I recently had the pleasure of speaking to Central Coast members of the Urban Development Institute of NSW about Council’s vision for growth. 

Our population is expected to increase to more than 404,000 people by 2041 and this means we’ll need an additional 32,550 homes.

Right now, you can see 19 cranes on our skyline – a great indicator that things are already happening.

As a new Council, we have an opportunity to build a strong foundation for future growth. In building this foundation, we must make sure we get the planning right.

Two of our most important plans for growth are Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) and our Community Strategic Plan.

Our LSPS identifies Gosford, Greater Warnervale, Woy Woy and Lake Munmorah for future growth. Of course, other communities will also grow, but this is where we’ll see the most activity.

Gosford will continue to grow as our social and economic heart. It’s attracting many young people due to good transport, rental opportunities, and job prospects.

Warnervale is also a regionally significant growth area and Council has created the Greater Warnervale Structure Plan to support this. It’s expected to grow from around 36,800 to 64,000 people by 2041 with an additional 10,000 homes, predominantly for families.

We’ll soon be preparing a strategic plan for Woy Woy to guide its future growth, as it has huge potential for housing and jobs around public transport and services.

Our Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan sets out a framework for future growth and estimates that 3,500 new homes will be built here.

In planning for growth, we’re always guided by our Community Strategic Plan. Residents told us they want a growing and competitive region, a place of opportunity for people, balanced and sustainable development, and the natural beauty of the Central Coast to be protected. We will ensure that future growth respects these values.

We’ll continue to plan carefully, engage with our community about growth and pursue partnerships with the State and Federal Government to secure projects that help us build our region.

Mayor Lawrie McKinna