All inclusive disability precincts to create more liveable communities and boost tourism

Council is developing all inclusive disability precincts to improve lifestyle choice, boost tourism and provide economic stimulus.

A detailed analysis is currently underway to identify two geographical locations suitable for initial development as holistic disability ‘destinations’.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council would continue to work with the community to ensure the development of inclusive spaces.

“We are committed to creating and maintaining accessible and well-maintained facilities and open space areas that provide opportunities for inclusion and participation for people living with disabilities,” Mayor Smith said.

“Once the locations for our all inclusive disability precincts are determined we will engage with the community once again to move the project forward and deliver the best outcome for our community.

Council’s Disability Inclusion Action plan was developed with extensive community and stakeholder consultation and contains a four year dedicated strategy and actions to be undertaken to create a liveable community by improving accessibility and creating inclusive events and activities for people living with disabilities.

Council on track to meet increase in demand for housing

Council has declared that it is tracking well to meet the annual housing target, following a report which highlights the number of development applications processed during July to September 2018.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council was committed to assessing development applications as demand for housing increases.

“As the Central Coast continues to grow, Council is committed to assessing development applications.

“Council is tracking well against future housing requirements outlined in the Central Coast Regional Plan finalised in 2016.

“During the July to September 2018 Quarter, Council approved 843 applications out of the 857 received, which included the creation of 287 additional residential lots and 241 dwellings.

“Council approvals are an indicator of the demand for housing on the Central Coast, which is expected to increase by 2075 additional homes per year.

Since 2016, Council has approved 7,715 additional dwellings and completed 3,412 additional residential lots, dual occupancies and secondary dwellings.

According to the Central Coast Regional Plan, the Central Coast is expected to increase by approximately 75,500 people by 2036, and will require 41,500 new homes.

Community to input into strategy for the future of the Somersby to Erina Corridor

Council will seek community feedback on a draft strategy to support sustainable growth along the Central Coast Highway between Somersby and Erina.

The draft Somersby to Erina Corridor Strategy identifies Somersby, Mount Penang/Kariong, West Gosford, Gosford City Centre, East Gosford/Point Frederick and Erina as key centres which will play a unique role in the future functioning of the Corridor.

Mayor Jane Smith said the strategy aims to create centres with their own identity that provide a range of experiences, infrastructure and jobs that support the success of the Central Coast Region.

“We are committed to positively contributing to the sustainable growth of the Central Coast and the Somersby to Erina Corridor Strategy aims to not compromise those attributes the community has identified which makes the area such a unique and desirable place to live and work.

“We have consulted with various Government Agencies and now we are seeking input from the community to inform a final strategy and guide planning and development for the corridor to 2036.

“The Strategy will go on public exhibition for a minimum of 60 days with a number of community consultation workshops and meetings during this time to allow the community to input on the strategy. These workshops will include discussion around transport management plans.”

Additional public consultation to occur on the Draft Ourimbah Land Use Strategy and Masterplan

Council has moved to re-exhibit the Final Draft Ourimbah Land Use Strategy and Masterplan to allow for additional public consultation prior to being finalised for adoption and implementation.

Mayor Jane Smith said the decision was made following a revision to the Strategy in response to staff and public submissions.

“The Ourimbah Land Use Strategy and Masterplan sets out a new 20 year vision that will provide the long term vision and principles to make it a great place to live and work.

“The Strategy and Masterplan project was identified as one of the key planning projects in the former Wyong Shire Strategic Plan 2014/2015 and it is important that we look at ways to accommodate growth while protecting the area’s unique character and sensitive setting.

“We have listened to feedback, revised the Strategy and Masterplan and are seeking additional feedback from the community to ensure the revised recommendations support positive growth and change across the area.”

The exhibition period will be for 60 days commencing in February 2019.

Council invites community representatives to Tourism Advisory Committee

will invite expressions of interest from members of the community to participate in a Tourism Advisory Committee for the Central Coast.

Advisory Committee is responsible for providing advice and feedback to Council on the coast’s destination planning and improving collaboration with tourism funding bodies, including Destination New South Wales.

“Tourism is a significant industry on the Central Coast and Council is committed to working with businesses on the coast to ensure we are promoting and supporting sustainable tourism,” said Mayor Smith.

“Combined with Council’s increased investment in tourism marketing and industry services, a new Destination Management Plan and the advent of a new marketing approach to implement it – we are working towards increasing positive perception of the Central Coast and delivering more for the region.”

Council will seek representation from small to medium sized business enterprises and large businesses, plus skilled marketers and business development experts. Central Coast Tourism and The Affinity Partnership, Council’s marketing and industry services provider will also be represented.

Council opts-in on the use of rock fishing life jackets on the Central Coast

Council has declared that it will support the use of rock fishing life jackets on the Central Coast by choosing to opt-in under the Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016.

Under the Act, all rock platforms exposed to ocean swell on the Central Coast will be considered ‘high risk rock fishing locations’ as a result of Council deciding to opt in.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council supported the use of life jackets to ensure the safety of the community.

“We support the mandatory use of life jackets at all rock fishing platforms across the Central Coast,” Mayor Smith said.

“We want to ensure that our community are made aware of the dangers of rock fishing and how to keep safe.

“The use of life jackets at locations deemed high risk will be enforced.”

Council will determine the most at risk locations, place signage at these locations, conduct information sessions and undertake additional monitoring as required.

Council commits to biodiversity credits

will commence formal negotiations to agree on a price for specific biodiversity credits generated on selected land owned by Central Coast Council.

The negotiations with Roads and Maritime Services and Transport for NSW are a step towards establishing biodiversity offsets.

The major road and railway infrastructure projects in the Central Coast Council area currently require biodiversity credits to offset the biodiversity loss created by the development activities. The projects are to upgrade a section of the Pacific Highway and construction of the Intercity Fleet Maintenance Facility. A biodiversity assessment has been undertaken on a selection of 15 Council-owned reserves and has identified the potential to generate species and ecosystem credits required to offset the infrastructure projects.

The sale of the credits to offset the infrastructure development will result in perpetuity annual funding to manage the reserves and enhance the biodiversity values as per the Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements and management plans. Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements are registered on the property titles.

Council will include the lots identified as Porters Creek Wetland as part of investigation for the biodiversity offsets.

Council continues commitment to involve community in the Winney Bay clifftop pathway plans

Council resolved to not proceed with any contract of works for the Winney Bay clifftop pathway plans until Councillors have conducted another site visit and reviewed the community’s feedback following recent consultation.

The draft concept plans for the $4.6 million state government funded project were recently re-exhibited publicly. A report is due to Council before the end of the year with recommendations that will consider the community feedback. Council continues to liaise with the State Government funding body about the project.

Council to obtain legal advice on Warnervale Airport Restrictions Act

Council will be seeking legal advice surrounding Central Coast Airport in relation to the Warnervale Airport Restrictions Act 1996. Councillors will be briefed in a confidential session on the legal advice received, and how it applies to Council.