the stories they tell of times gone by are highly valued by our community and visitors alike.”

Paterson said funding this new service would also support initiatives to identify, conserve and promote places or objects that have significance to the local area and community.

This will include educational programs and developing a Heritage Strategy for the area.

Recruitment for a heritage advisor is underway.