Kiama Ramped Up For Princes Hwy Decision

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday May 23, 2006

By WILLIAM VERITY

THE location of the long-awaited ramps linking Kiama to the Princes Hwy will be made public by the middle of next week, according to MP Matt Brown.

Mr Brown said the Roads and Traffic Authority would publish its preferred option by the end of May, once it had reviewed environmental factors.

He also confirmed he had lobbied Premier Morris Iemma and Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal to fund the ramps in next month's State Budget.

"I don't know if the ramps will be built by the next election, but I am trying to secure the budget commitment," Mr Brown said.

The announcement follows mounting impatience at the slow progress of the project, which Mr Brown has promised would be finished by the end of 2007.

Kiama Mayor Sandra McCarthy said last week she was "imploring" the State Government to build the ramps at South Kiama "as a matter of urgency".

There is only one northbound route out of town - along Terralong St - which would present safety concerns if a fire or accident blocked the road.

Three options are being considered, including an off-and-on ramp near Weir St and a southbound off ramp at Bland St.

The council prefers an on-off ramp at Munna Munnora Creek.

The mayor said the issue had gained importance after expressions of interest were called last week from those wanting to buy the old Mobil service station site at Kiama Heights.

She said the 2000sqm site - which has been vacant since 2003 - was zoned for neighbourhood business and would be perfect for a service station and corner store.

Kiama had 11 petrol outlets in the 1960s but now has just one, near Kiama High School.

"The site is prone to vandalism and has been surrounded by scaffolding," she said.

"There is no shop at Kiama Heights for basic requirements.

"It would be good to see a development on that site."

But she added that investors would need to know the location of the ramps before they made any commitment.

Real estate agent and councillor Warren Steel is handling the property and said it would be perfect for a neighbourhood mini-mart.