S.A.F.E. Kiama

As the lead candidate for the S.A.F.E. Kiama group I am committed to safeguarding our unique community, now and for future generations.

I have the skills and practical knowledge to contribute to a new Kiama council that is sensible with money, accountable with decision making, values fair planning, and champions a responsible stand on the environment.

Over time I have watched our beautiful landscapes change, often dramatically and without respect, and often to the detriment of the environment, our heritage and the ratepayers who live and work here.

Like many, I fell in love with Kiama on regular visits as a teenager. I love the spectacular hills and ocean, the inclusive and friendly culture, and the energy and distinctive qualities of our towns and villages. Now a permanent resident, I know what a privilege it is to live here.

I am actively involved as a volunteer in several community groups. As a member on Kiama Council’s Planning Committee I’ve contributed to the development of the Kiama Town Centre Study and the Local Strategic Planning Statement. As the president of Kiama Central Precinct and the Combined Community Advocacy Group I’ve written many submissions to Kiama Council and to our NSW Government representatives expressing concerns of local residents and requesting change for the better. These include submissions on Community Consultation and the NSW Government Housing Strategy. I was also the founding chair of the Kiama Community Radio and initiated Kiama’s contribution to the Australia wide AUSMAP micro-plastic initiative which has gained international attention.

My qualifications include a Bachelor of Information Technology and a Master of Science, (earth and environmental science). I semi-retired after 30 plus years working in the communications and information technology sectors in the Federal Government.

While working for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in the early 2000s I participated in multi-national government initiatives related to cross boarder identity fraud. I worked with senior representatives from other countries to formulate policy and to design related business and technical solutions.

Later I was the technical lead of a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) initiative related to water trading, and since semi-retiring I have I participated in over 25 project assurance reviews across many Federal Government departments. I have repeatedly dealt with complex legislation, regional boundary dependencies, and contested value judgements.

My professional background plus the experience gained volunteering on local groups, provide a strong and confident basis for me to represent you, the ratepayers, on Kiama Council.

Authorised by: Karen Renkema-Lang, 4/20 Dido Street, Kiama 2533