In recent years, advertising has become an ubiquitous part of our everyday lives, with businesses leveraging it to build relationships with consumers and establish trust in a competitive marketplace. For the Bugle it is critical as it enables us to deliver a free community paper. However, a troubling trend has begun to surface locally, one that raises significant ethical concerns. The Bugle has been approached on multiple occasions to place large advertisements not to promote products or services, but as a platform for public vendettas. These "vendetta ads" target individuals, businesses, or organisations, broadcasting perceived wrongdoings and encouraging others to take action or form negative opinions. This development demands a serious conversation about the ethics of advertising and its potential for misuse.  Whilst we might understand the angst behind the action and can often present it more credibly in story form, is this merely an upgrade from the social platforms that seem to think anything is OK to say, despite the ‘no hate talk’ subscribed to when joining a group or platform. A disturbing trend that is prolific in our own LGA. At its core, advertising is meant to inform, engage, and, yes, persuade. When done ethically, it adheres to principles of truth, fairness, and transparency. Advertisements are supposed to benefit society by offering useful information or promoting goods and services that improve quality of life. However, when advertising becomes a weapon for personal grievances, it undermines these ethical principles, potentially causing more harm than good.One of the main ethical issues at play in this trend is the risk of defamation. Unlike a fair review or complaint submitted through proper channels, vendetta advertising often skews the truth, presenting biased or one-sided narratives that may mislead the public. These advertisements can damage reputations, even if the accusations are exaggerated or false. Businesses that are targeted may face lost revenue, a tarnished public image, or even closure—all based on a version of events that hasn't been fully vetted. The consequences are even more severe when individuals are targeted, as they will suffer emotional distress, harassment, or ostracism within their community.Retaliation advertising can create a toxic community environment. A hallmark of healthy communities is the ability to resolve conflicts through dialogue, mediation, or legal means. When individuals resort to paid advertising to air grievances, it bypasses these essential processes, fuelling animosity and division. It can turn communities into battlegrounds of public shaming rather than fostering understanding, cooperation, and growth.Do media outlets, newspapers, and social media channels have a responsibility to scrutinise the content of advertisements before they are published? Ethically, they should. Just as media companies are held to standards of truth and responsibility in the editorial content they produce, they should ensure that the advertisements they accept do not promote harmful or misleading messages. Failing to do so could result in the platform being complicit in spreading falsehoods or encouraging negative behaviour.But this is not to suggest that advertising should be entirely devoid of critique. There is a long history of advertisements being used to promote social justice causes or raise awareness about unethical corporate practices. When done transparently, with a balanced and factual approach, these campaigns can benefit society. The key difference lies in intent and execution. Whereas ethical advertising for social causes seeks to inform and improve society, vendetta advertising is often driven by personal anger, revenge, or bitterness, with little regard for the consequences.Community members should feel empowered to voice concerns about businesses or individuals, but through appropriate channels—whether that be through online reviews, customer service complaints, or even legal avenues. Communities, too, must foster a culture where disputes can be resolved constructively, rather than sensationalised through public advertisements or social media critique by keyboard warriors.Ultimately, advertising is a powerful tool. It shapes opinions, influences behaviours, and, in some cases, can even affect the fate of businesses or individuals. As with any powerful tool, it must be used responsibly. When wielded ethically, advertising serves as a force for good, promoting transparency, accountability, and progress. But when misused, as in the case of vendetta ads, it can cause untold damage to individuals, businesses, and communities alike. As a society, we must remain vigilant in ensuring that the power of advertising is used wisely, fairly, and for the greater good.

Let me be clear - I'm not pro-developers - I am pro-common sense. With the region set to house 4,000 more people over the next 15 years, development is inevitable. Instead of demonising developers, it’s time we take a practical approach - one that sees them as partners in shaping our future, not adversaries.This isn’t about blame. Land is being sold, and surveyors are already marking the next housing estates. But developers are the ones who will build the homes for this growing population. If we resist the change and push them away, we risk losing control over how that development happens. Instead, we should walk side by side with developers to ensure the outcomes benefit everyone.Developers play a critical role in creating housing and infrastructure, but if we treat them as the problem, we lose the opportunity to influence the process. By working together, farmers, residents, and developers can find a balance that preserves our region's character while meeting the housing needs of the future.We have to face the reality that more people are coming to the area, but instead of seeing developers as the problem, we should see them as part of the solution. If we work together, we can make sure the outcomes benefit the community as a whole.”Rather than fighting against change, we should embrace the chance to shape it in ways that protect what makes this region special. Developers aren’t going anywhere, and the demand for housing is only growing. By collaborating, we can ensure the best outcomes for everyone - housing that works for the community and development that respects the land.The truth is that growth is coming whether we like it or not. But how that growth unfolds? That’s something we can influence. Let’s use common sense and work with developers to ensure we get the future we deserve, not just the one we’re handed. This is an opportunity for developers to focus on building trust by addressing the following key areas:1. Transparency: Developers should openly communicate their plans, timelines, and how their projects align with the community's long-term vision. They should be clear about the benefits their developments will bring, such as improved infrastructure, community spaces, and environmental sustainability measures.2. Community engagement: A developer who listens is a developer who earns trust. Advertorials should emphasise their commitment to engaging with local residents, addressing concerns, and incorporating community feedback into their projects. They could highlight past examples of successful collaboration with local communities.3. Sustainability: Given the growing importance of environmental responsibility, developers should focus on how they are incorporating sustainable practices into their projects. This includes responsible land use, energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and efforts to minimise their environmental impact.4. Contribution to local economy: Developers should explain how their projects will create jobs, support local businesses, and contribute to the local economy. Showing that their developments aren’t just housing but part of a broader economic strategy can help build trust.5. Preserving local identity: Residents often fear that new developments will strip the community of its character. Developers should emphasise how their projects will respect the local culture, landscape, and history, ensuring the community’s identity is preserved.6. Long-term commitment: Trust grows when people feel developers are invested in the community for the long term. Developers should highlight their long-term plans to stay engaged, maintain their developments, and ensure ongoing benefits for the community.If developers focus on these areas in their advertorials, they can foster a relationship of trust with the community by demonstrating that they are partners in building a better future, not just profit-driven outsiders.

