Planning & Environment
DRAFT Central REGIONAL PLAN DRAFT CENTRAL COAST Regional plan November 2015 © Crown Copyright 2015 NSW Government
ISBN 978-1-76039-189-8
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Contents
1 Foreword
5 Introduction
9 Vision
13 Delivering the Plan
15 GOAL 1 – Enhance community lifestyles and accelerate housing supply
15 DIRECTION 1.1 Create great places to live
17 DIRECTION 1.2 Grow and enhance liveable local centres
18 DIRECTION 1.3 Create connected and accessible communities and centres
19 DIRECTION 1.4 Accelerate housing supply
21 DIRECTION 1.5 Improve housing choice (Infill)
22 DIRECTION 1.6 Concentrate new development at Warnervale and elsewhere in North Wyong
25 GOAL 2 – Grow and diversify the regional economy
27 DIRECTION 2.1 Support the 21st century needs of business
29 DIRECTION 2.2 Maintain strong inter-regional connections for business
31 DIRECTION 2.3 Grow Gosford City Centre as the region’s capital
32 DIRECTION 2.4 Focus growth within the Somersby to Erina Regional Economic Corridor
35 DIRECTION 2.5 Focus Growth within the Tuggerah to Warnervale Regional Economic Corridor
38 DIRECTION 2.6 Enhance the Warnervale employment lands
39 DIRECTION 2.7 Strengthen the economic self-determination of Aboriginal communities
41 GOAL 3 – Sustain productive landscapes
41 DIRECTION 3.1 Promote investment in rural and resource lands
48 DIRECTION 3.2 Manage rural lifestyles sustainably
51 GOAL 4 – Protect and manage the natural and cultural environment
51 DIRECTION 4.1 Protect and manage the region’s environmental and heritage values
54 DIRECTION 4.2 Sustain water quality and security
55 DIRECTION 4.3 Protect the coast and manage natural hazards and climate change risks
58 Endnotes 2 DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 3
Foreword
The Central Coast is one of the great places It proposes to accelerate housing in and around to live. It has a fantastic environment; Gosford to take advantage of the services comparatively affordable housing; a and infrastructure available, and in the new skilled workforce and significant natural, release areas of Warnervale and Wadalba. agricultural and extractive resources. Greater housing choice is prioritised to To make sure this region continues to be satisfy the community’s desire for smaller one of the great places to live, work and households, more affordable housing visit we need a plan for the future. The and opportunities to age-in-place. Draft Central Coast Regional Plan is our proposed blueprint for the next 20 years and The draft Plan includes actions to enhance it has been developed with the benefit of access to the foreshore, open space community and stakeholder consultation. and recreation areas and to develop a regional walking and cycling network. It outlines a vision, goals and actions that are geared to growing the regional economy, We want to know what you think about accelerating housing supply, and protecting the vision, goals and actions in this 20- and enhancing the natural environment. year plan for the Central Coast because we need everyone working with a common The environment is the defining feature purpose to realise a sustainable and of this region and the draft Plan identifies prosperous future for this region. its high value environmental areas, including its water catchments, and Have your say. outlines actions to protect these areas.
To grow more local jobs, provide more services and create more business opportunities, the draft Plan focuses infrastructure and investment in two newly identified regional economic corridors – Somersby to Erina in the south and Tuggerah to Scot MacDonald MLC Warnervale in the north, including Gosford, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast the region’s capital, and at the major centres of Tuggerah, Wyong and Erina.
It proposes revitalising the region’s centres so they become attractive places to live, work and visit, and provide the services for the growing and changing population. It outlines actions to improve roads and public transport to make it easier for residents to get around the region and for business to leverage access to Sydney, Newcastle and the entire State.
The Entrance pelican feeding 4 DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 5
Introduction
The Central Coast includes the two The western area of the region is characterised local government areas of Gosford by high value conservation and agricultural and Wyong (see Figure 1). lands. The agricultural sector and extractive industries in this part of the region both The natural environment is the defining contribute to the regional and State economy. feature of the Central Coast and its most important asset. More than half of The Central Coast contributed $10.8 billion the region is waterways or areas which or eight per cent of regional NSW’s gross have significant biodiversity value. regional product in 2013. Health care and social assistance are the largest employers in the The predominant ridgelines, valleys, waterways, region (17.4 per cent).3 These sectors will be coast and floodplains east of the M1 Pacific increasingly important for local employment Motorway, have shaped the way urban as the region’s population grows and ages. development has occurred in the region. They have concentrated settlement within Over the next 20 years, the population of well-defined urban corridors and centres, the Central Coast is projected to increase primarily along the coast and the Sydney to by 70,000 to 409,450. The demographic Newcastle rail corridor, providing attractive characteristics of the community will also residential settings for the community. change. Most of the projected population growth for the Gosford Local Government The region is at the centre of the State’s Area will occur among people over the age fastest growing corridor from the northern of 65 years. The number of residents aged edge of Sydney to Newcastle. The over 65 years across the region is expected projected population along this corridor to increase from 20 per cent to 28 per cent is estimated to be 1.1 million by 2036.1 of the overall population over the next 20 years. Household size will also change, with Proximity to Sydney has driven residential 72 per cent of the projected growth occurring and employment growth on the Central Coast in single or couple-only households.4 and will continue to be a major influence into the future. In the period 2016-21, 65 per Recognising these attributes, the Draft Central cent of the region’s population growth is Coast Regional Plan (the draft Plan) aims to expected to come from people outside of the accelerate housing supply, grow the regional region, with this rising to 85 per cent of new economy and protect and enhance the natural residents by 2031-36.2 This in-migration will environment and amenity of the region. continue to underpin economic growth as the region’s economy becomes more diverse To achieve these outcomes, the draft Plan and vibrant, with a variety of local jobs. provides the strategic policy, planning and decision-making framework to guide More than 95 per cent of the region’s the region’s sustainable growth over the population lives within the eastern part next 20 years. It integrates economic, of the Central Coast, taking advantage social and environmental considerations of the 81 kilometres of ocean foreshore in the interests of achieving ecologically and the coastal lakes, rivers, estuaries, sustainable development for the region. lagoons, valleys and mountains.
The Entrance, view to public baths 6 DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 7
Developing the draft Plan Other inputs into the draft Plan include: • previous plans and strategies The draft Plan responds to widespread including the Central Coast Regional consultation with community members, Strategy (2008) and the North Wyong industry, interest groups, and State Shire Structure Plan (2012); and local government representatives, • local plans and strategies prepared following the release of the Your Future by Gosford and Wyong Councils; Central Coast Discussion Paper in late 2014. Feedback on the Discussion Paper was • mapping of regionally significant received through 85 written and 15 online biodiversity values and corridors; submissions, 485 completed surveys and • Urban Feasibility Model, more than 630 online and social media Central Coast (2014); comments. Over 400 participants also attended stakeholder discussions. • Employment Lands Development Program report (2015); and A comprehensive evidence-base also • Metropolitan Development Program report, underpins the draft Plan. This includes data which covers both Sydney and the Central and projections on population, housing, Coast and a range of other housing data. employment and transport. Important environmental and natural resource A range of NSW Government plans and values have also been considered. policies have also informed the draft Plan including the Premier’s Priorities (2015) and State Priorities (2015), State Infrastructure Strategy (2012), the NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan (2012), the NSW Freight and Ports Strategy (2013) and the Central Coast Regional Transport Plan (2013).
Top: Fisherman’s Public Wharf and Ferry, Woy Woy
Centre: New Central Coast Highway, Erina
Bottom: Medium to high density housing at The Entrance 8 DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 9
Vision
The vision for the Central Coast region is Residents will continue to enjoy access to to protect the natural environment and high quality beaches, lakes and bushland to capitalise on its productive lands and close to urban centres and communities. resources, highly accessible business Housing within the region will remain relatively locations, and attractive coastal lifestyle affordable in comparison to Sydney and to achieve sustainable economic growth residents will be supported by more local and liveable communities (see Figure 1). work opportunities. There will also be greater housing choice, allowing people to access The region’s beaches, lakes, rivers, lagoons, the type of housing they need to suit their valleys, and mountains are at the heart of circumstances in a location that suits their the appeal of this region. These areas will preference for a coastal, urban or rural lifestyle. continue to attract and support residents, skilled workers, investment and local jobs, and New housing will be developed in and around they need to be protected and enhanced. centres with good access to jobs, amenities, services and infrastructure. Priority will Central to the draft Plan is creating places be given to infrastructure planning and for more business activity, from freight delivery to attract further business and and logistics that can benefit from direct investment, and to support housing growth. access to the M1 Pacific Motorway, through to health, education, retail and commercial The region’s productive landscapes activities in the two regional economic have important environmental and food corridors of Somersby to Erina and Tuggerah production values and comprise significant to Warnervale. Access to markets and jobs natural resources, including drinking water in Sydney and the Hunter regions creates catchments and extractive resources. They economic opportunities and makes the Central will be managed to protect and sustain their Coast an attractive place to live and invest. values and maintain ecosystem processes. Good road and rail access will continue to be vital to the productivity of the Central Coast. Growing the capacity of the region’s extractive resources, including sand and Gosford City Centre’s potential as a strong stone, will strengthen the economy and regional centre, capable of attracting new help to create resilient communities. jobs will be fulfilled by consolidating its health, education, sporting, business and To achieve this vision the draft commercial base. A flexible regulatory Plan sets four goals: environment and an attractive public domain enhance community lifestyles and that allows people to live, work and relax • accelerate housing supply; in the centre will attract skilled workers, business and investment to the region. • grow and diversify the regional economy; sustain productive landscapes; and Gosford’s role will be complemented by Erina, • which will become a major centre for the region. • protect and manage the natural Tuggerah-Wyong will also fulfil its potential as and cultural environment. the major centre servicing the northern part of the region, including the growing communities in the Warnervale-Wadalba land release area.
