In CCN374 (Page 21) we read of Council Administrator Rick Hart’s response to the most recent publications of the Greater Cities Commission along with some of Council’s own plans for our region.
Some of the Administrator’s words raise concerns for me and I expect others.
Firstly, he is pleased that the mooted idea for the Gosford waterfront “is in lockstep with the government in recognising the potential of this region and what is needed.”
If one’s concern is solely business development, one would probably feel likewise.
But the Central Coast is much more than businesses.
A series of finger wharves bedecked with multistorey buildings housing such things as restaurants and expensive apartments is attractive if that is all that matters.
But surely, what we want to see at the very heart of our region is a continuous body of water, not narrow glimpses of it unless we visit one of those wharves!
Why not simply create a lovely garden going uninterrupted down to the water’s edge, where locals and visitors can walk and relax, with the road going around it (or, money allowing, under as was once suggested)?
Let’s not replicate the disaster of Sydney’s Circular Quay, where there are now calls to open it up by getting rid of the blocking structures.
Once built, second thoughts are too late!
Secondly, Hart speaks of “the new university”.
Let’s be clear, another campus of the University of Newcastle is no such thing; it will not remove our need for a University of the Central Coast, with a prime focus on issues pertaining to our region rather than those of Newcastle and the Hunter.
Thirdly, I note references to unlocking “employment lands”.
I hope these are solely areas of the Central Coast classified for industrial purposes through impartial decisions of elected councillors on our behalf, and not as a result of pressure applied by vested interests at either local or state level.
Email, Jan 23
Sonnie Hopkins, Tascott
Sonnie’s comments are spot on.
The Central Coast is a Region with the potential for growth, employment and development as a University/TAFE destination that is envied by other regions in Australia. What we need right now are leaders with a long term (35 plus years)vision for our our future
Sonnie makes some valid points. Look at what the Western Sydney University has achieved for the western suburbs of Sydney. It has raised the educational qualifications achieved by the region’s residents, raised their aspirations and broadened their horizons. As a former resident of the western suburbs of Sydney (now referred to as Western Sydney), I wonder what a dedicated Central Coast University could contribute to the Central Coast region.