Support for strategy to engage the community

With the draft Community Engagement and Community Participation Plan (202324) on exhibition for feedback, the Kiama Alliance of Precincts and Associations (KAPA) has expressed its support for the review of the Community Engagement strategy.

Community engagement is vital for Kiama Council to achieve its objectives, according to KAPA spokesperson Alan Woodward.

While recent focus has been on re-establishing itself as a financially sustainable and responsible entity, Mr Woodward emphasised the importance of addressing community expectations and demonstrating its willingness to work with the community to regain its trust.

Involving the community in decision-making, councils can consider diverse perspectives and discern preferences that align with the broader public interest.

Highlighting the relevance of the International Association for Public Participation principles mentioned in the draft strategy, Mr Woodward observed that engagement with those affected by decisions is not only a democratic duty, itleads to better decision-making.

To emphasise the significance of community engagement, he referenced recent public hearing on the reclassification of land at Blue Haven Bonaira.

The author of the hearing report reinforced the seriousness of the council’s duty to explain its decision on this matter in a way that will not leave lasting fractures and discontent.

Mr Woodward said ‘this doesn’t mean that the council must decide one way or another. That is indeed the job of the elected representatives. However, they need to consider the community’s feedback and have a way to address the community’s underlying concerns and questions’.

Kiama might be considered uniquely diverse, given its regional variances within the LGA along with cultural diversity such as First Nations people, young residents, new and long-term residents.

KAPA proposes Council continues to use existing structures, such as precinct committees and local associations, as part of the community engagement process. Large sections of the community are regularly volunteering and contributing to a co-ordinated forum that gathers, investigates and shares information, unique to its local community.

Finally, Mr Woodward praised council’s efforts at the June Jamberoo Valley meeting, with the attendance of two executives, Jessica Rippon and COO Joe Gaudiosi. “They were open and willing to take questions, and I’d make the observation that everybody who left that meeting went away with a little bit more understanding than they came into the meeting.” by Tracey Henderson