The Central Coast Strategy, announced last week by Premier Gladys Berejiklian as part of the Greater Sydney Commission, has hit the ground running, with two workshops held on October 27 involving around 30 stakeholders.
The first-of-its-kind Strategy is set to bring new businesses and jobs to the region.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the work had already begun.
“This Strategy will be developed for the Central Coast, by the Central Coast,” he said.
“Our region is unique and therefore requires unique solutions.
“As the Premier has said, this is an open invitation for everyone to work together, put aside their differences and put the Central Coast first.”
Crouch said two separate workshops were held on October 27, one consisting of representatives from 24 Government agencies and one comprising 27 industry representatives.
Government agencies represented included the Ministry of Health, Central Coast Local Health District, the Department of Regional NSW, the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation, Property NSW, Regional Development Australia Central Coast, TAFE NSW, Transport for NSW and the NSW Treasury.
Industry groups represented included Central Coast Council, Business NSW, Borgs, Gosford and Erina Chamber of Commerce, Destination Sydney Surrounds North, Masterfoods (Mars), the University of Newcastle, Trendpac, Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Food Futures Company and the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council.
In announcing the initiative Premier Berejiklian said stakeholders would identify new opportunities for economic and employment growth in the region.
The Strategy has been conditionally welcomed by Shadow Minister for the Central Coast David Harris.
“Previously on the Central Coast we’ve had the Central Coast Development Corporation and then we had the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation, so we have to wait and see whether the Greater Sydney Commission will make tangible difference,” Harris said.
“I called for greater planning coordination many years ago to get job creating development underway.
“We have massive potential to create jobs and economic prosperity.
“I welcome any meaningful coordination between State, Federal, Local Government and private investors to help create jobs and infrastructure.
“What we don’t want is more glossy brochures, empty talk and delayed projects.”
Terry Collins