Erina Fair Shopping Mall 10
Figure 1: Draft Central Coast Regional Plan Overview
Regional City
Major Centre
Towns
Other Centre
Heavy rail
Motorway
Major Motorway Interchange
Regional Gateways
Regional Economic Corridor
Warnervale Wadalba Land Release Area
Regional Connection
Hospital
University and Tertiary Education
Urban Area
National Park and Reserve
State Forest
Non-Urban Area
Waterway 11 12 DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 13
Delivering the Plan
Achieving the vision and goals of the final The Committee will have oversight of: Central Coast Regional Plan will require preparation and delivery of an leadership and commitment, ongoing • implementation plan; collaboration with all stakeholders, as well as an implementation plan. • working groups that bring together appropriate personnel to provide advice The delivery of the final Plan will be overseen on particular issues or projects; and by a Coordinating and Monitoring Committee an Annual Monitoring Report to comprising representatives from the NSW • provide detailed reporting against Government, Gosford City Council and Wyong the progress in delivering on actions Shire Council (see Figure 2). The committee and the outcomes in the final Plan. will review and recommend plans, projects and actions to advance the delivery of the final Plan. Actions outlined in the draft Plan cover a range of delivery mechanisms including local planning controls (for example, capacity for housing), regional collaboration (for example,
Central Coast Coordinating and Monitoring Committee Figure 2: Coordinating and Monitoring Committee
Chair NSW Department of Planning and Environment
Councils O ce of Roads and Department Department Infrastructure Transport (1 from each Environment Maritime of Premier of Industry NSW for NSW Council) and Heritage Services and Cabinet
SUPPORTING GROUPS Notes – Other Agencies and relevant executive to be informed and provide input via – • Committee reporting to their respective Executive and the Central Coast Regional Leadership Group on progress of the Central Coast Regional Plan. • Where a Central Coast Regional Plan action is given priority status, the respective agency involved in its delivery to be in attendance at Committee meetings. Crackneck Lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park 14
Gosford train station
supporting jobs growth) and specific projects Transport Plan, NSW Freight and Ports (for example, infrastructure coordination). Strategy and agency and infrastructure Responsibility for these actions will rest with providers’ infrastructure plans. a number of NSW Government agencies and will require collaboration across governments, The NSW Government will use the final business and the wider community. Plan, along with the annual monitoring of development activity through activities The Minister for Planning will issue a such as the Metropolitan Development local planning direction under section Program, to advise infrastructure agencies 117 of the Environmental Planning and about the timing of new developments Assessment Act 1979, to require that and to inform their service planning. planning proposals and reviews of existing planning controls are consistent with The draft Plan aligns regional economic and the requirements of the final Plan. housing outcomes to existing and planned infrastructure investments. Opportunities The final Plan will be reviewed every for private sector delivery of infrastructure five years, or as necessary. will also be investigated to encourage innovation in the way that infrastructure is provided to support growth. Infrastructure for the region’s growth The NSW Government will continue to work with infrastructure providers to coordinate delivery of infrastructure The infrastructure context in this draft Plan that meets community needs. This will is drawn from the NSW State Infrastructure include monitoring the roll-out of catalyst Strategy, NSW Long Term Transport infrastructure projects required to deliver Master Plan, Central Coast Regional growth over the life of the final Plan. DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 15
GOAL 1 – Enhance community lifestyles and accelerate housing supply
The Central Coast offers an attractive setting DIRECTION 1.1 Create for residential development. Residents enjoy access to the bush, beaches, waterways great places to live and a range of other recreational and open spaces. These features contribute to the The landscape of the Central Coast has great attractive lifestyles available in the region. scenic amenity and provides a dramatic backdrop and setting for development. The relative affordability of the region compared to Sydney is Iconic landscape features include the another attraction for residents. Hawkesbury River, Brisbane Water National Park, as well as Brisbane Water, the Tuggerah Revitalising existing centres and Lakes, areas around the beaches and neighbourhoods to provide more housing, headlands, including Crackneck, Norah Head, greater housing choice and more local the Skillion and Lion Island. These and other employment options will help to sustain the features provide a range of opportunities appeal of the region as a place to live and work. for people to interact with the natural environment and enjoy healthy lifestyles. Increasing the supply and variety of housing in established, accessible areas Foreshore areas support a broad range of will make best use of existing services and activities including private housing, tourism infrastructure such as public transport. It can uses (accommodation and restaurants), boating also act as a catalyst for urban renewal. facilities, natural areas, reserves and parks, community buildings (surf clubs), playgrounds, The delivery of a new vibrant centre at roads, and pedestrian and cycle paths. Warnervale as an integral part of the new communities in the North Wyong Shire The region has extensive open space and area will allow residents to connect to recreation that complements the state forests, existing and planned services and jobs. national parks and conservation reserves. The Gosford Coastal Open Space System Diversifying housing supply will help to comprises over 70 nature reserves, totalling meet the changing needs of an ageing 2,730 hectares of natural open space.6 population, respond to smaller household Wyong also has an extensive network of sizes and make housing more affordable. open space and recreational areas, with 409 parks and reserves and 162 playgrounds.7 Collectively, these initiatives aim to accelerate delivery of the projected 39,600 new Residents and visitors have ready access to dwellings required over the next 20 years the bushland, foreshore areas and recreation and to manage this growth sustainably.5 networks of the region, as well as important assets such as the Great North Walk and NSW Coastline Cycleway that wind through scenic national parks, reserves and waterfront areas. In total, the region has 157 kilometres of existing shared paths or off-road cycleways, and 75 kilometres of on-road bicycle lanes.8 16
Left: The Entrance medium to high density housing Right: Woy Woy bike track
Residential areas on the Central Coast are activity and interaction and can support focused on the coastal plains and slopes urban renewal in their surrounding areas. and around the foreshores of the estuaries and ocean. Most Central Coast residents Through the Metropolitan Greenspace Program, live within one kilometre of the bush, the NSW Government improves open space beaches, lakes or major waterways. for recreation purposes and creates links between bushland, parks, waterways and The draft Plan will consolidate these centres. The program applies to the Sydney comparative advantages by reinforcing the and Central Coast areas. Since its launch in quality, safety and amenity of neighbourhoods 1990 (as the Sydney Region Development and centres within the region, while protecting Fund), $38 million has been awarded to the natural environment and amenity that councils for 586 projects. In 2014-15, a total of contribute to the region’s attractive lifestyle. $3 million was provided to projects, including $212,000 for Gosford and Wyong Councils.
ACTION 1.1.1 Protect scenic The NSW Government will: amenity and character • support councils to develop open space and recreation strategies which: As the region grows, new housing development will need to continue to respond sensitively to identify a range of accessible open the natural environment and local character. space and recreation opportunities; integrate open space and The NSW Government will: recreation networks; and • support local initiatives to protect the scenic improve public foreshore access. values, amenity and character of local areas.
ACTION 1.1.3 Investigate ACTION 1.1.2: Plan for opportunities to grow and integrated and well-connected better connect walking and open space, sporting and cycling transport networks recreation opportunities The Central Coast has an extensive walking and In addition to numerous bushland walking cycling network that includes scenic shared trails, the region has a wide range of recreation paths that link Woy Woy with Gosford along opportunities with 75 sports grounds and the foreshore of Brisbane Water, and from other facilities, including aquatic centres, North Entrance to Chittaway Bay, connecting hard courts, skating facilities and bike tracks to Tuggerah-Wyong. This network provides (BMX, velodromes and mountain bike trails).9 excellent opportunities for recreational walking, cycling, jogging and commuting. There are regional-level playgrounds at Canton Beach, Long Jetty, The Entrance and Integrating the recreational walking and cycling Umina, with regional-scale sporting facilities, networks with commuter connections to including the Mariners Sporting complex at centres, bus networks and railway stations will Tuggerah and the Central Coast Stadium. help to increase commuter walking and cycling These facilities provide a focus for community and support the public transport network. DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 17
The NSW Government will DIRECTION 1.2 Grow work with councils to: and enhance liveable • prioritise links to create a connected network that: local centres maximises use of the bushland The Central Coast contains many desirable and foreshores available; and local centres and neighbourhoods provides opportunities for residents with access to natural features such as to access jobs and services. bushland, foreshores and beaches.
Local centres offer a range of activities ACTION 1.1.4: Prepare guidelines that provide local jobs and allow residents for a safe, inclusive, healthy and to service their daily and weekly needs, enjoyable built environment including retail, health and personal services. Revitalising local centres, providing more housing choice, and increasing the quality Creating a built environment that encourages and amenity of local neighbourhoods will physical activity will help to both revitalise increase the appeal of these places and centres and build healthy communities. enhance the region’s lifestyle reputation. Creating mixed-use centres, connecting Preparing design and development recreation networks and integrating public guidelines will assist communities, transport facilities with walking and cycling State agencies, local governments and facilities will encourage more physical activity. industry to deliver safe, enjoyable, and This is particularly important given that 62 liveable centres and communities. per cent of the adult population in the region was classified as overweight and obese in Developing local and neighbourhood plans 2014, compared to 52.5 per cent for NSW.10 will also help to deliver vibrant mixed- use centres that support tourist activities, Making communities safe is a high priority local businesses and infill housing. for the NSW Government. Crime prevention will be one of the factors considered when environmental design guidelines are applied ACTION 1.2.1 Prepare local plans during the planning of future development. for vibrant, liveable local centres With 28 per cent of the region’s population expected to be aged over 65 years by 2036, Providing the right regulatory settings it is important for urban areas, housing, for investment and business activity transport and other services to be accessible is an important first step in attracting to the ageing population. The NSW Ageing development, jobs, goods and services. Strategy is a whole-of-government and community strategy that supports the Developing local plans in consultation with participation of seniors in the community. local communities and businesses will help Gosford and Wyong Councils have also to establish the best regulatory environment prepared the Central Coast Positive Ageing and identify complementary actions to Strategy which includes a range of actions support growth, enliven local centres, and to support the region’s ageing population. generate investment and confidence. Local plans will give residents greater certainty The NSW Government will: about the scale and mix of activities likely to be supported in future planning decisions. • work with the NSW Healthy Planning Expert Working Group and councils Local strategies are already being implemented to develop guidelines for planning, for a number of centres identified with designing and developing a healthy future growth potential including Woy and safe built environment; and Woy, The Entrance/Long Jetty, Umina, • work with councils to support Terrigal, Toukley and Warnervale. initiatives which allow for people to age positively on the Central Coast. 18
The NSW Government will: Sydney and the Hunter. To facilitate more local jobs, the draft Plan also supports support Gosford City and Wyong Shire • improved connections between the region’s Councils to prepare and implement communities and regional economic corridors local centre strategies and associated and associated centres, which will remain reviews of local environmental plans the hubs of the regional transport network. and development control plans. A priority of the draft Plan is to sustain high levels of access to the health facilities at both ACTION 1.2.2 Support development Gosford and Wyong Hospitals and the jobs by directing investment to centres in the Somersby to Erina and Tuggerah to that will grow and change Warnervale Regional Economic Corridors.
Investment that improves the amenity The NSW Government is advancing a of local centres will attract development range of projects to improve transport and and business and facilitate growth. It will accessibility in NSW and on the Central make the most effective use of existing Coast. This work focuses on both the regional services and infrastructure such as economic corridors and other transport Terrigal, Central Coast public transport, and potentially reduce corridors, including the Gosford to Ourimbah dependence on private vehicle use. and Gosford to Woy Woy corridors, which will also improve the region’s connectivity. The NSW Government will: Transport for NSW and Roads and Maritime • prioritise investment in infrastructure and Services are progressively preparing network services for areas experiencing growth or and corridor strategies to cover every State capable of delivering desired growth; and road in NSW, to better manage transport • support councils to identify opportunities infrastructure to maximise benefits for to facilitate private investment in centres. customers. These strategies provide the following benefits for the State Road Network: • a plan for network/corridor improvement DIRECTION 1.3 Create that considers all modes of transport; connected and accessible • transparency for the community, communities and centres councils and other State agencies about planning and investment decisions;
Central Coast communities benefit from access • consistency in planning, management to employment and services provided locally and operation of roads; and and in greater Sydney and the Lower Hunter. • the integration of road safety, traffic and asset maintenance projects The region’s narrow and elongated urban resulting in cost savings. footprint and road network support multiple access points to inter-regional transport The NSW Government’s ongoing planning corridors such as the M1 Pacific Motorway and is being supported by upgrades to the the Sydney to Newcastle rail corridor. They State Road Network. Planning, design and provide ready access to job opportunities construction is currently under way on a and services within adjacent regions. range of projects affecting the M1 Pacific Motorway (NSW/Australian Governments), Over 23 per cent of the working population Central Coast Highway, Pacific Highway, in the region (more than 30,400 people) Avoca Drive, Terrigal Drive, The Entrance commute out of the region each day to Bridge, and Sparks and Wyong Roads. jobs in centres across Sydney and within Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.11 ACTION 1.3.1 Facilitate accessible The draft Plan supports improvements to the centres and communities region’s road and public transport networks to allow residents greater access to local jobs and services and to opportunities in The Central Coast Regional Transport Plan outlines the NSW Government’s commitments DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 19
to improving access within the region. competitive, however, in comparison to the This draft Plan’s proposal to concentrate Sydney and Hunter housing markets. employment activity within two regional economic corridors aims to support the The draft Plan aims to support this competitive delivery of an effective and efficient transport advantage. It places emphasis on providing system. Priority improvements will focus on: new housing in existing and committed growth areas and will be supported by investigations connecting to and through the • into the potential housing capacity within regional economic corridors; the Central Coast’s regional economic • connecting the corridors and centres corridors and associated centres, where this is to Sydney and the Hunter via road compatible with growing the region’s economy. and rail connections; and To meet the projected housing demand improving public and active transport • over the next 20 years, an average of 1,980 connections to and through the two new homes will need to be constructed regional economic corridors. each year. This is 590 more homes than the average annual housing production of 1,390 dwellings over the 19 years to 2014-15.13 DIRECTION 1.4 Accelerate housing supply The Department of Planning and Environment’s Urban Feasibility Model identified significant capacity for more housing (infill) in existing Part of the appeal of living on the Central urban areas across the region. Since the Coast is its housing affordability relative to modelling work took place in mid-2014, the the Sydney Metropolitan area. The median average sale price for housing on the Central sale price of housing has grown substantially Coast has increased by a further 12 per cent, in recent years – from $125,000 in 1991, to which is expected to have increased the $275,000 in 2002, to $420,000 in 2014 and viability of development and redevelopment there are a broad range of housing types in more parts of the region. The types of from multi-million dollar waterfront houses housing identified by the Urban Feasibility to manufactured housing estates (see Figure Model as most viable were residential flat 3). The region’s housing remains highly buildings in Gosford Local Government Area and multi-dwelling housing in both Gosford and Wyong Local Government Areas. Figure 3:M Meediandian SSaleale sP Prriceice s(a forll d Swyednellinyg s) and Central Coast Councils, 1991 – 201412 Consultation with the development industry has identified infrastructure servicing, charges 800 and biodiversity approvals are affecting housing delivery in the Warnervale – Wadalba Greater Sydney land release area. The draft Plan proposes 700 Gosford specific actions to improve the infrastructure Wyong contributions framework, the coordination of 600 infrastructure and land release staging, and the approach to offsetting the biodiversity impacts
0 ) 500 of new development. Monitoring the outcomes $ , ( will allow stakeholders to identify if the actions e c i
r have been successful or require adjustment.
