As debate rages in her home town about big new developments, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney said it was important to build communities, and not just houses, in her inaugural speech to parliament.

The MP, who was elected at a byelection in September triggered by the last-minute resignation of Gareth Ward, said she was "the 13th member for Kiama, elected on the 13th of September from the 13th position on the ballot paper".

In her speech, Ms McInerney praised the "distinct character" of the area formed by a villages and towns "each with their own identity, history and concerns".

The Kiama local also noted it was an "ageing electorate" which brought the challenge of building a workforce to cater to the need for more aged care services.

"This is why it is imperative that we build communitie

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