OPINION:

Yesterday’s community meeting at the Jamberoo Youth Hall, hosted by the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association (JVRRA), was a pivotal moment for our town. This event was a testament to what well-organised community groups can achieve. As residents, we had the unique opportunity to engage directly with the key stakeholders involved in the Golden Valley Stage 2 proposal, part of the Kiama Council Draft Growth and Housing Strategy.  This meeting not only provided a platform for information exchange but also demonstrated the power of proactive community involvement. “With the release of the Council’s Draft Growth and Housing Strategy, JVRRA wanted to be on the front foot by assisting our local community to be well-informed of the issues associated with the Draft Growth & Housing Strategy that will have an impact on Jamberoo,” said Stuart Richards, President of JVRRA.

The meeting started with a presentation by Ros Neilsen from JVRRA, who provided a summary of the Draft Growth & Housing Strategy, particularly how the strategy will impact Jamberoo in the future. The aim is to assist the local community in making their submissions to the Council on the strategy.

This was followed by Jennifer Macquarie from the Fountaindale Group, who explained the concept for the Golden Valley Stage 2 site. She elaborated that the concept plan is based on understanding Jamberoo’s specific needs and constraints, such as limited housing choice, limited sewer capacity, the tenuous viability of local services and businesses, and the critical need for a new preschool. The plan adapts to trends towards lower carbon footprints and energy bills while creating a community that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable through a diverse housing mix to match local needs, population numbers to sustain local services, and design principles that encourage passive solar home design.

“The Fountaindale Group valued presenting its Golden Valley Stage 2 proposal to the Jamberoo community. The Council's Draft Housing and Growth Strategy identifies suitable properties but lacks detailed plans, usually addressed during rezoning. Our ideas for Stage 2 include diverse housing and significant community benefits like a community garden, green spaces, and land grants for a preschool. Early discussions will help us understand community preferences and convey our constraints, fostering respectful collaboration,” said Jennifer Macquarie from the Fountaindale Group.

During the Q & A session, several key points were addressed. The sewer infrastructure improvements required for the new development will primarily be funded by the developer, with potential contributions from Sydney Water. Concerns about the timing and certainty of the preschool relocation were raised, highlighting the need for early action to address flooding risks. The voluntary planning agreement mechanism was explained, ensuring that community benefits are legally secured and transferred with the property. Questions about the impact of smaller lot sizes on the broader community were clarified, emphasising that changes would be specific to the proposed development area. The importance of considering infrastructure contributions from developers for traffic calming measures was discussed, with an explanation of the council's process for assessing and funding these needs.

Overall, the community showed interest in the proposed development, particularly the benefits it could bring, while also raising concerns about infrastructure, timing, and maintaining the character of Jamberoo. One Jamberoo resident with small children expressed enthusiasm for the proposal: "I think it looks amazing. I'm excited to be able to drive into Jamberoo and see the new preschool under the fig trees. I'm excited there will be new green spaces, a walking track, that the creek will be revegetated and there will be a park where my children can ride their bikes. I love that there's a variety of different size blocks. I love that there's smaller blocks that potentially some of my friends will be able to afford. I love the community garden and the extra entrance off Allowrie Street will reduce traffic. I'm keen to be a part of this."

Stuart Richards from the JVRRA commented that the meeting provided clear affirmation of the community’s role in the planning process. This is significant because it empowered residents by giving them the opportunity to voice their opinions and see their concerns taken seriously, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards community development. Additionally, the presence of developers ensured accountability, as they were able to directly address concerns and clarify plans, which helps build trust and transparency.

As I reflected on this meeting, it’s clear that such forums are invaluable for the community. To maintain this momentum, the council should provide regular updates on the proposal’s progress and any agreed-upon changes, keeping the community informed and involved. Organising follow-up meetings will ensure ongoing dialogue and integral community input. By continuing to ask questions, raise concerns, and hold developers and council representatives accountable, we can ensure our voices are heard and acted upon, paving the way for a vibrant and thriving Jamberoo.

Trust is also essential and believing that everyone involved wants the best outcomes for the community helps set realistic expectations. Focusing on achievable goals through collaboration, transparency, and informed participation can shape a future that reflects the aspirations and values of Jamberoo residents. By staying informed and engaged, we can continue building momentum, fostering a community where every voice is heard, and every stakeholder is committed to the collective good.