TODs – What they mean for the Central Coast

TODs – What they mean for the Central Coast

This month we have focused on Premier Chris Minns’ plans for Transport Oriented Developments around railway stations on the Central Coast.

In all there will be 37 TODs from Wollongong to Newcastle with most, of course, in the Sydney Metro Area.

The idea behind these TODs is that they create a neighbourhood based on walking, cycling and public transport. 

On the Central Coast the focus is on Woy Woy, Gosford, Tuggerah and Wyong.

At the outset it has to be said that CCBR totally supports the Premier and the Government on this initiative.

It should be simple arithmetic that a concentration of population will create a community spirit of its own along with the economic advantages for businesses to service that population. In other words, it makes economic sense.

The Central Coast needs to take every opportunity to grow the regional economy. And that includes creating jobs. Jobs for young people and jobs for those who prefer not to commute if possible.

Interestingly though within five minutes of the Premier’s announcement Central Coast Council’s Administrator (who lives on the northern beaches and won’t be here after September 2024) came out against the proposal.

This Council is full of excuses as to why it cannot perform.

OOO

With an election five months away it is now time for those who are considering standing for Council to put their hands up and say what they stand for.

Are they concerned that the region’s economic growth has come to a standstill?

Are they concerned that it takes up to eighteen months to get a DA for a swimming pool in the backyard approved?

Are they concerned that that Council’s Planning Department refuses to process Development Applications if it chooses to and when pushed refuses Approval.

Do these prospective councillors want to see a region where young people have a future without having to leave the place?

With so many Development Applications now in the Land and Environment Court, Council’s legal bills for this financial year are likely to go beyond half a million dollars.

It is worth reading Kevin Brooks’ article on Page 15 about the blowout in DA assessment times.

OOO

Meanwhile it is good to have plenty of positive stories in this month’s magazine.

In 1990 Paul and Anne Freeman started a little print management business, Off and Running Print Management. Now known as E-Bisglobal, this company has taken technology to another level and shown their competitors that they are leading the way.

Also, congratulations to the Hogger Family who 40 years ago started a steel fabrication business, Coastwide Steel and Metalwork, that has survived and grown through some pretty hard times. There is a lesson here for those starting out in business today.

OOO

Our article on the sales success of Warner Business Park is worth noting.

Winarch Capital, a Newcastle developer, acquired a large industrial site at Jilliby from Central Coast Council in 2021. Since then, they have developed 83 industrial lots and all have sold like hot cakes.

While the Central Coast has a lot of industrial zoned land our Council finds every excuse in the book to stop this land being developed.

Warner Business Park came with Development Approval as Council needed the money.

52% of buyers are coming out of Sydney. This shows the opportunities that the Central Coast offers.

Edgar Adams