Kiama Harbour leads the way in new place-based approach for regional harbours
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today announced that local community members are invited to have their say on the vision to guide the revitalisation of Kiama Harbour – part of a new place-based approach to planning the future needs of NSW’s regional harbours.
Mr Ward said that the use of Kiama harbour has evolved over the years, but continues to have an active commercial fishing and charter fleet, with a popular boat ramp.
“As the harbour sits between the town CBD and the popular tourist destination of Blowhole Point, moving pedestrians and vehicles within and through the precinct is a key consideration.”
“I am very pleased that the New South Wales Government has worked in partnership with the Government Architect NSW and Kiama Municipal Council to develop the draft vision for the harbour.
“The most significant opportunity identified is to consolidate maritime-related activities into the outer area of the harbour by relocating the boat ramp and extending the existing breakwater,” Mr Ward said.
“Relocation of the boat ramp would allow for a potential waterfront ‘Corso’ as an attractive destination point, and would strengthen the pedestrian connection from the CBD to the harbour.
“The draft strategic framework identifies a shared vision for the harbour, based on maritime infrastructure needs, urban design principles, and feedback from key harbour users and local stakeholders.
“Short and medium term recommendations are identified to support the vision, as well as longer term options for expanding the harbour. The document does not include funding commitments.
“The vision, objectives and principles are drawn directly from a series of online workshops held with harbour users, local stakeholder groups and Kiama Municipal Council.
“Stakeholders involved in online workshops as part of the processes to date have included: Kiama Chamber of Commerce, Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council, Kiama Harbour Fish Markets, Kiama Precinct Groups, Kiama Boat Owners Association, 1st Kiama Scout Group, Kiama Game Fishers Association, and Kiama Historical Society.
“While targeted consultation has taken place with harbour users and key local stakeholder groups, we want to hear the views of the broader community,” Mr Ward concluded.
Feedback is now open on Kiama Harbour Revitalisation Plan until Friday 5th March 2021. To have your say, please email: maritimecomms@transport.nsw.gov.au.
The community and other stakeholders are also invited to attend an online information session, please email: maritimecomms@transport.nsw.gov.au and include Kiama in the subject line to register your interest and you will be sent details on how to join the information session.
For further information, please visit the website at: Maritime Infrastucture Delivery Office.