Kiama Council has marked a milestone in one of the largest residential developments in recent decades with progress on the South Kiama Urban Release Area.

The 40-hectare site, located west of the M1 Princes Highway and bounded by Saddleback Mountain Road and Weir Street, will deliver 380 residential lots, along with open space, conservation areas, stormwater management, and essential infrastructure.

The development will be delivered in stages and forms a key part of Council’s Local Housing Strategy, contributing to the NSW Government’s housing targets.

Council has applied its "non-negotiable principles for greenfield development" to ensure strong environmental, open space, and infrastructure outcomes.

Kiama Council endorsed the South Kiama Urban Release Area Planning Agreement at its Ordinary Meeting in November.

The agreement, signed on 5 December, secures approximately $30 million in on-site works and monetary contributions from the developer, ensuring local infrastructure is delivered alongside the development.

“This Planning Agreement ensures that as new homes are built, the infrastructure and open spaces that make our Municipality special will be delivered in step with growth,” said Council CEO Jane Stroud.

A Conservation Management Plan has been prepared to protect heritage items, including Kendalls Historic Cemetery and the Walls of Barroul, and was endorsed at the 16 December meeting.

Council’s planning team has also approved the Stage 1 subdivision Development Application, which includes 81 residential lots, a local park, regeneration of the riparian corridor, an upgraded section of Saddleback Road, and over $340,000 in contributions to Council.

Civil construction works, including roads, parks, and drainage, are said to commence once approvals are finalised.

Subdivision completion will allow new homebuyers to lodge applications for their homes.