Could Bombo Quarry be home to thousands of Kiama residents in 20 years’ time?
Boral and the NSW Government have begun to plan for the site’s future once it reaches the end of its life as a site for quarrying ballast, aggregates and road base.
The site is currently owned by Boral and the NSW Government’s Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE).
They are developing a draft master plan for the site and on the cards is the development of much-needed housing for the region, although the reality is still a long way off.
A Boral spokesperson said the company had begun work with the NSW Government and Kiama Council to get the development off the ground.
“Boral is working to progress the development of our Bombo Quarry site and support local housing supply, employment and open space,” the spokesperson said.
“Detailed investigations are taking place to inform the draft master plan which will form part of the overall rezoning for the precinct.
“The draft master plan responds to current and future growth opportunities, Kiama Council’s recent development of its Growth and Housing Strategy and the NSW Government’s Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041.
“Over the next five, 10 and 20 years, the future precinct will seek to address the challenges of housing affordability and diversity by providing a range of housing types, including affordable options.
“We have started consultation with the community and our stakeholders and will be holding information sessions over the coming weeks.”
There are no firm details as yet, but the draft currently available says Boral plans to construct 2000 homes on the site, including medium and low-density houses, townhouses and apartments, with a percentage designated as affordable housing.
New pedestrian and bike paths to Bombo Beach and Bombo station are also flagged as possibilities.
Two community consultation sessions have been scheduled – one in-person on Wednesday 24 July at the North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre, and another online via Zoom on Wednesday 31 July.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward has thrown his support behind the proposal.
“The redevelopment of Bombo Quarry represents one of the biggest announcements and opportunities for our community in decades,” he said.
“I am asking our community to attend the consultation forums and have your say.
“While I am fiercely protective of our village character and our local environment, the redevelopment of Bombo Quarry is an opportunity to provide much needed housing supply for more affordable housing, downsizing opportunities as well as housing for families struggling to afford to buy and rent in Kiama.
“Bombo Quarry is perfectly placed for growth given its proximity to heavy rail and the highway. ”
To register for the community consultation sessions, or to provide feedback online head to: FEEDBACK | Unlocking Bombo (unlockingbomboquarry.com.au)