A strategy to find and prepare employment land on the Central Coast, so that 12ha to 16ha come to market each year, is on display for public comment.
The draft Central Coast Employment Land Strategy sets out a long-term vision for how the Central Coast will grow as a hub for jobs, innovation, and sustainable industry.
“With our region expected to welcome over 57,000 new residents by 2041, we need to ensure we have the right land, infrastructure, and planning in place to support future employment and economic growth,” Council said.
“This strategy outlines how we’ll protect and expand employment lands, align infrastructure with business needs, and support a circular economy that benefits our community and environment.”
Employment lands are defined as “land zoned for industrial or similar purposes in planning instruments”.
They are generally lower density employment areas containing concentrations of businesses involved in: manufacturing; transport and warehousing; service and repair trades and industries; integrated enterprises with a mix of administration, production, warehousing, research and development; and urban services and utilities.
The findings of a Council study identified a significant shortfall in unconstrained and serviced land that provide for immediate employment development opportunities on the Coast.
The study recommended that the availability of unconstrained and serviced land be expanded by a minimum of 60ha to meet demand to 2041.
Bushells Ridge, Somersby and Wyong Employment Precincts are three of the largest precincts with the most vacant land.
“All three precincts contain ecological constraints that considerably reduce the feasibility and capacity of development,” the report states.
“This means that they are less likely to be able to contribute to the market ready land supply pipeline without adhering to bio certification processes.”
The strategy lists a number of actions such as: amend contribution plans and/or seek planning agreements to identify and fund infrastructure improvement works and the increased demand for public amenities and public services, created by Planning Proposals for employment lands; work with stakeholders to investigate the suitability of the Colongra Power Station site for industry or investigate potential for alternate suitable employment uses; finalise the master plan for Central Coast Airport and Warnervale Business Precinct.
Public comment is open until July 23 – https://www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/ELS
