Opinion by Lynne Strong Let’s be honest, statistics can be a bit of a snooze-fest. Percentages, projections, and demographics - these terms aren’t exactly the life of the party. But here’s the thing: without these stats, planning for Kiama’s future is like trying to navigate through a thick fog with no compass. You’re flying blind.Did you know Kiama’s population is projected to grow by 33 percent over the next 20 years? That’s 7,757 new friends, neighbours, and community members. It’s like inviting the entire population of a small town to join us. But without knowing this, how can we plan for enough houses, schools, and services?By 2044, we’ll need 3,456 new homes. That’s about 180 houses a year. Without tracking these needs, we might end up with a housing shortage, skyrocketing prices, and people struggling to find a place to live. We don’t want Kiama to become an exclusive club with an impossible entry fee, right?Our community is getting older, with a median age of 48 years and 36 percent of our population already over 60. In the next two decades, this silver wave will continue to grow. Planning for this isn’t just about more bingo nights (though we love those); it’s about ensuring there are suitable homes and services to support our elderly residents.Currently, 57 percent of our workers commute out of Kiama. That’s a lot of time and money spent on travel. By understanding this, we can push for more local job opportunities, reducing the commute and keeping the community thriving right here at home. But here’s a surprising and somewhat concerning stat that only 0.6 percent of our population uses public transport. This not only increases traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions but also highlights the need for better public transport options. Without knowing this, we might miss the chance to advocate for improvements, leaving many reliant on cars.Knowing our vulnerabilities, like flood-prone areas and bushfire risks, isn’t just a detail to skim over. It’s crucial for safe housing development. Imagine building a beautiful home only to find it’s in a high-risk flood zone. Not ideal.With 32 percent of renter households experiencing housing stress, it’s clear we need more affordable rental options. Knowing this helps us push for policies that can alleviate this stress and make Kiama a more inclusive place to live.Sure, tracking these stats might seem tedious, but it’s the key to making informed decisions. It’s like using a GPS instead of wandering aimlessly. By keeping an eye on our progress, we can adjust our course and ensure Kiama continues to grow in a way that benefits everyone.So, next time you hear about housing percentages or population projections, remember - they’re more than just boring numbers. On September 14 when we elect councilors, look for a long history of innovation and real-world experience, so we have a chance to be a leader in growth and housing strategy across the world.

OPINION:Yesterday’s community meeting at the Jamberoo Youth Hall, hosted by the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association (JVRRA), was a pivotal moment for our town. This event was a testament to what well-organised community groups can achieve. As residents, we had the unique opportunity to engage directly with the key stakeholders involved in the Golden Valley Stage 2 proposal, part of the Kiama Council Draft Growth and Housing Strategy.  This meeting not only provided a platform for information exchange but also demonstrated the power of proactive community involvement. “With the release of the Council’s Draft Growth and Housing Strategy, JVRRA wanted to be on the front foot by assisting our local community to be well-informed of the issues associated with the Draft Growth & Housing Strategy that will have an impact on Jamberoo,” said Stuart Richards, President of JVRRA.The meeting started with a presentation by Ros Neilsen from JVRRA, who provided a summary of the Draft Growth & Housing Strategy, particularly how the strategy will impact Jamberoo in the future. The aim is to assist the local community in making their submissions to the Council on the strategy. This was followed by Jennifer Macquarie from the Fountaindale Group, who explained the concept for the Golden Valley Stage 2 site. She elaborated that the concept plan is based on understanding Jamberoo’s specific needs and constraints, such as limited housing choice, limited sewer capacity, the tenuous viability of local services and businesses, and the critical need for a new preschool. The plan adapts to trends towards lower carbon footprints and energy bills while creating a community that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable through a diverse housing mix to match local needs, population numbers to sustain local services, and design principles that encourage passive solar home design.“The Fountaindale Group valued presenting its Golden Valley Stage 2 proposal to the Jamberoo community. The Council's Draft Housing and Growth Strategy identifies suitable properties but lacks detailed plans, usually addressed during rezoning. Our ideas for Stage 2 include diverse housing and significant community benefits like a community garden, green spaces, and land grants for a preschool. Early discussions will help us understand community preferences and convey our constraints, fostering respectful collaboration,” said Jennifer Macquarie from the Fountaindale Group. During the Q & A session, several key points were addressed. The sewer infrastructure improvements required for the new development will primarily be funded by the developer, with potential contributions from Sydney Water. Concerns about the timing and certainty of the preschool relocation were raised, highlighting the need