Last Thursday night, the Kiama Business Chamber’s ‘Meet the Candidates’ event showcased seven of the eight candidate groups going head-to-head for your vote come the big day on 14 September 2024. With five out of nine current councillors, including Mayor Neil Reilly, not seeking re-election, there will be a number of new faces leading our community. Given the precarious financial state of Council, special rate rises, asset sales and service reduction will bring a whole new set of challenges, opportunities and hopefully a lot less wasted money on legal disputes and code of conduct complaints. The Bugle’s Donna Portland covered the event extensively and overall, most of the candidate groups have genuine platforms that acknowledge the need for change. Change that has happened for those living in the community, whether that be cost of living, housing affordability or job opportunities. Changes to the way Council must engage with and not dictate to, the community. Changes that will focus on business, investment, housing and the night time economy. As we foreshadowed in this column back in April 2024, change is coming, and we think that this will be a positive for our community. Parts of the community will not embrace this because they have a vested interest in keeping things the same, constraining innovation and protecting their assets and wealth. The Bugle’s View is that we should support these candidates that are proposing genuinely new ideas, new thoughts, and a new approach.   Although, the “Energy and Experience: Getting Council back on track” group, aka the Liberal Party seem to have gotten a bit lost in the discourse, particularly in the case of Bombo Quarry. As The Bugle has previously reported, the Bombo Quarry precinct landowners have been quite transparent with the entire community regarding the long term and complex nature of the project. Many of the candidates for the upcoming election have noted this and foreshadowed the need for considerable changes to the draft masterplan as currently proposed by the Bombo Quarry landowners. Given the early and nascent stages of their masterplan, these candidates are rightly calling for these significant changes to be incorporated, before any proposal is formally submitted to Council and the State Government. However, this seems to have all been lost in translation for the “Energy and Experience” team, led by Kiama Downs resident Yasmin Tatrai. In fact, her team seems to see Bombo Quarry as an immediate and promising solution to the housing crisis. This is despite the Bombo Quarry landowners advising the community that it is extremely unlikely that there will be any homes delivered this decade. Does her team’s energy and experience covers large scale earthworks and remediation, geotechnical analysis and construction? Even the Labor Party candidates have seen the light and gone quiet on spruiking Bombo Quarry as the panacea to our housing crisis. Since a Facebook post on 25 June 2024, stating that the re-development of Bombo Quarry was part of their election platform (as if they have any control over the timing of the project), the Labor socials and rhetoric has gone a little quiet on this magnificent long term opportunity. Kudos to all the current Councillors seeking re-election for listening and engaging with the information that has been provided, and understanding the situation that faces our community. A thought for team Tatrai. Were they caught in the throes of the now infamous Liberal Party mishap where more than 130 of their candidates were not nominated for the upcoming election due to a bungle from their State Executive.  Perhaps that’s the reason they crossed out “Liberal Party” on their nomination forms? In three weeks’ time we all have a responsibility to vote for a better future. New elected representatives will bring about a new change, and it’s your responsibility to ensure it’s a positive change.

We are now just five weeks away from local government elections on 14 September and one thing is for certain – there will be a significant amount of change from this set of Councillors to the next. With three confirmed Councillors showing themselves the exit door, and rumours of at least a fourth – change is in the air and The Bugle welcomes this with open arms. There is only one more formal Council meeting before this scandal-plagued administration enters caretaker mode and the down and dirty of campaigning begins.  It looks to have already started with a broad missive from Councillor Renkema-Lang and some not so veiled swipes at her fellow Councillors and ultimately the whole Council regarding an overarching lack of genuine achievement over the last three years. It looks as though picking up the pieces and making lemonade out of some pretty average lemons will be the job of a new set of Councillors come October 2024. Councillor Renkema-Lang does not speak on behalf of the entire organisation – Council’s oft-referenced and inconsistently applied media policy makes that ‘clear’ – but she has ultimately voiced what everyone is thinking; what have they achieved in the last three years?   The incumbent Labor Councillors Larkins and Draisma are seeking re-election on a platform of ensuring ‘local government in Kiama remains independent’ and that ‘local decision-making stays in local hands and that our Council remains a non-amalgamated entity’. So, the platform is: “We think there should be a Council, and we think we should be the Councillors, so vote us back in? With multiple sections of the community calling for Administration of this Council – the antithesis of what these two councillors are saying – The Bugle is not sure that this is the wisest of campaign platforms. The State Government has not proposed any form of Council amalgamations as part of their local government policy. In fact, quite the opposite, they are more concerned with how to deal with councils wanting to de-merger.  One would think that the last thing any of our brethren in the region would be striving towards is absorbing our structural deficit and being a part of the future economic and financial pain that Council (and ratepayers) are surely going to face over the coming years. Which begs the question, what is Kiama Labor 2024 actually about? At least newcomer Lucy Abood has a tangible idea on what matters to her in a pitch to win a seat at the table:   "As a mother of two young children, ensuring we have quality early childhood education, affordable housing options, and a liveable environment for families is extremely important to me. I will be a strong voice advocating for these issues and more if elected to council." Housing is the primary State and National platforms for the Labor party, but it has barely rated a mention from these two Labor councillors. Whilst their colleagues and professional bosses (Councillor Draisma works for NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully and Councillor Larkins works from Fiona Phillips MP) are trying to address the housing crisis and pulling every lever they can, these two remain blissfully unaware or unwilling to acknowledge that our house prices are the most expensive in regional NSW.  Council’s draft Growth and Housing Strategy is currently on exhibition guiding growth for years to come. Conspicuously absent was any commitment towards an affordable housing policy, a fact that was strongly remarked upon by Michele Adair, CEO of Housing Trust.  Ms Adair is a national commentator, advocate and expert on all things affordable housing – might be worthwhile for these Councillors getting an understanding of the ‘platform’.  As part of the draft Housing Strategy, Bombo Quarry rates yet another mention, and The Bugle attended a briefing on the landowners’ plans. We commend them on being transparent in the information they provided, but ultimately the message was clear: whether it is when quarrying will stop and when construction will start - there’s a lot they don’t know. And this includes affordable housing. Whilst the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) was quick to commit to ‘affordable housing’, they were not able to clarify what affordable housing actually means in the context of Bombo Quarry, nor how much of it they would commit to. As one of the biggest projects in the area, and led by a Labor Government, one might have thought that the Labor Councillors would have gotten some form of clarity or commitment prior to TAHE putting pen to paper.  One thing is clear, any genuine initiatives that do address the housing crisis will be in spite of this Council, not because of it. Housing is just one aspect that will be part of this forthcoming election campaign.  The Bugle’s View is that every Councillor seeking re-election should clearly state their achievements over their time in Council, what policy platforms they stand for, and what they will seek to achieve in their next term of local government. Hopefully, there is a bit more substance to come. 