Politics, particularly at the local level, can get ugly - and we’ve seen it play out right here in Kiama. The toxic atmosphere that has dogged the previous council is a reminder of how easily things can spiral when compromise is left at the door. This isn’t a time for the theatrics that have dominated recent council meetings; it’s time for a reset.As the next group of councillors takes their seats, we need something more than the usual chest-beating and "all guns blazing" promises we heard at the recent “Meet the Candidates” event. The reality is that the council doesn’t need more heavy-handed grandstanding. What we need is a new culture built on collaboration, thoughtful debate, and - most importantly - compromise.Compromise isn’t weakness; it’s the cornerstone of any functional government. The challenges our community faces are complex, and no one councillor has all the answers. The successful councillors will be the ones who know how to bring people together, who understand that lasting change happens when you work with, not against, the different voices in the room.It’s time to step up, but not in the way many candidates are proposing. The bravado on display in the campaign trail won’t work in council chambers. Instead, what our incoming councillors need to demonstrate is the ability to listen, negotiate, and deliver results through cooperation. Because the truth is, getting things done in local government isn’t about winning the argument - it’s about finding a solution that works for the whole community.So, here’s the challenge for the new council: Can you put egos aside and work for the good of Kiama? The community deserves councillors who will lead by example, show maturity, and demonstrate that compromise can drive real progress.

This is my opinion. I write opinion pieces for The Bugle, and this piece does not necessarily represent the views of The Bugle.I believe the Greens in our region have been unfairly treated in the election commentary by some of the candidates and the social media keyboard warriors. In this op-ed, I want to highlight why I believe they play in important role in our community. While they weren’t my first choice on the voting ticket, they ranked highly because of their commitment to preserving our unique identity. Our region values responsible development, and it’s the Greens who will ensure long-lasting, well-thought-out approaches that stand the test of time, and this ethos should at forefront of every councillor’s decisions.The Greens' push for legally binding Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) ensures developers follow through on their promises, safeguarding our environment and aligning projects with our community's long-term goals. Yes, their focus is on the environment, but this is precisely why they are so important.In a time when growth is necessary, the Greens are crucial in balancing development with the need to preserve what makes our region special. They offer a dedicated voice for responsible growth and transparency—something we should all support as we look to the future.

 Ah, Election Day. That time when we all gather to vote, dodge leaflet-toting volunteers, and dream of that delicious democracy sausage sizzling on the BBQ. But wait—what’s this? The rumour is there will be no democracy sausages. Heartbreak.If you're like most voters, your Election Day ritual includes hoping to snag a sausage after the voting gauntlet. You know the drill: smile politely as people shove leaflets in your face, secretly wondering if anyone actually reads them (spoiler: probably not), and then reward yourself with a snag in bread at the end. But this time around, you’ll be marching out of the polling booth with nothing but disappointment (and maybe a handful of discarded leaflets).Without that BBQ beacon of hope, what are we left with? A sea of corflute signs plastered everywhere, volunteers frantically waving leaflets, and a mental tally of how much paper is about to go straight into the bin. There’s a certain charm to it all, though, right? Especially when you think about how many of those flyers feature photoshopped smiles and vague promises of “better roads” or “cutting red tape.”But no sausages? That’s when Election Day feels like a true test of civic duty. You show up, cast your vote, and leave empty-handed—except for the satisfaction that you’ve contributed to democracy. Maybe we’ll have to find solace in that (and maybe a coffee on the way home).So, brace yourselves, fellow voters. No democracy sausages this year means we’ll all have to dig deep and make it through Election Day fuelled solely by our sense of responsibility and the hope for a better tomorrow. But seriously—bring back the snags next time!

Amid an increase in young families migrating from cities to rural and regional areas across Australia, Jamberoo emerges as an attractive destination for millennials seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing urban amenities. The upcoming Golden Valley Jamberoo subdivision is set to meet this growing demand while preserving the village's cherished character.Recent data from CoreLogic reveals a 12.5% increase in regional house prices over the past year, outpacing capital cities. This trend, driven by internal migration and the rise of remote work, has put pressure on many regional communities. Jamberoo's strategic development plans aim to accommodate newcomers while maintaining its small-town charm.Jennifer Macquarie of the Fountaindale Group, the developer behind Golden Valley Jamberoo, says, "We're creating a space where families can build their own legacies, much like our family has done for five generations. It's about maintaining Jamberoo's essence while allowing it to thrive."The project promises to boost the local economy while offering a unique living experience. With its strong sense of community and access to nature, Jamberoo is attracting increasing interest from city-dwellers, young couples planning families and parents with young children. Its proximity to Wollongong (26km) and Sydney (94km) allows residents to enjoy a country village lifestyle without sacrificing access to quality services, education opportunities, and family connections in the city.Lawson Fredericks, co-head of the Fountaindale Group, adds, "We want to provide families the opportunity to experience the same supportive, safe environment we enjoyed growing up in Jamberoo, while still being connected to major urban centres."As regional Australia grapples with growth, Jamberoo's approach could serve as a model for other communities. By balancing development with preservation, the village is positioning itself as a prime destination for those seeking a rural lifestyle with urban conveniences.Spacious 800m² lots will go on sale early in 2025. To register your interest, visit goldenvalleyjamberoo.com.au.

