Kiama Council Mayor Cameron McDonald has announced a major investment in the community's future with the purchase of a prominent commercial property adjacent to its Works Depot on Belvedere Street. The $6.3 million acquisition of the Shoalhaven Street site, known locally as the old Big River or Cukuna property, is set to unlock significant opportunities for both Council and the community.
The newly acquired site will enable Council to reimagine the use of our current depot, which we have owned for nearly a century and has served as a hub for outdoor operations since the 1960s. However, after decades of incremental upgrades, the facility has reached its limits in terms of safety, functionality, and community value.
Council now plans to move its operations to a consolidated, purpose-built facility at Minnamurra, creating a modern, safe workspace for Council's outdoor staff.
Mayor McDonald said the purchase was a unanimous decision by the newly elected Council. He expressed his enthusiasm for the new plans, and said it highlights Council's commitment to making impactful decisions that shape a sustainable future for Kiama.
"This is a big investment, but it's also a big opportunity for our community," said Cr McDonald. "Our current depot site is outdated and no longer fit for purpose. By relocating to a custom-built facility at Minnamurra, we're prioritising the safety of our hardworking staff, while also freeing up a valuable site here in the heart of Kiama for future development."
Council aims to rezone the Belvedere Street site for residential development, helping address the local housing shortage and making productive use of centrally located land a short walk from the train station and Kiama's town centre. This strategic move aligns with our broader goals of fostering responsible growth and addressing pressing community needs.
"We're very excited to reimagine this site for residential use," said Mayor McDonald. "It's a suburban site that's increasingly ill-suited to industrial operations, but is the ideal location to add much-needed housing. This project is just one example of Council working together to make bold decisions that serve Kiama's long-term interests."
While the relocation and development plans will unfold over the coming years, Council views this announcement as an essential first step toward creating a vibrant and more connected Kiama.
Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud said "There are lots of processes to be worked through —rezoning, masterplanning, design, environmental reports, safety inspections and workforce matters. All that said, this is a strong strategic decision, and our workforce has welcomed the news and looks forward to the opportunities this move will open up."
Cr McDonald said: "We're committed to a strong vision for our town's future, one that includes safe workspaces, smart growth, and positive community outcomes. Today's announcement demonstrates that, as a newly elected Council, we're not only thinking ahead and working collaboratively, but also taking decisive action."
The purchase will be paid over three years, ensuring fiscal responsibility while enabling a smooth transition for Council operations.
Kiama Council is sharing this news today to inform our community, staff and stakeholders of this important decision and make them aware of our plans.
As a Council, we are committed to transparency and keeping the community and our staff informed and engaged as we advance through the process.
Photo: Mayor Cameron McDonald with Kiama Council's Works Depot Manager
