WARD AND TATRAI LAUNCH PETITION FOR TAXI SUBSIDY TRIAL

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward and candidate for Kiama Council Yasmin Tatrai have launched a petition calling on the NSW Government to support and fund a trial that could see taxi’s return to the Kiama Municipality.

Illawarra Taxi Network have offered to locate two cabs on a trial basis in Kiama, but the company are requesting government support to underwrite the trial.

Mr Ward wrote to the NSW Government requesting support but at this point the government is unwilling to back a trail.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has today expressed his excitement and congratulations on Kiama winning the highly acclaimed 2024 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has called on the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads to introduce a six-month subsidised taxi service in Kiama following the earlier closure of such services.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward is encouraging our local community to support Clean Up Australia initiatives across the Kiama electorate this Sunday 3rd March 2024 to join in on this important collective action to combat litter and pollution.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has today announced the continuation of the $4.5 million upgrade of Hindmarsh Park including new landscaping and playground.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has welcomed the completion of the seawall and waterside walk located at Black Beach, Kiama Harbour.

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.

It is full steam ahead on the Berry to Bomaderry upgrade with the installation of the first bridge girders on the project – all of which are made using local steel supporting more local jobs.

Local councils and surf clubs in our community are invited to apply for grants to improve shark surveillance at beaches in the area, under the NSW Government’s Shark Observation Grants Program.