P 400
e a l S The draft Plan supports more informed
a n 300 i
d planning and delivery of housing supply, e
M using monitoring programs, supportive 200 regulatory processes and tools, and collaborative management and governance, 100 to deliver housing and associated infrastructure as and where required. 0 9 1 9 2 9 3 9 4 9 5 9 6 9 7 9 8 9 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 6 0 7 0 8 0 9 1 0 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 ------n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J 20
ACTION 1.4.1 Coordinate In new land release areas, development infrastructure delivery to contributes to the cost of State and local support the timely and infrastructure to support growth and redevelopment. Infrastructure plans are efficient delivery of housing already in place in the Warnervale Town Centre and Wyong Employment Zone. Planning for State infrastructure such as roads, water, energy, schools and health services is In the North Wyong Shire Structure Plan area, undertaken by a range of State agencies. The if development occurs outside of the preferred timely delivery of infrastructure is essential sequence, developers may be required to to support growth. Delivering infrastructure pay a greater percentage of the costs of involves a process of augmenting or expanding infrastructure, forward fund, or even construct existing systems and networks. This means infrastructure to support their development. that for infrastructure to be delivered in a cost- effective manner it needs to be undertaken in The NSW Government aims to undertake a coordinated and often sequential manner. a series of administrative and operational improvements to the developer contribution Coordinating infrastructure delivery between system. These improvements will Terrigal, Central Coast State agencies will provide the community seek to improve transparency of State with greater certainty, give confidence to contributions and assist the timely delivery investors, and build business confidence and of infrastructure to support growth. certainty within the construction industry. The NSW Government will: The NSW Government is building or has committed to build a number of infrastructure • work with infrastructure providers to projects which deliver investor confidence in coordinate the delivery of infrastructure important locations in the regional economic for land releases and existing urban corridors and centres, including Gosford areas to support development; City Centre (for example, the Government is • aim to undertake administrative and facilitating redevelopment of the old Gosford operational improvements to the developer Public School site and has committed funding contribution system including improving for a regional performing arts centre in management, accountability, reporting partnership with other levels of government). and transparency of State contributions;
The Government has also recently • develop a revised service model invested significant funds in providing and a new approach to planning access to the proposed Warnervale Town school assets in the region; and Centre and committed to part funding • support councils and infrastructure the proposed Warnervale Link Road. providers to identify appropriate sites for infrastructure such as emergency Annual monitoring data will be provided service facilities, energy production and to councils and infrastructure providers to supply, waste disposal areas, cemeteries better inform future infrastructure needs and and crematoria. service planning. In new land release areas this can be used to inform infrastructure sequencing and planning requirements to ACTION 1.4.2 Monitor land support the timely delivery of growth. and housing delivery
Annual monitoring data will help to plan Adequate housing supply can help to maintain for infrastructure that has longer lead-in housing affordability within the region. times for delivery and needs to be planned strategically, in conjunction with council Monitoring housing supply and projected planning. This type of infrastructure includes demand allows government and industry schools, emergency service facilities, bus to identify whether there is sufficient depots, energy generation and supply, waste zoned and serviced land available for disposal areas, and cemeteries and crematoria. new development areas, and whether intervention is required to facilitate growth in existing urban areas. The NSW Government produces and publishes housing monitor DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 21
reports and the quarterly Metropolitan Development Program which monitors Housing demand housing in Sydney and the Central Coast. and preferences Annual monitoring will allow issues that are affecting the delivery of housing to Over the period 2001-11, the number be identified and addressed. It will also of four-bedroom homes increased measure if strategies to improve delivery by 8,292, while during the same have been successful and whether new period 2,277 studios, one, two and interventions are required. In addition, it three-bedroom homes were lost in allows infrastructure and service providers to the region.14 The number of homes identify and respond to growth and trends. with three or more bedrooms is also higher in the region (77 per cent The NSW Government will: compared with 72 per cent for NSW). 15 • regularly liaise with councils and industry A survey of existing Central Coast to monitor, evaluate and respond residents in 2014 identified a to blockages in housing supply. preference for detached and semi- detached dwellings (79 per cent of respondents) and properties with DIRECTION 1.5 Improve three or more bedrooms (74 per cent of respondents). For the small housing choice (Infill) portion of respondents who preferred to live in a unit, two bedrooms As the region’s population grows and ages greater was the ideal property size.16 housing choice will become increasingly important. Respondents also indicated that good proximity to shops and the The draft Plan proposes creating a greater safety of people and property diversity of housing in and around Gosford City were important considerations in Centre, the Somersby to Erina and Tuggerah decisions about where to live (63 to Warnervale corridors, and local centres per cent of respondents). Other across the region. Other centres already important factors such as proximity identified with potential for additional infill to the natural environment (55 per housing include Toukley, The Entrance, Long cent of respondents), cleanliness Jetty, Terrigal, Woy Woy, Umina and Ettalong. and lack of pollution also affected decisions about where to live. The land in Gosford City Centre, Somersby to Erina corridor and Tuggerah-Wyong is already Housing preference research in Sydney zoned for urban purposes and can assist in and Melbourne by the Grattan Institute providing additional infill housing. In these indicates that older and single person areas, a range of housing options are likely, households are more likely to find the such as apartments, villas and townhouses. characteristics of the area in which they live more important than the type of house in which they live.17 ACTION 1.5.1 Support delivery of Given the expected growth in seniors greater housing choice in and near housing and smaller household sizes, centres with existing services this is relevant for the Central Coast and provides opportunities for growth in and around centres, where good Demographic trends towards smaller access to services and a high amenity household sizes and an ageing population public domain can be achieved. highlight the need for greater housing diversity with good access to transport, health and other community services. Providing a variety of housing types and more affordable options are also important so that people can ‘age-in-place’ and maintain their connections with social networks and family. 22
The NSW Government has established several The 2012 North Wyong Shire Structure Plan tools to support the provision of affordable (the Structure Plan) provides a high level housing in NSW. The State Environmental framework to guide land use and infrastructure Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) planning and has been incorporated into the 2009 and the State Environmental Planning Wyong Shire Local Environmental Plan 2013. Policy No. 70 Affordable Housing (Revised Schemes) are policies which encourage the The Structure Plan identifies the potential development of new affordable housing for 16,682 lots in the development areas and maintain existing affordable housing. and supports the establishment of the There are several other policies which assist proposed new Warnervale Town Centre.18 the provision of more affordable housing, The town centre is expected to provide including seniors housing. Both Gosford and business and services for 3,600 new Wyong Councils have affordable housing residents on the site and the broader strategies which propose a range of methods Warnervale-Wadalba land release area.19 to increase the supply of affordable housing. The Structure Plan also identifies several The region’s centres have capacity for strategic locations subject to a range of additional infill housing which can take physical characteristics (for example, Terrigal coastal advantage of the infrastructure, jobs, high biodiversity values, and clay and housing services and transport available. Other coal resources) that require more detailed areas with emerging attributes, similar local planning to determine development to these areas, will be investigated for potential. This more detailed planning infill housing in the medium term. is yet to occur and will need to consider several development and biodiversity offset The NSW Government will: proposals for this area, if approved. work with councils to: • A new intersection ($23 million, largely identify planning controls in existing funded from the NSW Government’s Housing urban areas that will increase the range Acceleration Fund) and access road (funded of housing types provided, particularly by the NSW Government, Wyong Council in and around centres and in locations and Woolworths) have also been built for with good public transport services; the proposed Warnervale Town Centre. The Government has also committed to providing identify other suitable centres $25 million towards the next stage of Wyong and locations for infill housing Shire Council’s proposed Warnervale Link such as The Entrance; centres on Road which will connect from the Pacific the Woy Woy Peninsula; Toukley; Highway at North Wyong to Sparks Road. Terrigal; and Ourimbah; and identify blockages to growth and opportunities to facilitate growth; ACTION 1.6.1 Maintain up- to-date staging for new land • implement locally responsive affordable housing strategies; and release in North Wyong identify opportunities for re-use of surplus • The staging plan in the North Wyong Shire government land to support centres Structure Plan will be kept up-to-date revitalisation and unlock investment. in line with the timing of infrastructure delivery. The Structure Plan will also be updated to reflect ongoing planning and to DIRECTION 1.6 Concentrate reconfirm the priorities for future release. new development at The Structure Plan staging plan identifies Warnervale and elsewhere that areas around the Warnervale-Wadalba in North Wyong land release area will remain the short to medium term development priorities and areas elsewhere in the North Wyong area The draft Plan focuses new land release will be developed over the longer term. The development opportunities primarily in the draft Plan supports the implementation Warnervale –Wadalba land release area and delivery of this staging plan. and elsewhere in the North Wyong area. DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 23
Where possible, updates will provide additional including protecting riparian corridors to guidance on areas identified as Strategically‘ protect terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. located, constrained sites subject to further The draft Plan supports a precinct approach investigation and offset strategies to define to biodiversity offsetting in northern conservation requirements and development Wyong to achieve both conservation and potential’. These areas have clay and coal development objectives. This could occur resources, areas of ‘high environmental value’ at a landscape scale or as development and contain key components of the potential precincts are planned and released, as green corridor areas and habitat networks in has occurred with the Warnervale Town the Structure Plan (see Action 1.6.2 below). Centre site, which was bio-certified by the Minister for the Environment in 2014. Resolution of these local issues could occur on a site-by-site basis, as areas are rezoned The NSW Government will: for urban development, or as part of a coordinate the development of a coordinated planning process for a larger area. • Biodiversity Offset Strategy for new development areas in northern Wyong The NSW Government will: with Wyong Shire Council; and work with Wyong Shire Council to • work with councils to identify opportunities review the existing staging of land • to establish and manage landscape and release and update, as required, to biodiversity conservation corridors. match delivery of local and State infrastructure to the planned timing for delivering each new community; and ACTION 1.6.3: Support • review the North Wyong Shire further cross-council Structure Plan to reflect the latest boundary collaboration planning information regarding biodiversity, resources, development and infrastructure, and, where possible, There are strong cross-border links between provide greater certainty about issues the southern parts of Lake Macquarie (part associated with strategic sites. of the Hunter Region) and northern parts of Wyong Council. There are a number of inter- regional issues which should be addressed ACTION 1.6.2 Secure regional in a consistent, timely and effective manner, including infrastructure, services (including wildlife corridors and offset health and public transport planning) and the biodiversity impacts biodiversity conservation. This is particularly of new development relevant for planning, infrastructure and service delivery issues between the growing areas The North Wyong Shire Structure Plan of Warnervale, Bushells Ridge and Wyee. identifies green corridors and habitat networks that are part of a regionally The NSW Government will: significant biodiversity and landscape corridor • support inter-regional land use and that can complement development in the infrastructure planning between the Central northern part of Wyong Local Government Coast councils and adjoining councils; and Area. There are several existing regionally significant landscape and biodiversity links • work with local government and service in the Central Coast that link to adjoining providers on cross-border issues. regions. The draft Plan supports the ongoing extension of these corridor networks, where appropriate, to conserve the environmental and landscape values of the area and to complement proposed development areas.
