Kiama Business Network and a group of local business operators are confident of finding a workable solution after meeting on Wednesday over the Seaside Markets issue.

A group of local business owners last week presented a petition to Kiama Council, calling on the markets to be scaled back due to the effect on revenue to local shops.

KBN president Cathryn Lyall met with Alan Smith from The Farmer’s Table and three other local business operators on Wednesday to discuss the markets, which are run by the local business network.

Lyall said the discussion was fruitful and KBN’s board will meet next week to discuss a range of strategies to help get visitors to the Seaside Markets moving throughout the town centre to boost local trade at bricks and mortar shops.

Kiama Council’s Spendmapp data shows that local revenue increases by 25% on Market Sundays and Lyall said KBN was attempting to get a more intrictate analysis of the information so that they can address the concerns of local business owners.

“I think it was a really constructive meeting,” she said. “We listened to their concerns.

“We are going to have an out of cycle board meeting and consider our next steps and come back to the group of business owners individually and collectively.

“We will see what we can do tactically for our next market to see if we can improve things.”

Smith said he was encouraged by the meeting and was confident solutions could be found that satisfied all parties.

“It went very well,” he said.

“Are we in 100% agreement? No. Do we have a pathway forward? I think so.

“We felt like we were listened to.

“Kiama Business Network is about helping everybody from my perspective. Everybody has to benefit and we’ve all got to work together to find a solution that benefits everybody.

“We’re glad the conversation has started but it’s nowhere near finished.”

Council Chief Executive Officer Jane Stroud issued a statement on Wednesday to say they “fully support the operation of local markets within the Municipality, whether they be at Black Beach, Coronation Park, Reid Park or Gerringong Town Hall”.

“All market operators hold valid licences issued via resolution in 2023 for a period of five years and Council has no intention to close or suspend any markets as all current markets are operating in accordance with Council’s adopted Market Policy.

“KMC has a constructive working relationship with local market operators and values the role markets play in bringing fresh produce, additional visitor spend, visitor experience and ambience to our Municipality.

“Council received a petition related to Kiama Seaside Markets at its meeting on 21 October 2025 and, in accordance with Council’s Petition Policy, a report will be prepared for a future meeting.

“The operations/composition of stalls within the Kiama Seaside Markets are wholly a matter for the Kiama Business Network to resolve, not Council.”