For generations, the Fredericks family has been an integral part of Jamberoo's fabric. Now, siblings Jennifer Macquarie and Lawson Fredericks are continuing this legacy through their management of the Fountaindale Group and the development of Golden Valley Jamberoo."Growing up in Jamberoo was magical," recalls Jennifer. "Walking home from Jamberoo Public School, greeting locals, and getting into mischief – we always felt safe and supported. Growing up here truly embodied the saying 'it takes a village'."Lawson adds, "Our childhood on the family dairy farm instilled in us a deep appreciation for this community. We want to provide young families the opportunity to experience the same charming, safe environment we enjoyed."The Golden Valley Jamberoo project aims to gradually expand the village while preserving its character. "We're not just developing land," explains Jennifer. "We're creating a space where families can build their own legacies, much like our family has done for five generations."The siblings' vision extends beyond housing. "We're committed to sustainable growth that benefits the entire community," Lawson emphasises. "It's about maintaining Jamberoo's essence while allowing it to thrive."The Fredericks family is dedicated to balancing progress with preservation. The Golden Valley Jamberoo development project reflects a deep understanding of the village's needs and a commitment to its long-term prosperity."We're honoured to help shape Jamberoo's future and contribute to the local economy," Jennifer concludes. "It's our way of giving back to the community that has given us so much."800m² lots will go on sale in 2025. To register your interest and receive updates, go to goldenvalleyjamberoo.com.au. 

The subject of journalistic standards has recently come to the forefront in Kiama, prompting a need to clarify what these standards entail. Central to this topic is the Journalist Code of Ethics, published by the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA). As Australia's largest and most established union and industry advocate for creative professionals, MEAA is built on integrity and driven by creativity. The organisation emerged from the merger of three key groups: the Australian Journalists Association, Actors Equity of Australia, and the Australian Theatrical & Amusement Employees Association.MEAA, as a thought leader and catalyst for change, aligns itself with the Australian Press Council's guidelines and standards for both print and digital media. This alignment underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in journalistic practice, especially in a rapidly evolving media landscape.The core principles outlined in the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics include a commitment to honesty, fairness, independence, and a respect for truth. Journalists are expected to educate themselves about ethical standards and apply them diligently in their work. This involves reporting and interpreting news honestly, striving for accuracy, fairness, and ensuring the disclosure of all essential facts. Journalists must avoid suppressing relevant information or giving undue emphasis that distorts the truth.One of the fundamental duties of journalists, as stated in the Code, is to "scrutinise power." This means holding those in authority accountable while remaining committed to the core values of honesty, fairness, and independence. These standards, while challenging to uphold, are crucial in maintaining public trust in the media.It's important to acknowledge that journalists, like all professionals, are human and therefore fallible. Mistakes can happen, but the intention should always be to act honestly, fairly, independently, and with a focus on truth. In today's fast-paced, information-driven world, the role of journalism is more critical than ever. News sources are our primary means of staying informed, and the "4 Cs of Journalism" - Clarity, Context, Coherence, and Completeness - are essential goals in delivering quality reporting. This is our aim. This is our intention.However, it's also vital to recognise that news media is a form of entertainment. This aspect can sometimes lead to sensationalism, where attention-grabbing stories overshadow other significant news. A notable example of this is the media coverage following the death of Princess Diana on August 31, 1997. The tragic event dominated global news, overshadowing other important events, such as the death of Mother Teresa a week later.Similarly, in September 2001, the terrorist attacks in the USA consumed media attention, pushing other newsworthy stories aside. This tendency to focus on sensational or dramatic events over others is a reflection of human nature and the inherent biases in our perception.The examples above show that we humans are swayed by many factors. “We are all limited by our perception” is one of the best sayings of all, as it demonstrates that we each have a perspective and filters that we bring to every experience - whether we are writing or reading!In conclusion, while journalists strive to report honestly and fairly, it is essential to recognise the limitations of human perception and the influence of various factors on the news we consume. Despite these challenges, the commitment to ethical journalism remains a guiding principle in delivering balanced and truthful reporting.