 Election material and pamphlets litter letterboxes around our community and the countdown is well and truly on as early voting for next week’s local government election has begun.  The Bugle has always been about keeping the community informed and allowing the community to have a voice. Whether it’s through The View, Blow your Bugle or our roving reporters, we have kept you abreast of what is happening in our community and how we are being impacted.   Over the past year, our community has faced some difficult challenges. Many would say the impacts of those challenges were exacerbated, rather than mitigated by our Council. Some might say that Council and some Councillors were the direct cause of these challenges and the financial conundrum that we now find ourselves in. However, this is all (hopefully) in the past.  With the finalisation of the sale of Blue Haven Bonaira imminent, though now extended by a month, there will be some much-needed cash for the coffers for the operating and structural deficit. But make no mistake, the challenges of the NSW Government’s Performance Improvement Order remain. Understandably, given our experience over the last couple of years, our community fears the worst regarding special rate rises, further privatisation and cuts to services. Our long running campaign for (positive) change continues. With most incumbent Councillors not seeking re-election, it looks like change is coming. We do not congratulate ourselves, for this because we are merely a mouthpiece of what the community is feeling.  The community has brought about this change.  It’s not mission accomplished, or job done. Come 14 September, every adult in our community has the responsibility to ensure the results reflect a positive way forward. We want elected representatives who will resolve a way forward, not squabble at every opportunity. We want genuine transparency about the financial situation and what is next. We want to ensure that all parts of the community, not just parts of it, are heard. We want genuine opportunities, progress and investment for local businesses and the economy. We want real action for our youth on jobs, entertainment and housing affordability. The time for change has come – let’s make sure it is a positive one. 

Last Thursday night, the Kiama Business Chamber’s ‘Meet the Candidates’ event showcased seven of the eight candidate groups going head-to-head for your vote come the big day on 14 September 2024. With five out of nine current councillors, including Mayor Neil Reilly, not seeking re-election, there will be a number of new faces leading our community. Given the precarious financial state of Council, special rate rises, asset sales and service reduction will bring a whole new set of challenges, opportunities and hopefully a lot less wasted money on legal disputes and code of conduct complaints. The Bugle’s Donna Portland covered the event extensively and overall, most of the candidate groups have genuine platforms that acknowledge the need for change. Change that has happened for those living in the community, whether that be cost of living, housing affordability or job opportunities. Changes to the way Council must engage with and not dictate to, the community. Changes that will focus on business, investment, housing and the night time economy. As we foreshadowed in this column back in April 2024, change is coming, and we think that this will be a positive for our community. Parts of the community will not embrace this because they have a vested interest in keeping things the same, constraining innovation and protecting their assets and wealth. The Bugle’s View is that we should support these candidates that are proposing genuinely new ideas, new thoughts, and a new approach.   Although, the “Energy and Experience: Getting Council back on track” group, aka the Liberal Party seem to have gotten a bit lost in the discourse, particularly in the case of Bombo Quarry. As The Bugle has previously reported, the Bombo Quarry precinct landowners have been quite transparent with the entire community regarding the long term and complex nature of the project. Many of the candidates for the upcoming election have noted this and foreshadowed the need for considerable changes to the draft masterplan as currently proposed by the Bombo Quarry landowners. Given the early and nascent stages of their masterplan, these candidates are rightly calling for these significant changes to be incorporated, before any proposal is formally submitted to Council and the State Government. However, this seems to have all been lost in translation for the “Energy and Experience” team, led by Kiama Downs resident Yasmin Tatrai. In fact, her team seems to see Bombo Quarry as an immediate and promising solution to the housing crisis. This is despite the Bombo Quarry landowners advising the community that it is extremely unlikely that there will be any homes delivered this decade. Does her team’s energy and experience covers large scale earthworks and remediation, geotechnical analysis and construction? Even the Labor Party candidates have seen the light and gone quiet on spruiking Bombo Quarry as the panacea to our housing crisis. Since a Facebook post on 25 June 2024, stating that the re-development of Bombo Quarry was part of their election platform (as if they have any control over the timing of the project), the Labor socials and rhetoric has gone a little quiet on this magnificent long term opportunity. Kudos to all the current Councillors seeking re-election for listening and engaging with the information that has been provided, and understanding the situation that faces our community. A thought for team Tatrai. Were they caught in the throes of the now infamous Liberal Party mishap where more than 130 of their candidates were not nominated for the upcoming election due to a bungle from their State Executive.  Perhaps that’s the reason they crossed out “Liberal Party” on their nomination forms? In three weeks’ time we all have a responsibility to vote for a better future. New elected representatives will bring about a new change, and it’s your responsibility to ensure it’s a positive change.

