Kiama Council’s proposed 2026-27 budget will deliver real cuts to jobs and essential community services, warns the United Services Union which represents council workers.
Council’s draft budget includes the potential closure or sale of youth services, the Community Recycling Centre, the Visitor Information Centre, and putting waste services out to tender.
These measures come despite Kiama having significantly lower rates than neighbouring councils such as Shellharbour, even though property values in Kiama are substantially higher.
Stuart Geddes, Acting Southern Manager and Industrial Officer/Solicitor for the United Services Union (USU), says the community is right to be outraged by the proposals to be voted on later today.
“Instead of taking a balanced approach by reviewing both services and rates while developing a sustainable forward plan, Council appears intent on throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” Mr Geddes said.
“This austerity-driven path risks losing cultural and community services that Kiama has long been proud of and that have set a strong example across the sector.
“It will also mean job losses for long-serving local workers - many of whom have lived in the Kiama LGA for over a decade - with mortgages and families already struggling in the cost-of-living crisis.”
The proposals come as Council works to meet a Performance Improvement Order requiring a balanced budget by 2026/27. However, Mr Geddes said contracting out services will ultimately cost ratepayers more in the long term.
It is particularly concerning that Labor Councillor Stuart Larkins appeared to support the cuts in media comments today to the ABC. This stance appears to contradict NSW Labor’s platform opposing austerity and privatisation.
Tonight’s vote will place the budget on public exhibition for 28 days. A community protest is being held at 4pm today ahead of the meeting.
“The USU will continue to stand with our members and the Kiama community against these short-sighted cuts. We urge councillors to pursue a measured path that protects both jobs and the services residents value,” Mr Geddes concluded.
Contact: Tim Brunero 0405 285 547