Please note this is paid contentThe omission of Springside Hill from Kiama Council’s draft Growth and HousingStrategy should have come as no surprise. Yet after working with Council for more thantwo years on this proposal, the only one offering social and affordable housing, we hadcome to hope that good sense and the best interests of the town would prevail.We are disappointed at this initial missed opportunity to provide a short to mediumsolution to the housing crisis in Kiama, however Traders In Purple and Housing Trust willcontinue to press the case for Springside Hill through our discussions with KiamaCouncil.Kiama has the most unaffordable housing in regional NSW with a median house price15 times the median income. There is not a single affordable rental home in the entirelocal government area.Our commitment, to dedicate 25 percent of homes to those currently locked out of thehousing market, had given hope to locals, first home buyers and those who face anuncertain future. The alternative is the difficult choice of leaving Kiama, just to be ableto afford a roof over their heads.Some, like Scott, who runs a local business and whose daughter attends childcare inKiama, have already been forced out of town. He now commutes from Lake Illawarraand his partner, a nurse, endures a 1-hour drive to the place where she works.Nathan is another who employs 13 people in Kiama, but escalating rent and the highprice and scarcity of land forced him to build his home elsewhere. He knows of many intheir 30s and 40s in the same predicament.“I know some Kiama residents want to have no change in the local area but that iscoming at a significant cost by damaging local housing affordability for families like us,”says Nathan.For Patricia, in her 50s, the future looks increasingly bleak. Having endured a 40 percent rent increase on the home she and her family of five had lived in for eight years,only for it to be sold anyway, she saw Springside Hill as her one chance to secure herfuture.Now she worries that it will not come soon enough, and the family may have no choicebut to leave, severing the social and community ties she has worked so hard to build.“Springside Hill is such a smart development,” she told us. “Why would the councilturn it away?”Why, indeed.These are just some of the stories that we have been told in our many conversationswith the community. As we continue these conversations, we learn more and moreabout the pressures and the sense of hopelessness, and the relief that Springside Hillmight bring.Every time we have a chat with people like Scott, Nathan and Patricia, we say the samething – we believe in our Springside Hill project, we are committed to our 25 percentguarantee, we are here to deliver a long-term vision and we will keep working withCouncil and all stakeholders to achieve this.

If you happen to enter a church in parts of Europe, you’re probably amongst a crowd of tourists taking in the sights and sounds of far-flung places in buildings hundreds of years old.No doubt there’ll be more than a murmur of chatter and in places of worship that are rightly revered, the leader of the church will bellow: SILENCIO! SILENCE!Figures within Kiama Council are positioning themselves as the spiritual leaders of our fair town and when there is more than a murmur, a dissenting voice, an opportunity for members of the public to speak out – they want silence.We have other ideas.  When the so-called leaders and prominent people of our community try to shut down debate and stifle any difference of (their) opinion, it means that supporting freedom of speech, reporting the facts and shining a light on this abhorrent behaviour is more important than ever. News that the Blue Haven Bonaira saga is (hopefully) finished is somewhat welcome news. To hear that Council is going to enter yet another legal saga with the builder of the facility is not so welcome. The Bugle does not know the intricacies of the legal action, but we do know that the builder would have had to engage multiple sub-contractors who will likely become involved in this legal battle. That means (potentially) millions more of our rate payer dollars going to lawyers.As the draft Growth and Housing Strategy demonstrates, the Kiama local government area is preparing for significant growth. Significant growth requires significant investment and significant leadership.Leaders who shut down dissent aren’t just stifling debate; they’re eroding trust and stalling progress. Good leadership, in contrast, welcomes dissent as valuable feedback. It’s the difference between fostering a culture of fear and one of innovation and growth.Kiama Council’s move to refer The Bugle to the Australian Press Council over baseless rumours was framed as fostering a constructive relationship. In reality, it looks like an attempt to control the narrative and silence criticism. This approach is counterproductive. True leadership embraces diverse perspectives and values every voice.Personal attacks derail dialogue and damage trust. Constructive criticism, backed by facts and a genuine desire to solve problems, is far more effective.Kiama Council’s recent actions show the dangers of leadership that silences dissent. Instead of shifting blame, leaders should embrace transparency and authenticity, listen to dissenting voices, and involve them in decision-making. This builds trust and empowers the community.We are two months away from one of the most important local government elections in living memory. It’s the worst it’s ever been – this is now undeniable.The Bugle’s View is that the community deserves leadership, and a leader who ensures that every voice is heard and valued. Not just a vocal minority, not just their mates, not some councillors’ and not others.We hope they’re listening.

Jamberoo is set to gradually expand with the upcoming Golden Valley Jamberoo subdivision, a project creating 50 new lots while respecting the village's established character.The Fountaindale Group’s Jennifer Macquarie, leading the development alongside her brother Lawson Fredericks, emphasises their role: "We're preparing the land and infrastructure, then selling individual lots. This gives buyers the freedom to design homes that suit their needs while complementing Jamberoo's style."The project adheres to the Kiama Council's Development Control Plan, which includes specific controls for Jamberoo. While buyers can choose their own builders and designs, the developers strongly encourage respecting the village's traditional architecture, characterised by colonial-style weatherboard cottages with high-pitched roofs and wide verandahs.Currently in the infrastructure design phase, Golden Valley Jamberoo expects to offer a small stage of lots off-the-plan in early 2025. The majority of homesites will be made available once subdivision construction is complete in late 2025. This timeline allows potential buyers to plan their ideal homes.Macquarie added, "We would be more than happy to facilitate introductions to reputable local builders for those of our buyers who need assistance."The project represents a significant addition to Jamberoo's housing options, potentially attracting new residents while aiming to preserve the village's architectural heritage.Local businesses and service providers have expressed delight in the prospect of welcoming new families and therefore an economic boost to the village. For more information about Golden Valley Jamberoo and to join the interest list, visit goldenvalleyjamberoo.com.au. Residents can also find details about the Kiama Council's Development Control Plan on the council's website, providing insight into guidelines for new homes in Jamberoo.

