Economic Strategy for the Central Coast Region Released

Economic Strategy for the Central Coast Region Released

Jan 18, 2023

The NSW Government’s vision for growth and investment across the Central Coast region is now supported by the recently released Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth.

The strategy was informed by community consultation beginning in 2020 and in December 2021 the Central Coast was identified by the NSW Premier as part of the vision for a Six Cities Region.

The Strategy emphasises delivering employment and economic growth through supporting existing industries and attracting new businesses and investments to the region.

This includes key placemaking actions that will support Gosford as a centre for innovation and business.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth had a particular focus on unlocking land for employment.

“We know the Central Coast is an incredible place to live and play. We’re now investing in unlocking key employment sites to create the jobs and opportunities for the future, strengthening the local economy and improving lives,” Mr Stokes said.

“The Central Coast will thrive as part of the NSW Government’s Six Cities vision. With commitments for faster rail at Wyong and a new university campus at Gosford, we’re backing the Central Coast to grow a stronger economy, invest in better services, and make lives easier for local families.”

The Central Coast Strategy prioritises the key areas of focus for the NSW Government on the Central Coast. The priorities presented in this Strategy provide a balanced, equitable and timely opportunity to deliver on key projects and initiatives in the Central Coast.

The Greater Cities Commission recommends action on seven priorities:

  1. Driving innovation and industry collaboration
  2. Unlocking employment land and accelerating employment precincts
  3. Activating a university campus in a revitalised Gosford CBD
  4. Building on Gosford Health and Wellbeing Precinct
  5. Improving transport connections within the Central Coast and with Sydney and Newcastle
  6. Delivering a high-speed internet network
  7. Improving planning processes to accelerate development approvals

The Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth can be viewed here: https://greatercities.au/innovation-districts/districts Its delivery will be further supported by the Six Cities Region Plan, to be developed during 2023.

The NSW Government has also released the Future Transport Strategy that builds on Future Transport 2056 (originally released in 2018); a long-term plan for transport in NSW. This draft Transport Plan outlines what this means for the Central Coast Region over the next 20 years.

Transport for NSW is inviting community members and stakeholders to contribute to the Central Coast Regional Transport Plan by Friday, 24 February. Learn more here: www.future.transport.nsw.gov.au/CCRTPlaunch