Council is committed to creating a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast with Gosford as the regional capital and consultation with all stakeholders as a core principle.

Council is currently reviewing its section 94 contribution plans, preparing a consolidated Local Environment Plan for exhibition including a developer and community forum and is set to consult on an adjustment of the threshold for referral of a development application to Council to 15 objections.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council was committed to facilitating development that will meet the needs of the growing population of the Coast while maintaining the lifestyle and sense of community that people love about living on the Coast.

“Council’s priority is sustainable development that delivers liveable and vibrant communities, jobs for now and the future and protection of our environment,” Mayor Jane Smith said.

“We can get there through a shared and collaborative process between the development sector, the State Government, Council and the community.

“There is a need for the development industry to start looking forward and delivering real and sustainable development, particularly in the Gosford CBD, where there are developments that have been approved which are not being built.”

“Gosford CBD can and must realise its potential as a true liveable city and the capital of the Central Coast.

“I will be inviting innovative leaders in the development industry with a clear vision for sustainability to join me at a round table to discuss what sustainable development looks like for our region and how we can achieve it.

“Our community must have a say in how development in their local areas is shaped. “The policy guiding when DA’s come to Council will be publicly exhibited and we are willing to listen to the community and development sector view on this.

“However it is timely to remind developers that the fastest way of getting development moving is to submit proposals that comply with planning rules.

“When everyone knows the rules then there is an even-playing field and that is why the consultation on the consolidated LEP and a planning round table are crucial.

“Council is committed to consultation, collaboration and consolidation to ensure our planning controls can create a Central Coast we can all be proud of and that our community want to and love living in.”