'I'm not filled with optimism' : departing councillor says as he quits Kiama
Mike Cains' decision prompts another by-election
Kiama Municipal Council will ratify the resignation of Councillor Mike Cains at its ordinary meeting tonight (June 16), after the independent representative stepped down citing work obligations outside of the LGA.
Cains, who was elected to the nine-member council in 2024 after more than 15 years living in the local government area, told ABC Illawarra the decision was one of integrity.
“I can’t any longer put my hand on heart and say that my primary place of residence is still in the Kiama municipal council area,” he said.
“I think the right thing to do is to resign and allow somebody else who is closer to the action to provide more intimate representation.”
Cains, who stood as a Liberal candidate in the seat of Whitlam in 2022, said the change in circumstances had been gradual. He joined global biotech company IFF in March 2025 in a trans-Tasman dairy ingredients sales role.. Cains’ background in cheese dates back further, having operated Pecora Dairy in Robertson for more than 13 years, before selling the business in early 2025.
Mayor Cameron McDonald confirmed the resignation had been received effective immediately and would be ratified at tonight’s meeting. A by-election must be held within three months - making it Kiama’s seventh trip to the polls in less than five years.
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“Cr Cains has stood up for what he believes in, been a passionate advocate for the rejuvenation of Kiama Harbour and the local agricultural industry,” the mayor said.
Cains used his departure to flag deep concerns about the council’s long-term financial viability, warning the body lacked the revenue diversity of neighbouring councils and risked a permanent structural deficit.
During his tenure, Cains was a vocal and at times combative presence on council, and most recently boycotted a Labor Community Cabinet event in Kiama.
“Kiama doesn’t have a central business district, it doesn’t have universities and hospitals and office buildings, it doesn’t have the diversity of income base that its neighbours have,” he told ABC Illawarra. “I’m not filled with optimism that Kiama council will ever be able to run a balanced budget without imposing austerity measures upon its citizens.”
CEO Jane Stroud has identified the Bombo Quarry precinct as a potential financial circuit-breaker, though progress depends on a state government decision about when quarrying operations will cease.
Council is also working through a varied Performance Improvement Order from the Office of Local Government. Mayor McDonald has described it as a new document rather than a simple extension, setting requirements around governance, financial management and long-term revenue strategy.
The council’s June 16 meeting will also include discussion on two draft strategies - Community Engagement and the Kiama After Dark plans; as well as the lease for Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club.
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