Locals are feeling the squeeze as new development outpaces essential services like transport, health and childcare in Kiama.

At last Friday's Housing Strategy forum, the audience listened attentively as a panel of experts responded to pre-submitted questions on the future of housing in Kiama.

While the format limited spontaneous debate, the issues raised were anything but passive.

Frustration was evident over the pace of development outstripping local infrastructure.

Local architect Madeleine Scarfe warned that building homes without corresponding upgrades to transport, schools and healthcare risks eroding the liveability that draws people to Kiama in the first place.

She also advocated for more walkable neighbourhoods, local employment opportunities and coordinated planning that puts people first.

“There’s little point building more homes if people can’t get to work, school, or medical appointments,” one pre-submitted question pointed out.

Council staff acknowledged the shortfall and confirmed they are lobbying state agencies for better coordination and funding.

But many in the room questioned whether that would be enough without stronger planning controls at the local level.

With Kiama’s median house price now around $1.55 million and the average new home loan in NSW sitting at $800,000, the affordability gap is widening.

This financial strain, combined with short-term rental pressures and lagging infrastructure, has prompted renewed calls for housing strategies that prioritise community needs.

Listen to

• KMC Director of Planning present Draft Housing Strategy V2 at Housing Strategy Business Panel Discussion on 11 April here

• Business Panel Discussion here

• Housing Expert Dr Tony Gilmour discuss the Draft Housing Strategy V2 with Bernie Hems on KCR here

• KMC Director of Plan Ed Paterson discuss the Draft Housing Strategy V2 with Bernie Hems on KCR here

Have your say

Kiama Council’s draft housing strategy is on public exhibition until April 27.

You can read it and share your views here.

The forum was rich with insight, lived experience and bold ideas. The Bugle will be sharing more highlights and panel discussions on the The Bugle app over the next two weeks.