I absolutely love local government. Despite some of the controversies, it is the closest form of government to the people and there is so many interesting areas that council is responsible for and managing. Importantly, I believe that local government should work for everyone.

Reflecting on my first term of council, it certainly has been a challenge. Within 6 months into the role, we have had difficult decisions to make and received a letter from the NSW Minister for Local Government. The letter was reminding all councillors of our obligations under the Local Government Act, particularly section 8(a). This section is the guiding principles for good decision making for councillors. This section is important, but one of the other sections I believe is also important is section 8(b). This section requires councillors to make decisions of sound financial management and to consider the intergenerational impacts of such decisions. Sadly, I believe such a principle was not considered by those of the past on our council.

The decisions of this term of council relating to Bluehaven Bonaira have, no doubt, been the most difficult – perhaps the most difficult in our council’s history. On a personal level, it was uncomfortable. But, as a councillor – and a civic leader - I have an obligation to act in the best interests of all our community and for the future generations that follow.

In NSW, there are roughly 11 local government areas that operate an aged care facility - Blayney, Coolamon and Snowy Monaro for example. Formerly, Broken Hill Council had operated an aged care facility. An area with the same sized population as Kiama, but with higher levels of vulnerable communities and in one of the remote parts of NSW. However, they had to sell the facility, as it was sending them broke and placed them at risk of administration. Sound familiar? Many of the other local government areas in NSW are going through that discussion.

Kiama Council has finished that debate and did so – unanimously – in February 2023 when it re-confirmed the decision to sell Bluehaven Bonaira. Such a decision was through compromise and retained the Bluehaven Terralong site for future opportunities for our community.

Councillors, whether in the remainder of this term or in the next term, should be 100% focused on governance and the administration of independent local government in Kiama. A state government appointed administrator and then becoming a ward of another council, is not an option. Ensuring local control is so important.

Local government must service everyone in the community. Council has an obligation to provide services and support for infants, children and teenagers. It must address traffic, parking and road safety issues, flood mitigation and infrastructure and ensuring people with disabilities area able to equally access services. It must recognise all of Kiama’s history and heritage and ensure it is acknowledged and respected. Our natural environment is too important and mitigating and responding to climate change, along with the management of the safety and wellbeing of our animals. Elderly should be supported. And finally, that people can rest in peace with dignity in our cemeteries.

These things, plus more, are the responsibility of local government and should be considered as part of the future for our community.

Stuart Larkins

Kiama Councillor

Disclaimer: The content of this letter solely reflects the views of Stuart Larkins, and do not represent the views of Kiama Municipal Council.