It’s only natural that people hold different views about the future of Kiama but one thing we can all

agree on is the desire for Kiama to be a liveable functioning town long into the future.

How this goal is achieved remains a matter of debate. For years, Kiama has had no housing strategy

and in that time the lack of affordable housing has become the biggest threat to Kiama remaining

liveable and functional.

When a home costs 16 times the average wage and rent consumes 38 per cent of a household’s

income, the decline has already begun.

The NSW Government’s most recent population forecast for Kiama lays bare the situation. By 2041

the local government area will need to accommodate an additional 7,000 people implying a demand

for more than 3,000 additional homes.

This population growth will not happen overnight but incrementally, and there is a need to have

genuine proposals like Springside Hill, that will provide a steady supply of new homes to cater for this

rising demand.

No one can wave a magic wand in 10 or 15 years’ time and expect thousands of homes to suddenly

materialise. Just as you cannot expect a single solution to make up the historic shortfall in housing

supply and a deficit that will no doubt loom even larger in Kiama’s future.

A quick look at the numbers highlights the futility of relying on a single solution strategy for Kiama’s

housing needs, where multiple solutions are required.

It’s not just a question of how many homes are needed but when. Given that high prices are already

forcing locals to leave town to establish a home, and businesses are struggling to find workers, the

unequivocal answer is, right now.

Every year that demand outstrips supply, the price of homes in Kiama rises. That’s great news for

those who own a home but cold comfort for young people who grew up here and want to stay and

raise their own children surrounded by family and friends. Or those who are renting and desperately

seeking to own their own home.

It’s easy to forget how demoralising it is not being able to afford a home of your own when you are

already on the property ladder, and that the whole of Kiama was built on rolling green hills and

paddocks. It’s hard to hear that a passing view of cows matters more than their aspirations for home

ownership and will only heighten the sense of unfairness felt by those locked out of home

ownership.

At Springside Hill we have set out a sensible and sensitive plan to manage population growth in a

way that preserves everything that makes Kiama so special, in a location adjacent to existing homes.

By having a natural extension to existing housing, we can help preserve the low density character of

the existing town. A diverse range of housing also allows for more choice, for downsizers, couples

and younger families to live in the types of homes they want.

We spoke to the community before forming our proposal and we are continuing to talk to locals,

taking on board their concerns and suggestions.

The message we heard then and now is that locals desperately want a home they can afford to buy

or rent so that they can stay in Kiama.

These are the quiet, individual voices that are seldom heard. They are teachers, nurses, your friends

and family. They are not organised and coordinated, merely people who would like a fair go at

realising the great Australian dream. In Kiama.