KNOTTY’S PLAN TO BRIGHTEN KIAMA

Former member for the seat of Gilmore is hoping councillors will reverse a decision to ban busking in the municipality

FORMER Kiama Councillor and federal MP Peter Knott wants Kiama Council to lift its blanket ban on busking.

An enthusiastic musician, Mr Knott received a $4000 grant from council to stage an original song busking and stand up comedy competition over winter.

With busking banned in Kiama, council was only willing to allow an exemption for the duration of the event.

But the former politician feels that unless council reinstate buskers rights across the municipality there is no point holding the competition.

If we allow busking on the streets then there is no reason why people from out of town wont be saying, Kiama the place with the blowhole and the buskers it could be that big, Mr Knott said.

This has the ability to not only draw a lot of people to the community but also supply work for six or seven people a weekend who cant do anything else but sing or dance. It is about giving people an opportunity.

I am only doing this because I love this town. It is about the betterment of society and I think Kiama would benefit a hell of a lot from something like this.

Arguing that a lot of community capital was lost when the Jamberoo folk festival moved to Bulli, Mr Knott believes busking would add the colour and ambience the town is craving.

He will be given a chance to address Decembers council meeting but he told the Kiama Independent that he would be extremely disappointed if the ban on busking was not removed.

Obviously there would be restrictions on the where you can play, what instruments and the time etc, etc but once this was sorted out I dare anyone to tell me this would not be a success, he said.

I honestly dont think this ban is a case of vindictiveness or stupidity I am just hoping it is an honest mistake and that it will all be rectified at the next meeting.

Kiama Council general manager Michael Forsyth said the Kiama Streetscape Committee had recommended to council that the ban on busking be upheld.

However the final decision will rest with the councillors at the December meeting.