As Kiama Council finalises the $84 million sale of its aged-care facility Blue Haven Bonaira, now under the ownership of Hall & Prior, attention is turning to what comes next – especially for the disused Havilah Place site and the broader challenge of delivering housing that suits the community’s needs.

Speaking with Bernie Hems on Kiama Community Radio (KCR), Councillor Stuart Larkins confirmed the deal was settled on 1 April after a $6 million reduction in price and several delays. 

Compensation was paid by Hall & Prior to cover Council’s extended operating costs. The provider plans to invest $1.2 million in upgrades to the facility’s bathrooms and independent living units.

The transition ends Council’s direct role in residential aged care. 

But it raises the stakes for what remains – particularly the original Blue Haven site at Havilah Place, now fenced off and classified as hazardous after repeated break-ins and reports of people seeking shelter inside.

A demolition report is expected at the next Council meeting, but locals can take heart that the adjacent community garden will be retained. 

“It will be excised from the site and kept as community land,” Cr Larkins said. “That’s something the community made very clear they wanted.”

What happens to the remainder of the site, however, is still up for debate. 

Councillors Larkins and Imogen Draisma have pushed for the land to be repurposed for social and affordable housing, yet it is notably absent from the current draft of the Local Housing Strategy.

“That’s a major oversight,” Cr Larkins said. “We need smaller, more accessible housing – not more five-bedroom homes with only two people living in them.”

Housing stress is growing across the Kiama LGA, where rents are high and options limited. 

The community’s feedback has made clear the need for housing diversity – from single-level units for older residents to affordable rentals for essential workers.

Cr Larkins pointed to missed opportunities at other sites too, including Iluka Crescent in Kiama Downs, which Council owns and currently maintains as underutilised green space. 

“It’s a site that could support some well-designed in-fill housing while still preserving public open space,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the future of West Kiama and Bombo Quarry, two larger sites included in the housing strategy. 

While Bombo is earmarked for 1200 homes, its remediation may take up to seven years. 

West Kiama, currently under state review, remains controversial. “We need to be clear-eyed about what is actually feasible – and how to retain community control,” he said.

Cr Larkins believes Council must keep pushing for better planning outcomes – and better infrastructure. “

We need to advocate for highway access, public transport, and services that allow our community to age in place and stay connected.”

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Tune into Bernie Hems show at 9am on Tuesdays on KCR.