Kiama Gains $200K for Special Entertainment Zone
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of $200,000 to support the development of a Night-Time Economy Strategy and the trial of a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in the Kiama CBD.
The announcement was made this morning in Kiama by the Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy, the Hon John Graham MLC.
Mayor McDonald said the funding was an exciting development for Kiama and a direct outcome of Council’s advocacy.
“I want to sincerely thank Minister Graham for coming to Kiama today and for recognising the importance of supporting regional communities in building a strong night-time economy,” Cr McDonald said.
“This $200,000 commitment will allow us to develop a Night-Time Economy Strategy and trial a Special Entertainment Precinct in the Kiama CBD. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support live music, strengthen our hospitality sector, and give visitors and locals more reasons to enjoy Kiama after dark.”
Mayor McDonald said the SEP initiative was one of the priorities identified in Council’s State Government Advocacy Plan, unanimously adopted earlier this month.
“This announcement shows the power of clear, consistent advocacy, when we put our community’s priorities forward with a united voice, government listens,” Cr McDonald said.
“But it is also just one of the priorities we are calling on the State Government to support. In his role as Minister for Transport, I am calling on Minister Graham to replace the outdated covenant on our Spring Creek landholdings with a modern easement. Removal of this covenant will enable Council to include our Spring Creek landholdings in our Long Term Financial Plan thereby convincing the NSW Government of Council’s financial sustainability.
Mayor McDonald said he looked forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government on these priorities.
“Today is a great step forward, and I thank the Minister and the Government for listening. I look forward to continuing this partnership to deliver the full range of projects that will shape Kiama’s future,” he said.
Read Council’s full State Government Advocacy Plan
Photo (L-R): Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters, Cr Stuart Larkins, Minister for Music, the Night-Time Economy and Transport the Hon John Graham MLC, Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, Cr Erica Warren, Labor candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney at The Grand Hotel for the SEP funding announcement.
https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Kiama-welcomes-200000-boost-for-Special-Entertainment-Precinct