The NSW government has allocated $40,000 towards upgrades, which will increase number of available trailer spaces from approximately 50 to 75.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward said the funding would be delivered as part of the Shoalhaven-Illawarra Regional Boating Plan, which is one of 11 regional boating plans released across the state.

‘‘This is about giving Kiama boaties what they need – better quality facilities and continual improvements in safety and accessibility,’’ Mr Ward said.

The plan also includes funds for car and trailer parking at the Bass Point boat ramp and the Greys Beach boat ramp at North Nowra, as well as money to investigate options for an additional ramp at Greys Beach.

Kiama councillor Mark Way, who is also president of the Kiama Game Fishing Club, said recent upgrades to Kiama’s wharves had made Kiama the region’s leading boat ramp. He said people travelled  from Sydney to use it to access South Coast fishing grounds.

In 2013 more than $500,000 was spent on the new wharf at the harbour and Cr Way said it soon became apparent that the boat ramp’s popularity had out-grown the existing trailer parking and wash bay facilities.

‘‘The overflow of cars and boat trailers has forced users onto the grassed areas creating a messy situation,’’ Cr Way said.

‘‘The heavy use of the only wash bay also created traffic problems and frustration for people with a regular line-up of boats waiting.’’

New trailer parking facilities to be adjacent to the holiday cabins were deemed a priority for Kiama Harbour.

Kiama mayor Brian Petschler said the council had  been chipping away at the $4million worth of projects identified in the 2002 plan, with about $1.5million already spent on projects.

A new Kiama Harbour and Blowhole Point Headland master plan will soon replace the 2002 plan for the area. 

Community feedback on the draft master plan is expected at either the council’s March or April meetings.

Source: Illawarra Mercury