Kiama Council may be sitting on the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come often. The chance to build financial stability, community benefit and housing supply, all at once.

But realising that potential will take fresh thinking, the right partnerships, and a willingness to draw on local expertise.

Former mayor and experienced developer Neville Fredericks believes Council is in a unique position.

“Council has two main options beyond rates and charges,” he said. “They can upzone land they own, and they can subdivide land they own. But they must get the structure right.”

Fredericks, who has worked in the development industry for more than five decades, believes council should not be in the business of building.

Instead, he says, they are well placed to add value through rezoning and then sell to experienced developers. Havilah Place is one such opportunity, he says. It is well located and holds potential for a more ambitious residential future.

When it comes to subdivisions, he believes council could take the lead, but only with the right support in place.

“Council staff work hard and bring important expertise, but the complexities of development today mean it’s essential to have oversight from people with on-the-ground experience who’ve worked through the full process before,” he added.

That is why Fredericks is proposing a working group of local professionals who can guide any future development process.

These would be volunteer positions, filled by respected individuals with experience in areas like development, planning, finance, surveying, and marketing.

“The moment you form that kind of advisory group, you bring clarity, accountability and local insight into the process,” he said.

He points to Spring Creek as one of the most significant opportunities.

“Council owns the land. It is already zoned and has a development approval is in place.

But until the quarry stops blasting, it cannot be developed,” he explains. “Now is the time to prepare. Council could be doing the engineering drawings, getting it ready so that the moment the restriction lifts, the tractors can roll. But without forward planning, another year or more could be lost.”

Fredericks said Spring Creek alone could deliver more than $50 million in value to council and the broader community.

“It is a massive opportunity. But it needs oversight and momentum. That is what a well-structured advisory group could provide.”

He believes the broader community will support this kind of model.

“There are people in Kiama with the right knowledge and willingness to contribute. This is not about telling council what to do. It is about partnering with them to help get the best result for everyone.”

As Council explores its next steps for Spring Creek, Havilah Place and other key sites, Fredericks hopes decision makers will see the value in combining community-led oversight with professional knowledge.

“This is about setting up the right foundations. And making the most of what we already have.”