In the quiet corners of communities like Kiama, the whispers of urban development are often met with scepticism and resistance. The recent refusal of the Springside Hill project by the community and council, despite its promising proposal, underscores a pervasive issue: the deficit of trust between developers and the communities they serve.

Developers, historically sitting low on Roy Morgan's list of most trusted professions, face an uphill battle in convincing communities of their intentions and capabilities. This isn't merely a local phenomenon but a widespread sentiment reflecting years of promises made and not kept. Given the position of developers on the trust spectrum - consistently ranking near the bottom alongside car salespeople and politicians - it begs the question: how can communities confidently believe that developers will deliver what they promise?

The Springside Hill proposal seemingly offered everything the Kiama community demanded: a diversity of housing types, affordable housing options, and substantial infrastructure improvements and job creation. Yet, the community said no. This decision may appear surprising at first glance, but it's deeply rooted in past disappointments.

Consider the statistics presented in the Springside Hill proposal:

·       88% of locals acknowledge housing affordability as a problem.

·       77% are concerned about locals moving away due to high costs.

·       64% note a lack of sufficient housing supply.

The developers responded with a pledge to set aside 25% of the development for affordable housing, aiming to meet an estimated 50% of the identified needs for such housing. Additionally, they promised over 9,700sqm of commercially zoned land and significant job creation during and after construction. On paper, the project aligns with the community's needs and desires. Yet, the shadow of distrust looms large.

This situation illustrates a crucial lesson: trust is the cornerstone of any successful development project. Without it, even the most well-intentioned proposals face rejection. Trust is not built overnight nor through promises alone. It is earned through consistent, transparent actions and a demonstrated commitment to the community's well-being over time.

Developers must go beyond the blueprint stages and actively engage with the communities. Regular updates, open dialogues, and clear evidence of following through on commitments are essential. Community trust can be fostered by involving local stakeholders in the planning process and ensuring that their feedback genuinely influences the project.

As communities continue to grapple with growth and development pressures, the role of trust becomes even more critical. It’s not just about building houses and infrastructure but about cultivating an environment where people feel heard, respected, and valued. Only then can developers hope to transform their image from the least trusted to reliable partners in progress.

In the end, embracing transparency, prioritising consistent communication, and delivering on promises are not just strategic moves but moral imperatives. If developers wish to succeed where others have failed, they must recognize that in the world of community development, trust is just as crucial as the concrete used to build homes.