We are now just five weeks away from local government elections on 14 September and one thing is for certain – there will be a significant amount of change from this set of Councillors to the next. With three confirmed Councillors showing themselves the exit door, and rumours of at least a fourth – change is in the air and The Bugle welcomes this with open arms. There is only one more formal Council meeting before this scandal-plagued administration enters caretaker mode and the down and dirty of campaigning begins.  It looks to have already started with a broad missive from Councillor Renkema-Lang and some not so veiled swipes at her fellow Councillors and ultimately the whole Council regarding an overarching lack of genuine achievement over the last three years. It looks as though picking up the pieces and making lemonade out of some pretty average lemons will be the job of a new set of Councillors come October 2024. Councillor Renkema-Lang does not speak on behalf of the entire organisation – Council’s oft-referenced and inconsistently applied media policy makes that ‘clear’ – but she has ultimately voiced what everyone is thinking; what have they achieved in the last three years?   The incumbent Labor Councillors Larkins and Draisma are seeking re-election on a platform of ensuring ‘local government in Kiama remains independent’ and that ‘local decision-making stays in local hands and that our Council remains a non-amalgamated entity’. So, the platform is: “We think there should be a Council, and we think we should be the Councillors, so vote us back in? With multiple sections of the community calling for Administration of this Council – the antithesis of what these two councillors are saying – The Bugle is not sure that this is the wisest of campaign platforms. The State Government has not proposed any form of Council amalgamations as part of their local government policy. In fact, quite the opposite, they are more concerned with how to deal with councils wanting to de-merger.  One would think that the last thing any of our brethren in the region would be striving towards is absorbing our structural deficit and being a part of the future economic and financial pain that Council (and ratepayers) are surely going to face over the coming years. Which begs the question, what is Kiama Labor 2024 actually about? At least newcomer Lucy Abood has a tangible idea on what matters to her in a pitch to win a seat at the table:   "As a mother of two young children, ensuring we have quality early childhood education, affordable housing options, and a liveable environment for families is extremely important to me. I will be a strong voice advocating for these issues and more if elected to council." Housing is the primary State and National platforms for the Labor party, but it has barely rated a mention from these two Labor councillors. Whilst their colleagues and professional bosses (Councillor Draisma works for NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully and Councillor Larkins works from Fiona Phillips MP) are trying to address the housing crisis and pulling every lever they can, these two remain blissfully unaware or unwilling to acknowledge that our house prices are the most expensive in regional NSW.  Council’s draft Growth and Housing Strategy is currently on exhibition guiding growth for years to come. Conspicuously absent was any commitment towards an affordable housing policy, a fact that was strongly remarked upon by Michele Adair, CEO of Housing Trust.  Ms Adair is a national commentator, advocate and expert on all things affordable housing – might be worthwhile for these Councillors getting an understanding of the ‘platform’.  As part of the draft Housing Strategy, Bombo Quarry rates yet another mention, and The Bugle attended a briefing on the landowners’ plans. We commend them on being transparent in the information they provided, but ultimately the message was clear: whether it is when quarrying will stop and when construction will start - there’s a lot they don’t know. And this includes affordable housing. Whilst the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) was quick to commit to ‘affordable housing’, they were not able to clarify what affordable housing actually means in the context of Bombo Quarry, nor how much of it they would commit to. As one of the biggest projects in the area, and led by a Labor Government, one might have thought that the Labor Councillors would have gotten some form of clarity or commitment prior to TAHE putting pen to paper.  One thing is clear, any genuine initiatives that do address the housing crisis will be in spite of this Council, not because of it. Housing is just one aspect that will be part of this forthcoming election campaign.  The Bugle’s View is that every Councillor seeking re-election should clearly state their achievements over their time in Council, what policy platforms they stand for, and what they will seek to achieve in their next term of local government. Hopefully, there is a bit more substance to come. 

For generations, the Fredericks family has been an integral part of Jamberoo's fabric. Now, siblings Jennifer Macquarie and Lawson Fredericks are continuing this legacy through their management of the Fountaindale Group and the development of Golden Valley Jamberoo."Growing up in Jamberoo was magical," recalls Jennifer. "Walking home from Jamberoo Public School, greeting locals, and getting into mischief – we always felt safe and supported. Growing up here truly embodied the saying 'it takes a village'."Lawson adds, "Our childhood on the family dairy farm instilled in us a deep appreciation for this community. We want to provide young families the opportunity to experience the same charming, safe environment we enjoyed."The Golden Valley Jamberoo project aims to gradually expand the village while preserving its character. "We're not just developing land," explains Jennifer. "We're creating a space where families can build their own legacies, much like our family has done for five generations."The siblings' vision extends beyond housing. "We're committed to sustainable growth that benefits the entire community," Lawson emphasises. "It's about maintaining Jamberoo's essence while allowing it to thrive."The Fredericks family is dedicated to balancing progress with preservation. The Golden Valley Jamberoo development project reflects a deep understanding of the village's needs and a commitment to its long-term prosperity."We're honoured to help shape Jamberoo's future and contribute to the local economy," Jennifer concludes. "It's our way of giving back to the community that has given us so much."800m² lots will go on sale in 2025. To register your interest and receive updates, go to goldenvalleyjamberoo.com.au. 

