On behalf of the Kiama and District Business Chamber, Cr Gavin McClure and president Marie Beikmanis awarded a cheque for $3000 to Kiama council to install fairy lights on the trees in front of the Collins Street terrace houses.  

Initially submitted to council in July 2015, Cr McClure said there was a need to beautify the area.

“For many years, this area has lacked ambience," he said. 

"We are hoping that the lights will [make this] a place where people want to come to at night. We might even be able to attract another restaurant into the area." 

A number of local businesses owners along Collins Street are welcoming the installation, including the Hungry Monkey owner Taylor Hudson. 

Mr Hudson said the lights will be a boost to the existing businesses. 

“The place is not lit at all and if you’re driving past in the night time, it doesn’t look like anything is going on,” he said.

“[The lights] will create a better atmosphere, will be better looking and businesses will be lit up.” 

With plans to begin the installation in the New Year, the Kiama council’s director of engineering and works Gino Belsito said it is a project he looks forward to. 

“I think this is a great initiative for this particular area," he said.

“[Collins Street] is the gateway to the Kiama township and should be a model for what people can expect. 

"There are a few different initiatives we can do with the lighting because of the trees here and we are looking to enhance them. 

“We will be starting in the next couple of months and doing consultation with businesses, and hopefully be starting construction in the new year." 

In addition to the $3000 provided by the Kiama and District Business Chamber, another $17,000 has been allocated by the Kiama Council to reinvigorate Collins Street through lighting and the establishment of garden beds. 

Kiama and District Business Chamber president Marie Beikmains said money spent increasing the visual appeal of Kiama is well spent. 

"I agree that [Collins Street] is the entrance to Kiama and we want people to be impressed when they drive in," she said. 

"As far as the Business Chamber is concerned, we are a non-for-profit organisation and all the money that comes into the chamber is spent on behalf of the members, and we think beautifying the town is a really good thing to be doing."