Opinion by Andrew SchreyerLast month, Country Press Australia (CPA) – the largest representative association of newspaper publishers in Australia, appeared before a joint hearing in Canberra into social media and its impacts on Australian society. The hearing was convened out of concerns about the negative impacts social media platforms have upon our community, including the recent decision by Meta to no longer pay news publishers for content posted to the company’s platforms.That announcement has been met with anger, frustration, disappointment, worry and concern among news publishers, and the news industry shares the concerns of the broader community over Meta’s outrageous behaviour that has had such a damaging impact on so many sections of the community.Facebook particularly has evolved into an antisocial entity that has provided a haven for toxicity, fake news, scams, blackmail, cyberbullying, doxing, revenge porn, trolling, deep fakes, political interference, surveillance capitalism and the spread of mis and disinformation that has caused so much damage within our communitiesThe live streaming of massacres, images of unrealistic so-called beautiful people and conspiracies are also part and parcel of social media today.In the case of the news industry, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has said Meta’s decision to no longer pay for news content in a number of jurisdictions “represents a dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media,” a comment CPA endorseswholeheartedly.Meta has shown complete disdain for Australian media outlets, the News Media Bargaining Code and the Australian Government by announcing its intention not to renew agreements with publishers.Meta has been deemed an unavoidable trading partner, and as such, is expected to conform to the same standards and expectations as the rest of us.In short, we believe Meta fails to meet those standards, and that the company long ago ceased to be just a provider of social media platforms.Just last month, the US Surgeon General called for social media to have warnings attached to it over mental health concerns for users.It’s one of the great paradoxes of our time that rather than tackle unacceptable elements and accept responsibility for the damage caused by providing the habitat for such scornful matter, Meta has instead opted to diminish the presence of the real news and of truth by continually adjusting its algorithms and rendering public interest news content more and more difficult to find.The federal government has the News Media Bargaining Code at its disposal, a mechanism established to ensure social media platforms can be held to account and that media organisations are treated fairly in their dealings with the social media giants.Should the government designate Meta under the Code, the company is likely to block news sites from its platforms just as it has done in Canada. And in that country, it’s been regional and rural publishers who have been negatively impacted the most.In this instance we encourage the government to insert a ‘must carry news’ clause in the code forcing them to negotiate with publishers or impose a 20 per cent tax on Meta’s Australian revenue.Proceeds from the tax can be used for mental health programs to assist young people negatively impacted by social media, and a component distributed to publishers as compensation for Meta’s use of their content.If Meta refuses, they should be banned from Australia. Meta is a publisher just like our members; however, their platforms are not subject to laws including defamation and contempt of court, editorial standards and regulatory frameworks.If they were, I would not need to write this opinion piece and there would be a lot less social harm and mental health issues in our community today. Meta’s Facebook has little, if any, checking mechanism prior to content and comments being published. Its algorithms serve up content based on popularity regardless of what may be appropriate for the audience. It has no transparent complaints process, is not held to account in any way and isn’t required to respond to complaints.It’s one thing to rip billions of dollars out of our economy, but the social, mental and physical damage caused by what is allowed to prosper on Meta’s platforms takes things to another level. We believe that as a corporate citizen, Meta has a responsibility to do what is right, just as we as publishers do. Meta’s commercialisation of the negativity it allows to fester on its platforms is a scourge upon that company and has created significant hardship and misery for many Australians.To suit its narrative and justify its agenda, Meta claims its users don’t go to Facebook for news, however the University of Canberra’s Digital News Report: Australia 2024 released in June found that 49 per cent of Australian users of Facebook use it for news and one in four rely on it as their main source of news – our trusted, independent and professionally written news Meta no longer wants topay for.The digital news report shows this year, there was actually a surge among young people turning to social media to get news. Sixty per cent of Gen Z say social media is their main source of news, a 17-percentage point increase on last year.In line with the increase in the use of social media platforms for news, concern about what is real and what is fake on the internet has skyrocketed to 75 per cent. This is an increase of 11 percentage points in the past two years and echoes an increase in the global rise of six percentage points over the same period.It suits Meta to claim Australians don’t use the company’s platforms to read the news and for it to be allowed to continue to ride roughshod over our communities. But it suits the rest of us for Meta to be held to account.Andrew Schreyer is the President of Country Press Australia, and publisher of the Warragul & Drouin Gazette.

26 June 2024By Brett RobinsonCEO Traders In PurpleThere’s nothing like a crisis to bring people together in a common purpose, and so we and the rest of Kiama await the release of Kiama Council’s Growth and Housing Strategy with high anticipation.Over the past few weeks, we have engaged closely with Council’s planning staff to help them fully understand the critical role Springside Hill will play in addressing the housing crisis and contributing to the five-year target of 900 completed homes set by the NSW Government.The release of information about plans for Bombo Quarry provides a great sense of clarity for everyone in the community. It also outlines the expected timing, planning and remediation processes required before construction can start.With a reported timeframe of five to eight years to make the site ready for development, it seems like there will be no houses at Bombo Quarry until after 2029 at the earliest.The question then is how the Council’s strategy will address the current housing pain whilst waiting on Bombo Quarry, and whether the status quo of forcing the most productive people, the future of Kiama, to establish their homes, families and businesses elsewhere, will remain. We genuinely hope that Council does heed their own warning that ‘just saying no’ is no longer suitable.To meet the new housing target would require 180 home completions a year up until 2029. In 2020, 54 new homes were built in the local government area. In 2021 the number was 85 homes and in 2022, 54 homes.Based on that performance, it will take close to three years just to hit the one-year target.We have always said that there needs to be multiple solutions to address this housing crisis, both short and long term. With Kiama Council forecasting the need for more than 3,500 new homes over the next 20 years, more options are needed, not less.Like Council, we have been listening to the residents of Kiama and hearing about the hard choices people have made because there are so few opportunities to build or rent a home.  When scarce opportunities do become available they are priced beyond reach and snapped up in an instant.That is what happens in constrained housing markets when land is released piecemeal. It’s like a drop of rain in a drought that evaporates before anybody has a chance to drink.And in the most expensive housing market in NSW outside Sydney, it does nothing to put homes within the reach of locals and those who have the energy and will to make a wholehearted commitment to maintaining Kiama as one of the most liveable towns in Australia.

