FREE WEEKLY COMMUNITY PAPER
4 SEPTEMBER - 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 Kiama Minnamurra Kiama Downs Jamberoo Gerringong Gerroa
MAKES HISTORY
ALICE P24
“It’s an urban juggernaut”: Fight for green belt builds momentum
Maria Lewis
E
verything that makes Kiama special could be here today, gone tomorrow. That’s the fear of community members – and one councillor – after Kiama Council approved the rezoning of 2 Caliope Street for residential development.
The address – considered a crucial part of the Green Belt – shifted from its previous designation of RU2 Rural Landscape and C2 Environmental Conservation to R2 Low Density Residential following Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday, 18 A u g u s t – a decision that locals fear there’s no going back from.
Southern Stars soar P5
“This will turn Kiama into Campbelltown,” said resident Dr Brett Lemass, who has been fighting to save the Green Belt for decades. “The Local Housing Strategy doesn’t say anything about whether it must be R2, but R2 is sardine city: that’s double storey. “If you walk along the coastal track around Kiama
and around The Pavilion, the showground, and you look up there, these houses will be very, very noticeable. “Even more so when they move further south. It will be an urban juggernaut. “And then people in 10 years’ time will say, ‘Wait, why did Council do that?’ and it’s because not many people give a damn.”
Dr Lemass notes that previously Council had “knocked back” development proposals at the site three times in the last eight years, choosing to keep the site protected largely because of environmental and wildlife conservation concerns. However, it was this fourth, most recent proposal that has proved to be successful, with
many residents confused as to why Kiama Council would “reverse” its previous stance. “We’re not just smarmy buggers,” Dr Lemass told The Bugle. Continued on page 6
Soccer season Two years of finale work ahead Bonus
P2 Blue Haven update
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P23
Small car show/display from local car enthusiasts
Celebrating 20 Celebrating 20 years years 2006-2026
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