The subject of journalistic standards has recently come to the forefront in Kiama, prompting a need to clarify what these standards entail. Central to this topic is the Journalist Code of Ethics, published by the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA). As Australia's largest and most established union and industry advocate for creative professionals, MEAA is built on integrity and driven by creativity. The organisation emerged from the merger of three key groups: the Australian Journalists Association, Actors Equity of Australia, and the Australian Theatrical & Amusement Employees Association.MEAA, as a thought leader and catalyst for change, aligns itself with the Australian Press Council's guidelines and standards for both print and digital media. This alignment underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in journalistic practice, especially in a rapidly evolving media landscape.The core principles outlined in the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics include a commitment to honesty, fairness, independence, and a respect for truth. Journalists are expected to educate themselves about ethical standards and apply them diligently in their work. This involves reporting and interpreting news honestly, striving for accuracy, fairness, and ensuring the disclosure of all essential facts. Journalists must avoid suppressing relevant information or giving undue emphasis that distorts the truth.One of the fundamental duties of journalists, as stated in the Code, is to "scrutinise power." This means holding those in authority accountable while remaining committed to the core values of honesty, fairness, and independence. These standards, while challenging to uphold, are crucial in maintaining public trust in the media.It's important to acknowledge that journalists, like all professionals, are human and therefore fallible. Mistakes can happen, but the intention should always be to act honestly, fairly, independently, and with a focus on truth. In today's fast-paced, information-driven world, the role of journalism is more critical than ever. News sources are our primary means of staying informed, and the "4 Cs of Journalism" - Clarity, Context, Coherence, and Completeness - are essential goals in delivering quality reporting. This is our aim. This is our intention.However, it's also vital to recognise that news media is a form of entertainment. This aspect can sometimes lead to sensationalism, where attention-grabbing stories overshadow other significant news. A notable example of this is the media coverage following the death of Princess Diana on August 31, 1997. The tragic event dominated global news, overshadowing other important events, such as the death of Mother Teresa a week later.Similarly, in September 2001, the terrorist attacks in the USA consumed media attention, pushing other newsworthy stories aside. This tendency to focus on sensational or dramatic events over others is a reflection of human nature and the inherent biases in our perception.The examples above show that we humans are swayed by many factors. “We are all limited by our perception” is one of the best sayings of all, as it demonstrates that we each have a perspective and filters that we bring to every experience - whether we are writing or reading!In conclusion, while journalists strive to report honestly and fairly, it is essential to recognise the limitations of human perception and the influence of various factors on the news we consume. Despite these challenges, the commitment to ethical journalism remains a guiding principle in delivering balanced and truthful reporting.

Please note this is paid contentThe omission of Springside Hill from Kiama Council’s draft Growth and HousingStrategy should have come as no surprise. Yet after working with Council for more thantwo years on this proposal, the only one offering social and affordable housing, we hadcome to hope that good sense and the best interests of the town would prevail.We are disappointed at this initial missed opportunity to provide a short to mediumsolution to the housing crisis in Kiama, however Traders In Purple and Housing Trust willcontinue to press the case for Springside Hill through our discussions with KiamaCouncil.Kiama has the most unaffordable housing in regional NSW with a median house price15 times the median income. There is not a single affordable rental home in the entirelocal government area.Our commitment, to dedicate 25 percent of homes to those currently locked out of thehousing market, had given hope to locals, first home buyers and those who face anuncertain future. The alternative is the difficult choice of leaving Kiama, just to be ableto afford a roof over their heads.Some, like Scott, who runs a local business and whose daughter attends childcare inKiama, have already been forced out of town. He now commutes from Lake Illawarraand his partner, a nurse, endures a 1-hour drive to the place where she works.Nathan is another who employs 13 people in Kiama, but escalating rent and the highprice and scarcity of land forced him to build his home elsewhere. He knows of many intheir 30s and 40s in the same predicament.“I know some Kiama residents want to have no change in the local area but that iscoming at a significant cost by damaging local housing affordability for families like us,”says Nathan.For Patricia, in her 50s, the future looks increasingly bleak. Having endured a 40 percent rent increase on the home she and her family of five had lived in for eight years,only for it to be sold anyway, she saw Springside Hill as her one chance to secure herfuture.Now she worries that it will not come soon enough, and the family may have no choicebut to leave, severing the social and community ties she has worked so hard to build.“Springside Hill is such a smart development,” she told us. “Why would the councilturn it away?”Why, indeed.These are just some of the stories that we have been told in our many conversationswith the community. As we continue these conversations, we learn more and moreabout the pressures and the sense of hopelessness, and the relief that Springside Hillmight bring.Every time we have a chat with people like Scott, Nathan and Patricia, we say the samething – we believe in our Springside Hill project, we are committed to our 25 percentguarantee, we are here to deliver a long-term vision and we will keep working withCouncil and all stakeholders to achieve this.

If you happen to enter a church in parts of Europe, you’re probably amongst a crowd of tourists taking in the sights and sounds of far-flung places in buildings hundreds of years old.No doubt there’ll be more than a murmur of chatter and in places of worship that are rightly revered, the leader of the church will bellow: SILENCIO! SILENCE!Figures within Kiama Council are positioning themselves as the spiritual leaders of our fair town and when there is more than a murmur, a dissenting voice, an opportunity for members of the public to speak out – they want silence.We have other ideas.  When the so-called leaders and prominent people of our community try to shut down debate and stifle any difference of (their) opinion, it means that supporting freedom of speech, reporting the facts and shining a light on this abhorrent behaviour is more important than ever. News that the Blue Haven Bonaira saga is (hopefully) finished is somewhat welcome news. To hear that Council is going to enter yet another legal saga with the builder of the facility is not so welcome. The Bugle does not know the intricacies of the legal action, but we do know that the builder would have had to engage multiple sub-contractors who will likely become involved in this legal battle. That means (potentially) millions more of our rate payer dollars going to lawyers.As the draft Growth and Housing Strategy demonstrates, the Kiama local government area is preparing for significant growth. Significant growth requires significant investment and significant leadership.Leaders who shut down dissent aren’t just stifling debate; they’re eroding trust and stalling progress. Good leadership, in contrast, welcomes dissent as valuable feedback. It’s the difference between fostering a culture of fear and one of innovation and growth.Kiama Council’s move to refer The Bugle to the Australian Press Council over baseless rumours was framed as fostering a constructive relationship. In reality, it looks like an attempt to control the narrative and silence criticism. This approach is counterproductive. True leadership embraces diverse perspectives and values every voice.Personal attacks derail dialogue and damage trust. Constructive criticism, backed by facts and a genuine desire to solve problems, is far more effective.Kiama Council’s recent actions show the dangers of leadership that silences dissent. Instead of shifting blame, leaders should embrace transparency and authenticity, listen to dissenting voices, and involve them in decision-making. This builds trust and empowers the community.We are two months away from one of the most important local government elections in living memory. It’s the worst it’s ever been – this is now undeniable.The Bugle’s View is that the community deserves leadership, and a leader who ensures that every voice is heard and valued. Not just a vocal minority, not just their mates, not some councillors’ and not others.We hope they’re listening.

