Property Council keen to see improvement in planning processes

The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the return of a democratically elected Central Coast Council, with Lawrie McKinna as Mayor and Doug Eaton as Deputy Mayor, after four years of administration.

Property Council NSW Hunter and Central Coast Regional Director, Amy De Lore, said she looked forward to working with the new leadership to tackle key challenges around planning and development across the region.

“The election of the new Council marks a pivotal moment for the Central Coast, with a clear need to accelerate housing and job creation to meet growing demand,” she said.

“As former mayors of Gosford and Wyong councils respectively, Crs McKinna and Eaton should be aware of the pressing need to address long-standing delays in the planning system and work more collaboratively with industry.

“The Central Coast will see significant population growth over the next two decades, and unlocking land for housing and industrial development will be crucial to delivering the homes and jobs the region needs.”

De Lore said that while the region offered enormous investment potential, it continued to face challenges such as land constraints, infrastructure access, and complex topography, all of which had hindered essential development projects.

“Planning on the Coast has been a roadblock for years. The new Council has a chance to improve the efficiency of planning processes and work with industry to drive investment,” she said.

“Faster planning approvals, better communication with applicants, a more strategic approach to land use, and improvements in transport connections are all critical to the Central Coast’s future success.

“The Central Coast has the potential to become a thriving hub for both residents and businesses. By prioritising the right policies, we can stimulate growth, reduce commute times, and deliver more housing options.

“The Property Council looks forward to working closely with the new Mayor and with Council to help them navigate these challenges and realise the region’s full potential,” De Lore said.