Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has announced funding for the Jamberoo Superoos Junior Rugby League Football Club for a mobile interchange and scorers facility.

Today Wednesday 8th March is International Women’s Day and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has announced Michelle Bishop of Shoalhaven Heads as the 2023 Kiama Electorate Woman of the Year recipient.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has announced $10,000 funding for upgrades at Jamberoo Tennis Club Inc for court resurfacing work.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has applauded Shoalhaven Riverwatch and Shoalhaven Landcare’s Fox Control Program who have teamed up to safeguard native wildlife along the Shoalhaven River corridor and its islands.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has slammed NSW Labor for making no substantive promises other than ‘planning money’ during a visit by the Opposition Leader today.

KIAMA PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SURVEY RESULTS

1 March 2023

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has revealed the results of a survey of residents of his electorate on local planning and development issues.

The survey concluded on 1 February and represents 552 residents. 

“I have always believed that local communities should have a greater say in the future of our urban environment. Overwhelmingly, this is also the view of our local community,” Mr Ward said.

“51% of respondents strongly agreed that the current planning system is flawed and that the views and opinions of local residents should have far greater weight by decision makers in determining planning and development applications. Only 3 % of respondents strongly disagreed with this statement.

“And these flaws are clearly leading to community dislocation and frustration with the NSW planning system with 72% of respondents disagreeing or strongly disagreeing with the proposition that they felt adequately consulted on planning and development decisions.

“According to respondents, a significant problem is that too many decisions are being centralised in Sydney with 47% of people surveyed concerned that their feedback is removed from the planning process. Only 2% of people strongly disagreed with the centralisation of the planning process.

“Resident responses were mixed on solutions to planning and housing issues with on 19% strongly agreeing that higher densities in towns and villages was the answer to preventing urban sprawl.

“On the question of future growth and development at the Bombo Quarry, 55% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that this would be an excellent site for housing.

“20% of respondents strongly believed that more needed to be done to progress social and affordable housing.

“I strongly believe that much more needs to be done to fix the NSW planning system. Its degree of existing legal complexities undermine the confidence of both investors and conservationists.

“Should I be re-elected to Parliament, I am committed to working with both sides of politics to returning planning powers back to local communities and ensuring local communities have a greater say in the future of their urban environment,” Mr Ward said.

A link to the full set of questions and results can be found here.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward and Deputy Shellharbour City Mayor Kellie Marsh have announced that their fight to bust traffic congestion in Albion Park has received a major boost with the pair confirming that they have been successful in securing $16.6 million from the NSW Government.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today called on both the Premier and the NSW Opposition Leader to take a bipartisan approach to the NSW Landcare program and to deliver a $69.1 million funding commitment over the next four years.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has secured $25,000 funding for the Shoalhaven Heads Native Botanic Garden to make this beautiful natural asset more accessible for people with disabilities.

Independent Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has announced that major works at Bomaderry Ambulance Station are almost complete thanks to a funding boost from the State Government.