The Central Coast Peak Bodies Alliance officially launched the Central Coast Infrastructure Investment Guide 2025–2030 at the Business NSW Central Coast Economic Breakfast on Friday, May 23, at Mingara Recreation Club.
The significant advocacy document outlines key infrastructure projects needed to unlock the Central Coast’s full potential in housing, employment and transport.
From road upgrades and transport corridors to servicing for employment and residential lands and investment in high-density housing precincts, the guide sets a clear list of infrastructure priorities for government and private sector investment.
The Central Coast Peak Bodies Alliance is a collaborative initiative between Business NSW (BNSW), Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC), Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC), the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), and the Property Council of Australia.
The group came together in 2024 with a shared commitment to advocate for enabling infrastructure to support sustainable growth across the region.
The Alliance’s first joint initiative — Central Coast Housing Now Actions 2024 — was launched at the Premier’s Breakfast last year.
Developed in partnership with local business chambers and Pacific Link Housing, that plan identified seven key reforms to accelerate housing delivery.
The new Infrastructure Guide builds on that foundation, with a broader focus on job creation, precinct activation and future-proofing the region’s economic development.
Regional Director of Business NSW Scott Goold said the Central Coast had reached a pivotal moment.
“This guide is a clear call to action for government and the private sector to commit to the critical infrastructure that will drive housing supply, jobs, and regional prosperity,” he said.
“We stand ready to work alongside government and industry to deliver a more connected and resilient future.”
The guide identifies several infrastructure priorities, including the delivery of water and sewer upgrades, Pacific Hwy intersection improvements, the Warnervale to Wyong Link Road, Sparks Rd intersection upgrades, and a masterplan for Gosford Station.
It also highlights longer-term strategic projects such as the Central Coast Airport redevelopment, Central Coast Film Studios, and connectivity between Gosford CBD and the Gosford waterfront.
UDIA NSW Regional Manager Elizabeth York said the Central Coast was experiencing a housing crisis.
“Prices have risen 36% since 2018 and vacancy rates are as low as 0.6% in key areas like Gosford,” she said.
“We need more homes and new homes need infrastructure; without it they simply won’t be built.
“Infrastructure investment is essential to accelerate housing delivery and improve affordability across the region.”
Regional Development Australia Central Coast CEO John Mouland said population increase would play a major role.
“With a forecast population increase of 15% and a regional economy expected to nearly double by 2040, the Central Coast needs investment in the infrastructure that supports both residents and industry,” he said.
“This guide offers a collaborative and evidence-backed approach to achieving that.”
The guide notes that while the Central Coast has more than 900ha of employment-zoned land, only 82 hectares is currently serviceable and unconstrained.
Upgrades to roads, sewer and water infrastructure are essential to unlock the economic potential of areas such as Warnervale, Somersby and Bushells Ridge.
Executive Director of Central Coast Industry Connect Frank Sammut said businesses couldn’t expand, and new industries couldn’t move in, if there was no serviceable land.
“Infrastructure is the enabler, and this guide makes it crystal clear where investment is needed to unleash job creation and future-proof our economy,” he said.
Property Council of Australia Hunter Central Coast Director Nuatali Nelmes said the guide included transformative precincts such as the Gosford waterfront and the Central Coast Film Studios.
“With the right investment, these projects will drive local employment, attract private capital, and create long-term economic and social value for the region,” Nelmes said.
The Central Coast Infrastructure Investment Guide will now be made available to government and stakeholders.
The Central Coast Peak Bodies Alliance has urged all levels of government to engage with the guide and private sector investors to support delivery of the priority projects.
The old proposal for a new North Warnervale Station needs to be put back on the agenda. The current Warnervale Station isn’t anywhere near fit-for-purpose, and a new station would go a long way to improve the connectivity of Greater Warnervale.
Also, the level crossing in Woy Woy needs to go. That intersection is a death trap, not to mention a serious liability to our train network.