Business NSW Central Coast hosted the highly anticipated Central Coast Housing Summit at Gosford RSL Club on October 29, where industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss solutions to the region’s housing crisis.
Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna emphasised the newly elected Council’s focus on improving planning approval timeframes while Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris, who officially opened the summit, expressed his support for development that aligned with community needs and long-term sustainability.
The event featured the launch of the Central Coast Residential Development Guide, a comprehensive resource aimed at encouraging medium to high-density residential development across key transport corridors in the region.
Business NSW Regional Director Scott Goold underscored the urgency of this guide.
“Our economy is set to almost double to an annual Gross Regional Product of $35B by 2040, driven by booming sectors like health, education, and advanced manufacturing,” Goold said.
“With rental vacancy rates between 0.6 per cent and 1.5 per cent, and a 36 per cent rise in median housing prices from 2018 to 2023, the demand for new housing is undeniable.
“There is also a critical shortage of affordable housing for essential workers that are so critical to the health and growth of local communities.”
The Central Coast Residential Development Guide will provide developers with practical insights into high-priority areas such as Gosford, Tuggerah, Wyong, and Woy Woy, and showcase opportunities to integrate affordable housing.
“By focusing on transport-oriented development zones, we’re unlocking prime areas for sustainable housing that benefit residents and businesses alike,” Goold said.
“We see this as an opportunity to ease the housing shortage and bolster our local economy.”
Business NSW Central Coast thanked key partners who made the Guide possible, including Prometheus Planning, Milestone Belanova, Pacific Link Housing, Central Coast Business Review, Commonwealth Bank, Gosford Erina Business Chamber, Regional Development Australia – Central Coast, Bungree Aboriginal Association, and Vivacity Property.
“We are grateful for the insights and support from our partners,” Goold said.
“Their expertise has been invaluable in bringing this Guide to life, and their contributions highlight the shared commitment to making the Central Coast a model for regional growth and housing accessibility.”
Goold concluded with a call to action for the investment community.
“Now is the time to explore the potential of the Central Coast,” he said.
“With our strategic location and a strong support network, we’re ready to support smart, impactful investments that contribute to a thriving region.”
When approving applications for “granny flats” it is obvious that no consideration for existing residents is given .When I built my home I had to provide parking for 2 cars on my driveway in addition to the double garage unfortunately the granny flats that have been approved in my surrounding area appear to have been approved without parking and also extremely close to boundary fencing taking away privacy , sunlight, cool breezes. It’s the old story these things are great as long as it’s not in my backyard.Developers must take into consideration open space , sunlight , recreation areas and avoid the creation of slums.
pls don’t over develop the coast.
there is to much traffic now. the road where built for this.
plus Need affordable low come housing.
NOT HIGH RISE DEVELOPMENT