Biodiversity offsetting offers a strategic approach to managing the impacts associated with clearing for new development and advances multiple strategic objectives, 24 DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 25
GOAL 2 – Grow and diversify the regional economy
The proximity of the two biggest economies in The areas that have the greatest concentration NSW, Sydney and the Hunter Region, provides of existing and planned employment on the opportunities for greater growth in the region Central Coast are the Somersby to Erina and particularly more job opportunities. To and the Tuggerah to Warnervale regional fulfil this potential for growth, the region has to economic corridors. Together, these corridors provide a business and work environment that provide 48,000 jobs, representing almost 50 attracts investment and provides local jobs. per cent of regional employment. They have the greatest concentration of infrastructure, The economy of the Central Coast provides a transport and services, and significant capacity strong foundation for investment. The region’s to support growth. They are also accessible for gross regional product in 2013 was $10.8 billion, local markets and workers and are linked by representing eight per cent of the regional competitive transport, logistics and electronic NSW gross regional product.20 The economic telecommunications to Sydney and the world. centres and regional economic corridors of the Central Coast are located within 100 kilometres A range of benefits can be achieved by of the nation’s biggest market, Sydney supporting the clustering of retail and (including Sydney International Airport). commercial development in centres and facilitating the establishment of a critical mass The Central Coast had more than 153,700 of economic activity. This will also support the employed residents in the year ending development of more housing in and around June 2014.21 Nearly one-quarter (23.3 per centres, encourage more people to access cent or more than 30,400 people) travel centres for their daily activities and allow out of the region for work each day.22 The people to live and work in accessible locations. region’s unemployment in June 2015 was Clustering economic activity and housing higher than the average in NSW; 6.1 per also allows for more effective use of public cent compared with 5.9 per cent.23 transport and encourages greater levels of physical activity such as walking and cycling.
Top, centre & bottom Berkeley Vale factory 26
cent (compared to 7.7 per cent for NSW) and Central Coast Regional accommodation and food services at 8.2 per 24 Economic Development cent (compared to 7 per cent for NSW). and Employment Strategy There is potential for economic growth in warehousing and logistics associated with proximity to and connections with Sydney The planning system alone cannot and Newcastle via the M1 Pacific Motorway create jobs but it can enable economic and rail. There are also opportunities to development that leads to job grow the economy through sectors such creation. A range of strategies will as health and education, associated with be required to support economic the growing and ageing population. growth and development and to implement the draft Plan, including The NSW Government is supporting growth those outlined within the Regional in the health sector through the Gosford Economic Development and Hospital upgrade and planning for a $200 Employment Strategy (the REDES). million upgrade to Wyong Hospital to support The REDES includes a range of growth and change in the northern parts of the The Entrance strategies which have informed region. Health infrastructure in the northern boat house the draft Plan, including: part of the region will be further strengthened through the construction of new ambulance securing new jobs and supporting • stations at Wyong and Toukley. These upgrades existing jobs by facilitating growth will provide a range of local employment associated with population growth; opportunities for healthcare professionals • building on existing advantages such as doctors and nurses as well as in allied in food production, logistics, health, aged care and other support services. manufacturing and tourism; The draft Plan supports growth and creating new advantages • diversification in industries where the region through clusters in health, green has strengths – health care, education industries and ageing sectors; (including university education), construction, • attracting new businesses and resources and agriculture, and tourism – and associated services to the region therefore opportunities for greater employment in sectors such as food production, growth. The draft Plan also supports new logistics, manufacturing, tourism, employment opportunities which could government agencies and call arise, such as renewable energy generation, and service centres; and supported by the region’s significant electrical production and distribution • actions relating to strengthening infrastructure, or opportunities arising from employment lands, centres, the region’s good access to information and and area-specific actions for communications technology. The draft Plan Gosford City Centre, Tuggerah- also supports the clustering of retail and Wyong and Ourimbah. commercial activity in centres to support their redevelopment and revitalisation.
The draft Plan will support growth in the The industries which are the largest employers regional economic corridors and centres, in the region and which have capacity focusing future infrastructure and social for growth are the healthcare and social investment in these areas, to increase their assistance sector at 17.4 per cent (compared ability to compete with economic corridors to 11.3 per cent for NSW), education and and centres in adjoining regions. The NSW training at 9.3 per cent (consistent with 9.3 Government will need to work with councils per cent for NSW), retail trade at 13.4 per and private investors to achieve this outcome. cent (compared to 10.2 per cent for NSW), manufacturing at 8.3 per cent (compared to 7.9 per cent for NSW), construction 8.3 per DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 27
DIRECTION 2.1 Support Employment Zone, Lisarow, North Wyong, Tuggerah, Berkley Vale, Charmhaven and the 21st century emerging employment areas in Bushells Ridge. needs of business The draft Plan supports business activity across the region, focusing on higher-order activity The draft Plan aims to generate competitive in the major centres and employment nodes. advantages from doing business in the region to increase local employment. It will The NSW Government will: do this by facilitating a business-friendly regulatory environment that includes timely • support councils to regularly undertake and efficient business approval processes, reviews of local planning controls of and by identifying and responding to industrial and commercial areas to: current and emerging business needs. better attract investment and business activity; and Monitoring the changing land and infrastructure needs of economic sectors will encourage industry cluster formation help to inform land use and infrastructure and recognise freight activity planning priorities on the Central Coast, and precincts in employment lands. improve the delivery of infrastructure.
Industry needs access to transport ACTION 2.1.2 Support the business infrastructure for workers and freight; development needs of industry good access to local, national and global markets; and reliable information Small business is a significant contributor to and communications technology. the regional economy and employs almost three-quarters (73 per cent)25 of the region’s Business expectations about the standard of workforce, compared with 67 per cent centres are constantly evolving. Expectations across NSW.26 Improving understanding are high about the quality of supporting about the way that small business infrastructure, accessibility and amenity, which operates will help the NSW Government the region’s centres have capacity to satisfy. to provide the right environment for small business development and investment. Identifying, coordinating and delivering enabling infrastructure will help to attract A range of sectors will be supported through new business and employment opportunities planning, with the aim of facilitating the within the region’s centres and regional expansion of existing businesses and to economic corridors. Prioritising transport attract new businesses to the region. Most infrastructure and services that provide sectors will be supported by the growth and access to centres from other parts of revitalisation in centres and employment the region, and to major markets such as lands, including food production, logistics, Sydney and Newcastle, are a key focus. manufacturing, health, education, State agencies and call service centres.
ACTION 2.1.1 Facilitate a Activity which occurs outside of centres, local planning framework including tourism and agriculture, will require a that supports business regionally-consistent response to planning, and consideration about how these uses occur and New commercial and retail business relate to other land uses in their local areas. activity is expected to focus on the region’s major centres which are Gosford, Erina, The tourism and hospitality industries are Tuggerah and Wyong, other centres significant industries for the region. Domestic across the region, and industrial areas. overnight visitors spent $507 million in the region in 2014-15, while domestic day- Specialised industry clusters (for example, trippers spent $284 million and international logistics and food manufacturing and overnight visitors spent $33 million.27 Tourist processing) are expected to develop in areas facilities and activities occur across the such as Somersby, West Gosford, the Wyong region, although they are generally located east of the M1 Pacific Motorway. They include 28
nature-based tourism; walking trails and sites; Industrial development valued at $48 Aboriginal cultural heritage tourism; rural million was approved in 2014, with $24.5 activities and farm stays; and wildlife and million in the warehouse sector alone, and adventure parks. More traditional tourism the value of building activity in the region is centred on the coast, such as at Ettalong, recently increased for the fourth year Avoca, Terrigal, The Entrance and Toukley. in a row.29 Providing adequate sites for employment, in varying sizes and locations, The NSW Government has a range of programs will help to meet this growing demand. to help small business and create local employment opportunities in areas such as the The region’s centres have an adequate Central Coast. The Smart Work Hub Program supply of commercial zoned land to meet is aimed at helping to grow knowledge-based projected demand. Much of the future industries and reducing the need for residents development will occur through redevelopment to commute outside of the region for work. and intensification of existing sites. The Nexus Smart Hub at North Wyong and Gosford Smart Work Hub in Gosford both The NSW Government will: provide alternative space for workers. • investigate programs to manage and monitor the supply of business The NSW Government will: Berkeley Vale factory space within centres; and work with councils to identify and • work with councils on changes to implement a range of strategies to support • local environmental plans and local small business growth and innovation; and strategies to respond to changing • work with councils and industry to prepare demands for land and floor space. industry-specific planning strategies that support growth, and a regionally- consistent planning approach for tourism, ACTION 2.1.4 Coordinate agriculture and other sectors, as required. infrastructure delivery to meet changes in demand for industrial land ACTION 2.1.3 Manage and monitor land supply to enable a flexible and The region’s supply of zoned and serviced responsive planning environment industrial land is not sufficient to support for business and industry growth over the medium term. The timely and coordinated delivery of infrastructure is The NSW Government monitors the supply critical to creating a competitive economy. of commercial and industrial land through the Employment Lands Development There are a number of locations, including Program which includes the Central Coast. the Wyong Employment Zone (268.3 hectares of undeveloped industrial land) The region has over 2000 hectares of and Bushells Ridge (552 hectares of zoned industrial land; 55 per cent of which undeveloped industrial land) where a was undeveloped at January 2015. This is range of issues including infrastructure, adequate to meet projected growth and biodiversity planning and mineral resources potential business demands. It comprises: (clay extraction) require resolution.30 582 hectares in the Gosford Local • The NSW Government will: Government Area (including 292.2 hectares in the Somersby Business Park); • work with councils and servicing agencies to coordinate infrastructure 1,459 hectares in Wyong (including 335.2 • planning and delivery for employment hectares in the Wyong Employment Zone; and commercial land. 48.8 hectares of which is developed); and • 467 hectares of proposed industrial land (identified in the North Wyong Structure Plan).28 DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 29
ACTION 2.1.5 Support other to the Hills M2 Motorway at Pennant Hills. employment development areas and opportunities Freight and logistics businesses are clustered around the M1 Pacific Motorway interchanges at Somersby, Tuggerah and increasingly A broad range of employment activity occurs at Warnervale in freight activity precincts. outside the regional economic corridors and There are also several other manufacturing centres that contributes to local employment clusters across the region, including the food and supports the operation and development manufacturing cluster which is supported by of local centres. Some of these uses have complementary services and activities. It is the opportunity to support additional important for freight to move freely around employment activity which contributes to the the region to access these areas and for these development of nearby centres, the regional areas to connect to the M1 Pacific Motorway. economy and provide local employment. Freight access is also important for the region’s The combined University of Newcastle agricultural and extractive resource sectors, Central Coast and TAFE campus at Ourimbah; which are primarily focused west of the M1 Wyong Hospital, large tourism activities, Pacific Motorway. Maintaining access to local and infrastructure such as waste disposal markets and beyond is important to the sites and power stations could support ongoing efficiency of business in these areas. expanded or complementary land uses.
