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[ 7 November - 13 November 2025 ]
FREE COMMUNITY PAPER - NOW PRINTING WEEKLY! Minnamurra Kiama Downs Jamberoo Bombo Kiama Kiama Heights Gerringong Gerroa
Kiama’s high-rise explosion
Paul Suttor
K
iama’s town centre could be dwarfed by three multi-storey developments on Akuna Street with one proposal potentially ending up as high as 14 storeys. Due to changes in the NSW Government’s planning processes, Kiama Council has effectively been sidelined by the Housing Delivery Authority when it comes to putting limits on height restrictions in the local government area. Sydney-based developer Level 33 has submitted an Expression of Interest to the HDA for a 32.5 metre development at the eastern end of Akuna Street which would replace the eyesore that is the derelict Kiama Independent site and car park on the corner of Shoalhaven Street. Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Council had settled on six storeys as the limit for the Level 33 development. The 14-storey height proposal was given the green light by the HDA and the decision now rests with NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully for the final go-ahead. Council and Level 33 are engaged in a long-running process around the DA for the site, with both parties due to appear next month in the Land and Environment Court after Level 33 took legal action against Council. Irrespective of the outcome
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in the courtroom, the Minister can still go on to issue a declaration to make the proposal a State Significant Development to go up to 14 storeys. There is also an application for a six-storey residential and commercial building from developer Charlie Daoud’s Traders In Purple for 66 Collins St, on the corner of Akuna St, which is also double the height that Council had approved. A third project from PSEC Project Services on the south side of Akuna St is currently before Council, which is assessing that through its
normal processes - that project is for a three-storey development with 30 units, including commercial premises on the ground floor. Cr McDonald said Council is “completely removed from any decision-making process” with regard to the pathway for developers involving the HDA. “Council does not have any decision-making role in this process and the Council and community only have the opportunity to provide ‘comment’ during the 14-day public exhibition process. The exhibition period occurs way down the track when much of
what the development might become is already decided – and not by us.” “This is a major issue – when you take local planning out of the hands of local governments, it is much harder to get what the local community wants and needs.” There are fears among local residents that Kiama will be turned into a mini version of the Gold Coast if it is inundated with high-rise developments. Council CEO Jane Stroud said she understands the outburst of reactions in the community to the proposed new building heights. She
also clarified that there are over 800 high-rises at the iconic Queensland holiday destination, with the Gold Coast’s Q1 tower clocking in at 78 storeys tall. “We at Council all share and appreciate the community’s concerns but 14 storeys, or three storeys or six storeys is a long way from being the next Gold Coast, with all the associated infrastructure. It is true that, no matter what gets decided, we’re on the cusp of several large new developments in central Kiama and the look and feel of our main street is going
to profoundly change, so I understand the community’s reaction. Besides the end results, the concerns Council will be tasked to deal with are around the coordination and collaboration of building works, logistics, parking and road access – so it’s absolutely vital we’re involved to help manage these issues.” Cr McDonald said when you look at proportionality, the impact of the development could be monumental. “I can understand where the concern and the angst in the community is coming Continue on page 5