Residents are angry at a proposed "revitalisation" of Kiama Harbour they say will create safety, parking and aesthetic issues.
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"It's not required, it's not wanted - it's a ridiculous plan," Kiama's Christine Stirman said of the draft plan.
According to Kiama council, the Kiama Harbour Revitalisation Plan involves a review of the 2014 Kiama Harbour and Blowhole Point Headland Master Plan.
The project is being managed by the Transport for NSW Maritime Infrastructure Delivery Office in partnership with Kiama council.
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward recently said the use of Kiama Harbour has evolved over the years, but continues to have an active commercial fishing and charter fleet, with a popular boat ramp.
"The most significant opportunity identified is to consolidate maritime-related activities into the outer area of the harbour by relocating the boat ramp and extending the existing breakwater," he said.
"Relocation of the boat ramp would allow for a potential waterfront 'Corso' as an attractive destination point, and would strengthen the pedestrian connection from the CBD to the harbour.
"The document does not include funding commitments."
According to the draft Kiama Harbour Revitalisation Strategic Framework, Kiama council has a key objective to increase the tourist spend rather than the number of tourists. .
"Opportunities exist to improve retail and food/beverage offering in the harbour precinct to cater for different price points," the report said.
"Other economic opportunities include maritime-related activities such as chandlery and marine tour operations."
Meanwhile, Kiama resident Mila Evans said residents had expressed concerns related to safety, parking, access and the aesthetic quality of the area.
Mrs Stirman said an "overwhelming" number of residents had expressed concerns via social media.
"By all means fix the things that need repairing," she told the Mercury.
"For example, the retaining wall that has had orange safety netting around it for a long time, and the missing boat cradle from the repair slip.
"But leave the rest alone.
"The additional breakwall is not needed, the pool on the northern side and Black Beach will not get enough fresh water and would become stagnant.
"More shops are not needed, especially if there is no parking."
Mrs Stirman also said if the plan went ahead, it would create access issues for many who used the pool under the lighthouse.
"A large number are elderly with health challenges," she said.
"There will be no parking at all, and that will mean everybody has to walk 800 metres from Terralong Street. And they're not going to provide disabled parking."
Community feedback is open on the harbour plan until March 5. To have your say, email: maritimecomms@transport.nsw.gov.au.
Kiama councillor Neil Reilly urged residents to lodge a submission.
"Essentially, this document presents well illustrated, but poorly argued directions for a future of the harbour few locals seem to embrace," he said.
Kiama Mayor Mark Honey said he was grateful the community has contributed to the discussion, and no final decisions had been made.
"This is only a draft, and any of the submissions that are put forward will be taken into consideration," he said.
"There has been a lot of misinformation spread around by interest groups that really don't reflect (what's) in the plan."
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