Planning for employment activity outside ACTION 2.2.1 Strengthen freight of centres should facilitate economic and commerce connections and business connections with the regional economic corridors, complement between the regional economic centres’ growth and function, and be corridors and Sydney and the Hunter compatible with nearby land uses. The expected population and employment As the region grows, there will be demand growth on the Central Coast will also contribute for additional activities, particularly retail. to increases in freight volumes, both on inter- The preferred strategy to support new retail regional connections and on local routes. development will be to expand existing Maintaining freight access around the region centres. This will maximise the use of existing and to the inter-regional links will be critical, infrastructure and community facilities and particularly given freight volumes on the facilitate more vibrant centres. If new retail and M1 Pacific Motorway between Hornsby and commercial locations are required, they should Newcastle/Gosford are expected to increase be planned as new centres, connected to public by 79 per cent between 2011 and 2031.31 The transport or with easy pedestrian access. Northern Sydney Freight Corridor Program will increase rail freight carrying capacity The NSW Government will: between Newcastle and Sydney by 50 per cent, from 29 to 44 freight trains each day.32 • work with councils and stakeholders to identify opportunities to support The NSW Government is undertaking local employment and centres a range of improvements that will link growth across the region. the regional economic corridors to the M1 Pacific Motorway and link these to the adjoining regions. These include: DIRECTION 2.2 Maintain • the $170 million upgrade of the Central strong inter-regional Coast Highway-Brisbane Water Drive connections for business and Manns Road intersection at West Gosford, (under construction and due for completion early 2016); The Central Coast has good freight connections to Sydney via the M1 Pacific Motorway • Pacific Highway-Wyong Road intersection, and rail. These links will be improved by Tuggerah (early works under way; main initiatives such as NorthConnex, which will construction to start early 2016); link the M1 Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga 30
1. The Waterfront 2. The Arts & Entertainment Precinct The intention for this precinct is for it to become a focus for a The intention for this precinct is that it variety of activites and provide contain a range of activities which will high amenity for all of Gosford. attract people to Gosford City Centre, such as the proposed performing arts centre, and link to existing entertainment elements such as the stadium.
3. The City Core The intention for this precinct is to focus on Kibble Park, link to the major existing shopping centre and link to the waterfront and Rumbalara reserves.
4. The Railway Precinct The intention for this precinct is for the station and bus interchange to connect to the surrounding urban area through a series of upgraded pedestrian links and improvements to pedestrian amenity.
5. The Hospital Precinct The intention for this precinct is to reinforce health services, close to the Gosford station, consolidate education facilities and improve pedestrian safety, amenity and access.
Figure 4: Gosford City Centre
Heavy Rail Network Council Facility Urban Area
Sports and Entertainment Highway/Major Road Facility Non-Urban Area
City Precinct Marina National Park and Reserve
Hospital Train Station Open Space
University and Tertiary Education Business zone Waterway DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 31
• M1 Pacific Motorway upgrade regional administrative, civic, service, cultural, between the Kariong and Somersby residential and employment roles. It capitalises interchanges (detailed design, on Gosford’s natural setting and waterfront for completion in 2019); and location. The masterplan built on previous initiatives by the NSW Government and Council M1 Pacific Motorway widening between • to establish a vision, public domain plan and the Tuggerah and Doyalson interchanges new planning framework for the city centre. (detailed design, for completion in 2019).33 The draft Plan supports the delivery of the The NSW Government will: NSW Government, Council and community • continue to work on the vision for the city centre and the coordination implementation of the Central Coast of State and local government initiatives to Regional Transport Plan; and attract business investment to the centre, and complementary investment to nearby work with councils to support freight • areas such as West, East and North Gosford. corridors and activities, including the Northern Sydney Freight Corridor, freight activity precincts ACTION 2.3.1 Support integrated and future freight corridors. planning for the Gosford City Centre and the Gosford Hospital DIRECTION 2.3 Grow health and wellbeing, waterfront, Gosford City Centre as and arts and entertainment precincts to grow jobs the region’s capital The Our City, Our Destiny Masterplan The draft Plan supports Gosford City identifies opportunities to redevelop five Centre as the region’s capital as it is precincts within the Gosford city centre – the expected to play a key role in providing hospital, railway, arts and entertainment, the region’s future employment and waterfront and city core precincts. It also housing opportunities (see Figure 4). provides high-level guidance about how to achieve potential redevelopment. Gosford City Centre has significant state infrastructure in the form of a heavy rail Since the masterplan was finalised, the Central line, schools, TAFE and Gosford Hospital. Coast Regional Development Corporation has There are 20,000 jobs in the city centre advanced the redevelopment of the waterfront and surrounds, including West Gosford.34 area through the relocation of Gosford Public School. It has rezoned the site to allow for a The city centre is also expected to have more mixture of commercial and community uses medium and high density housing and up to and is proceeding with the sale of part of 10,000 new residents.35 This is already being the site for commercial redevelopment. reflected in development and approval activity. Where more detailed precinct planning is still Health care and social assistance is a major required, precinct plans will be developed employment sector in the city centre. There that will improve amenity, integrate transport are several significant healthcare opportunities (including walking and cycling), facilitate for Gosford, including the $368 million higher density housing within walking redevelopment of Gosford Hospital and the distance of the city centre, and provide establishment of the Health and Wellbeing community and enabling infrastructure. Precinct.36 With the Gosford Private Hospital in North Gosford and an extensive allied The NSW Government has funded healthcare sector, Gosford will be a major investigations into the integration of transport focus for health activities in the region. in Gosford City Centre to acknowledge the proposed Gosford Hospital upgrade. This The Our City, Our Destiny Masterplan (2010), work will be complemented by undertaking which was prepared for Gosford City Council long term transport planning for Gosford to and the NSW Government, advocates a help deliver transport that supports the future vision for Gosford that seeks to strengthen its growth of the city (see Action 2.3.2 over). 32
The NSW Government will work includes Erina Fair. Erina Fair is the region’s with Gosford City Council to: largest retail centre, with a gross lettable area in excess of 110,000 square metres.38 • identify opportunities to support development in and around The Central Coast Highway is the ‘spine’ Gosford City Centre; and of this corridor and provides access to • prepare precinct plans, where required, that communities and centres across the southern will support delivery of more broad ranging half of the region. The corridor also has strong plans for the city centre and the integration connections to Sydney and Newcastle and of other precincts within the centre. the Tuggerah to Warnervale Corridor.
The area is framed by Brisbane Water, Erina ACTION 2.3.2 Undertake strategic Creek, the Brisbane Water National Park and infrastructure and services planning Rumbalara and Kincumba Mountain Reserves. These areas have high environmental values and provide a broad range of accessible Infrastructure and services planning will be recreation opportunities for residents and required to support the proposed increase visitors. These areas will be protected in employment and residential development and their environmental, recreational and in and around Gosford City Centre and cultural values enhanced, as the centres facilitate private investment. The focus within this corridor are revitalised. will be on identifying and coordinating the delivery of infrastructure and services that can provide the catalyst for further growth The draft Plan supports additional action and investment by the public sector. to improve the capacity of the centres and employment nodes in the Somersby to Erina Corridor, to generate greater investment Given the significant amount of development and employment. These actions include: expected to occur in the city centre in the coming years, long term transport planning for • recognising the role of the corridor in the centre will be undertaken in partnership providing employment opportunities and with local government and the relevant State services for communities spread along the agencies. This planning will shape how the road southern coastline of the Central Coast; and transport system can best be managed to cope with the growth and impact of new • diversifying employment development, while delivering a transport opportunities in Erina; system that is integrated and people-focused. • supporting the further revitalisation of East Gosford; and The NSW Government will work with Gosford City Council and other stakeholders • enhancing connectivity to and to develop a long term transport through the corridor. framework for Gosford City Centre. The draft Plan also supports expanding the capacity of employment locations such as the industry, manufacturing and logistics DIRECTION 2.4 Focus hub at Somersby. As an economic gateway growth within the into the region, there is potential to increase Somersby’s role as a major employment Somersby to Erina Corridor and economic provider, capitalising on its proximity to Sydney, population centres The Somersby to Erina Corridor (see in the east of the region, and the rural and Figure 5) is the priority location for future resource lands in the west of the region. jobs, services and business growth within the southern half of the region. There are The draft Plan also aims to capitalise on the 28,000 people employed in and around this proximity of the Somersby to Erina Corridor corridor,37 representing 29 per cent of jobs to natural features such as Brisbane Water, in the entire region. It includes the Gosford and the wooded ridgelines and areas such City Centre, as well as Somersby Business as Rumbalara and Kincumba Mountain Park and the Erina commercial precinct which Reserves, to build on the appeal of the region as a place to live and do business. DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 33
1. Regional Gateway 2. West Gosford 3. Gosford 4. Erina City Centre Precinct planning Increased employment Support mixed use and covering Somersby diversity will complement Integrated planning for employment diversity Business Park, Mt Penang revitalisation of the Gosford City Centre complementing the and Kariong will improve Gosford City Centre. and the individual renewal of Gosford synergies between Integration of land precincts in the city City Centre. Improve activities, servicing and uses and improved centre will improve it as pedestrian access sustaining access to the connectivity capitalising the region’s capital, and and amenity. Explore M1 Pacific Motorway. on the $170 million help to grow local jobs. opportunities to expand upgrade of the Brisbane Erina centre whilst Water Drive and Manns maintaining east - west Road intersection. connectivity along the Central Coast Highway.
