Issues, needs and priorities

During the consultation and needs assessment stage, a wide number of issues were identified. These are outlined below.

The Health Plan, through its extensive consultation process, is also addressing the many issues identified in that plan, and includes implementation strategies.

Demographically, the Municipality has a high and growing aged population: this being higher than the regional average. As such, Council has placed a high priority on provision of services for frail and aged residents.

The Community Satisfaction and Services Priority Survey (January 1999) identified the natural environment, public health, water quality, roads, parks and gardens as very important or important. Maintenance and/or improvements of roads and footpaths and maintenance and/or improvements of community services were also given the highest priority in the survey. These priorities have a wide implication for all the target groups and Council's functions.

The many changes in State and Commonwealth Governments, requiring Councils to do more for their communities with diminishing resources, is a very important issue. There is a need of greater support to Local Government from both State and Commonwealth departments to implement new and or broader legislations, policies and practices.

Children Issues/Needs

• Long Day Care, particularly Central Kiama
• access to OOSH from Jamberoo and Gerringong
• permanent location for Jamberoo Preschool
• recruiting more Family Day Carers particularly for Central Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong
• limitations on support service for new parents and their babies
• greater opportunities for services and activities for children in the 10-14 year age group
• safe establishment of skateboard facility
• increased family breakdown (single parents) and its effect on children
• health programs
• cultural activities
• parks and playgrounds.

Young People Issues/Needs

• greater opportunities for services and activities for the younger group 12-14
• support services on health, drug abuse and counselling
• skateboard facilities and use of streets for skateboarding
• young adolescent pregnancies
• employment and training
• transport
• recreation and cultural services and activities
• information and technology
• police and the law
• homelessness and family breakdown
• housing
• youth activities and services at Werri Beach, Gerringong, Gerroa and Jamberoo
• expansion of High School to cater for increased enrolments.

Women Issues/Needs

• services for women in their 40's to 50's contemplating returning to the workforce or further study
• support for single mothers
• violence/safety at home and in the community
• maintenance and increase of existing HACC Services
• rural isolation and access to services
• employment opportunities
• transport
• participation and consultation
• education and training
• young women pregnancy information and support.

Older People Issues/Needs

• maintenance and increase of HACC Services
• home and community safety
• health services and facilities
• transport
• respite care and crisis care
• footpaths and mobility
• community and services information
• recognition of older people worth and contribution to the community
• provision of information and technology
• volunteer opportunities and training
• services coordination and referral
• isolation
• homeless people and loneliness.

People with a Disability Issues/Needs

• carer support and training
• transport
• employment
• social and recreation activities
• Information and access to services
• traffic lights to meet the needs of vision-impaired people
• Kiama Railway Station access
• Minnamurra Railway Station platform level
• CBD areas use of footpaths by skateboard riders and furniture/structures near walls.

Aboriginal People Issues/Needs

• recognition and acceptance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders cultures
• health services
• housing services
• employment and training
• community tolerance and information
• identification of further information and needs
• involvement of artist in cultural development programs
• community and services information.

People from Culturally and Linguistically diverse background Issues/Needs

• cultural diversity tolerance
• English classes and information for newly arrived residents
• Council's programs and policies
• information and participation
• involvement of culturally diverse groups in community arts projects
• training of key Council staff on offering translation and interpreting service.