 No sooner had we declared that the forthcoming Council election would be about transparency and accountability (and that the community were seeking clarity as to which councillors would be running for re-election), than Councillors Kathy Rice and Jodie Keast announced their decision not to recontest at the election.   As we reported, these Councillors have contributed a significant amount to our community over several years. Councillor Rice in particular, having been initially elected to Council back in 2012. Her tenure of twelve years is only bettered by Councillor Warren Steel (elected in 1996) and Mayor Neil Reilly (elected in 2008). In what has traditionally been a male dominated Council, the current Council make up of four women and five men is the most gender balanced in the history of Kiama.  Losing Councillors Rice and Keast could be a genuine blow to balanced representation for our community.        Councillors Rice and Keast are members of the Greens and that political party has yet to advise on candidates they have pre-selected for the upcoming election but we do hope that they consider the gender question in their deliberations.  So, the times are changing and whilst The Bugle has nothing but admiration and respect for Councillors Rice and Keast, and wish them well, our View is that change can be a good thing.   According to the 2021 census, the median age of our community is 48 years old – nine years older than the median age in NSW, and ten years older than the rest of the country. Whilst The Bugle is not one for being ageist, we would hazard a guess that 48 years is lower than the average age of our current Councillor crop. Perhaps, like Councillors Draisma and Larkins, what we need is a further injection of youth, or at least, a point of difference. Approximately one-third of the population is aged between 18 and 50 and are vitally important to our community in terms of productivity, investment and supporting the community. These are the people that provide health services, serve us at our favourite retailers, are key workers and shape our town.  A quick perusal of our current Council crop and their sources of income in the 2023 financial year shows that four out of the nine councillors had an income generating occupation. The Labor Councillors are working for State and Federal members of Parliament (looks like their advocacy against the Illawarra Offshore Wind Farm did not amount to much), and Councillors Rice and Keast work in education. The point is, more than half of our representatives are not working and are seemingly doing quite okay on a meagre Council salary. That is great for them, and we do not disparage them for being in that position, but the question is – whilst they are our council representatives, do they actually represent who we are? Perhaps that is why all the advocacy and engagement that Council staff are trying to do ultimately reverberates back with the same old story, time after time.  Take for instance, the outcomes of Council’s community and stakeholder survey on the “Growth and Housing Strategy”. Approximately 1% of the population engaged with the survey, and of those 300 or so residents, 40% of them were over the age of 60.  Perhaps everyone was too busy with school drop offs, getting dinner on the table, or working to pay the mortgage. But we would have thought that over the six-week period when the survey was active, the community would have wanted to engage on something so important. Or, perhaps, they thought that no matter what they say, it will be more of the same. Another process talking to the same people, saying the same thing, and getting the same results, time after time.  Whilst we agree with a lot of what Councillor Renkema-Lang has said in the past, we cannot agree with her comments that ‘the sentiments and desire of the community have been well captured and expressed’. Certainly, the view of a certain part of the community has been well captured. But to say that a survey that approximately 80% of the adult population has not engaged with has delivered ‘good data’, is a stretch. The Bugle congratulates Councillor Rice and Councillors Keast on their positive representation of our community and with their (and possibly other?) departures brings an opportunity for change. The Bugle’s View is that the whole and entire community must actively engage, otherwise we will get more of the same, time after time.

This week marks three months until the 14 September 2024 NSW local government election and for our community, it promises to be an intriguing and extremely consequential affair. The 2021 election saw four out of nine councillors returned to Council following their election in the September 2016 election. Those councillors were Matt Brown, Warren Steel, Kathy Rice, and Neil Reilly.  However, it has been a long eight years for our community since then. The pandemic brought on its own set of challenges, not least an increase in demand for housing and a change to our community landscape. Our fair town is now the most expensive place to buy a home in regional NSW and to try and address housing affordability, the State Government has mandated the completion of 900 homes by 30 June 2029.  That equates to 180 homes per year, for the next five years – something that has only happened two times in the last 25 years. The last eight years has also seen a significant degradation in Council’s financial position which is perhaps only matched by the significant increase in legal costs – much of this attributed to Councillor infighting and internal complaints. It’s possible that when all is said and done, the legal bill for rate payers will be more than $5 million. In these uncertain times we certainly do not agree that $4.7m is not going to cripple Council.  For a comparison, Byron Bay Council’s legal expenses for 2023 were just shy of $400,000. Ratepayers are rightly shaking their head, and The Bugle has fielded a number of comments from the community who are aghast at how flippantly our rates are being spent, particularly in a cost-of-living crisis.  The Blue Haven Bonaira saga looks to be finally coming to a close, and in a few short weeks, we should know how much money the sale will contribute to Council finances. But is this likely to only be a short-term fix? Blue Haven Terralong is now in the sights of the NSW Government and the Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig, who suspects that general rate revenue may be subsiding its operation. No doubt there will be more asset sales and cuts to services.  Three months out from the election, we are still yet to receive official confirmation as to which sitting councillors will be running for re-election. Who is going to campaign on protection of services and jobs? Perhaps a difficult pill to swallow if you’re in the thick of it.   As Bill Potts rightly points out, some councillors ‘were there when we got in this mess’.   We are yet to see a platform on transparency and accountability. Who is going to take responsibility of the situation that we’re in, and show genuine leadership for our community to find a way out? Where is the grandstanding about re-election, contributions made, key outcomes delivered? Perhaps there are some in the community, waiting in the wings. Local voices out there, biding their time, preparing their run, campaigning on an alternate vision, a different approach? Our community has undergone significant turmoil in recent times, much of it as a result of Council actions. The Bugle’s View is that elected representatives should not be surprised if there is a backlash and a call for change. The next term of local government will be the most challenging for our area and we need the best possible people to lead us, not those that continually belittle and work against us.

