Close on the heels of the establishment of Kiama’s first Heritage Conservation Area, at Pheasant Point, steps are to be taken to give the historic precinct around Manning, Terralong, Railway and Bong Bong Sts in Kiama the same level of protection in the face of development pressures.

“We are delighted by the news,” says Sue Eggins, President of the Kiama & District Historical Society.

“This idea was brought up years ago, but it has never got off the ground.

“The listing in the LEP will provide statutory protection to the integrity of the whole area, on top of the individual state or local heritage listings that apply to ten of the buildings already.”

Council’s General Manager Michael Forsyth says the process of preparing the planning proposal and getting it approved is expected to take 6-12 months.

“Having the precinct declared a Heritage Conservation Area will elevate its status,” he says.

Heritage concerns have recently been raised over a number of DAs for redevelopment in Manning St.