The Bugle 8 February 2020
A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra and Gerroa and now at www.thebugleonline.com
Lower population growth predicted At the same time as NSW’s population projections for the years up to 2036 have held steady, the Kiama LGA’s projected population by that year has dropped 7 per cent from the estimate made in 2016. In the latest figures released by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in late 2019, predict that by 2036 we will have a population of 25,200. In 2016, it was predicted to be 27,100. The first prediction for 2041 it is 26,100. Over the same period, NSW’s total population is expected to grow to 10.6 million (from 7.7 million in 2016). Greater Sydney will be home to 7.1 million people in 2041, and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region is expected to account
for 504,910 (a 25 per cent increase on 2016). In response to our query about why estimates for Kiama have fallen, a spokesperson for the Department said, “The 2019 NSW Projections show that Kiama’s population is still projected to grow with the region continuing to be popular for retirees, young families and people looking for a sea change lifestyle in an urban setting. “Population Projections are a point-in-time estimate that forecast how and where our population may grow based on fertility, life expectancy and migration. “It is much easier to predict major population change trends for the whole State compared to smaller local areas.” Kerry McMurray, Kiama Council’s General Manager,
had these comments on the figures, “The projections tell us we are going to have fewer children and people of a working age to house, while needing more housing for older people. “We can also expect more singles and couples without children, so a larger proportion of our housing will need to be smaller dwellings and apartments. “At the same time we still want families to live in Kiama, so the traditional suburban homes should remain part of our housing mix.” Council’s response to the projections is included in the draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), which will soon be put on public exhibition. While the Department says the figures are not a target or a representation of Govern-
ment intent, the Combined Communities Advocacy Group (CCAG), representing the various precinct groups, is keen for the lower predictions to be incorporated into regional plans. “The revised population projections will ensure that the housing figures required for Kiama will be reduced and these new figures give us the opportunity to review the ‘anticipated dwelling numbers’ required by the Department of Planning, as we now estimate approximately 67 new dwellings per year will be needed up to 2041,” says a CCAG spokesperson, Peter O’Neill. However, the CCAG is still concerned that Kiama does not have a robust set of housing numbers that is accepted by the government Continued on p5
Inside this issue Meet the Council’s new Director of Engineering & Works p3
32% over 65 by 2041 While 2041 might seem a long time away, 1999 seems like just yesterday. Total population in the Kiama LGA is expected to be 26,100 by then. The working age population is expected to remain stable, moving up from 13,250 in 2016 to just 13,650 in 2041. Similarly, the number of children aged 14 and under is only predicted to increase by 200, to 4,050. This leaves population growth to continue to come from those aged 65 and over. Numbers for this sector are predicted to rise from 5,000 in 2016 to 8,400 in 2041, almost a 70 per cent rise. Of those, 4,700 will be over 75.
William Campbell Foundation loses facility in the fires p3
Preview of the Jazz & Blues Festival p7
The Cunichs encourage Quiet Australians Former Kiama residents Margot and Rod Cunich are delighted with the response to their first Quiet Australians Stand Up event. Margot, a GP, and Rod, a lawyer, lived in Kiama for 18 years before they returned to Sydney in 2008. In mid-January, concerned by the Federal Government’s lack of action over climate change, they decided to organise a silent vigil of previously quiet Australians outside the office of their local member Dave Sharma in Edgecliff.
“However we strongly felt the need to stand up and try to motivate those quiet people who are concerned about climate change, but who sit back and do nothing.” They took out newspaper advertisements and put the event out on social media, saying, “We invite fellow Wentworth electorate residents to join us in asking Dave Sharma MP “The thought of organising to advocate on our behalf a public demonstration of for evidence-based climate any type was far removed policy.” from anything I’ve ever conThe vigil attracted 250 templated before,” says Rod. people, and a lot of publicity.
“When we decided to hold the protest we thought it would be a success if a handful of people showed up,” says Rod. They are planning quiet demonstrations every four weeks for as long as it takes, and they want others across the nation to follow their lead, no matter the party. “I hope it is going to bring other ordinary people like us out to ask their local members to actually stand up and advocate for us for proper climate policy,” says Margot.
“Our grandson spent his first summer imprisoned indoors due to the smoke that engulfed his home in Canberra, and still does. “We owe it to him and generations to come to take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before this summer becomes the new norm. If we don’t encourage and support our politicians to take all necessary action who will?” A vigil has already been held outside of the office of the Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, in Nowra.
2020 Showgirl p 13
Did you know...
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