Kiama Council has presented its engagement plan for developing a Growth and Housing Strategy in partnership with our community.
The Strategy will clearly articulate where, how and why growth will occur within our Municipality and how to carefully and appropriately manage this growth.
Director Planning, Environment and Communities Jessica Rippon said this pivotal piece of work for Kiama Council, the NSW Government and our community would be integral in shaping the future of our Municipality.
"Developing this Strategy is the key priority for my planning team this year, and this starts with an intelligent and robust conversation with our residents, businesses, community and sporting groups about growth," Ms Rippon said.
"I've assembled a team to drive this project, with a strong mandate to involve the people who live, work and play here in the process."
Kiama Council's Strategic Planning Team has started an analysis of our area's demographic background, as well as future trends and demands.
An Urban Economist has also prepared a housing supply feasibility analysis.
Ms Rippon said the Growth and Housing Strategy, which had its origins in affordable housing solutions, was an idea whose time had come.
"Anyone reading or watching the news knows our nation is facing a housing crisis."
"The Australian and NSW Government have begun housing reforms with ambitious targets. Kiama Council, and our community, will be required to play a part."
"We need to lead this process, rather than having development forced upon us."
Ms Rippon said the Growth and Housing Strategy would set out a clear plan to support the delivery of housing in our municipality and our region over the next 20 years.
It will identify if new housing opportunities are required, and if so, where, and how these opportunities can be supplied.
It will also promote efficient use of land and infrastructure by seeking to align housing growth with supporting infrastructure and social services, such as schools, health facilities, water, sewerage and public transport.
"We need to be proactive in providing a strategy that is as much about creating new communities and good planning outcomes."
"This means using place-based planning to provide great areas in which to live, including walkable neighbourhoods that support active and healthy lifestyles, as well as creating and renewing public spaces."
"There is going to be numerous opportunities and a range of different ways for everyone to be involved."
The release of the engagement strategy for the Housing and Growth Strategy coincides with the reboot of Council's overarching Community Engagement Strategy.
Kiama Council is hitting the street to talk with locals about both strategies.
Council staff will be holding community pop-ups outside local stores starting this Friday.
We're taking a fresh new direction when it comes to engaging with our community.
We want to hear from a diverse range of people, especially those we don't normally hear from, alongside traditional stakeholders.
For those we can't make it to these pop ups, you can always take our online survey about community engagement.
Our community pop ups are at:
• Kiama Downs IGA, Friday 22 March, 10am – 12pm
• Kiama Downs Food Works, Friday 22 March, 10am – 12pm
• Minnamurra Café, Saturday 23 March, 8.30am – 10.30am
• Jamberoo IGA, Saturday 23 March, 8.30am – 10.30am
• Gerringong IGA, Saturday 23 March, 12pm – 2pm
• Gerroa General Store, Saturday 23 March, 12pm – 2pm
• Kiama Farmers Market, Wednesday 27 March, 3pm – 6pm
