As we head into the holiday season, summer’s predicted high temperatures have arrived. We’re so lucky to live in this beautiful spot with ready access to a range of stunning beaches, waterways and swimming spots. We’re also blessed to have a crack team of lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers who will be on patrol for around 400 shifts this season.

However, I do urge everyone to pay attention to water safety as the mercury rises. Always swim between the flags, listen to instructions and follow the signs.

Kiama comes alive in summer, although it’s pretty great all year round, if I do say so myself. This is due to a combination of our location, our geography and our many offerings – from scenic spots to adventure trails, high-profile events to tranquil hideaways, artisanal produce to delicious food and drink – plus of course, the friendly and helpful people you find here.

It is perhaps this same combination of location, geography and population that has meant our municipality has remained relatively unchanged for quite some time now.

Looking forward to the new year, change is on the horizon. This is not news. I’ve been talking about Council’s need to make decisions that change our trajectory from one that was heading steadily into the red, to being focused on financial sustainability and providing good, equitable and appropriate services to our community both now and in the future.

With the divestment of Blue Haven approaching, we will be coming to speak to you, our community, about change. About what your council and your community looks like when we’re no longer operating one of Australia’s largest local-government owned aged care Services.

We are going to change. And we want your input as to how we navigate that, what services and facilities are important to you, what you need and what you expect from your council. Change can be positive, if we make it so.

We also need to talk about growth. Population growth in our municipality has sat at less than 1% for the past 10 years. That’s an increase of just 1,960 to the population of our LGA since 2012. This is similar to the growth rate to many other council areas in NSW.

However, with ambitious regional, state and federal targets on housing being set, sites in our area such as Bombo Quarry are due for development in the coming years.

Since this council was sworn in, back in January 2022, we’ve been laser focused on getting our finances back in the black and making strategic choices for a sustainable future. This won’t change.

Let’s work together to make sure we’re part of a proactive discussion about how we change.

Happy holidays to everyone. Stay safe, enjoy yourselves and I look forward to continuing this conversation in 2024.