A week is a long time in politics. Especially local politics in Kiama, it seems. Over the last week we have witnessed one of the most objectively shocking episodes in the history of our town.  As disclosed on Kiama Council’s website, the CEO Jane Stroud referred Councillors Karen Renkemba-Lang, Jodi Keast and Kathy Rice to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), under Section 11 of the ICAC Act.  Referring a public official to ICAC to the Independent Commission Against Corruption is a relatively simple matter. According to the ICAC Act, when a principal officer (like a CEO of Council) makes a referral against a public official they do not need proof – they only need to ‘suspect on reasonable grounds that corrupt conduct has occurred or may occur’. As such, referrals are supposedly quite commonplace in Sydney where dirty deeds are done, not on the cheap. However, for our fair town, this is not common at all, and is symptomatic of the dysfunction that the community has experienced for the better part of three years since this Council came in. In addition to these ICAC referrals, how can we forget: Councillor Mark Croxford and Councillor Renkema-Lang being censured over breaches of conduct with a third under investigation,Councillor Renkema-Lang taking Council to court over the aforementioned censure, which was eventually ruled invalid, The enormous budget blow out and eventual sale of Blue Haven Bonaira (with settlement to occur within two months, the sale price still remains undisclosed)A revised Performance Improvement Plan (as a result of the botched Bonaira affair) from the NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig which undoubtedly foreshadows more asset sales, possible special rate levies and a perilous financial situation,A $5 million legal bill. It’s quite a CV from a bunch of individuals who are supposedly representing us with our best interests in mind. With representatives like these, no wonder there have been multiple calls from the community for Minister Hoenig to call in an Administrator. Glen Humphries at the Mercury said it best: “Now, if all that doesn’t make this time the worst in the council’s history, it’s hard to imagine what else has to happen to make it so”. Mayor Neil Reilly points to a lot of angst between councillors which has obviously bled into the operation of Council. Take for instance, these ICAC referrals. Whilst a referral to ICAC does not constitute guilt or corruption, and all three councillors have come out and vigorously denied the allegations, the fact that we even know about the referrals is the most curious part of this sordid saga. The Bugle does not dispute that the CEO had a duty to report to ICAC and make the referral. However, when ICAC states that it ‘generally prefers’ that referrals are not made public ‘as it may prejudice any action (ICAC) take. Furthermore, a failure to handle reports to the ICAC confidentially may cause unnecessary damage or embarrassment to individuals’. It seems that to someone in Council, causing damage or embarrassment was entirely necessary and intentional.  “It’s Time” was a highly successful political campaign during the 1972 federal election where Gough Whitlam led the Australian Labor Party to victory, after 23 years of a conservative Coalition government.  Whilst the time period is only three or so years, and Labor councillors are part of this debacle at Council, The Bugle’s View is that it’s time: It’s time for a completely new direction for our Council and representatives,It’s time for more current councillors to announce they will not run for re-election,It’s time for change. 14 September 2024 is the local government election for Kiama – it’s time. 

Jamberoo is set to gradually expand with the upcoming Golden Valley Jamberoo subdivision, a project creating 50 new lots while respecting the village's established character.The Fountaindale Group’s Jennifer Macquarie, leading the development alongside her brother Lawson Fredericks, emphasises their role: "We're preparing the land and infrastructure, then selling individual lots. This gives buyers the freedom to design homes that suit their needs while complementing Jamberoo's style."The project adheres to the Kiama Council's Development Control Plan, which includes specific controls for Jamberoo. While buyers can choose their own builders and designs, the developers strongly encourage respecting the village's traditional architecture, characterised by colonial-style weatherboard cottages with high-pitched roofs and wide verandahs.Currently in the infrastructure design phase, Golden Valley Jamberoo expects to offer a small stage of lots off-the-plan in early 2025. The majority of homesites will be made available once subdivision construction is complete in late 2025. This timeline allows potential buyers to plan their ideal homes.Macquarie added, "We would be more than happy to facilitate introductions to reputable local builders for those of our buyers who need assistance."The project represents a significant addition to Jamberoo's housing options, potentially attracting new residents while aiming to preserve the village's architectural heritage.Local businesses and service providers have expressed delight in the prospect of welcoming new families and therefore an economic boost to the village. For more information about Golden Valley Jamberoo and to join the interest list, visit goldenvalleyjamberoo.com.au. Residents can also find details about the Kiama Council's Development Control Plan on the council's website, providing insight into guidelines for new homes in Jamberoo.

