Decisions made in isolation often backfire. Leaders follow the rules, tick the boxes, and then wonder why the community erupts.

We have seen it happen in Kiama.

Plans move forward, and suddenly there is public outrage. No one saw it coming, but they should have.

Good governance is not just about legality, it is about perception.

If people feel ignored, trust erodes.

Even well-intended decisions lose credibility.

Whether it is planning decisions, zoning changes, or community projects, people want to understand why something is happening.

They do not want to just be told that it is the right call.

Kiama has a long history of engaged residents who care deeply about their town. Smart leadership means anticipating concerns and involving the community early. The best decisions are not just right on paper, they also make sense to the people who live here.