Kiama Municipal Council hopes a proposed mini-breakwall in Kiama Harbour could lure cruise liners on a regular basis.
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At the start of 2014 the P&O cruise ship Pacific Jewel stopped off the coast of Kiama as part of a promotion for the Sunrise TV program.
Kiama's draft Blowhole Point master plan, which will be presented to the council for adoption later this month, includes a mini breakwall to protect the new wharf.
Kiama councillor and president of the Kiama Game Fishing Club Mark Way, who worked with the cruise liner's master mariner on the visit last year, said the fishing club had lobbied for a mini-breakwall to protect the harbour's boat ramp and wharf from the north-east swell.
"In discussions with the master mariner, he said if we could get that mini breakwall in it would provide 24/7 access to the wharf to safely bring people in," Cr Way said.
"The ships can anchor a mile off the shore and the benefits for the Kiama CBD is that you can bring hundreds of people to town with no cars."
Kiama mayor Brian Petschler said last year's trial run worked well, although "they had a perfect day for it".
"It would be a boon for the area . . . we have facilities and I'm sure the town centre would be delighted if we could arrange for this to happen on a regular basis," Cr Petschler said.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward backed Kiama as a potential cruise ship destination over Wollongong and Port Kembla.
"Kiama is a town with unlimited opportunity and this is something I would like to see supported," Mr Ward said.
The draft Kiama Harbour and Blowhole Point Headland master plan provides "a strategic direction" for the future of the 30 hectares of Crown land described as the Kiama Municipality's "jewel in the crown".
The plan proposes the long-term retention of the tourist cabin park on Blowhole Point and highlights "the need to maximise the potential of the harbour precinct for commercial and tourist activity".
The council will be asked to endorse the plan on March 17.
aarnold@fairfaxmedia.com.au