Performance reviews
Published on 04 December 2023
Local Councils often cop a lot of criticism and some of it is fair. While it's important to acknowledge all voices, it's equally crucial to focus on the positive, tangible outcomes of the work we do, day in and day out. At our recent Ordinary Meeting, we endorsed our Annual Report 2022-23, which shows the depth and breadth of what we achieve across the community.
Here are some notable examples and some great feedback from community members and other stakeholders on your council's efforts:
Teen heroes: a positive for local programs
Our Council's steady support for wonderful local surf clubs, and their nippers programs, truly paid off in an extraordinary way recently. A group of teenagers, trained through these programs, heroically saved a family of four caught in a rip at Surf Beach. A week earlier, two men from Sydney in distress in the ocean at Jones Beach were saved by local surfers. Both these brave acts occurred outside the hours of our routine surf patrols. One young rescuer admitted to initial fear, yet their life-saving training prevailed, showcasing remarkable courage and skill. These incidents aren’t just stories of survival; they’re a powerful testament to the real impact of our community’s commitment to safety and training.
Pioneering coastal management: shaping a sustainable future
Kiama Council has taken a significant leap in coastal preservation and sustainability by developing a comprehensive Coastal Management Program for our LGA's open coast. Currently displayed via the Council website’s ‘your say’ section to invite community feedback, this program focuses on identifying and mitigating risks, protecting natural habitats, enhancing recreational spaces, and bolstering our coastline against the imminent challenges of climate change. This initiative represents dedication to both environmental stewardship and public enjoyment.
Collaborative Crown Land Management: forging community partnerships
In our ongoing efforts to foster community involvement, Council has endorsed its draft plan for managing Crown Land and submitted it to the NSW department of Planning, Industry and Environment for ministerial approval. This initiative results from extensive consultations with precincts and associations, committees, tourism and business groups, and the broader community.
I’d also like to share the following recent comments:
Cameron McDonald, Chair Kiama and District Business Chamber:
“As Council is repairing their finances, they have not forgotten business, as a matter of fact our relationship is stronger than ever.”
By working closely with business owners, we've been able to identify and address their unique needs, fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and, in turn, benefit the wider community. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to ensuring a prosperous, supportive, and interconnected community where businesses and residents alike can flourish.
Gareth Ward MP, State member for the seat of Kiama:
“As your local MP, I have four councils that touch our electorate. I can personally attest that Kiama Council do a great job of maintaining roads across our community. … [And] Kiama hasn’t turned to the pockets of its ratepayers to fix its financial challenges. This is very good news.”
The road repairs necessitated by extreme weather events have been extensive, yet the results promise more durable roads and enhanced safety for travellers. We are grateful to our local members, both State and Federal, for their crucial support in securing the necessary funding.
Lisa Berwick, former Director of Financial Audit Services at the Audit Office of NSW
“Kiama Municipal Council's management has done a very good job of moving forward and improving the quality of the working papers and the evidence [needed] to finalise the audit. It was a huge improvement from 2021. … We enjoy working with management very much and we have a strong relationship in terms of working through what are a myriad of issues.”
We have taken our State-issued Performance Improvement Order (PIO) very seriously. While the PIO primarily addresses issues of the past, Council has made significant financial strides to not only rectify these issues but also to implement measures that prevent the recurrence of past mistakes.
Nick Young, Founder Bondi2Berry Dementia Awareness Ride
“The dedicated work and advocacy of Kiama Municipal Council to continue to increase awareness of dementia continues to lead the state. “
Mark Burns, CEO The Man Walk
“We look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with Kiama Council – the home of The Man Walk.”
All these add up to the fact that I come in and do my job daily with willingness and optimism, because I am assured that Kiama Council is on the right trajectory.