A reminder that Kiama Council is holding important workshops early next week to help get community input on the following interlinking strategic planning projects it is working on:

• Housing Strategy
• Employment Lands Strategy
• Kiama Vegetation Study
• Jamberoo Heritage Review
• Local Character Studies.

In particular, the development of a Housing Strategy is a requirement of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan and a priority in Council's Local Strategic Planning Statement.

"It is very important for people to take the opportunity to get involved, because the local housing strategy allows us to consider what sort of hoursing, and how much, we want over 20 years and more importantly where it is going to go," says the Chair of Central Precinct, Mark Greaves.

"Given the time frame, it is particularly important to get some young families involved with the process.

"Housing dictates what other facilities follow on, like schools, sporting facilities and transport. It is important that we get this right.

"As part of it, we need to decide what we are doing - are we going to continue to develop as a playground for Sydney, or are we genuinely going to try and attract people to live here permanently to create an real community?"

The Director Environmental Services, Jessica Rippon, says, "It is the opportunity for us to have an open discussion about housing supply, demand, potential growth and environmental constraints.

"It is the chance for the community to provide input into how we will meet the future housing needs of our community and contribute to the supply for the region.

"The consultation process being carried out will allow for discussions around housing affordability, whether focus should be on expansion or infill development, and what development will look like in the future."

The workshops are being held at the Joyce Wheatley Centre in Hindmarsh Park, on Monday 13 December, 2-4pm, Tuesday 14 December, 10am-12noon and 7.30-9.30pm.

Space constraints make booking essential. Book here.