Figure 5: Somersby to Erina Regional economic Corridor
Regional City Regional Gateways National Park and Reserve
Major Centre 1km to 2km Walking Zone Open Space
Other Centre Existing Industrial zone High Environmental Value
Heavy Rail Network Business zones Waterway
Motorway Urban Area
Highway/Major Road Non-Urban Area 34
Left: Erina Fair shopping mall Centre: Tascott train station Right: Wyrrabalong National Park to Forresters Beach
ACTION 2.4.1 Expand the ACTION 2.4.2 Plan for a vibrant southern economic gateway mixed use centre at Erina
The Somersby area and its surrounds, Erina centre is characterised by large including Mt Penang operates as the region’s retail developments, including Erina Fair. southern economic gateway. This area There are opportunities to make this has a broad range of land uses including area more attractive for pedestrians, to manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and improve linkages between the large retail tourism (Somersby), commercial, education elements and adjoining residential areas, and justice (Mount Penang) and residential and to create a more cohesive centre. and centres development (Kariong). Erina is becoming more of a focus for business Gosford City Council is currently planning activity, public transport and community an expansion of the Somersby Business development (now with a library and Park as part of a $28.7 million program of community centre). Gosford City Council has works to upgrade roads, stormwater, sewer commenced a range of studies to inform the and water main infrastructure to service preparation of a local area plan for Erina. The the Somersby area. This work is being part- local plan will support Council’s initiatives to funded through a $10 million grant from make this a more cohesive centre by supporting the Australian Government as part of the a mixture of land uses and activities. National Stronger Regions Fund.39 The NSW Government, via the Central Coast The NSW Government will: Regional Development Corporation, is also support Gosford City Council’s preparation considering future development options for • of a local strategy for Erina to create undeveloped parts of the Mount Penang site. a well-connected mixed-use activity centre, with enhanced urban amenity. Parts of the Somersby and Kariong areas and surrounds have significant environmental and cultural values, including ACTION 2.4.3 Protect a number of significant Aboriginal sites. environmental values along the The draft Plan supports an expansion of the Somersby to Erina Corridor employment functions in this area, and better traffic management, to avoid impediments to There are several areas along the Somersby east-west movement between the regional to Erina Corridor where development economic corridor and the M1 Pacific Motorway. immediately adjoins areas with high environmental value. These areas include, The NSW Government will work Narara and Erina Creeks, Brisbane Water, with Gosford City Council to: Fagans Bay, Presidents Hill, Rumbalara Reserve and Kincumba Mountain Reserve. These identify opportunities to expand • natural areas establish a natural boundary the employment role of the to growth in this area and support a range Somersby economic gateway. of ecological, scenic and recreation values. DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 35
The draft Plan supports the sensitive the northern half of the Central Coast and management of the relationship between the Somersby to Erina Corridor and includes development and conservation values the civic facilities of Wyong Shire Council. to allow the corridor to develop while protecting the ecological, scenic and This area comprises regional transport recreational values of its natural setting. infrastructure that provides connections to Sydney and Newcastle via the M1 Pacific The NSW Government will: Motorway and train stations at Tuggerah, Wyong and the existing Warnervale Village. • work with Gosford City Council to develop a plan that shows how future development The corridor and its surrounding areas and environmental values in the Somersby contain almost 20,000 jobs,41 which is to Erina Corridor will be managed. approximately 20 per cent of all local jobs.42 Westfield is the dominant retail centre in the local government area, with 83,287 square ACTION 2.4.4 Improve metres of gross lettable area.43 The Wyong connectivity and amenity along Employment Zone has 268.3 hectares the Somersby to Erina Corridor of undeveloped employment land.44
The NSW Government is working to Planning is also under way for an upgrade improve transport connections within the to Wyong Hospital to cater for growth and Somersby to Erina Corridor by undertaking change in the northern parts of the region. several upgrades, including the $170 million upgrade to the Central Coast Highway Wyong Shire Council is planning for the intersection with Brisbane Water Drive centres of Tuggerah and Wyong to operate and Manns Road at West Gosford.40 as a complementary centre, connected by the Tuggerah Straight and the Central Coast The NSW Government will work Wetlands and Pioneer Dairy site. The draft with Gosford City Council to: Plan supports the development of Tuggerah and Wyong as the Tuggerah-Wyong major • increase road, public transport and centre and as the main centre servicing pedestrian connectivity along the the northern half of the Central Coast. southern economic gateway; and • prepare a plan for this corridor that identifies the infrastructure necessary to ACTION 2.5.1 Consolidate support growth and improve amenity. Wyong as the civic hub in the northern part of the region
DIRECTION 2.5 Focus Wyong is currently the civic and administrative growth within the Tuggerah hub for the northern part of the region, including both local and state government to Warnervale Corridor offices and services. The centre has the potential to leverage its prominent position The draft Plan recognises the Tuggerah to on the hill; proximity to Wyong River; heritage Warnervale Corridor as a priority location for character; recreational and sporting facilities; future jobs, services and business growth (see and access to Tuggerah and areas to the Figure 6). The corridor facilitates access to north via road and rail, to attract further communities and centres within and across residential and commercial development. 36
Figure 6: Tuggerah to Warnervale Regional Economic Corridor
Major Centre
Towns
Other Centre
Heavy rail
Motorway
Proposed Warnervale Link Road
Highway/Major Road
Regional Connection
Buttonderry Waste Management Centre
Hospital
Regional Gateways
1km to 2km Walking Zone
Urban Release Area
Industrial Release zone
Existing Industrial zone
Business zone
Urban Area
Non-Urban Area
National Park and Reserve
Open Space
Waterway DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 37
Wyong Shire Council has prepared masterplans 1. Bushells Ridge for the Wyong River Foreshore, Baker Park Resolution of infrastructure, mining and biodiversity and civic and cultural precincts which identify issues for Bushells Ridge will enable the area a range of opportunities to improve amenity to become a focus of increased employment in the centre and support additional housing development over the medium to long term. and employment. Council is also supporting additional housing and employment with several major investments, including investment in the Wyong Arthouse, and by 2. Wyong Employment Zone identifying opportunities for council-owned The Wyong Employment Zone will have a range land to be developed in a way that could of diverse employment activity in the future, and provide a catalyst for further development. provide for up to 6,000 jobs. As the main economic gateway for the northern half of the Central Coast The NSW Government will: region, it will maintain access to eastern areas of support Wyong Shire Council’s the M1 Pacific Motorway. Resolution of planning, • preparation of a local strategy to create biodiversity and access issues, and identifying a mixed-use activity centre at Wyong priority areas for development will ensure the that provides improved residential success of the Wyong Employment Zone. and commercial opportunities and enhanced urban amenity, including a more pedestrian-friendly environment. 3. Warnervale Town Centre The proposed Warnervale Town Centre will provide a business, transport and service focus for the ACTION 2.5.2 Create a surrounding residential lands as they develop. diverse, connected and vibrant Tuggerah centre
4. Wyong Hospital Precinct Wyong Shire Council and the NSW The planned redevelopment of the Wyong Government have undertaken strategic Hospital precinct creates opportunities for the planning for the Tuggerah area. This includes surrounding area to support establishment of a the recent amendment to the Wyong health precinct comprising complementary land Local Environmental Plan 2013 to allow uses including allied health and aged housing. part of the ‘Gateway Site’ adjacent to the M1 Pacific Motorway to be developed for commercial uses. Council has also investigated potential uses around this area, including 5. Wyong Town Centre residential and recreational development. Wyong Town Centre will continue to provide the main cultural, civic and administrative activity for The draft Plan supports Tuggerah’s the northern half of the Central Coast region. It regional employment role and encourages will have an increasing residential focus with high a greater diversity of land uses, to amenity due to its setting and heritage character. improve the cohesion of the centre and to create a civic and centre focus.
The NSW Government will: 6. Wyong River Foreshore support Council’s preparation of a Council planning for the Wyong River • local strategy for Tuggerah to create a foreshore will allow the area to become a mixed-use activity centre and enhanced focus of infill residential development. urban amenity, including a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
7. Tuggerah Tuggerah will remain a focus for retail and commercial activity, and act as a gateway to the regional economic corridor, for the northern half of the Central Coast region. 38
ACTION 2.5.3 Support • prepare a plan for this corridor to Warnervale as the next town identify the infrastructure required centre for the Central Coast to support growth and to improve amenity along the corridor.
Extensive planning has been undertaken for the proposed Warnervale Town Centre which is expected to provide services for the DIRECTION 2.6 Enhance growing areas around Warnervale, Wadalba, the Warnervale Hamlyn Terrace, Woongarrah and Halloran. employment lands The centre will be based around a main street and will support medium density residential The draft Plan builds on the NSW Government development. The NSW Government recently and Wyong Shire Council’s plans for the completed a new $23 million intersection proposed Warnervale Town Centre and on Sparks Road (funded primarily from the the Wyong Employment Zone as a priority Housing Acceleration Fund) to support the corridor for future jobs, services and business proposed development.45 Wyong Council, growth. These areas form part of the broader Urban Growth NSW and Woolworths Warnervale-Wadalba release area which Gosford bus terminal at train station recently completed the development of an consists of Woongarrah, Hamlyn Terrace, access road into the town centre site. Wallarah, Warnervale and Wadalba.
The draft Plan supports the proposed The Wyong Employment Zone and surrounds Warnervale Town Centre, its integration will be able to capitalise on proximity to and connectivity with development the M1 Pacific Motorway, growing nearby in surrounding areas, and transport labour markets, and as the northern services which align with this role. economic gateway for the region.
The NSW Government will: Land around the existing Warnervale village has been rezoned to enable up to assist Council and other stakeholders to • 2,300 new dwellings, local shops and a facilitate development on the Warnervale large employment area to the west of the Town Centre site, including planning railway line.46 These areas will benefit from for the transport interchange. their proximity to the Wyong Employment Zone and the Warnervale Town Centre. ACTION 2.5.4 Improve connectivity and amenity along the Tuggerah ACTION 2.6.1 Consolidate to Warnervale corridor and update planning around the Sparks Road Corridor A proactive approach is needed early on in the planning stage to identify and mitigate Sparks Road is central to connecting the potential traffic congestion caused by development areas around the proposed greater development along the Tuggerah to Warnervale Town Centre and Wyong Warnervale Corridor. The NSW Government Employment Zone which is the northern is working to improve movement within this economic gateway to the region. It corridor by undertaking several upgrades, also connects coastal areas to future including the Tuggerah Straight, Pacific opportunities in these areas, the M1 Pacific Highway and Wyong Road intersection, Motorway, and existing employment in and is planning the proposed upgrade the Tuggerah-Wyong major centre. through the Wyong Town Centre. A review is needed to consolidate planning The NSW Government will work which has occurred since the Wyong with Wyong Shire Council to: Employment Zone and Warnervale Town • increase road, public transport and Centre sites were rezoned. This will include sense of place connectivity along the Wyong Shire Council’s proposed education Tuggerah to Warnervale Corridor; and and business precinct. The review will consider land use, and the infrastructure and DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 39
services required to support development DIRECTION 2.7 in this area so that the Government, Council and the community’s vision is achieved. Strengthen the economic self-determination of The NSW Government will: Aboriginal communities • work with Council to review planning which has occurred around OCHRE (Opportunity, Choice, Healing, the Sparks Road corridor. Responsibility, Empowerment) is the NSW Government’s plan for Aboriginal affairs. It focuses on revitalising and promoting ACTION 2.6.2 Resolve Aboriginal languages and culture; creating conservation issues opportunities; increasing the Aboriginal community’s capacity; providing choice; and Parts of the Warnervale-Wadalba land release empowering Aboriginal people to exercise area are located within the catchment of the that choice, as well as giving them the tools Porters Creek Wetland, which is the largest to take responsibility for their own future. freshwater wetland on the Central Coast. The wetland has significant environmental value and drains into the Wyong River and Tuggerah ACTION 2.7.1 Conduct a strategic Lakes. Other parts of the land release area assessment of land held by the also drain into the Wallarah Creek and Wyong region’s Local Aboriginal Land River. Water quality and integrated water Councils to identify priority cycle management are important issues for consideration during planning for release areas. sites for further investigation of their economic opportunities Wyong Shire Council and the NSW Government have undertaken strategic Many of the OCHRE actions are outside biodiversity assessments for the Warnervale the planning system, but there is an Town Centre and Wadalba areas. opportunity to look at the landholdings of Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) The Council is proceeding with a strategic to see how they can best be planned, biodiversity approval for the Wyong managed and developed for the benefit of Employment Zone that relies on multi- the local Aboriginal community. This will use flooding and drainage corridors allow Aboriginal people to gain economic through the area, to offset land clearing benefit from their land and provide greater for future industrial development. Similar opportunities for economic independence. arrangements will be applied as other areas in the north of Wyong Local Government Together, Aboriginal Affairs NSW, Crown Area are planned and developed. Lands and the Department of Planning and Environment, will work with the Darkinjung The draft Plan supports the ongoing Local Aboriginal Land Council to identify protection of areas with high environmental their landholdings and to map the level of value and linking such areas as new constraint at a strategic scale for each site. development is planned and zoned. This information can be used to develop options for the potential commercial use The NSW Government will work with of the land; for example, for housing and Council and developers so that: employment opportunities. It has potential to provide economic returns to the Local appropriate biodiversity planning occurs • Aboriginal Land Councils that can be invested as land is planned and released in the in assistance programs in the region. northern areas of Wyong Shire; and • water quality issues are considered The NSW Government will: when planning for new development work with the Local Aboriginal Land areas in Wyong Shire. • Councils to identify priority sites so that each Council can create a pipeline of potential projects. 40 DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 41
GOAL 3 – Sustain productive landscapes
The Central Coast’s high value rural lands (see to assist in planning and managing multiple Figure 7), extractive resources (see Figure 8) land uses. The NSW Government supports and water resources in the west of the region this use of this framework. It includes a are a major contributor to the economy. These series of planning principles that can assist areas also provide an alternative to the lifestyle in planning around known resource lands available within the urban areas of the region. where other high value land uses also exist.
