The Kiama Housing Strategy Forum provided a platform for residents to hear from planning, housing, and design experts while offering reflections on housing affordability, liveability, and the future shape of Kiama’s communities.

Hosted by Kiama Council at The Sebel on Friday, it was held to encourage community input into the draft Local Housing Strategy which is on public exhibition.

The session was structured around pre-submitted questions, giving the panel time to respond in depth, though this format limited direct audience interaction.

Who was on the panel

• Ed Paterson – Kiama Municipal Council Director of Planning and moderator of the event

• Natalie Allan – Southern Cross Community Housing

• Simon Kersten – Property professional, known for his pragmatic lens on local development and economics

• Madeleine Scarfe – Architect, with expertise in place-based design and economic impact

• Cathryn Lyall – President of Kiama Business Network and business and finance expert, offering a big-picture view of community resilience and sustainability

Mic drop moments

💬 Natalie Allan:

“Our perception of who we are directly influences the way we act.”

She challenged the room to move beyond self-interest and nostalgia when writing submissions. Her message? Think community-first. Define “character” inclusively. And consider who benefits when we protect the status quo.

💬 Simon Kersten:

“We’re just exporting workers every morning and importing tourists every weekend.”

Kersten’s quote hit hard, highlighting the imbalance between local housing and job opportunities, and making the case for tying economic development to housing growth.

💬 Madeleine Scarfe:

Highlighted the economic distortion of short-term rental accommodation, noting that a property rented at $1000 a night contributes less to the local economy than a long-term resident who buys groceries, uses local services, and sends their kids to school.

💬 Cathryn Lyall:

Reminded attendees that affordability isn't just about house prices. It is also about building a local economy with enough diversity that people can live, work, and age in place.

Takeaway message

The forum was not just about planning codes or zoning maps. It was a challenge to residents: to think bigger. To ask who is missing. And to ensure that Kiama remains not just a beautiful place to visit, but a place where people can afford to belong.

Listen to

• KMC Director of Planning present Draft Housing Strategy V2 at Housing Strategy Business Panel Discussion on 11 April here

• Business Panel Discussion here

• Housing Expert Dr Tony Gilmour discuss the Draft Housing Strategy V2 with Bernie Hems on KCR here

• KMC Director of Plan Ed Paterson discuss the Draft Housing Strategy V2 with Bernie Hems on KCR here

Have your say

Kiama Council’s draft housing strategy is on public exhibition until April 27.

You can read it and share your views here.

If the current approach doesn’t reflect your priorities, you are entitled to contact your councillors directly and ask for changes that support a more liveable, affordable Kiama.

The forum was rich with insight, lived experience and bold ideas. The Bugle will be sharing more highlights and panel discussions on The Bugle app over the next two weeks.