Kiama Council has recently announced an invitation for landowners to submit an expression of interest (EOI), nominating potential development sites for consideration in their Growth and Housing Strategy. This invitation is extended to developers who gain consent from a landowner. Although, the turnaround for submissions is tight, with a deadline of 5:00pm on Friday 24 May 2024. 

Whilst some people may consider this a surprising and somewhat controversial move, Council view it as a proactive step towards sustainable growth and housing. According to Kiama Council’s Director Planning, Environment and Communities, Jessica Rippon, this initiative demonstrates commitment to partnering with the community in establishing sustainable growth and housing solutions. 

“The Landowner and Developer EOI process is intended to reduce speculative planning proposals, through clear identification and articulation of sites to investigate as potential future growth areas through the Growth and Housing Strategy. This allows for development to be appropriately staged and infrastructure needs to be met and strategically planned,” she explains.

“The Growth and Housing Strategy intends to provide more certainty to the community and development industry about where growth could occur in the future and areas where growth or expansion is not suitable. Only sites deemed to possess strategic merit will be considered for inclusion.”

Rippon advises that all nominations would undergo a thorough and confidential evaluation process. In addition to cross-checking against a set criteria, other relevant factors will be considered, such as adherence to normal planning processes. Furthermore, Council has developed a probity plan to ensure joint protection of Council and community, and continued respect for commercial sensitivities of landowners and developers.

“Any land that is proposed for inclusion will be clearly identified in the draft strategy, which will be subject to a formal exhibition process allowing for community feedback at that time,” advises Rippon. 

This call for submissions is a move that is wholeheartedly backed by the Director of Fountaindale Project Management - the development company behind the Golden Valley subdivision in Jamberoo - and Chair of the Property Council’s Illawarra Chapter, Jennifer Macquarie.

“The development industry is very supportive of Kiama Council providing the opportunity for landowners to submit expressions of interest for their property to be included in its growth strategy,” says Macquarie. 

“Council has made the process pretty clear and simple. There is a series of questions on Council's website intended for landowners to convey the unique elements of their site and why it should be included. Council is not looking for lengthy submissions or expensive design plans, which makes the process accessible to any land owner, not just larger developers.”

Acknowledging the current housing crisis, Macquarie has been advocating for all Councils in the Illawarra region to accelerate their housing supply. “Equally important is making sure the industry is enabled, through good planning controls, to deliver a mix of housing types, including affordable rental housing,” she adds.

“I expect Kiama’s growth and housing strategy will address these elements while looking at the best location for different types of housing in terms of access to services and infrastructure.”

As Macquarie agrees, any discussions around growth and housing in the Kiama region often stirs up emotion and controversy within the community. However, this EOI is not only an opportunity for landowners and developers to submit an application, but also for the community to share their views and ideas.

“Although historically, there has been a push back against new housing in Kiama LGA, there is a growing understanding of the need for more housing to be provided in the community, particularly options that are price accessible to young people and service workers. Many people are okay with new housing, if it’s well planned, well designed and in the right locations,” elaborates Macquarie. 

Further information and to lodge an expression of interest, head to Kiama Council’s website before the deadline of 24 May 2024.