Lately I’ve been hitting the streets for our Community Strategic Plan (CSP) workshops with councillors and staff. The focus is on the future, and we have received excellent input from the community. Sustainability, prosperity and wellbeing appears when we listen and understand the pulse and the knowledge of our own people. When people share in defining what’s next, where to and how to get there, we create our own future.

There are two other vital matters on which I request your opinions. The Town Centre Development Control Plan (DCP) and the Kiama Heritage Review, both of which are currently on exhibition on council’s website.

The city centre is the heart of the LGA. It should beat with people, locals and visitors alike. Our town centre must provide for the way we want to live, with shops, shade, parks and spaces for all of us. It’s a place we should want to work, live, visit and enjoy. It’s a land mark kind of place, where what “Kiama” is should be obvious for all. It should give our community something to be proud of, a place that respects our urban values and helps define us for years ahead.

I urge you to have your say at: https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/Your-say/Kiama-Town-Centre-Study-Exhibition-DCP-Review

While we head for the future, let’s not forget to protect our past: the buildings and the character that make our LGA special. The structures, sites, and homes created over the years before that speak to our dairying past, our rural roots and our seaside shacks, or sandstone beauties. The architectural foundation of how our region developed is at the core of the Heritage Review.

We want that past to stand tall and proud, remain viable, be used and loved and valued for all to see. We’ve added some places and some special parts of our community. Have a look and share your views and ideas about how we are protecting our heritage for tomorrow.

Have your say at: https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/Your-say/Kiama-Heritage-Review-Exhibition

These two documents of our town’s past and future have been developed in conjunction with experts and groups from the community. Now it’s your turn to have a look and share your views and ideas about how we are protecting our heritage today, and creating a wonderful tomorrow.

Your voice is important to me, I can’t wait to read your submissions, to be informed by your views and ideas and to help shape the way of our future.

You can also email me at [email protected] or give me a call on 0408 625 359.

Finally, I hope you’re all well and staying dry where possible in the recent tumultuous weather. I’d like to extend my appreciation to all the council staff who have been working to close roads where needed, clear debris, do repairs and conduct our usual cleaning, maintenance and waste collection despite the tough conditions.

Thanks, and stay safe everyone.