The release of the NSW Government's Draft Regional Growth and Infrastructure Plan has reignited concerns that the southern boundary of Gerringong could be further expanded into farmland.
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In 2011 fears that overdevelopment could one day blur the boundary between Gerringong and Gerroa appeared to be put to rest when then NSW Planning Minister Brad Hazzard signed off on the latest Kiama local environmental plan (LEP).
A proposal for an additional 500 housing lots at the southern end of Gerringong had been ruled out after an "overwhelming" number of objections - 630 of 800 submissions - opposed the expansion.
But a parcel in Gerringong's south-west corner, a section of a site once proposed for a 365-site caravan and tourist park, remains undeveloped and zoned for residential housing.
The state government's latest draft planning document, which sets a target of an additional 45,000 dwellings for the Illawarra region by 2031, has identified south Gerringong as a potential greenfield area.
"We will work with Kiama Council to review the potential of these areas, and to identify an appropriate boundary for the southern expansion of Gerringong, noting the importance of maintaining Gerringong and Gerroa as separate urban areas," the document states.
Kiama Councillor Andrew Sloan said the department appeared determined to keep bringing up the issue of Gerringong's southern boundaries, regardless of what Kiama Council or the residents of Gerringong thought.
"There are some good aspirational statements proposed in the document, particularly regarding agricultural land, but when you get down to the details they are often in conflict with one another," Cr Sloan said
"Council will put in its own submission and we urge anyone interested in keeping the southern boundary of Gerringong as it is to make their views known."
Kiama Mayor Brian Petschler said it was his view the department did not see an extension beyond the Elambra estate, but it was "vague" about the southern boundary.
"This will need to be clarified very quickly ... as far as the council is concerned the southern boundary was established when the LEP was finalised," Cr Petschler said.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward said under no circumstance would he support the southern boundary of Gerringong becoming the northern boundary of Gerroa.
"The government will continue to work with Kiama council and the wider community to manage development, particularly in our precious and beautiful villages," Mr Ward said.
The Department of Planning and Environment will host a community event at the Kiama Leagues Club on Wednesday, November 19, at 6.30pm, where people can have their say on the draft Illawarra Regional Growth and Infrastructure Plan.
