At The Bugle, we believe that community engagement is about more than just providing information.

It is about making complex issues accessible, encouraging thoughtful discussion, and inviting participation in shaping the future of our region. 

Kiama's Draft Growth and Housing Strategy V2 is an important step in planning for Kiama’s future, and with thoughtful reflection and shared insights, the community has an opportunity to help refine and improve it.

The strategy sets out a vision for the future, aiming to provide more diverse and sustainable housing options.

As we look ahead, it is worth considering what is shaping housing outcomes, how regulations influence what is possible, and what role the community can play in guiding the direction of change.

One of the biggest challenges, according to those working in the industry, is the way planning controls are applied. Development Control Plans (DCPs) are meant to be guiding documents, yet they are often treated as rigid rules.

This approach leaves little room for innovation.

“If you step outside the conventional model, you get knocked back,” one industry expert shared.

“We have tried to introduce smaller and more diverse housing options, but it’s just too hard. The regulations don’t support it, and the regulatory culture punishes it. So, we pull back.”

This raises important questions. 

Are the current regulations supporting the kind of housing that best serves the community? 

Would a more flexible approach allow for greater diversity in housing options?

Could a shift from strict compliance to merit-based assessment lead to better outcomes?

More flexible zoning could be one part of the solution, but regulation also shapes what gets built.

Housing that suits different lifestyles, ages, and income levels is more likely to emerge when planning controls allow for variety rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all model.

The draft strategy provides a framework, and community engagement can help refine it.

Exploring these questions, considering different perspectives, and sharing thoughts on what kind of housing Kiama should prioritise will help shape the final outcome. The opportunity is here to be part of the conversation.

Have your say online here