Opinion by Andrew SchreyerLast month, Country Press Australia (CPA) – the largest representative association of newspaper publishers in Australia, appeared before a joint hearing in Canberra into social media and its impacts on Australian society. The hearing was convened out of concerns about the negative impacts social media platforms have upon our community, including the recent decision by Meta to no longer pay news publishers for content posted to the company’s platforms.That announcement has been met with anger, frustration, disappointment, worry and concern among news publishers, and the news industry shares the concerns of the broader community over Meta’s outrageous behaviour that has had such a damaging impact on so many sections of the community.Facebook particularly has evolved into an antisocial entity that has provided a haven for toxicity, fake news, scams, blackmail, cyberbullying, doxing, revenge porn, trolling, deep fakes, political interference, surveillance capitalism and the spread of mis and disinformation that has caused so much damage within our communitiesThe live streaming of massacres, images of unrealistic so-called beautiful people and conspiracies are also part and parcel of social media today.In the case of the news industry, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has said Meta’s decision to no longer pay for news content in a number of jurisdictions “represents a dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media,” a comment CPA endorseswholeheartedly.Meta has shown complete disdain for Australian media outlets, the News Media Bargaining Code and the Australian Government by announcing its intention not to renew agreements with publishers.Meta has been deemed an unavoidable trading partner, and as such, is expected to conform to the same standards and expectations as the rest of us.In short, we believe Meta fails to meet those standards, and that the company long ago ceased to be just a provider of social media platforms.Just last month, the US Surgeon General called for social media to have warnings attached to it over mental health concerns for users.It’s one of the great paradoxes of our time that rather than tackle unacceptable elements and accept responsibility for the damage caused by providing the habitat for such scornful matter, Meta has instead opted to diminish the presence of the real news and of truth by continually adjusting its algorithms and rendering public interest news content more and more difficult to find.The federal government has the News Media Bargaining Code at its disposal, a mechanism established to ensure social media platforms can be held to account and that media organisations are treated fairly in their dealings with the social media giants.Should the government designate Meta under the Code, the company is likely to block news sites from its platforms just as it has done in Canada. And in that country, it’s been regional and rural publishers who have been negatively impacted the most.In this instance we encourage the government to insert a ‘must carry news’ clause in the code forcing them to negotiate with publishers or impose a 20 per cent tax on Meta’s Australian revenue.Proceeds from the tax can be used for mental health programs to assist young people negatively impacted by social media, and a component distributed to publishers as compensation for Meta’s use of their content.If Meta refuses, they should be banned from Australia. Meta is a publisher just like our members; however, their platforms are not subject to laws including defamation and contempt of court, editorial standards and regulatory frameworks.If they were, I would not need to write this opinion piece and there would be a lot less social harm and mental health issues in our community today. Meta’s Facebook has little, if any, checking mechanism prior to content and comments being published. Its algorithms serve up content based on popularity regardless of what may be appropriate for the audience. It has no transparent complaints process, is not held to account in any way and isn’t required to respond to complaints.It’s one thing to rip billions of dollars out of our economy, but the social, mental and physical damage caused by what is allowed to prosper on Meta’s platforms takes things to another level. We believe that as a corporate citizen, Meta has a responsibility to do what is right, just as we as publishers do. Meta’s commercialisation of the negativity it allows to fester on its platforms is a scourge upon that company and has created significant hardship and misery for many Australians.To suit its narrative and justify its agenda, Meta claims its users don’t go to Facebook for news, however the University of Canberra’s Digital News Report: Australia 2024 released in June found that 49 per cent of Australian users of Facebook use it for news and one in four rely on it as their main source of news – our trusted, independent and professionally written news Meta no longer wants topay for.The digital news report shows this year, there was actually a surge among young people turning to social media to get news. Sixty per cent of Gen Z say social media is their main source of news, a 17-percentage point increase on last year.In line with the increase in the use of social media platforms for news, concern about what is real and what is fake on the internet has skyrocketed to 75 per cent. This is an increase of 11 percentage points in the past two years and echoes an increase in the global rise of six percentage points over the same period.It suits Meta to claim Australians don’t use the company’s platforms to read the news and for it to be allowed to continue to ride roughshod over our communities. But it suits the rest of us for Meta to be held to account.Andrew Schreyer is the President of Country Press Australia, and publisher of the Warragul & Drouin Gazette.

26 June 2024By Brett RobinsonCEO Traders In PurpleThere’s nothing like a crisis to bring people together in a common purpose, and so we and the rest of Kiama await the release of Kiama Council’s Growth and Housing Strategy with high anticipation.Over the past few weeks, we have engaged closely with Council’s planning staff to help them fully understand the critical role Springside Hill will play in addressing the housing crisis and contributing to the five-year target of 900 completed homes set by the NSW Government.The release of information about plans for Bombo Quarry provides a great sense of clarity for everyone in the community. It also outlines the expected timing, planning and remediation processes required before construction can start.With a reported timeframe of five to eight years to make the site ready for development, it seems like there will be no houses at Bombo Quarry until after 2029 at the earliest.The question then is how the Council’s strategy will address the current housing pain whilst waiting on Bombo Quarry, and whether the status quo of forcing the most productive people, the future of Kiama, to establish their homes, families and businesses elsewhere, will remain. We genuinely hope that Council does heed their own warning that ‘just saying no’ is no longer suitable.To meet the new housing target would require 180 home completions a year up until 2029. In 2020, 54 new homes were built in the local government area. In 2021 the number was 85 homes and in 2022, 54 homes.Based on that performance, it will take close to three years just to hit the one-year target.We have always said that there needs to be multiple solutions to address this housing crisis, both short and long term. With Kiama Council forecasting the need for more than 3,500 new homes over the next 20 years, more options are needed, not less.Like Council, we have been listening to the residents of Kiama and hearing about the hard choices people have made because there are so few opportunities to build or rent a home.  When scarce opportunities do become available they are priced beyond reach and snapped up in an instant.That is what happens in constrained housing markets when land is released piecemeal. It’s like a drop of rain in a drought that evaporates before anybody has a chance to drink.And in the most expensive housing market in NSW outside Sydney, it does nothing to put homes within the reach of locals and those who have the energy and will to make a wholehearted commitment to maintaining Kiama as one of the most liveable towns in Australia.

