Opinion by Lynne Strong

Let’s be honest, statistics can be a bit of a snooze-fest. Percentages, projections, and demographics - these terms aren’t exactly the life of the party. But here’s the thing: without these stats, planning for Kiama’s future is like trying to navigate through a thick fog with no compass. You’re flying blind.

Did you know Kiama’s population is projected to grow by 33 percent over the next 20 years? That’s 7,757 new friends, neighbours, and community members. It’s like inviting the entire population of a small town to join us. But without knowing this, how can we plan for enough houses, schools, and services?

By 2044, we’ll need 3,456 new homes. That’s about 180 houses a year. Without tracking these needs, we might end up with a housing shortage, skyrocketing prices, and people struggling to find a place to live. We don’t want Kiama to become an exclusive club with an impossible entry fee, right?

Our community is getting older, with a median age of 48 years and 36 percent of our population already over 60. In the next two decades, this silver wave will continue to grow. Planning for this isn’t just about more bingo nights (though we love those); it’s about ensuring there are suitable homes and services to support our elderly residents.

Currently, 57 percent of our workers commute out of Kiama. That’s a lot of time and money spent on travel. By understanding this, we can push for more local job opportunities, reducing the commute and keeping the community thriving right here at home. But here’s a surprising and somewhat concerning stat that only 0.6 percent of our population uses public transport. This not only increases traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions but also highlights the need for better public transport options. Without knowing this, we might miss the chance to advocate for improvements, leaving many reliant on cars.

Knowing our vulnerabilities, like flood-prone areas and bushfire risks, isn’t just a detail to skim over. It’s crucial for safe housing development. Imagine building a beautiful home only to find it’s in a high-risk flood zone. Not ideal.

With 32 percent of renter households experiencing housing stress, it’s clear we need more affordable rental options. Knowing this helps us push for policies that can alleviate this stress and make Kiama a more inclusive place to live.

Sure, tracking these stats might seem tedious, but it’s the key to making informed decisions. It’s like using a GPS instead of wandering aimlessly. By keeping an eye on our progress, we can adjust our course and ensure Kiama continues to grow in a way that benefits everyone.

So, next time you hear about housing percentages or population projections, remember - they’re more than just boring numbers.

On September 14 when we elect councilors, look for a long history of innovation and real-world experience, so we have a chance to be a leader in growth and housing strategy across the world.