There can no better sight for a new mayor than to see a room full of diverse people, councillors, council staff and the community they serve, working in great harmony to bring about better outcomes for the place where we live! The process of developing a Community Strategic Plan (CSP) was the reason for this sight.

The CSP shares the vision and aspirations for the future of Kiama and our district and sets out the community’s long-term plan.

To create the CSP, we developed workshops that centre on four themes, ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNITY, FINANCE and Council SERVICES. In these workshops, we sat around tables equipped with paper, pens and enthusiasm to capture the thoughts of participants about how they would like to see our area in 3, 5 and 10 year increments.

We had an artist capture the main ideas, with very detailed notes compiled by councillors and staff.

This process will lead to a very high level document which will become the community’s plan for its future. Council will have a custodial role in engaging, refining and preparing the plan on behalf of its community.

We live in a very special place that offers a rare blend of beautiful natural areas and excellent recreational and business opportunities. A key challenge we face is to ensure that local development and growth complements our unique character and enhances our already strong sense of place.

Our new Community Strategic Plan will become the vision of those who live here, emphasising the importance of fostering a diverse economy while protecting and enhancing our natural environment.

From what I have seen and heard, the community has articulated a central role for creativity and innovation. This will play a significant part in strengthening our identity as an inclusive community that harnesses new agricultural, business and recreation opportunities that adapt well to our character.

The Jamberoo CSP workshop

People have called for increased mobility and accessibility – for improving how we get around and gain access to quality services, vibrant places and inclusive events that contribute to our connectedness and sense of wellbeing.

Delivering this vision is not something we can achieve in isolation. Shared decision-making and effective working partnerships with government agencies, non-government organisations, business and, of course, our community will be critical to our success.

We intend to hold more of these engaging and productive workshops, attracting the ideas of our younger community and those in our care at Blue Haven.

While we face a number of challenges, we must still focus on our day to day jobs as a council. I look forward to working with you all in bringing this plan to life.