As the village of Jamberoo prepares to welcome the much anticipated Golden Valley Jamberoo subdivision, the development promises to benefit the local economy and community.With 50 generously sized lots approved, the subdivision is poised to attract new families seeking the idyllic village lifestyle that Jamberoo offers. This influx of residents is expected to substantially boost local businesses, from retailers and cafes to trade services and community organisations."We understand that some may have concerns about growth, but our aim is to enrich the community while preserving Jamberoo's unique charm," says Jennifer Macquarie from The Fountaindale Group, who has spearheaded the Golden Valley Jamberoo project alongside her brother, Lawson Fredericks. "By thoughtfully welcoming new residents who appreciate the village's heritage, we'll be injecting vital economic activity into the area."Local businesses can look forward to increased patronage as the population grows. The Jamberoo Public School and sporting clubs are likely to see an upswing in enrolments and membership. Meanwhile, community groups stand to benefit from an expanded volunteer base and support network.Moreover, the development itself will generate employment opportunities during the construction phase, benefitting local tradespeople and contractors. The comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, including an enhanced sewer system, will provide lasting improvements to support Jamberoo's sustainable growth.As longtime residents deeply rooted in the region, Jennifer and Lawson are committed to ensuring Golden Valley Jamberoo complements the village's architectural heritage while invigorating the community's economic and social fabric.“We were fortunate to enjoy a safe, peaceful and supportive village lifestyle here in Jamberoo growing up. We would love for other families to experience what we did,” says Lawson, director at Fountaindale Group.Embrace the opportunity to build your dream home in this tranquil oasis while contributing to Jamberoo’s vibrant future. 800m² lots will be sold in 2025. Visit www.goldenvalleyjamberoo.com.au for more information.

Our community Facebook pages, and the local media are buzzing with debates and concerns over the planned housing and development expansions. On one side, we have the YIMBYs (Yes In My Backyard), pushing for more housing and urban density, while on the other, the NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard) are raising valid concerns about preserving our neighbourhood’s character and quality of life. Adding to the mix is a generational divide, with many young people feeling antagonistic towards Boomers. But here is the thing: we need to stop seeing each other as adversaries and start working together for sustainable solutions. Enter SIMBY: Sustainable In My Backyard.Let’s face it—both YIMBYs and NIMBYs have legitimate points. YIMBYs argue that increasing housing supply is crucial for making homes more affordable and accessible, especially for younger generations who are struggling to find affordable places to live. They envision a vibrant, walkable community with more housing options, better public transport, and less urban sprawl.On the flip side, NIMBYs worry about the impact of new developments on our community’s character, property values, and infrastructure. They fear that increased density could lead to congestion, strain on public services, and a loss of the charm that makes our neighbourhoods unique.While these perspectives seem conflicting, they both stem from a deep care for our community and a desire for a high quality of life. Instead of clashing, we need to bridge these divides.Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the generational tension. Many young people, the YIMBYs, feel that Boomers benefited from lower housing prices and now resist the changes needed to make housing affordable for everyone. They see Boomers as obstacles to progress. Meanwhile, Boomers, with their established homes and lifestyles, worry about the disruptions that new developments might bring.But here’s a thought: What if we viewed Boomers not as obstacles but as critical partners and powerful allies?SIMBY—Sustainable In My Backyard—aims to do just that. It is about finding a balanced approach to development that respects everyone’s concerns and harnesses the strengths of all generations. Here’s why SIMBY is the way forward.SIMBY fosters dialogue and understanding between different generations and perspectives. It is about debunking myths and reducing antagonism by recognising that we all want what’s best for our community.By working together, we can find innovative solutions that balance the need for increased housing with preserving our community’s character. This means smart, sustainable growth that benefits everyone.SIMBY emphasises environmentally friendly practices, promoting urban density that reduces sprawl and lowers our carbon footprint. It is about creating a greener, healthier community.Boomers bring valuable experience, stability, and resources. Their involvement can help garner broader support for sustainable initiatives and guide the development of practical and effective solutions.Boomers are deeply rooted in our community. They have seen its evolution and care about its future. Their established presence and political influence can be instrumental in advocating for and implementing sustainable policies. Their long-term perspective can inform more balanced and realistic planning.Our community is at a crossroads. We can choose to remain divided, clashing over every new development proposal, or we can choose to come together, leveraging the strengths and insights of all generations to create a thriving, sustainable future.SIMBY is about embracing a new mindset—one that sees potential partners instead of adversaries. It is about building a community where everyone’s needs and concerns are addressed, where sustainable growth is not just a possibility but a reality.So, let’s put aside the labels and the blame. Let us recognise the value in each other’s perspectives and work together. By embracing the SIMBY approach, we can ensure that our community remains a wonderful place to live, now and for future generations.Let’s make Sustainable In My Backyard more than just a slogan. Let’s make it our community’s commitment.

