Central Coast urges investment in local transport and communications infrastructure

The submission to Infrastructure Australia lists transport and communications affecting the region as national priorities.

The submission by the Central Coast of NSW Area Consultative Committee Inc., Business Central Coast (Central Coast Economic Development Board), Gosford City Council, Wyong Shire Council, Central Coast Manufacturers’ Association Inc., Central Coast Tourism Inc., the Urban Development Institute of Australia – Central Coast Branch and the NSW Business Chamber – Central Coast is in response to the Government’s call for the public and business community to submit project ideas for possible inclusion on the National Infrastructure Priority List - the first of which will be handed to the Council of Australian Governments in March 2009.

In endorsing the submission, Central Coast Area Consultative Committee Chair, Peter Hale said, “The Central Coast region occupies a unique place, providing the link between the State’s two largest population and economic centres.”

The region has enormous potential for development and to supply services to these major centres in addition to the residential role it provides at present.”

With available industrial and housing land, a large workforce; many of whom are at present travelling long distances to work, mostly in Sydney, and a lifestyle second-to-none, combined with the threats from global warming, high fuel costs and economic uncertainty, the region is uniquely placed to assist the Australian Government achieve its goals,” he said.

The submission proposes that the Australian Government lists three urgent transport priorities affecting the region:

• A very high speed rail link between Sydney and Newcastle with stops in Wyong and Gosford;
• Increased capacity of the F3 motorway and establishment of the connection with the M7 at one end and improving the links to the Pacific and New England Highways at the other;
• Extending the commitment to a dedicated freight rail line from Sydney to Newcastle to more efficiently move freight north and to greatly improve the efficiency of the commuter rail network.

The submission also advocates that:

• the Central Coast region be made a priority for the Australian Government’s national broadband network to attract new private knowledge-based business and government agencies; increase workers’ skill levels; create a vibrant learning community through educational programs offered by interlinked University, TAFE and community colleges; and make knowledge and innovation ubiquitous.

Business Central Coast Chair, John Dawson said “The projected population increase for the Central Coast over the next 25 years, impacted by Australia’s immigration policy and natural Greater Sydney growth, justifies consideration of investment by the Federal Government in key civic and public infrastructure.”

Mr Dawson said it should focus on adequate urban infrastructure services, a full-service university to increase education options and a major cultural performance centre, exhibition and educational facilities.

He said, “With significant investment in transport and communications infrastructure, combined with support for cultural and community infrastructure to service the needs of a rapidly growing population and to make it a more attractive place to live, work and invest, the Central Coast can play its role as a major contributor to national productivity, strengthening Australia's international competitiveness, developing our cities and regions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and generally improving the quality of life.”

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