With Kiama’s Local Housing Strategy (Version 2) now on public exhibition, The Bugle is exploring how to make planning and development easier to understand.

Too often, people find themselves reacting to planning decisions rather than shaping them.

By the time a Development Application (DA) is lodged, many key decisions have already been made, leaving limited options for change.

To help improve community understanding, The Bugle has been speaking with Kiama Council’s Director of Planning, Ed Paterson, about how planning decisions are made and what role the community can play.

One thing is clear – engagement works best when it happens early, before development proposals take shape.

As Ed Paterson explains:

"If you object to a development’s height but it complies with the LEP (Local Environmental Plan), the time to object was back when we were doing strategic planning."

So how can we help people understand the process, know when to engage, and feel confident in their role?

The Bugle is looking at ways to break down complex planning information into something clearer, more accessible, and practical.

A wealth of information exists, but it is not always easy to find or navigate.

For example:

• What is the step-by-step process behind planning approvals? Visit the council website here
• How do Council and the State Government work together on big decisions?
• What is a Development Application, and what can people actually object to? Visit the council website here
• Who pays for infrastructure when new developments are approved?
• How does the Housing Strategy shape Kiama’s future?

Rather than waiting until planning decisions are made, what if we had better conversations earlier?

How could planning information be made easier to access?

What would help people feel more confident when engaging with Council?

These are the questions The Bugle is asking.

This is not about pushing a specific agenda – it is about working towards better ways of keeping the community informed.

We want to hear from you. If you have questions, ideas, or insights, let’s start the conversation together.