The things that matter.

The following document provides an insight into the main principles that Kiama Greens candidates, if elected, will be applying to their work as Councillors. This list of “things that matter” will be further developed during the campaign as a result of the interaction between the team and the community.

What matters, a summary of commitments and actions

Listening and building trust

listen to residents and consult before making important decisions affecting their amenity and wellbeing
be open, transparent and accountable
focus on good governance, long term planning and stewardship
work with staff to develop timely, respectful and co-operative relationships between Council and the community
respect community organisations’ input into policies and decisions
promote greater transparency of Council decision making through improved community consultation

Supporting community health and wellbeing

promote and improve the wellbeing and safety of young people, adults, and our communities
provide support services for the young and aged
recognise the importance of mental health services and support the establishment of headspace services for Kiama LGA
promote healthy lifestyles through cycleways, walking trails and other sporting activities
support the ideals of the Healthy Cities program

Promoting a cultural life that gives meaning to local people

value and respect cultural and gender diversity on Council and in the community
support the arts, local entertainment and libraries
value and protect our cultural heritage
acknowledge our pre and post colonial history, listen to local First Nations People and support a Reconciliation Action Plan for Kiama

Conserving Kiama’s quality farmland and rural landscape character

continue working to protect agricultural lands from urban sprawl and industrialisation
maintain the high-quality soils in Jamberoo, Rose Valley and between Gerringong and Gerroa for food production
respect the community’s long term wish to protect the farmland between the villages and towns of the LGA
investigate future residential development in locations such as the Bombo Quarry site, to reduce the impact on farmlands and rural amenity

Taking climate change seriously

help the community become more energy efficient
work to make our council “carbon neutral”
plan for climate change impacts on our coastal community
ensure Council policies acknowledge climate change impacts
develop policies that help our community reduce its impact on the climate and establish Council as a role model in that regard

Looking after the environment

care for and protect our forests, wetlands, rivers, coastline and scenic landscapes
increase support for Landcare groups and weed eradication
protect coastal dune vegetation from vandalism
plant more vegetation and care for the vegetation we have
support programs aimed to reduce the loss of local biodiversity

Promoting high quality sustainable urban planning, design and housing

prioritise “liveable” urban areas and housing over developer profit
value and protect our built heritage
provide for affordable rental options in new residential development
embed quality urban planning outcomes in Council’s planning rules
improve connectivity within and between urban areas
promote community understanding of the NSW Planning System
highlight a long term strategic approach to land use planning and encourage community input into the development of those plans

Making decisions thoughtfully, transparently and with integrity

respect the requirements of the Local Government Act to vote independently
be financially responsible
consider every issue on its merits
respect existing council policies, noting the need for consistency in decision making
be open and transparent about the reasons why decisions are made

Greens endorsed Councillors work within four main guiding principles. These are:

ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY,
GRASSROOTS PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY,
SOCIAL JUSTICE and
PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE.

Click here to go to the next level of detail in our policy statements.