What if Kiama didn’t just consult? What if we truly co-designed its future - a bold, transformative vision that puts quality of life, innovation, and well-being at the centre?

The report on the Council’s Draft Growth and Housing Strategy, discussed at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, offers Kiama a chance to move beyond the ordinary. It’s an opportunity to rethink traditional approaches to housing and urban planning - and let’s face it, we need to. Kiama’s future demands more than ticking boxes and business as usual.

Kiama’s residents are extraordinary. Whether tackling youth and male suicide, dementia care, or even placemaking, this community consistently punches well above its weight. We’re engaged, committed, and deeply passionate about our home.

So why is it that so many residents stay silent during consultation processes? It’s not apathy, it’s exhaustion. People are tired of participating in systems where their voices seem to go nowhere. And that’s the real loss here - a loss of faith in being heard.

Let’s name the problem: too often, housing solutions are stuck in a developer-led, middle-income-focused model. It’s a formula that prioritises a profit-centric housing model over well-being and narrows the field of possibilities.

But around the world, communities like ours are breaking that mold. They’re pairing local knowledge with fresh funding models and innovative ideas. Think Birmingham’s IMPACT model, where councils, experts, and communities come together to co-design solutions that reflect local needs and values.

This is our moment. Kiama’s residents are the urban stewards of this region, not here for a quick profit but for systemic innovation that uplifts well-being and builds a legacy for generations to come.

If we’re serious about leading in housing and innovation, here’s what needs to happen:

• Wrap it up and roll it out: Finalise the housing strategy and take it to the community for real, meaningful consultation.
• Team up for success: Partner with state authorities and developers to align local priorities with regional opportunities.
• Set the clock ticking: Establish clear deadlines and deliver diverse, affordable housing options without delay.
• Engage, don’t just inform: Move from telling residents what’s happening to genuinely involving them, with transparent feedback loops that show how their input drives outcomes.

This isn’t just about housing. It’s about who we are as a community. Do we want to stick with the same tired playbook or dare to reimagine what’s possible?

The Draft Growth and Housing Strategy is a starting point, but it’s not enough on its own. Its success will depend on whether council and the community are ready to embrace change and collaborate meaningfully.

Let’s make Kiama the benchmark for community-driven solutions and innovation. Because when Kiama cares, Kiama leads.