for early action to address flooding risks. The voluntary planning agreement mechanism was explained, ensuring that community benefits are legally secured and transferred with the property. Questions about the impact of smaller lot sizes on the broader community were clarified, emphasising that changes would be specific to the proposed development area. The importance of considering infrastructure contributions from developers for traffic calming measures was discussed, with an explanation of the council's process for assessing and funding these needs. Overall, the community showed interest in the proposed development, particularly the benefits it could bring, while also raising concerns about infrastructure, timing, and maintaining the character of Jamberoo. One Jamberoo resident with small children expressed enthusiasm for the proposal: "I think it looks amazing. I'm excited to be able to drive into Jamberoo and see the new preschool under the fig trees. I'm excited there will be new green spaces, a walking track, that the creek will be revegetated and there will be a park where my children can ride their bikes. I love that there's a variety of different size blocks. I love that there's smaller blocks that potentially some of my friends will be able to afford. I love the community garden and the extra entrance off Allowrie Street will reduce traffic. I'm keen to be a part of this." Stuart Richards from the JVRRA commented that the meeting provided clear affirmation of the community’s role in the planning process. This is significant because it empowered residents by giving them the opportunity to voice their opinions and see their concerns taken seriously, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards community development. Additionally, the presence of developers ensured accountability, as they were able to directly address concerns and clarify plans, which helps build trust and transparency. As I reflected on this meeting, it’s clear that such forums are invaluable for the community. To maintain this momentum, the council should provide regular updates on the proposal’s progress and any agreed-upon changes, keeping the community informed and involved. Organising follow-up meetings will ensure ongoing dialogue and integral community input. By continuing to ask questions, raise concerns, and hold developers and council representatives accountable, we can ensure our voices are heard and acted upon, paving the way for a vibrant and thriving Jamberoo. Trust is also essential and believing that everyone involved wants the best outcomes for the community helps set realistic expectations. Focusing on achievable goals through collaboration, transparency, and informed participation can shape a future that reflects the aspirations and values of Jamberoo residents. By staying informed and engaged, we can continue building momentum, fostering a community where every voice is heard, and every stakeholder is committed to the collective good.

We have seen three censure motions against councillors – one for abuse by Councillor Mark Croxford – with Karen Renkema-Lang defeating her politically motivated censure. Neither The Bugle nor the public knows the name or charge against the third councillor.Councillors Karen Renkema-Lang, Kathy Rice and Jodi Keast, were referred by council to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. They have denied any wrongdoing. The three women fought against the Council’s groupthink and for that, they were punished. Turn clocks back 100 years.As CEO Jane Stroud said, “I hold specific concerns and worry about the worsening functionality of the Council, when in uncertain times and unchartered territory, what is really required is cohesive and collective effort to correct the course of the organisation.”Bravo. It was a shame she sided with the blokes (except Matt Brown who abstained), and in a classic case of shooting the messenger at the 16 July council meeting, the Council referred The Bugle to the Australian Press Council.The Bugle is guilty of reporting the Bonaira fiasco, draft after draft of Council’s corrected accounts, the pros and cons of ocean wind farms, reporting the dodgy Loves Bay development, council’s lack of parking policy and much more.Let us compare the recent tactics of Clr Mark Andrew Croxford with those of Senator Joseph McCarthy, a little-known junior senator from Wisconsin until 1950.McCarthy claimed the US Department of State was riddled with communists as the Cold War raged. Using the same tactics, Croxford has conducted his own witch hunt for the name of the owner of The Bugle.He created a context of mounting fear and paranoia in the council executive demanding – as if this was in the public interest – to know if property developers had inveigled their way into The Bugle.In fact, Council already knew the owner had bought the newspaper more than a year before. The owner is a businesswoman writer, not a property developer.This did not stop Croxford. Are or have you ever been associated with property developers?Croxford’s comments on the Council floor on 16 July, contained the imputation that the owner takes ‘cash for comments’ from developers. This contemptible suggestion goes to the very heart of integrity and reputation. It is libellous and motivated by malice.He has not offered one scintilla of evidence to support his claims. Not then, not now.The owner had a legitimate right to privacy. That’s why we have the Privacy Act. This sort of bullying does not go over well with women. Is this the sort of person you want on the council?To compound the libel, Mr Croxford published a series of Facebook posts which held The Bugle, its owner and staff, up to ridicule and contempt by fair-minded readers.He accused Lynne Strong’s opinion