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9 DECEMBER 2021
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Woy Woy in Narara district in latest regional plan From page 1
The Narara District as outlined in the plan
It also outlines the work that needs to be done to unlock land and make it developer ready, he said. Martin said the Central Coast is blessed with natural endowments, a talented workforce and an enviable lifestyle. “This plan will build our region so that it can accommodate regional growth in an inclusive and sustainable way,” she said. “The last 18 months gave us
a taste of how our local towns benefit from local spend when our large commuter base work from home. “We want to see these economic benefits become permanent through local jobs creation and develop housing that meets the changing demographic of our population.” Martin said it was important for a range of jobs to be offered in the region to support the work, live and play 15-minute scenario.
The plan’s objectives centre on jobs, Aboriginal selfdetermination, housing, green infrastructure and net zero emissions. The plan outlines strategic direction for land-use decisions that grow jobs, increase supply of diverse housing and build infrastructure to ensure most of what people need is near where they live in each of the major centres within each district. A connection to environment is at its core with details on better linking people to to
parks, green and blue public spaces and a close collaboration with the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council aims to help the Darkinjung people achieve the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspirations they have for their land, the plan says. You have until midnight on Friday March 4, 2022, to have your say on the draft plan. It is available for viewing at https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/ centralcoast2041. Terry Collins
Peninsula to become a tiny part of a Greater City The Central Coast has been included as one of six big cities in a new vision outlined by Premier Dominic Perrottet. The State Government used to talk about the three cities, meaning Sydney East, Sydney Centre and Sydney West. It is now talking about six cities – including Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast. Mr Perrottet used the annual Bradfield Oration on December 2 to outline his vision for Sydney and the state. He mentioned the three cities vision that was outlined five years earlier by Lucy Turnbull when she was Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission.
Greater Sydney must be reimagined as consisting of three great cities for its growth to be successful, Ms Turnbull said in 2016. Now Premier Perrottet has doubled the number. “At present our vision spans east to west, but there is Newcastle and the Central Coast to our north, and Wollongong to our south,” he said. “These are cities already undergoing rapid change and revitalisation. “They have been the industrial workhorses of the past and they should continue on their trajectory to become future focused precincts of tomorrow. “So today I can announce our three cities strategy will grow to a six-cities vision.”
He said the universities would be at the heart of the expansion. “Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong are already home to campuses that punch well above their weight — with growing global reputations in fields like energy, engineering, and health science,” Mr Perrottet said. “Enhancing and better connecting this expertise to local industries can supercharge these cities. “And connecting these centres to the three-cities strategy will do the same thing for our entire state. “The east-west axis of the three cities connects our airports. “Adding a north-south axis connects our major seaports.
“Together this network will link every port – integrating six cities like never before.” The Premier said it would accelerate “the next stage of our economic evolution”. The Greater Sydney Commission would become the Greater Cities Commission and he will appoint a dedicated Minister for Cities. The day after the speech the Greater Sydney Commission welcomed “the exciting evolution in its purpose as it prepares to become the Greater Cities Commission, with a remit including Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong” in addition to Greater Sydney. “We welcome this great announcement from the NSW Premier. We look forward to continuing our collaboration
across government, industry and community to bring it to life,” Chief Commissioner Geoff Roberts said. “The Commission is looking forward to engaging closely with First Nations peoples, residents, councils, industry and local city-shaping experts to understand and realise community aspirations for this city region.” Roberts said that the Commission’s new remit was well-timed as it moved into the review of the Greater Sydney Region Plan. The regional plans for the Hunter, the Illawarra Shoalhaven and the Central Coast have also just been reviewed and are now on public exhibition. The draft regional plans
outline the vision for the areas up to 2041 and the Hunter and Central Coast plans share seven themes in common. They include a focus on creating a region made up of 15-minute neighbourhoods where most needs can be met within a 15-minute walk, bike or drive if you are in a rural area; a renewed focus on green infrastructure, public spaces and nature and prioritisation of walking, cycling and public transport in urban areas, towns and village across the Central Coast. It also includes a new approach to planning to accelerate proposals that will “support the vision and bring even greater public value”. Merilyn Vale
Young people invited to join Council action team
Central Coast Council is inviting aspiring youth leaders to become members of the ‘Youth for Youth’ (or Y4Y) action team and make a difference to the lives of young people across the Coast. Applications are now open for membership in the 2022 team – a group of 12 young people, aged 14-24, who will make youth-led initiatives and ideas
happen in our community. Council’s former Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan, said the program engages young people, empowering them to take action, be advocates for their peers and provide advice on Council initiatives from a young person’s perspective. “Council is committed to working with young people across the Central Coast to ensure they feel respected,
included and valued as part of our community,” Vaughan said. “Y4Y represents a fantastic opportunity for young people to have their voice heard and make a difference. “We are looking for members who are keen to be actively involved in enhancing the Coast as a great place for young people to live work and play.” As part of the Y4Y team, members will meet regularly
and work on a range of initiatives and development opportunities – from planning an annual youth forum to organising local youthfocussed events, attending a leadership camp, participating in leadership and skillsdevelopment programs and more. Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said the program is a great opportunity for applicants to develop their leadership and
decision-making skills and effectively contribute to the community. “Young people will be supported to develop their leadership skills, and drive initiatives and ideas that will benefit their peers across the region,” Hart said. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a welcome lunch in January, take part in a leadership camp in February 2022 and will play a part in
Youth Week in April 2022. Applications for the Y4Y program will close at 5pm on January 7 with successful applicants announced midJanuary. For further information and to apply, visit centralcoast.nsw. gov.au/y4y Source: Media release, Nov 22 Central Coast Council
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