Late in May Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig issued a variation to the Performance Improvement Order (PIO) that currently applies to Kiama Municipal Council. It effectively binds the current and future Council to a strict set of actions ‘required to improve performance’ over the next three financial years to FY 2026/27 with the aim of operating a budget in surplus that does not rely on property sales. The Minister said that Council ‘is moving too slowly’ towards financial sustainability and given this, Council will be required to report to the Office of Local Government bi-monthly to make sure they remain on the track to reducing expenditure and increasing revenue. The response from the Council to the revised PIO was understandably muted from Council, and the community should take note. Whilst the controversial sale of Blue Haven Bonaira looks to be finalised over the coming weeks with purchase by aged care providers Hall & Prior, it is quite clear that Bonaira will not be the last in terms of significant changes to Council assets and services. Council’s draft Long Term Financial Plan to FY 2033/34 points towards eight other parcels of land that Council will be looking to dispose of to shore up the finances. It is possible that Blue Haven will continue to feature heavily, with the PIO requiring Council to definitively determine whether general rate revenue is subsiding Blue Haven’s Terralong operations – the same issue that plagued Bonaira and led to its forthcoming sale.  In addition, there’ll be a requirement that Council set aside and establish a capital renewal reserve for Terralong with annual transfers to the reserve of $2 million. The community should not be surprised if Havilah Place at the top of Terralong Street is subdivided and subsequently sold off, perhaps sooner rather than later.  What has not been outwardly divulged in statements from Council but is found within the detail of the 40 pages of the Long-Term Financial Plan are references to how additional revenues may be secured, and how costs will be reduced.  And it all makes complete sense as to where Council will find the dollars. Cutting “non-essential services”.  Special rates variations. Sale of Council assets like the Works and Waste Depots. The Bugle’s View is that Council should be up front with these discussions. Where is the grandstanding and transparency about what this means for us, as ratepayers?  What exactly are the ‘non-essential’ services that Council is looking to cut.  We all know about the paid parking discussions and what the community already thinks – but is that another decision that will be forced upon us.We are currently in a cost-of-living crisis and cuts to services and increases to rates is not welcome news. Particularly when Council’s legal bill is now at $4.7m for this financial year, and likely to reach the $5m mark if there are further significant costs associated with a yet another code of conduct investigation between bickering Councillors.   Will Councillors and Council be honest in the upcoming local government election about what they stand for? What services and Council assets are off limits? How much could this special rate variation be? Let’s wait and see. But there is one thing the community can rely on, and that is The Bugle providing a clear and transparent View and holding this and the future Council to account.

For generations, the Fredericks family has cultivated an indelible bond with the village of Jamberoo and the wider South Coast region. Through dairy farming, their roots have been entwined with our fertile soils, verdant landscapes, and rich tapestry of heritage that defines this captivating corner of New South Wales.Now, guided by this deep connection, the Fountaindale Group, a family-owned property development enterprise, is excited to unveil Golden Valley Jamberoo, an exclusive estate that pays homage to the timeless appeal of Jamberoo village while seamlessly blending with the rural landscape that surrounds it."Our vision is to create a harmonious extension to the Jamberoo community that honours the timeless charm of the village while providing a space for families to weave their own legacies and experience the magic uniquely offered by the South Coast" explains Jennifer Macquarie, one of the creative team behind Golden Valley Jamberoo with a passion for the region's architectural heritage.Recognising and drawing inspiration from the South Coast’s traditional townships, the Fountaindale Group has meticulously structured the Golden Valley Jamberoo estate tocomplement the existing fabric of Jamberoo. Inspired by the village's picturesque streetscapes and architectural styles, this development beckons those seeking a tranquilrefuge where heritage meets modern living.As the selling agent, Jennifer extends a warm invitation to prospective buyers, offering to guide them through securing their dream home site with a level of personalised service that reflects the Fountaindale Group's ethos of mutual respect and shared benefits.The 800m² lots will be available for purchase in early 2025. To register your interest and stay connected, go to goldenvalleyjamberoo.com.au. To learn more about the Fountaindale Group, visit fountaindale.net.au.

Fiona Phillips MPKiama Smash and Mechanical RepairsCedar on CollinsBottleMartSpringside HillSpeering Wealth First National Real EstateGareth Ward MP  What are two things all the above have in common? They support The Bugle through advertising and sponsorship (thanks!), andThey do not own or are a financial beneficiary of The Bugle. It’s certainly been an interesting last couple of days for us at The Bugle.  We are a small local operation that on the whole, brings genuine (and mostly) positive news to our community.  But serving the local community also means we listen to the community, and when they raise concerns, we shine a spotlight.  Sometimes we make mistakes, we’re only human. We’re a lean operation that does not have the might, resources and a multi-million dollar budget.  That’s why it’s astounding to see the response from Council when we put forward our View. We wonder how many hours of rate payer wages it took to formulate that very polished media statement.  It did, however, highlight that Council’s IT system had inadvertently created a broken website link to the November 2023 meeting minutes – which has now been rectified. On the subject of by-lines, we admit that sometimes we do not have a by-line and this can be for a number of reasons. One of those reasons, unfortunately, is that our (largely casual, but very committed) workforce has been targeted by parts of the community because of reporting the news. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and The Bugle, and I, will frankly not apologise for keeping our team safe. Our journalists have been left in tears, had nervous breakdowns and have had panic attacks as a result of being harassed and berated by those who think it is okay to try and stand over them. I, and The Bugle will not cop that.  When the community raises its concerns with us, we will report on it. 

With the winter respiratory virus season rapidly approaching, NSW Health is reminding people aged 65 years and older – to remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination, and book in with their GP or pharmacist for their yearly fluvaccination ahead of winter.ATAGI recommends people aged 65 and over receive their free COVID vaccine every 6 – 12 months. NSW Health recommends people speak to their doctor or pharmacist to understand what is best for them. Older people should also speak to their doctor now to make a plan about what to do if they start feeling unwell to help them get access to the right tests and treatments quickly.“The wider community also play an important role in protecting people who are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and flu. This includes our family and friends aged over 65. We want to remind the community if they are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, they should stay at home to protect others. If someone has cold or flu symptoms and they need to go out, they should wear a mask,” says Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer.People experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms should also avoid visiting high risk settings like hospitals, aged and disability care facilities or people who are at higher risk of severe illness. Other things people can do to help protect themselves and their loved ones include:Stay at home if you’re unwell. If you have symptoms but have to leave home, wear a mask.Speak to your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory illnesses and make a plan about what to do if you start feeling unwell so you can get access to the right tests and treatments earlyGather outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor spaces.Consider taking a rapid antigen test, even if you don’t have symptoms, before visiting vulnerable loved ones when COVID-19 transmission is moderate or high in the community. To see the latest NSW respiratory surveillance summary report, please visit health.nsw.gov.au/respiratoryreportsPeople may be required to wear a mask in NSW when visiting high-risk settings such as aged and disability care. Masks may also be required in hospitals, general practices, medical centres and pharmacies.NSW Health continues to closely monitor and assess the way we respond to acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, to keep patients, staff and visitors to our health facilities safe.For more information on getting your flu or COVID-19 vaccination and how to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter, visit this website.

