Labor candidate for Kiama Glenn Kolomeitz says the ALP will maintain the current southern boundary of Gerringong if it is elected next year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NSW government's Draft Illawarra Regional Growth and Infrastructure Plan has reignited concerns the southern boundary of Gerringong could be further expanded into farmland.
Last week Kiama councillors unanimously endorsed a submission in response to the plan, reaffirming the council's view a southern boundary of Gerringong was set during the 2011 Local Environmental Plan process.
Mr Kolomeitz said the ALP would preserve the present boundaries, "being the existing line of houses running roughly east-west and the agricultural land between Gerringong and Gerroa, which is so important to local industry".
"In recent weeks, Gareth Ward has said that he never wants Gerringong and Gerroa to share a single boundary, but he has refused to say whether he will move the current Gerringong southern boundary, or reveal how much development he will allow on the agricultural lands between the two.
"Non-committal spin like this is unhelpful and disrespectful of Gerringong and Gerroa residents."
Mr Kolomeitz said the draft plan failed the Kiama electorate and particularly Gerringong and Gerroa.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward said the only government that ever contemplated development beyond the southern boundary of Gerringong was the former Labor government.
Mr Ward said during the term of the previous Labor government there were plans lodged for 1040 caravans in a "lifestyle village" proposed for Toolijooa and the 365-site Emerald Gardens Caravan Park beyond Gerringong's southern boundary.
"I am delighted the Labor candidate agrees with me, I just wish his party had demonstrated that in government.
"Not only have I made my objections clear in public, I outlined them in a speech to Parliament.
"I am firmly committed to the existing southern boundary," Mr Ward said.