Central Coast Council’s draft Greater Warnervale Structure Plan, outlining land use strategy in the area through to 2041, is finally on public exhibition until March 31.
With the population of Warnervale and surrounding suburbs expected to nearly double over the next two decades, Council says it is actively taking steps to ensure that future development is both responsible and sustainable for residents and the environment.
It is anticipated that nearly 57,000 people will call Warnervale home by 2041 and the draft plan helps identify the long-term vision and principles that will guide land use planning in the Greater Warnervale area encompassing Jilliby, Halloran, Warnervale, Wallarah, Woongarrah, Hamlyn Terrace, Wadalba and parts of Charmhaven, Kanwal, Wyongah, Tuggerawong, Tacoma and Wyong.
Council’s Director of Environment and Planning, Alice Howe, said the Draft Plan is important to help future-proof the community’s needs.
“We want Greater Warnervale to grow in a sustainable way by allowing for future growth to occur in a manner that does not compromise the attributes that make our community a desirable place to live,” she said.
“Although this is a long-term project, it’s important we take the steps now to understand what facilities will be required to ensure development in Warnervale meets future community needs.”
There are several ways the community can have their say on the Draft Plan, including attending a public information session at Lake Haven Library or making a submission online.
Council Administrator Rik Hart is hoping residents participate in the process.
“We want the community to share local knowledge that can be used to better shape the region to meet future needs,” he said.
“Council is seeking feedback on community, education and recreation facilities as well as environmental open space and connecting pathways that people would like to see in their area.”
The Plan also considers providing enough employment land for an additional 8,500 jobs to improve the local economy and jobs close to home.
The aim is to ensure orderly development of land with short, medium and long-term progress with recreational improvements such as playgrounds, sportsgrounds and shared pathways as well as promoting natural features including waterfront areas, public reserves and wildlife corridors.
Among the long list of actions set out by Council in the Plan is a range of proposals to Transport for NSW for improvements along Sparks Rd/Pacific Highway; to advocate for a Food Innovation Centre within the Greater Warnervale area; to improve walking and cycling networks and ensure they are incorporated in subdivision designs.
Sporting and community facilities will be bolstered with plans for a regional playspace, a new sports ground in the southern area; an aquatic/leisure centre with multi-purpose community facility; upgrade and expansion of sports complexes at Woongarrah, Wadalba and Warnervale Oval; a new community facility at Wadalba; and a park in Peony Pl, Hamlyn Terrace.
The Plan also considers boundaries for biodiversity corridors throughout the area with a suggestion they should be a minimum of 50m to 100m wide and Council will liaise with private landowners to encourage conservation opportunities.
The draft Greater Warnervale Structure Plan is currently on public exhibition, with Council accepting public submissions until 5pm on Friday, March 31.
Public information sessions will be held at Lake Haven Library from 10am-noon on Thursday, February 23 and from 1-3pm on Wednesday, March 1.
You can view the Draft Plan and contribute a submission on yourvoiceourcoast.com.
Terry Collins and Sue Murray