Central Coast Council’s draft Central Coast Local Housing Strategy open for community consultation

Central Coast Council’s draft Central Coast Local Housing Strategy is now on exhibition for community input.

The Strategy, which is open for community consultation from 15 March to 26 April 2023, has been drafted to help manage the future demand for housing within the region.

Council’s Director Environment and Planning Dr Alice Howe said the draft Local Housing Strategy explores the challenges associated with housing such as continuing rapid population growth, the shortage of low-cost rental accommodation and the lack of diversity within the existing housing stock - and identifies a vision and key objectives to address these challenges.

“A coordinated approach across all levels of government and the private sector is required to support diverse and sustainable housing on the Central Coast.

“Council is able to directly influence housing typologies and supply through land use zoning, development approvals, development charges as well as public infrastructure delivery. The Local Housing

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

New residential developments for a changing demographic

Since the GFC in 2007 that saw a number of developers go under following the flood of badly built units that had come onto the market in the previous ten years, residential development at The Entrance has dried up.

However, a new found optimism is now seeing reputable developers and builders eyeing the town with renewed investment.

The locally based Pace Family is developing GLASS, a 30 unit development on 1 Francis Street and Ocean Parade. Agent Bruce McLachlan from McLachlan Partners reports that all but four units have been sold off the plan at prices up to $2.5 million. GLASS has been designed by East Gosford architects White + Dickson with construction by Stevens Construction.

McLachlan Partners are also marketing ELYSIAN a 55 unit 6-level development by Century Developers at 43-49 Ocean Parade. Mr McLachlan said that in the short time the property has been on the market eleven units have sold off the plan at prices ranging from $900,000 to $1.5 million.

“As prices in Terrigal have moved out of the reach of many first-time buyers and down-sizers we are now seeing a demand for quality developments from local and Sydney buyers,” said Mr McLachlan.

“The Entrance is certainly seeing a changing demographic moving in and that is extending back to Long Jetty as well,” he said.

Strategy will ensure this is done in a coordinated and collaborative manner.”

Dr Howe said Council originally sought input from the community about its Local Strategic Planning Statement and the Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy. Council then collated the information gathered and prepared a discussion paper, in conjunction with a comprehensive evidence-based report. The result of these have informed the development of the draft Local Housing Strategy.

“We now want to again receive feedback from the community on this very important Strategy, as it impacts virtually everyone on the Coast, and will become even more crucial as the Central Coast population continues to grow.”

Dr Howe said as well as the community being able to give feedback on-line, Council will also be holding drop-in community information sessions during the exhibition period.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council is absolutely committed to helping shape the future of housing on the Coast

– in particular how affordable housing can be woven into the overall housing development on the Coast.

“There is a common misconception that affordable housing refers to social or community housing. This is not the case - affordable housing is much more than this and a diverse mix of housing types is required to meet the needs of our community. Over half (63%) of all households on the Central Coast earn below $2000 a week and need affordable housing.

“I am extremely pleased with Council’s resolve in tackling the issue of housing on the Central Coast,” Mr Hart said.

“The anticipated growth in population on the Coast is a terrific thing, which will help boost both economic growth and enhance the social fabric of our community. However, it is essential that we get the mix of housing types right to ensure there is equity for all.”

Council’s draft Central Coast Local Housing Strategy is on exhibition from 15 March to 26 April 2023. Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/housing to find out more and have your say.