The Department of Planning, Industry & Environment has put the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 (ISRP) on exhibition.

The ISRP will guide strategic planning and land use decisions in the region for the next 20 years.

According to the Department’s website, the draft updated Regional Plan builds on the existing plan in a number of ways, including:

• strengthening MetroWollongong as a connected, innovative and progressive city
• growing Nowra and Shellharbour City Centres as regional cities;
• developing a Green Grid network of connected open spaces
• building more resilient communities to cope with the changing climate and natural hazards.

Kiama Council’s DirectorEnvironmental Services Jessica Rippon says she is pleased with the draft.

“We have been working closely with the Department on the elements of the draft plan relevant to our Municipality, as have all the Illawarra councils.

“The result is a document that closely aligns with the Kiama Local Strategic Planning Statement, and the community’s priorities.

“The draft contains information about future housing and development for the region, with Bombo Quarry identified as a future option for Kiama.

“It also focuses on a regional view, rather than setting housing targets, which is welcomed.

“I encourage everyone with an interest to read the draft plan and provide your feedback to the Department of Planning via their website.”

Of note, in its discussion of the objective to supply housing in the right locations, the draft ISRP says:
“Kiama is only likely to play a supporting role in regional housing supply and has a limited supply of new greenfield areas. Kiama Municipal Council has committed to developing a Local Housing Strategy and the NSW Government will work collaboratively with council so it can respond to changing housing needs in line with the community’s vision.

“When developing local housing strategies, councils will need to create urban growth boundaries to clearly identify where urban growth is acceptable and where it should be avoided. In the case of Kiama, the community has expressed a desire to meet the demands for new housing by increasing the supply available in existing areas and through the development of Bombo Quarry, rather than providing opportunities for housing expansion in other non-urban areas.”

It also talks of developing “a shared vision for the future of Bombo Quarry in collaboration with Kiama Municipal Council, landowners and the community”.

Specific mention is also made of the proposed Kiama Arts and Cultural Precinct Development.

Have your say by 17 December.

Three webinars are being held by the Department of Planning to explain aspects of the draft on: 16 November, 10.30-11.30am and 5.30-6.30pm 18 November, 2.30-3.30pm. The draft ISRP, registration for the above and other feedback opportunities are at www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draft-ISRP