Central Coast Council has welcomed the appointment of Ms Lee Shearer to the important role of Co-ordinator General for the Central Coast.

Ms Shearer will drive the delivery of the Central Coast Regional Plan and will oversee a Community Consultative Committee of which Central Coast Council will be a key member.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said her appointment was a clear recognition that the State Government is serious about the promises in the Central Coast Regional Plan.

“The Regional Plan is all about delivering more jobs, more housing, more infrastructure and more opportunities for our growing community and Council is certainly committed to achieving that,” Mr Reynolds said.

“We have already started.  We are moving on priority projects, including aligning our housing development controls, with more consolidated planning underway as well as putting together a priority infrastructure plan that our residents need.

“Delivering a sustainable future for the Central Coast will require ongoing funding from both State and Federal Governments as well as Council – that is why this appointment is so crucial as we can start to get key projects moving.

“I am keen to meet with the Coordinator-General as soon as possible to share our plans and ensure we work together in the best interests of the Coast and our community.”

“This appointment is another clear indication the State Government is committed to seeing the Central Coast emerge as an economic powerhouse.

“Together we can capitilise on the strong foundations we have and grow into a well-planned, well-functioning and well-connected region.”

Council Group Leader Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, said Council wanted to work closely with the Coordinator-General and the Consultative Committee to ensure the right planning controls are in place so the vision of the Regional Plan is achieved.

“We are consolidating our planning controls so there is consistency across the Coast as we want to ensure we can facilitate the right development we want to see here,” Mr Cox said.

“The growth in housing, particularly unit style development needs to be where transport connections and opportunities are – in our town centres and tourism hubs and we want to encourage development there.

“The mix needs to be right to enable a range of housing options to match household needs but also ensuring the unique environment on the Coast is enhanced and protected.”

“The new Coordinator-General role and the Consultative Committee will provide Council with the opportunity to tailor state and local planning controls that will help deliver the promises of the Regional Plan.”