Passions are running high, but beneath the noise sits a bigger question.

Who really owns the buildings funded by our rates and taxes?

And how do we protect essential services in tough financial times?

Recent events have sparked a wave of petitions and social media campaigns, suggesting that Kiama Municipal Council is blocking vital volunteer services.

In reality, Council is standing by a simple principle: community-owned buildings must serve the whole community.

This is not about stopping volunteers. Council is working to open up access, ensure transparency, and manage every community facility responsibly.

It is about ensuring the public assets we all fund deliver the maximum benefit for everyone, not just a privileged few.

Acting Mayor Melissa Matters said she stood by her election commitment to be both community minded and business focused.

“At the November Council meeting, I asked for information on every Council-owned asset, including every building and every parcel of land, to understand exactly what they provide for the community and what they return to Council," she said.

"This work is about making sure our assets are activated, accessible, and delivering the best possible outcomes for the whole community.

"That includes improving access, including ambulant and accessible bathroom facilities, financial sustainability, and broader community use."We need to make sure every community asset is working for everyone, not just a few.”

Some groups are fortunate to have access to state-of-the-art facilities and built-in fundraising opportunities.

Meanwhile, other frontline volunteers, like our rural firefighters, continue their critical work out of modest garages, without cafés, function rooms or private bars to help raise money for their essential services.

Councillor Erica Warren said Council must take a responsible approach to community assets.

“Given the financial constraints Council faces, it is imperative that we manage community facilities in a way that increases income that can be further spent on the community," she said.

"What is the alternative? That rates go up? We need to be smarter with what we have.”

We must not lose sight of the bigger picture. Every public building must be a living, working part of our community.

Council is not taking anything away. It is trying to create opportunities for broader use, fairness, and sustainability.

Strong communities are built when everyone has a seat at the table, not when public spaces become private clubs. Protecting our facilities means protecting our future.