article in The Bugle, "Is Our Council Structure Fit for Purpose?" of being an example of psychological propaganda used in war. Really? I mean, really?Ms Strong was the 2017 Australia Day Ambassador and an Australian of the Year nominee. Her awards and credentials are compelling.Further, at the same council meeting, with his mind on the September council elections, Croxford asked the CEO a raft of politically motivated questions about who was to blame for the Blue Haven Bonaira fiasco.He is fighting for transparency and accountability. He won’t stop until someone is burnt at the stake.Two can play the fear game and you will find this fact grounded in the council’s Long Term Financial Plan 2024-2025 to 2033-2034. In scenario two, which the council downplays, there is the option of a special rate variation of 10 per cent in 2026-2027 on top of the normal rate peg. That’s a rate fee of around 14 per cent.Let me give Croxford a hand because this council has swum from the Titanic to the Marie Celeste and is spent.In a confidential council report of the Director of Finance (21 November 2017), it included the risk profile of building Bonaira.Bonaira build risk assessment, Kiama CouncilIt shows all three tenders were high risk (in red) and the companies seeking to throw risk back on to the Council. What did the successful Tier 1 builder of Bonaira, do in the final stages of the tender to win it?Apparently, according to the document, a meeting was held with council and the awarded contractor  on 7 December 2017 and, “all high risk items raised by Council have since been resolved.”A Council spokesperson said it had, “looked into this and there’s not anything further we can supply, except the information you’ve already sourced that is on the public record.”The builder of Blue Haven Bonaira is now facing legal action by council. Join the queue.The Kiama Council quoted Thomas Jefferson in its 2023 mid-year review who said, “The government you elect is the government you deserve.”On the 14 September council elections, be the Administrator and elect the government you deserve.

Opinion piece The Bugle is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and respect in the community. In this spirit, I draw attention to recent concerns regarding Councillor Croxford's reported comments on social media. It is my understanding that these remarks have raised questions about adherence to the Kiama Municipal Council Media Policy and the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW. This article aims to address the broader issue of professional conduct and respectful communication among our elected officials, rather than targeting any individual personally. In light of recent discussions, concerns have been raised regarding comments made by Clr Croxford on social media. It is my understanding that these comments, which reportedly referred to dissenters as “lazy”, “uninformed” and “insignificant mental pygmies”, have sparked questions about adherence to the Kiama Municipal Council Media Policy and the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW.The Kiama Municipal Council Media Policy, endorsed on 19 March 2024, outlines clear principles and standards for media engagement by Council officials. At the heart of the policy are principles such as openness, consistency, accuracy, and timeliness, which are designed to ensure that all communications with the media are conducted in a manner that upholds the Council’s integrity and reputation.Key points of concern regarding these reported comments include:Principles of media engagement:Openness: The policy emphasises the importance of promoting an open exchange of information between the Council and the media. Derogatory language does not support an open or respectful dialogue.Consistency and accuracy: Ensuring consistent and accurate representation in media communications is crucial. Personal attacks and inflammatory language undermine the integrity and reliability of our communications.Standards of conduct when engaging with the media:Defamatory and offensive language: Council officials must not share information or make comments that could be considered defamatory, offensive, humiliating, threatening, or intimidating to other Council officials or members of the public.Harassment and bullying: Comments must not constitute harassment and/or bullying. The use of derogatory remarks could be perceived as bullying.Professionalism and respect: All media engagement by Council officials must be conducted in a professional, timely, and respectful manner.Councillors’ conduct:Reputation: Councillors must not bring the organisation or its employees into disrepute through any form of media commentary.Resolving differences privately: Councillors should endeavour to resolve personal differences privately and must not prosecute them publicly through the media.These guidelines underscore the expectation for Council officials to communicate in a manner that is respectful, professional, and reflective of the Council's values. The use of language perceived as derogatory not only undermines these principles but also damages the trust and confidence that the community places in its elected representatives.As members of the Kiama community, it is imperative that we hold our Council officials accountable to the highest standards of conduct. The Council's commitment to professional and respectful communication is essential in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of our local government.We urge the Council to review this matter and take appropriate action to ensure adherence to the established Media Policy. By doing so, we can reaffirm our commitment to transparent, respectful, and professional communication that serves the best interests of our community.