Over the last two weeks there have been some important milestones for our community. Kiama Council has started a process of engagement on its Growth and Housing Strategy, and by all accounts this is a refreshing approach being led by Jessica Rippon. 

The Bugle has previously been critical of Council for ‘not having a plan’, particularly with respect to housing affordability and the housing crisis that is already being felt across the region. It looks as if the Growth and Housing Strategy will replace the long awaited ‘Local Housing Strategy’ that was supposed to be in place at the start of this decade.

When we started The Bugle’s View, almost 11 months ago to the day, we wrote about how Kiama had been crowned Australia’s most liveable town in 2023. We wrote about Lau Amadeo and Thais Chikhani and Little Earth Roasters. And we also wrote about our young people and ensuring that they had the same opportunities as their Mum and Dad and the opportunity to work and live in the area, in places like Little Earth Roasters. 

So, it’s glad to see Ms Rippon and Council acknowledge that anyone “reading or watching the news knows our nation is facing a housing crisis” and that “our community, will be required to play a part’”. What that part is, remains to be seen, but for far too long growth, investment and change has been held back. 

This has been to the detriment of current and future generations of our Kiama community. 

We’re not going to take credit for Council’s change in approach and their sudden embracing of change, growth and housing. But, we could have taken the typical NIMBY approach and said no to change, no to progress, no to growth.

Growth and change are not easy. And it is hardly ever perfect, but we cannot continue to keep saying no for the sake of it. We cannot make the perfect the enemy of the good. At best, this compromises opportunities to improve our community, today. At worst, it’s a cynical attempt to ‘protect’ the livelihoods of a few, to the detriment of many, and the future.

A clear example of this is the Kiama Village shopping centre. 

Yes, it has been delayed. 

Yes, there has been noise. 

Yes, it could have gone smoother. 

But for those like Kiama Doctors, who are now taking new patient registrations, it is a sign of progress, change and betterment. 

Those of us who have had to wait days, or even weeks for a doctor’s visit will now have the opportunity to visit Kiama Doctors as an alternative. This follows Petstock, Health Destination Pharmacy as additional services for the community and soon, Bay Audio, the Coffee Emporium and Bakers Delight will provide additional amenities.

None of this is possible without the changes that were brought on by the redevelopment of the Kiama Village, and the (positive) changes that this brings.

The Bugle’s View is that change is coming, and that it is best that it is shaped and embraced, rather than rejected.