Council submission raises concerns about State Government planning controls for the Gosford CBD

Council has raised a number of key concerns regarding the Draft Gosford City Centre Development Control Plan (DCP) in a formal submission to the Department of Planning.

The draft submission formalises Council’s previous communication to the Department in September raising concerns about solar access controls, protection of view corridors, built form controls including height and floor space ratio, key site controls, Gosford waterfront controls, car parking and heritage and signage in the Gosford CBD. Council has also expressed concern that planning guidelines in the DCP may not apply to large sites.

Mayor Smith said Council were committed to working collaboratively with the State Government to revitalise Gosford City Centre and Gosford Waterfront as key destinations and attractors for business, local residents, visitors and tourists.

“Our community have told us through the Community Strategic Plan that they want a growing and competitive region with a vibrant commercial hub and capital in Gosford,” Mayor Smith said.

“There has been a lot of confusion about what these changes will mean for development in the Gosford CBD and the community need to know and understand the detail of these changes.

“That is why Council must and should remain as the consent authority for development in the Gosford CBD so we can represent the community’s interest.

“We want a City Centre that caters for everyone in the community, whether you are travelling to Gosford for work, recreation, entertainment or business.

“Council has over $1.79 billion of approved developments of developments in the Gosford CBD area and Council is paving the way for the revitalisation of the city centre.

“It’s vitally important that these planning controls build on this foundation and the planning initiatives serve to complement rather than confuse the long term, sustainable advancement of Gosford as the regional capital of the Central Coast.”

Exhibition period extended for draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy

The deadline for residents to have their say about the Coast’s first ever draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy has been extended until the end of November 2018.

Council tonight agreed the issue of housing stress was so significant the public exhibition of the draft Strategy should be extended by an additional 60 days from the current six-week consultation period.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council valued community feedback on the draft Strategy which has been developed after extensive consultation with key stakeholders and experts.

“We know there are 24,200 local households where a very high percentage of income is spent just keeping a roof over their heads,” Mayor Smith said.

“These residents include older people living alone, single-income families, people living with a disability or chronic illness and young people who need to be close to a university or TAFE college.

“This draft Strategy suggests a wide range of evidence-based initiatives which are likely to create affordable housing options for many people.

“We understand there is significant concern and interest in the community around the need for affordable housing and it is something we need to get right and can get right with collaboration with key stakeholders and the community.

“I encourage everyone to have a say on this important Strategy for the future of affordable living on the Central Coast.”

Council will hold two information sessions on Wednesday 17 October for the community to ask questions about the draft Strategy:

• Council Administration Office, Wyong: 3.30pm-5pm
• The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue: 6.30pm-8pm

The draft Strategy and answers to frequently asked questions can be viewed at yourvoiceourcoast.com

A wave park for the Central Coast will be considered as part of a Tourism Opportunity Plan

A draft Tourism Opportunity Plan to be presented to Council in November 2018 will consider opportunities for a wave park for the Central Coast.

The Plan will include a shortlist of potential sites considered suitable for a wave park. A workshop will be conducted for Councillors to develop a policy for Council when considering unsolicited proposals for development on the Coast.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council needed to consider all opportunities to increase tourism on the Central Coast and that is what the Plan would deliver.

“Tourism is a significant industry on the Coast injecting $867 million into the economy in 2016 from 4.85 million visitors,” Mayor Jane Smith said.

“This does mean lots of jobs now but we must grow the industry even more so it continues to deliver more employment opportunities and economic development for our growing community.”

“These opportunities must be well considered which is also why we need to develop a comprehensive policy so we can ensure we maximise the right tourism opportunities for the Coast.”

Council noted the resolution did not commit Council to provide financial support to a wave park for the Coast.

Council commit to work with the State Government to maintain the navigation of Ettalong Channel

Council has resolved to work with the NSW Government on a long-term dredging plan for the maintenance of the navigation of Ettalong Channel.

The resolution follows the recent announcement by the State Government of a $1.225 million funding commitment through the Rescuing Our Waterways Program which Council must match dollar for dollar.

A report will now be developed confirming the dredging requirements of all waterways on the Central Coast, including the Ettalong Channel.

Additionally, a report will be prepared assessing the merits of developing a business case to advise the financial viability of Council owning or leasing a suitable dredge, including staff costs and maintenance to meet the Coast’s long-term dredging requirements.

Council will make representation to the NSW Government requesting funds be provided to public transport operators for the purpose of providing additional services between Hardys Bay, Ettalong and Patonga while ferry services are currently diverted.

Unified draft Tree and Vegetation Management Policy to go on public exhibition

Council has endorsed a unified draft Tree and Vegetation Management Policy for public consultation which will create a consistent approach to tree management controls across the Central Coast.

The proposed policy will replace both Chapter 3.6 Tree and Vegetation Management of Wyong Development Control Plan 2013 and Chapter 6.6 Preservation of Trees or Vegetation of Gosford Development Control Plan 2013 with a unified Chapter consistent with the former Gosford City Council tree policy. Both proposed Chapters will be titled Tree and Vegetation Management and comply with the requirements within the NSW Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation reforms.

Mayor Smith said this harmonisation of policy will ensure the community have clarity when dealing with tree and vegetation on their properties.

“Our community told us that they valued promoting greening and the wellbeing of communities through the protection of local bushland and urban trees as part of the Community Strategic Plan,” Mayor Smith said.

“This draft policy reflects the wishes of the community to maintain a green environment, whilst allowing the removal of trees and vegetation that pose a risk to dwellings.”

Community consultation will be undertaken on the draft Tree and Vegetation Management Policy prior to adoption by Council.

Promoting support for drought-affected farmers

Council will continue to promote existing initiatives to support drought-affected farmers following the State-wide drought declaration.

Jane Smith said where possible Council communication channels will be used to encourage community members to support drought-affected farmers.

“From personal donations, to fundraising initiatives, to creating new groups – the Central Coast is lending a helping hand to farming communities in need,” Mayor Smith said.

“Council staff are also rallying together to show their support – recently raising money to support Buy a Bale and Aussie Helpers.

“So many great initiatives are in operation and where possible Council will help to promote these to our community.

“We will also be looking at ways to encourage Central Coast residents to holiday in regional NSW, which is a fantastic way to give a boost to local economies doing it tough.

“With 100 percent of our State in drought and almost one quarter classified as being in ‘intense drought,’ it is important that we all do our bit to lend a helping hand.”

Council issued a Media Release last month thanking the community for their continued generosity and outlining some of the drought-support initiatives available.

Council agree to sell former Chinese Theme Park land

Council has requested the Chief Executive Officer to proceed with the sale of 4 and 10 Warren Road, Warnervale, being the site of the formerly proposed Australian Chinese Theme Park.

A report is required by the 26 November 2018 Council Meeting as to whether the land will be sold through an Expression on Interest process, tender process or sale at market value or auction.

The proceeds of the sale are to apply to a specific employment generating purpose in the Warnervale area, rather than into general revenue, and will be subject to further open discussion and resolution of Council.