Zoning, Local Housing Strategy, State Significant Development, State Significant Rezoning, Housing Delivery Authority … Over the past couple of weeks it has felt like ABC’s hit show Utopia has come to Kiama and we are doing enough planning and development for the entire nation.

It’s clear the face, shape and feel of our towns will change.

It would be impossible for the thousands of homes that Kiama Council is planning to not change something.

Now that the Local Housing Strategy has been endorsed by the NSW Government, the growth agenda has been formally adopted.

Council is still in the rezoning stage and no designs, DCP or DA has been lodged yet for a proposed eight storeys at the Kiama Depot Shoalhaven Street Precinct, and Mayor Cameron McDonald has been unequivocal that he does not support 14-storey buildings anywhere in Kiama.

Whether it’s three, six, eight, 14 storeys, or 40 hectares, as is the case for the South Kiama precinct – there will be change to our landscapes, rolling hills and main streets.

This has and will continue to be derided as change nobody wants.

But whether a town has some high-rise buildings, or whether it extends beyond existing boundaries does not fundamentally change what makes our town special – the community.

The Mayor’s Giving Tree Appeal has kicked off and is a reminder to us all that even the smallest gift can make the biggest impact on those who are less fortunate.

“With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on households, many families will struggle to afford gifts this year. Every donation, no matter how small, helps bring joy to a child and reminds them that their community cares,” he said.

With significant levels of rental and housing stress in the area, many in our community will not be able to give a gift to their little ones, so The Bugle is calling on the community to give, give, give.

No matter how big or small, new (unwrapped) gifts for children up to 14 can be left at Kiama Council’s Giving Trees located at the Administration Building in Manning Street, Kiama Library, Gerringong Library and The Pavilion.

As we roll into December and the festive season officially kicks off, spare a thought for those less fortunate and will have to go with a little less over Christmas.

It is this demonstration of love, generosity and kindness that makes our community special.

Traditionally, our community has embraced this initiative with a plethora of gifts and goodies, and this year should be no different.

So among all the rage of population growth, high-rise buildings, car parking and boomgates, congestion and over-development, the Bugle’s View is let’s take some time over the next couple of weeks to shift our focus to the gift of giving.

Donations can be made until Friday 12 December 2025.