 No sooner had we declared that the forthcoming Council election would be about transparency and accountability (and that the community were seeking clarity as to which councillors would be running for re-election), than Councillors Kathy Rice and Jodie Keast announced their decision not to recontest at the election.   As we reported, these Councillors have contributed a significant amount to our community over several years. Councillor Rice in particular, having been initially elected to Council back in 2012. Her tenure of twelve years is only bettered by Councillor Warren Steel (elected in 1996) and Mayor Neil Reilly (elected in 2008). In what has traditionally been a male dominated Council, the current Council make up of four women and five men is the most gender balanced in the history of Kiama.  Losing Councillors Rice and Keast could be a genuine blow to balanced representation for our community.        Councillors Rice and Keast are members of the Greens and that political party has yet to advise on candidates they have pre-selected for the upcoming election but we do hope that they consider the gender question in their deliberations.  So, the times are changing and whilst The Bugle has nothing but admiration and respect for Councillors Rice and Keast, and wish them well, our View is that change can be a good thing.   According to the 2021 census, the median age of our community is 48 years old – nine years older than the median age in NSW, and ten years older than the rest of the country. Whilst The Bugle is not one for being ageist, we would hazard a guess that 48 years is lower than the average age of our current Councillor crop. Perhaps, like Councillors Draisma and Larkins, what we need is a further injection of youth, or at least, a point of difference. Approximately one-third of the population is aged between 18 and 50 and are vitally important to our community in terms of productivity, investment and supporting the community. These are the people that provide health services, serve us at our favourite retailers, are key workers and shape our town.  A quick perusal of our current Council crop and their sources of income in the 2023 financial year shows that four out of the nine councillors had an income generating occupation. The Labor Councillors are working for State and Federal members of Parliament (looks like their advocacy against the Illawarra Offshore Wind Farm did not amount to much), and Councillors Rice and Keast work in education. The point is, more than half of our representatives are not working and are seemingly doing quite okay on a meagre Council salary. That is great for them, and we do not disparage them for being in that position, but the question is – whilst they are our council representatives, do they actually represent who we are? Perhaps that is why all the advocacy and engagement that Council staff are trying to do ultimately reverberates back with the same old story, time after time.  Take for instance, the outcomes of Council’s community and stakeholder survey on the “Growth and Housing Strategy”. Approximately 1% of the population engaged with the survey, and of those 300 or so residents, 40% of them were over the age of 60.  Perhaps everyone was too busy with school drop offs, getting dinner on the table, or working to pay the mortgage. But we would have thought that over the six-week period when the survey was active, the community would have wanted to engage on something so important. Or, perhaps, they thought that no matter what they say, it will be more of the same. Another process talking to the same people, saying the same thing, and getting the same results, time after time.  Whilst we agree with a lot of what Councillor Renkema-Lang has said in the past, we cannot agree with her comments that ‘the sentiments and desire of the community have been well captured and expressed’. Certainly, the view of a certain part of the community has been well captured. But to say that a survey that approximately 80% of the adult population has not engaged with has delivered ‘good data’, is a stretch. The Bugle congratulates Councillor Rice and Councillors Keast on their positive representation of our community and with their (and possibly other?) departures brings an opportunity for change. The Bugle’s View is that the whole and entire community must actively engage, otherwise we will get more of the same, time after time.

This week marks three months until the 14 September 2024 NSW local government election and for our community, it promises to be an intriguing and extremely consequential affair. The 2021 election saw four out of nine councillors returned to Council following their election in the September 2016 election. Those councillors were Matt Brown, Warren Steel, Kathy Rice, and Neil Reilly.  However, it has been a long eight years for our community since then. The pandemic brought on its own set of challenges, not least an increase in demand for housing and a change to our community landscape. Our fair town is now the most expensive place to buy a home in regional NSW and to try and address housing affordability, the State Government has mandated the completion of 900 homes by 30 June 2029.  That equates to 180 homes per year, for the next five years – something that has only happened two times in the last 25 years. The last eight years has also seen a significant degradation in Council’s financial position which is perhaps only matched by the significant increase in legal costs – much of this attributed to Councillor infighting and internal complaints. It’s possible that when all is said and done, the legal bill for rate payers will be more than $5 million. In these uncertain times we certainly do not agree that $4.7m is not going to cripple Council.  For a comparison, Byron Bay Council’s legal expenses for 2023 were just shy of $400,000. Ratepayers are rightly shaking their head, and The Bugle has fielded a number of comments from the community who are aghast at how flippantly our rates are being spent, particularly in a cost-of-living crisis.  The Blue Haven Bonaira saga looks to be finally coming to a close, and in a few short weeks, we should know how much money the sale will contribute to Council finances. But is this likely to only be a short-term fix? Blue Haven Terralong is now in the sights of the NSW Government and the Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig, who suspects that general rate revenue may be subsiding its operation. No doubt there will be more asset sales and cuts to services.  Three months out from the election, we are still yet to receive official confirmation as to which sitting councillors will be running for re-election. Who is going to campaign on protection of services and jobs? Perhaps a difficult pill to swallow if you’re in the thick of it.   As Bill Potts rightly points out, some councillors ‘were there when we got in this mess’.   We are yet to see a platform on transparency and accountability. Who is going to take responsibility of the situation that we’re in, and show genuine leadership for our community to find a way out? Where is the grandstanding about re-election, contributions made, key outcomes delivered? Perhaps there are some in the community, waiting in the wings. Local voices out there, biding their time, preparing their run, campaigning on an alternate vision, a different approach? Our community has undergone significant turmoil in recent times, much of it as a result of Council actions. The Bugle’s View is that elected representatives should not be surprised if there is a backlash and a call for change. The next term of local government will be the most challenging for our area and we need the best possible people to lead us, not those that continually belittle and work against us.