The Shoalhaven Street Precinct is now a state significant rezoning project, opening up much-needed housing opportunities. Photo: Kiama Council.
A two-hectare site near the centre of Kiama is one step closer to becoming a new residential precinct, following a key decision by the NSW Government.
The Shoalhaven Street Precinct has officially been listed as a state significant rezoning project — a move welcomed by Kiama Municipal Council, which owns the site and has identified it as a priority location for future housing.
Located just a short walk from the railway station and town centre, the precinct could deliver a mix of homes tailored to the changing needs of the local community, including options for more diverse and affordable living.
Mayor Cameron McDonald called the announcement “a significant milestone” in the council’s local housing strategy and long-term financial recovery plan.
“This precinct represents a unique opportunity to deliver thoughtfully designed housing close to essential services and transport,” Cr McDonald said.
The state significant designation means the NSW Government will take on responsibility for the required technical and environmental assessments — work that would otherwise fall to council or developers.
“Being identified as a state significant project means the NSW Government will fund the technical and environmental studies needed to progress the rezoning, removing the cost burden from our ratepayers,” Cr McDonald said.
Council said it was committed to engaging the community throughout the planning process and would work with residents, industry and government stakeholders to shape a project that reflected Kiama’s unique character.
“Council is committed to ensuring the community has a voice in what this site becomes,” Cr McDonald said. ” We look forward to engaging with residents, stakeholders and the development industry in shaping a precinct that reflects Kiama’s character and values.”
The precinct has already received backing from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s evaluation panel and aligns with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041, as well as Kiama’s draft Local Housing Strategy.
It also forms part of the council’s Strategic Finance and Governance Improvement Plan, a key element of its response to the NSW Government’s performance improvement order.
“This project is about more than housing,” Cr McDonald said. “It’s about leveraging our land assets to secure better outcomes for our community – socially, financially and environmentally.”
The planning process will now move into the next phase, including formal community consultation and concept design.
