More than 100 UDIA Members and their guests gathered last week to hear a highly informative panel discussion with Adam Crouch Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and David Harris, Shadow Minister for Central Coast moderated by Steve Mann, CEO, UDIA NSW.
Each of the speakers gave us an update on their Party’s commitments to support the growth of the Central Coast and we are encouraged that there is a strong focus on many of the issues we have been advocating through our Central Coast Chapter. We thank both speakers for their willingness to be put under the microscope during the Q and A which included the following themes:
- The campaign commitments each party has made to support the growth of the Central Coast.
- Defining the Central Coast place in the Six Cities megaregion and what needs to change to embrace a bigger future.
- Acknowledging recent steps forward, including the Economic Development work of the GCC, commitments to deliver key transport infrastructure, and support for council resourcing. Discussion on how secure those initiatives are and whether they will continue under the new government.
- Priority infrastructure investments needed to support housing supply and new jobs on the Coast.
- The growth potential west of the M1.
- How Transit Oriented Development (TOD) can help tackle housing supply and affordability challenges and provide greater diversity of housing choice. Where the best opportunities are for greater density TOD, and the role of government-owned land in those outcomes.
- Views on the need to create a Special Activation Precinct for the Central Coast (e.g., Gosford or Tuggerah) to leverage Snowy Hydro funds for the necessary large scale infrastructure delivery
- The best approach to delivering more Affordable Housing: use of government land, contributions, or private sector incentives.
- Although DPE/GCC are working on a strategic conservation plan for certain growth areas on the Coast, the approach to biodiversity offsetting is the largest impediment to new housing and employment land. There is a need to ensure the Coast properly balances economic, social and environmental outcomes under the principles of Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD).
- The need for more seniors housing on the Coast.
The event also marked the official launch of our Central Coast Manifesto by Anna Cruckshank – Central Coast Chapter Secretary. Our document provides 14 clear objectives that will drive UDIA’S advocacy throughout 2023 set out under four Pillars for Growth:
- Housing,
- Employment
- Infrastructure and
- Sustainable Built Environments
The Central Coast Manifesto is a culmination of our work with Members, Ministers, Government departments and agencies as well as collaboration with industry bodies. Within the document, we have identified what is needed for well-panned housing development, commercial precincts, transport and amenities – all of which are designed to attract regional investment to enable communities, businesses and families to thrive in the Central Coast City.
Our clear roadmap guides our advocacy, policies and efforts on behalf of our members, to create homes and jobs for the people of the Central Coast City and Tackle the Central Coast Housing Shortage.
The Central Coast Manifesto can be found at this link
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Media Enquiries:
Deanna Lane 0416 295 898 or dlane@udiansw.com.au