Public input sought for coast wide Community Strategic Plan

The Central Coast community is being invited to have their say on the future of the region as the new, combined Central Coast Council kicks off phase one of the development of the first ever coast-wide Community Strategic Plan.
The former Gosford Council and Wyong Council each had a five-year strategic plan, but the 2016-17 financial year is the final year of each of those strategic programs.
Hence the new Council is putting together the next strategic plan.
The Community Strategic Plan is designed to capture the community’s vision for the Coast and identify key social, economic, environmental priorities as well as long-term strategies for the Coast for the next 10 years.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this was an exciting opportunity for the community to have their say in co-creating the first ever plan for the entire Central Coast.
“This is truly a landmark opportunity for everyone to tell us what they value about their local suburb and the entire Central Coast so we can plan to make it an even better place to live,” said Mr Reynolds.
“It’s the community’s chance to shape the future of the Central Coast so we can understand what is important to our residents, their aspirations for the future, as well as local challenges and opportunities,” he said.
“You might have a clever solution to a local challenge or a creative and inspired idea to take the Coast to the next level.
“Whatever your thoughts, we want to hear from you.”
The Community Strategic Plan will be developed in collaboration, by working with community, business and government agencies.
Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said residents will have many opportunities to participate in this process by visiting a pop up stall at shopping centres, train stations and community events or via an online survey.
“We want to talk to as many people as we can across the whole Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.
“This is your opportunity to have a say about our region, have input into local decision making and be active in shaping our future.”
Following this, a second phase of consultation will take place between August and December to deepen Council’s understanding of community priorities prior to the development of a Draft Community Strategic Plan to go on exhibition in early 2018.
To be a part of creating Our Future – Our Coast, residents have been invited to have their say at the Council’s community engagement website yourvoiceourcoast.

Source:
Media release,
Apr 11, 2017
Julie Vaughan, Central Coast Council