Opinion

As political leaders tour the nation with housing promises, local communities like ours are left asking: when will anything actually change?

In Kiama, housing affordability is not just a distant problem, it is a daily challenge.

From Jamberoo to Minnamurra, to Gerroa families are being priced out, workers are forced to commute long distances, and older residents are struggling to downsize without leaving the area they love.

So while federal parties pitch superannuation schemes and stamp duty tweaks, the real question is: how do we come together locally to solve what is clearly a cluster problem?

Kiama Council's Draft Local Housing Strategy V2 has been through several rounds of consultation and revision.

It aims to respond to these complex challenges, but like housing strategies across the country, it risks missing the mark unless it brings the right players to the table.

Because this isn’t just about planning rules. It’s about land, labour, lending, legacy infrastructure, and leadership – all pulling in the same direction.

A recent article in The Conversation unpacks five key ideas that could shift housing policy in the right direction – and they apply just as much to us here in Kiama:

• It’s a cluster problem: Housing affordability is driven by the interaction of many factors – from interest rates and global capital, to planning delays, construction workforce shortages, and poor past policy. No one fix will work in isolation.

• We need supply and demand solutions: Both major parties are currently focused on boosting demand, but this risks pushing up prices unless supply is rapidly expanded – something that takes years, not months.

• Look to the homes we already have: With new builds adding only 2 percent to housing stock each year, creative use of existing homes – such as enabling granny flats or flexible lot sizes – must be part of the solution.

• Target the right people: Many schemes benefit those already close to affording a home. Local and national policy must focus more sharply on people truly locked out of the market.

• Think across generations: Housing reform needs to work for young buyers, ageing residents, and renters alike – including bold changes like replacing stamp duty with a land tax.

The question for Kiama is how we apply this thinking locally. No single level of government can fix housing alone.

Councils control planning, but not tax. States hold infrastructure budgets.

The Commonwealth sets financial incentives. Kiama’s strategy must clearly define roles, push for coordinated funding, and embed community voices throughout.

Our housing isn’t just about supply or policy. It’s where we live, sleep, raise families and age. Kiama can’t solve the national crisis - but it can model an honest, inclusive, and sustainable response.

Listen to

• KMC Director of Planning present Draft Housing Strategy V2 at Housing Strategy Business Panel Discussion on 11 April here

• Business Panel Discussion here

• Housing Expert Dr Tony Gilmour discuss the Draft Housing Strategy V2 with Bernie Hems on KCR here

• KMC Director of Plan Ed Paterson discuss the Draft Housing Strategy V2 with Bernie Hems on KCR here

Have your say

Kiama Council’s draft housing strategy is on public exhibition until April 27.

You can read it and share your views here.

This article draws on the original piece “Housing affordability in Australia: here are 5 ideas to help fix it” by Amity James and Steven Rowley, published in The Conversation on 11 April 2025.