The fourth pillar of Kiama Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is: “We are part of a

connected and liveable community”.

Being part of a connected and liveable community means that the council aims to foster a

sense of belonging and cohesion among you good folk, while ensuring that the community

remains vibrant, sustainable, and enjoyable. One way we work to achieve this is through our

council committees, which we have recently restructured.

I congratulate the successful applicants to council’s two newest committees: We have

appointed the following four community members to the Sustainable Communities

Committee: Michael Bowden, Liam Pettigrew, Narreda Grimley and Alan Smith. They will

join Councillor Imogen Draisma and myself as the councillor representatives on this

committee.

The following four applicants were appointed to the Infrastructure and Liveability

Committee: Roy Rogers, Tony Gilmour, Jennifer Wulff (nee Heath) and Dr Fiona Mackie.

They will join Councillor Mark Croxford and Councillor Stuart Larkins on the committee.

We are so grateful to the many community members who applied for the roles and I

encourage their participation throughout the committee term as invited experts where

appropriate.

Overall, community participation on a council committee can lead to more inclusive,

effective, and people-centric decision-making processes, ultimately benefiting the

community's wellbeing and development.

This new structure will be well tested over the next 12 months. We don’t expect that it will be

perfect, nothing really is, but we can learn from any mistakes along the way and make sure

we don’t repeat them. I believe that if we have a positive mindset, we’re likely to see any little

hiccups as an opportunity to improve and add greater value to this innovative method of

committees.

Beyond the next 12 months, I’ve been thinking about how we deliver on the goals outlined in

the fourth pillar of our CSP, which is a long-term plan that outlines the vision, strategy, and

priorities of your council in serving its community. That’s you!

I’ll break down the key elements of this strategic pillar:

A connected community: This focuses on building strong social connections among

community members. It involves initiatives to promote community engagement, inclusivity,

and participation in local events, projects, and decision-making processes. The goal is to

create a sense of belonging and unity among us all.

A liveable community: This aspect emphasises creating an environment where people can

lead fulfilling and comfortable lives. It includes various elements such as access to essential

services, well-designed public spaces, recreational facilities, and infrastructure that supports

a high quality of life. A liveable community is also one that is sustainable in the long term.

This involves efforts to protect and preserve the natural environment, promote eco-friendly

practices, and ensure responsible urban planning and development that balances the needs

of the present without compromising the needs of the future.

Your council also focuses on fostering economic growth and social development within the

community. I believe this includes support for local businesses, creating job opportunities,

and addressing social issues to ensure a thriving and prosperous community.

Our goal may be a lofty one, but with your support we can continue creating a cohesive,

inclusive, and sustainable community where all members of our LGA enjoy a high quality of

life, social interaction, and access to services and amenities.

Don’t forget that I run an open door policy... Email or call ahead to book an appointment or

just drop in. I’m always up for a chat if I’m around.