In Kiama, like many other places, the community engagement cycle can sometimes feel like a never-ending merry-go-round. In 2020, with a great deal of input from the community, the council decided on key priorities ranging from managing sustainable growth to protecting our environment. So, you might be wondering, as I am, what exactly the council hopes to achieve with its recent call for more community engagement. Haven’t we already established our priorities?

Let's face it, the true elephant in the room isn't a lack of community insight or ideas; it's funding—or, more precisely, the lack thereof.

We've extensively discussed and agreed on what needs to be done: balance housing supply and demand, support our rural landscapes, develop a resilient economy, and more. These aren't just whimsical ideas but essential actions that have been put on paper, debated, and planned out. These plans, like protecting viable agriculture and championing architectural excellence, are meant to lead us into a sustainable future. Yet, here we are, spinning our wheels, discussing what has already been discussed.

The notion that we need further consultation is frankly bewildering. It suggests a disconnect, not just between the council’s activities and the community's pulse, but between planning and action. One can't help but feel that these rounds of engagement are, unintentionally perhaps, a means of biding time—time during which the pressing issues we face continue to evolve without resolution.

What the community needs now is not more talk but the money to make these plans a reality. It's time for the council, and indeed all stakeholders, to acknowledge this gap between our aspirations and our capabilities. We need a shift from ideation to execution. Securing funding, whether through governmental assistance, private investment, or innovative financial models like public-private partnerships, should be our paramount focus.

We must also hold our local government accountable for not just drawing up plans but also implementing them. It’s crucial that the council prioritises obtaining and allocating resources to where they're most needed, as outlined in our Local Strategic Planning Statement.

So, while community engagement is undoubtedly valuable, it must not be an exercise in futility. Let's ensure it is a prelude to action, not a substitute for it. We have the roadmap; now let’s get the car moving. And to the council, it’s high time we address this elephant, don’t you think? It's time to stop going round in circles and start making strides towards the future we've all agreed upon.