Community involvement in the development of Kiama’s first Housing Strategy has begun, with the public invited to participate in an online survey on the issues involved.

“The Housing Strategy is a key deliverable of the Local Strategic Planning Statement and will be a very important document for our LGA,” says Council’s Director Environmental Services, Jessica Rippon.

“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 into the future. 

“I am expecting some lively debate within the community and a variety of views about what will be contained in the strategy.

"It is also a key document for the new Council to consider and be part of developing.”

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 and the lack of one was raised as a reason against committing to the South Kiama redevelopment at this stage.

“There are a range of opportunities for the community to contribute to the consultation process including a survey on our website, discussion paper, workshops and listening posts,” says Ms Rippon.

“We will be running a number of workshops through December which will include discussions around the housing strategy and some of the broader strategic projects we are doing, such as the Kiama Town Centre DCP.”

Workshops to be held on 13 December, 2-4pm and 14 December 10-12pm and 7.30- 9.30pm, at the Joyce Wheatley Centre. Register and find out more details on the dedicated website page.