Kiama Council rejects Jamberoo Action Park's electric vehicle storage bid

Kiama Council has rejected a second application from Jamberoo Action Park to use its 3,200-space parking area for the storage of imported electric vehicles. The vehicles, arriving via Port Kembla, were intended to be held in the overflow lot before being transported to dealerships.

The council determined that the proposal did not meet the definition of a carpark under the Kiama Local Environment Plan 2011, but instead functioned as a storage premises. Such use is prohibited in the RU2 zone. Council staff also cited potential negative social impacts, including noise, vibration, and increased traffic from articulated trucks, noting that the local road network, specifically Jamberoo Road, might not be suitable for the anticipated volume of up to 60 truck movements per day.

During the debate, some councillors argued that the move could provide a necessary alternative revenue stream for the large business, comparing the use to long-term airport parking. However, the application was ultimately defeated by a single vote.