Central Coast moving forward - again

Ms Keneally said the Strategy will support the growing population of the Central Coast – expected to be 405,000 by 2031 - an additional 100,000 people moving in.

“Our long-term plan for sustainable economic development in the Central Coast, will build jobs, industries, businesses, close to home for people living in this great region,” Ms Keneally said.

“We have worked closely with stakeholders, businesses and the community to create this vision for the Central Coast – we have listened to your priorities, and will now begin working to implement this strategy.”

“The Central Coast is the ninth largest population centre in Australia and the third largest residential region in NSW – we will continue to support and plan for its bright future,” she said.

To develop the strategy, the Government consulted with more than eighty large business and regional stakeholders, 300 businesses small and medi-um enterprises and 400 individuals. The REDES is a partnership between the NSW Government, the Regional Development Australia Central Coast (a State and Federally funded body), Gosford City, and Wyong Councils. This partnership will be honoured through a Regional Compact for Economic Development and Employment.

“Today we will sign a cooperative agreement to implement this strategy as quickly and as effectively as we can,” Ms Keneally said.

New taskforce

A taskforce, chaired by Minister for the Central Coast, Ian Macdonald, has now been set up to manage the implementation of a broad range of improved government services to the region. Each proposal will be given proper government consideration before they are implemented.

The Regional Economic Development and Employment Strategy (REDES) will aim to strengthen the regional economy by:

– Attracting new businesses to the region especially in logistics, manufacturing, tourism, government agencies and call centres;

– Build on successful industries such as food production, logistics, manufacturing, and tourism;

– Create new investment opportunities in health, ageing and green industries; and

– Support business growth for small and medium sized enterprises through mentoring, development and training programs.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, David Harris, welcomed the strategy as a long term vision for the region.

“The development of this strategy has involved extensive consultation with the local community across all levels of Government - providing a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of our region,” Mr Harris said.

“The Central Coast is a great place to live and work and this strategy will encourage investment in the region.”

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