The region’s rural and resource lands provide Multiple land use planning approaches additional attributes such as geology, climate, (including sequential and simultaneous water resources and good road access that approaches) should be used to ensure that allow them to make a significant contribution land is used as productively as possible and to the region’s economic productivity. valuable resources (such as coal, gas and construction materials) are not sterilised.
DIRECTION 3.1 Promote The region’s agricultural and extractive resource sectors border one of NSW’s investment in rural busiest freight routes, allowing ready and resource lands access to markets. This gives the region a competitive advantage and the potential to grow these sectors. Agricultural production generates in 47 excess of $150 million a year and The draft Plan aims to sustain, grow and supports technicians and trade service diversify the region’s economy and these areas industries such as irrigation and other have potential to contribute to this outcome. infrastructure service providers, together with associated processing and manufacturing The NSW Government will work with industry industries elsewhere in the region. groups, other levels of government, business and the community to monitor economic Protecting the region’s agricultural industry activity and to capture new and emerging from animal biosecurity threats (i.e. pests and opportunities, to grow and sustain the diseases) is a shared responsibility between economic productivity of the region’s rural land. government and landholders, and is an important facet of the sustainable economic growth of the region’s rural and resource lands. ACTION 3.1.1 Support development of the agricultural Extractive resources, including sand, sandstone, gravel, clay, hard rock and coal and aquaculture sectors deposits support construction and energy production, generating in excess of $180 million For the agribusiness sector to maintain in output (2013-14).48 The region contains its contribution to the region, a critical Top: extensive coal and petroleum resources (for mass of agricultural industries must be Bulk food production, example, coal seam gas) across both the maintained that support important parts Tuggerah Wyong and Gosford Local Government Areas. of the supply chain, including ancillary Centre: services, infrastructure, markets, processing Tuggerah Business Park The Council of Australian Governments facilities and related industries. Standing Council on Energy and Resources Bottom: Central Coast orchard prepared a Multiple Land Use Framework 42
Figure 7: Selected Primary Industries
Biophysical Strategic Regional City Agricultural Land Non-Urban Area
Major Centre Aqua Lease Urban Areas
Heavy Rail Network National Park and Reserve Waterway
Motorway State Forest DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 43
The Central Coast’s proximity to Sydney and ACTION 3.1.2 Protecting the region’s other markets, and the location of processing wellbeing and prosperity through activities, have allowed it to become a focus increased biosecurity measures for particular types of agriculture. More than ten per cent of NSW’s cut flowers are produced on the Central Coast and there Biosecurity contributes to the wellbeing are 108 oyster and aquaculture permit and prosperity of the region, and more holders on Brisbane Water alone, and broadly the nation. The negative impacts many more in the Hawkesbury River.49 of a biosecurity event are not limited to agriculture; they can also affect surrounding or The NSW Government’s 2014 Biophysical associated industries such as manufacturing Strategic Agricultural Land (BSAL) mapping and processing, transport and tourism. identifies agricultural land in this region Managing biosecurity risks is relevant to: that is of significance to the State. These • supporting the globalisation of trade; lands are capable of sustaining high levels of production for a variety of agricultural • managing population growth; industries due to high quality soil and responding to climate variability; and water resources. There is an opportunity to • 50 complement the existing BSAL information • prioritising access to land and resources. with additional regional-scale mapping that will include areas of regional importance, Strategic planning can support the and areas in the Mountains District already effective management of biosecurity identified as having agricultural significance. risks. This is particularly the case where the expansion of residential development A strategy is needed to manage land use into rural areas or the expansion of rural impacts on existing primary industry and or resource industries increases the risk productive agriculture to secure the longer of animal and plant pests and diseases term future of this sector. Regional-scale affecting food production, the environment mapping that incorporates both biophysical, (particularly wildlife) and human health. infrastructure and key socio-economic factors will be considered to inform strategic land Biosecurity risks can often be minimised use planning for diverse agricultural sectors. through appropriate land zoning as well as by applying buffers to separate different land The NSW Government will work with uses by distance, vegetation or topography. councils to: The NSW Biosecurity Strategy 2013-2021 • protect productive lands and resources outlines the NSW Government’s commitment from incompatible development; to strengthen and maintain biosecurity 51 • identify and protect significant agricultural measures across NSW. Local Land Services lands and aquaculture sites and activities; will continue to play a key role in collaboration with other organisations such as the NSW • facilitate the continuation and co-location of Department of Primary Industries. agricultural activities and related industries (supply chains, research and development); The NSW Government will: • retain and increase opportunities to • work with councils to identify opportunities keep fresh foods available locally; and to minimise biosecurity risks for current • recognise and protect the economic and future industries through strategic potential of productive agricultural land to planning, including a review of zones facilitate future agribusiness opportunities. in local environmental plans; and • work with councils to promote the application of buffer areas to minimise biosecurity risks when assessing the potential impacts of new development. 44
ACTION 3.1.3 Plan for the land use planning include the following: ongoing productive use of lands • NSW Gas Plan which includes the with extractive resources Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) buy-back scheme (under which the NSW The Central Coast region contains extensive Government recently purchased PELs which minerals and energy resource lands across both cover large areas of the Central Coast); the Wyong and Gosford Local Government • State Environment Planning Policy (Mining, Areas (see Figure 8). Notable coal mining Petroleum Production and Extractive activity has and still is occurring in the north Industries) 2007 which includes coal of the Wyong Local Government Area and seam gas exclusion zones that cover regionally significant construction material large parts of the Central Coast; resources and quarrying activities are occurring in the Gosford Local Government Area. • Land Use Conflict Risk Assessment Guide; • Draft Strategic Release Framework for In 2010-11, quarries in the Gosford Local Coal and Petroleum Exploration; and Government Area alone produced approximately 12 per cent of the State’s total • Draft Preliminary Regional production of construction materials.52 Issues Assessment for Potential Coal and Petroleum Exploration Parts of the Wyong Local Government Release Areas Guidelines. Area have coal resources that are within identified Mine Subsidence Districts. These Mining and energy production activities districts have been, or have the potential to have specific operational needs that may be undermined by resource extraction, and compete with other uses but can be effectively have related development controls that apply managed with the right regulation, engineering to surface development. The North Wyong solutions and ongoing monitoring. These area is one such area and also contains activities are also temporary, dependent on a clay resource of State significance and the productive life of the facility or resource, important gravel (aggregate) reserves. and require planning and management that takes into account their full lifecycle. As these resources are located in close proximity to both Sydney and the Hunter The NSW Government is already responding region, they, and the supporting freight to community concerns about the long networks, are of strategic significance. term future of coal and gas mining By identifying resource lands, potential around the State by developing a policy resource sector development is also framework for the strategic release of identified. The potential short to medium coal and petroleum exploration licences term growth of this sector, however, is and assessment leases (see p.46). limited to those areas with established infrastructure and resource accessibility.
Currently, the NSW Government has several policy and legislative tools that help to support the sustainable growth of the resource industry. Current policy and programs which inform resource and DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 45
Figure 8: Central Coast Mining
Regional City Coal Production Title National Park and Reserve
Major Centre Current Minerals Mining Title State Forest
Heavy Rail Network Identified Mineral Resource Non-Urban Area
Current Minerals Exploration Motorway Title Urban Area
Coal Exploration Title Potential Mineral Resource Waterway 46
Explanatory note: Resources and NSW Government’s Draft Energy Sector in Central Coast Strategic Release Framework for Coal and Petroleum
Figure 8 identifies the current mining activities in the Central Coast, including the existing licences The NSW Government has issued under the Mining Act 1992. These include: introduced a Draft Strategic Release Framework to release new • coal exploration titles – identifying areas where an exploration licence or assessment lease has been granted areas for coal and petroleum. to enable title holders to establish the quality, quantity and New exploration licences will only be commercial viability of the underlying coal resource; issued in areas released by the Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy • coal production titles – identifying areas where a mining lease has been granted to allow coal to be after an assessment of economic, extracted. The extent of land subject to coal production environmental and social factors. titles may contain a range of mining-related activities, The framework recognises there including open cut or underground mines and surface are competing uses for land, and infrastructure such as roads or rail, as well as buffer zones seeks to balance these interests. to sensitive uses or other non-operational areas; Community consultation and an upfront assessment of social, • current minerals mining titles – identifying areas where a mining lease has been granted to allow environmental and economic matters a mineral (other than coal) to be extracted; relating to a potential release area, for example, through a prelimary regional • identified mineral resources – identifying where previous issues assessment, are essential. exploration or assessments have confirmed the presence of a mineral resource (other than coal). The areas shown Overall, the new framework resets include an adjacent transition area around the identified the NSW Government’s approach to resource, where planning and management should consider issuing prospecting titles so that it is the current or future implications of extractive activities; transparent, informed and consistent with the NSW Government’s broader • current minerals exploration titles – identifying areas coal and petroleum strategy. where an exploration licence or assessment lease has been granted to enable title holders to establish the quality, quantity and commercial viability of the underlying mineral resource (other than coal); and The NSW Government will: • potential resource areas – where geological surveys suggest there may be a high likelihood of a particular resource, which • work with councils to identify significant may be confirmed through future exploration and assessment. extractive minerals and energy resource lands, including through the • There are also locations where mining activities are NSW Mineral Resources Audit; and excluded by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. • work with councils when preparing new The data shown reflects the NSW Minerals Resource Audit, local environmental plans or sequencing finalised in 2015 and relates to existing title approvals of land releases, to make sure that issued under the Mining Act 1992, as of October 2015. This valuable resources are not sterilised. data does not indicate the nature, timing or location of specific mining and quarrying activities. Further information about recent or current development applications for mining projects in specific locations can found on the Department of Planning and Environment’s Major Projects website at: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/. DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 47
ACTION 3.1.4 Implement a stringent requirements and conditions may robust assessment process be applied to the development that must for resource development be met in the development application. The NSW Government is currently responding Providing a clear and robust assessment to community concerns by further clarifying process for the development of resource the requirements for assessing and determining projects will help to proactively manage the mining applications through the development impacts of development and competing land of an Integrated Mining Policy. This policy uses. A robust and transparent approach seeks to improve transparency, consistency is required to balance the social, economic and accountability for assessment decisions. and environmental implications of resource Providing consent authorities with a more development. The mining map (Figure 8) comprehensive understanding of environmental shows areas which are subject to current impacts and proposed mitigation measures exploration leases and mining areas, which will improve decision-making. This policy include land that supports extraction as well does not change environmental standards as surface infrastructure and buffer lands. or community consultation requirements.
