Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris has proposed that the Central Coast be separated from Greater Sydney, stating the community has made it quite clear, arguing loudly during the COVID-19 Pandemic, that the region should not be included in Greater Sydney.
Harris also outlined a plan for the NSW Government to assist the region.
This plan includes appointing a Minister for the Central Coast, reimbursing Central Coast Council the $100M for the cost of the amalgamation that has resulted in rate rises for locals and delivering the Central Coast plan.
“The Coast has always missed out when included with Sydney,” Harris said.
“Locals made it clear through COVID-19 they didn’t want to be part of Greater Sydney.
“The Coast has already been included under the remit of the Greater Sydney Commission and we’ve seen nothing but more glossy brochures, more plans and nothing much else.
“The NSW Government must commit to fund the current plans in place, we know what we need, we don’t need to be continually shuffled around with no unique identity.
“This is nothing more than a plan to move even more population to the Coast at a time when we’re struggling to cope now.
“My colleagues in Newcastle and Wollongong continually tell me that they miss out on regional sporting grants, infrastructural grants and programs like the Regional Senior Travel card because they are included with Sydney.
“It’s time the NSW Government actually listened to Coast residents,” Harris said.
Harris was responding to the release of a new Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 by Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, and to remarks by Premier Dominic Perrottet outlining his vision for the Central Coast to become part of a Greater Sydney Megaregion stretching from Newcastle to Wollongong.
Harry Mulholland