There have been calls from the community for Kiama Council’s Mayor Neil Reilly and CEO Jane Stroud to publicly apologise for their treatment and invalid censure of Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang. The censure took place at the Council meeting on 21 November 2023, following an interview that Councillor Renkemba-Lang gave to ABC Illawarra on 21 June, 2023. The interview covered the impending sale of Blue Haven Bonaira. At the time, Councillor Renkema-Lang said that she had heard numerous concerns from the community regarding the information that had been provided by the Council detailing the sale.  In remarks to Kiama Community Radio on 5 December 2023, Mayor Reilly stated that he was responsible for instigating the investigation that eventually led to the now invalid censure. Mayor Reilly claimed that he also had heard from the community regarding Councillor Renkema-Lang’s comments and that young women had been left in tears. These concerns prompted him to begin the process of a Council-led investigation, which led to Councillor Renkema-Lang being censured in a confidential session at the November 2023 meeting.  At the time, CEO Jane Stroud said, “I hold specific concerns and worry about the worsening functionality of the Council, when in such uncertain times and unchartered territory, what is really required is cohesive and collective effort to correct the course of the organisation.” As a result of the censure, Councillor Renkema-Lang filed proceedings in the Supreme Court of NSW seeking to set aside or invalidate the censure. A direction hearing on 22 April revealed that Council had admitted that the censure was invalid. Council has yet to provide comment on this situation, and the media release detailing the censure has now been taken down. In addition, the formal and official minutes of the 21 November 2023 meeting have also been removed from the public record. On or prior to 30 May, the Supreme Court of NSW will advise of its final determination of how the matter will be settled, and what actions Council must take.  Local Government elections will be held on Saturday 14 September, and there has been no formal confirmation from any Councillors as to whether they will be running for re-election.  Several key decisions of Council are supposed to be finalised by formal caretaker provisions commencing Friday 16 August, including finalisation of Council’s Communications and Growth and Housing Strategies. Given the controversy and complexities regarding housing, it is unlikely that the Growth and Housing Strategy will reach ‘draft status’ prior to Council shutdown.  The Bugle has been inundated with comments regarding this mistreatment, and the paper’s view is in line and supports the community’s call for a formal apology by Mayor Neil Reilly and CEO Jane Stroud for their treatment and invalid censure of Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang.

The Bugle's View - Value versus worth   As has been widely reported, the median price of property in Kiama has reached $1.5m, a rise of more than 80% in the last five years.   The cost of housing has eclipsed Byron Bay, and we’re now the most expensive place in regional NSW to put a roof over your head.  Not too long ago, anytime Byron Bay was raised in conversation, it would be along the lines of – “I hope we never become anything like Byron Bay”. And just like that, we’re there. On the face of it, we’re not too far behind Sydney, with the price of a swanky luxury SUV that we see swanning down Terralong Street the only difference between the cost of housing between here and Sydney.   This is great news for all property owners (particularly those without a mortgage!) in the area. No doubt that they’ve worked hard to get onto the property ladder, realise their Australian dream and the value of their asset(s) have skyrocketed.  We say property owners, rather than homeowners because we know that there are quite a few properties that are investments for short-term letting, or simply a weekender for a Sydneysider.  The Bugle does not cast aspersions on the right to own property and see its value increase over time – but our View is, what worth does the average price of a home being $1.5m bring to our community? When families are being broken up and young adults are leaving the area taking with them, youth, energy and importantly the next generation of our community, there is a clear difference between ‘value’ and ‘worth’.  Our coverage also heard the other end of the family-unit spectrum. We heard from Kiama local Ryan Jamieson and his family’s own personal housing crisis with no other options but to sleep on a pull-out sofa whilst his daughter shares a bed with her grandmother.  He and his family are just some of the faces of the housing crisis. Our property might have value, but what is its worth, if it means that our community is under constant housing stress with little to no options besides leaving the area? Our people and community are our greatest asset, but if Ryan’s situation is anything to go by, ‘our people’ are under stress and are moving away. It’s no wonder the average age of our local government area is already ten years older than the rest of the State. In Kiama specifically, it is even more stark.  Kiama Council says that in the next 15 years, one-third of the population will be over 65 years old.  Is our community just going to become cashed up Sydneysiders who are selling their expensive property and buying another (albeit less expensive one) in our area? Sure, there’s significant value involved in that transaction, but what is that worth? Premier Chris Minns recently stated that Sydney is at risk of becoming a city with no grandchildren, and given the similarities with our housing prices, we appear to be on that same trajectory. Perhaps, superficially, this is what the overarching community wants? But if we delve deeper, is it really? Do we want to be a diverse community with teachers, aged-care workers, families, professionals, entrepreneurs and young people as well as the elderly?  Or do want to have an enclave that is asset-rich and worth-poor?  The Bugle’s View is that we should be happy that a majority of us now have a lot more value to our names, but equally, we need to start thinking about how we increase our community’s worth.