The NSW Government already closely The NSW Government will: manages the mining industry by: • work with Council and industry to • imposing legally binding pollution reduction implement the Integrated Mining programs on all existing coal mines; Policy, including finalising economic • requiring companies to assess their current assessment guidelines; operations against best management • develop a cumulative impact assessment practice to ensure they are using all methodology to manage the cumulative reasonable and feasible measures health and amenity impacts of all relevant to reduce their dust emissions; activities (including mining and coal • requiring all new coal mines and seam gas proposals) that consider: applications seeking to modify whether cumulative impact thresholds existing approvals to benchmark their or tipping points can be adequately proposals against best management described and predicted; and practice to minimise dust emissions; the cumulative impacts on agricultural • requiring open cut coal mines to lands and water resources; develop strategies to manage and minimise blast fumes; • investigate appropriate methods for encouraging best-practice • considering options for addressing rehabilitation and visual impact noise impacts from emerging mining management for closed mines; and precincts, including through a recent review of the Industrial Noise Policy; and • prepare a development assessment guideline to mitigate impacts on human • improving mechanisms to protect health from dust (including dust generated biodiversity and manage offsets in by mining and other activities). mining areas, as demonstrated by the strategic biodiversity assessment of proposed mines in the Upper Hunter.
The introduction of the Gateway process provides for an independent, scientific and upfront assessment of the impact of particular resource sector development on strategic agricultural land and on agricultural land values. This assessment is conducted prior to the lodgement of a resource development application and requires the water and agricultural impacts of the development to be considered. Where appropriate, 48
Left: Terrigal rock platform Centre: The Entrance Right: Mountain biker, Kincumba Mountain Reserve
DIRECTION 3.2 Manage ACTION 3.2.1 Support services and rural lifestyles sustainably employment in local communities
The draft Plan aims to improve the resilience The Central Coast offers rural lifestyles of existing rural communities by supporting surrounded by pristine natural environments local employment and housing opportunities within 30 minutes of the northern suburbs of to allow people to age-in-place, while Sydney and 15 minutes of the region’s major preserving rural amenity and local character. centres. Rural communities such as those around Mangrove Mountain and Somersby The NSW Government will work with support industries that add value to rural councils and rural communities to: production activities, for example, through food processing and bottling plants. • identify capacity to accommodate employment growth, in The villages and communities of the Central appropriate locations; Coast currently have relatively small footprints • strengthen rural villages through within the rural environment. Proximity the clustering of services, housing to both Sydney and the employment and other activities; and centres of Gosford, Tuggerah and Wyong is increasing demand for rural lifestyle lots in • protect the character and rural areas. Around 450 hectares of land is amenity of rural areas. already zoned for rural residential purposes, clustered in areas such as Yarramalong, Jilliby, Matcham-Holgate and Bensville.
The draft Plan aims to provide greater certainty about the locations for rural housing, giving priority to the sustainable: • growth of existing rural communities; • economic growth of rural production and resource values; • management of high environmental values and water catchments; • provision and management of services and infrastructure; and • delivery of existing and committed rural residential and urban residential land supplies. DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 49
ACTION 3.2.2 Manage future Where planning proposals for land use change rural residential opportunities, are being considered in existing or known where appropriate resource lands, councils need to consult the NSW Department of Industry’s Mineral Resources Audit, and the exploration and Future rural residential development must not mining activity maps, so that they can consider adversely impact on the natural environment, the implications on the viability of the resource drinking water catchments, and agricultural activity. Up-to-date mapping showing current and extractive resource activities. Due to the exploration and mining activity is available large land requirements of rural residential on the NSW Department of Resources development, careful planning is necessary so and Energy’s Common Ground website. as not to adversely affect biodiversity values; the long term productivity of agricultural land; The NSW Government will extractive resource potential; or land likely to work with councils to: be used for future urban development. Draft principles have been developed to guide • prepare guidelines for future rural rural residential development in the region. residential development, encapsulating the draft principles outlined above; and Future rural residential development will: • assess the implications of new or • not impact on significant agriculture, sequenced urban release areas on resource or biodiversity values; existing and known resource lands. • not impact on drinking water catchments; • not result in greater natural hazard risk, for example, bushfires; • occur on land that is unlikely to be needed for future urban development; • contribute to the conservation of important biodiversity values or the establishment of important corridor linkages; and • facilitate the expansion of existing and new tourism development activities in rural and resource lands and related industries (for example, accommodation, place-based activities) across the region. 50 DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 51
GOAL 4 – Protect and manage the natural and cultural environment
The predominant feature of the Central or non-physical (intangible) elements. Coast is the natural environment and it is Aboriginal people have a strong connection characterised by many kilometres of ocean to the landscape of the Central Coast. foreshore, coastal lakes, rivers, estuaries, lagoons, valleys and mountains. The Protecting heritage items and places environment supports an incredibly diverse is important foremost because of the range of plant, animals and ecosystems. way that it contributes to the region’s identity and visual character, but also The natural environment has created because it can help to attract tourists. enviable lifestyle opportunities for residents and acted as a drawcard for visitors and Heritage is a non-renewable resource tourists. It has determined the location and the significance of heritage to the of urban development and contributes to community should be appreciated, valued, highly productive rural and resource lands. protected and conserved for the benefit Protecting and restoring the region’s natural of current and future generations. environment will be essential to sustaining the lifestyle, economic success and environmental Councils have invested significant resources health of the region into the future. in conservation mapping and planning, including through the Hunter Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Systems DIRECTION 4.1 Protect – a partnership between 14 councils. This approach provides a collaborative model and manage the region’s which coordinates a range of regional-scale environmental and activities and supports local decision- making on development and environmental heritage values management matters. Gosford City Council has applied this data and knowledge to The region contains 832 square kilometres prepare the Gosford City Council Biodiversity (50 per cent of the region) of land designated Strategy (2008), which implements as ‘high environmental value’ which is Council’s Biodiversity Management Policy. dispersed across the region (see Figure 9). Existing vegetation creates a network of The draft Plan aims to sustain the region’s environmental corridors which provide local diverse environment and heritage values by links and larger connections to the Great recognising them in the planning process. Dividing Range, the Hawkesbury, and Ku-ring- gai National Park to the south and Watagans National Park to the north (see Figure 10). ACTION 4.1.1 Protect areas of high environmental value Top: The region is also fortunate to have a rich The Entrance Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage that is public baths Many of the region’s natural features are reflected in the environment, and in objects and already subject to a high level of regulation places. Aboriginal cultural heritage includes Centre: to protect environmental values. Strategic Bouddi National Park places and items that are of significance land use planning should identify and take view to Maitland Bay because of traditions, observances, lore, account of the location and extent of these customs, beliefs and history. It is dynamic Bottom: areas of ‘high environmental value’. This and may comprise physical (tangible) Copacabana Beach will ensure that, as far as possible, potential surfers 52
Figure 9: Environmental Assets
Surface drinking water Regional City catchment Non-Urban Area
Major Centre National Park and Reserve Urban Area
Heavy Rail Network State Forest Employment Area
Motorway High Environmental Value Waterway DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 53
impacts on areas of high environmental value The NSW Government will: are considered ‘upfront’ at the strategic provide planning authorities with mapping stage of the planning system, rather than • and spatial data of environmental later at the development assessment stage. features, particularly for areas proposed for land use change or intensification; The NSW Government has a range of tools available to assess the potential impacts • support planning authorities to undertake associated with development in land release strategic, landscape-scale assessment areas and minor expansions on the existing of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity; urban fringe. Biodiversity Certification allows require councils to avoid and minimise for the assesment of biodiversity values as • impacts of development on areas of the strategic stage. It identifies areas to be high environmental value, and where protected and provides options for offsetting impacts cannot be avoided, identify and biodiversity impacts for development. secure appropriate biodiversity offsets through an offset strategy, developed via The NSW Government is also supporting the negotiations with the Office of Environment extension of the existing national park estate. and Heritage and the Department of The Government recently purchased privately Primary Industry, Fisheries; and owned land on Bambara Road, Kariong for an extension of the Brisbane Water National Park. • protect fish and aquaculture habitats (waterways, wetlands and tidal lands) Groundwater dependent ecosystems, and sensitive estuaries and coastal lakes aquatic and marine habitats also from inappropriate development. have high environmental values. Maps of these are available from the Department of Primary Industries.
Explanatory note: Environmental Assets
The areas identified with high environmental values in Figure 9 relate to natural features that have existing protections under legislation, regulation, policy or intergovernmental agreement.
A range of criteria were used to identify and map land with high environmental values including: • existing conservation areas, including national parks and reserves, marine parks, declared wilderness areas, Crown reserves dedicated for environmental protection and conservation, and flora reserves; • native vegetation of high conservation value, including vegetation types that have been over- cleared or occur within over-cleared landscapes, old growth forests and rainforests; • threatened ecological communities and key habitats; • important wetlands, coastal lakes and estuaries; and • sites of geological significance.
The data used to identify high environmental values in this draft Plan is intended to provide a regional-level overview for the purposes of strategic planning. This data will be updated as new information becomes available. Documents such as the Draft Central Coast Biodiversity Management Plan and local biodiversity assessments provide greater level detail of the region’s biodiversity values. A range of information will be used to inform future updates of the high environmental values mapping to address current information gaps (for example, the current mapping does not identify significant remnant areas of vegetation).
Interested parties should contact relevant agencies, including the Office of Environment and Heritage, Local Land Services and the Department of Primary Industries, for current data and further support. 54
ACTION 4.1.2 Identify and water quality. The NSW Government has protect heritage values committed $23 million towards enhancing its ability to map, monitor and protect groundwater resources across NSW. Urban growth and development has the potential to affect recognised and yet to be A network of pipelines and dams, including identified heritage sites and places. A strategic Mangrove Creek, Mooney and Mardi Dams approach to protecting cultural heritage is provide the region’s urban water supply. It is essential and requires heritage values to be the third largest urban water supply system in identified at the earliest possible stage in New South Wales, delivering water to about the planning and development process. 125,000 homes and businesses. The system incorporates three dams, three weirs, three Previous Aboriginal cultural heritage studies water treatment plants, over 50 reservoirs, and have identified a large and diverse range of more than 2,000 kilometres of pipelines.53 Aboriginal cultural heritage. Studies have yet to be completed in all parts of the region The draft Plan aims to protect water which means that some Aboriginal heritage catchments, to sustain high quality and values may not have been recorded. dependable water supplies across the region. This requires effectively managing water Woy Woy Hotel The Aboriginal community will need to be use in agricultural areas to support food involved in identifying these areas before production, while catering for the increasing the planning and assessment process demands of urban communities and industry. for development is too advanced.
The region also has a range of non-Aboriginal ACTION 4.2.1 Secure the heritage values, including part of the World Heritage listed convict trail and other sites Central Coast’s water supply of local, State and national significance. Gosford and Wyong Councils work together Heritage can add value to the character of a to deliver the region’s water supply, which new development and should be considered is planned via the region’s long term water in the planning process as a potential asset. It supply strategy, WaterPlan 2050. Securing the can give a development an added attraction region’s water supply in a sustainable way will or help establish a unique identity. support ongoing population and employment growth, and protect the environmental The NSW Government will: values of the region’s water sources.
• support the preparation of appropriate In conjunction with water management and heritage studies to inform the development catchment authorities, the community, land of strategic plans, including regional owners and industry, the NSW Government Aboriginal cultural heritage studies. will integrate management and planning of the region’s water catchments and associated infrastructure. The NSW Government will also DIRECTION 4.2 Sustain facilitate discussions regarding water supply and drought contingency planning between water quality and security the Central Coast and Hunter regions.
The northern and eastern parts of the The NSW Government’s water sharing Central Coast drain to the Tuggerah plans provide the Central Coast with water Lakes system, Brisbane Water and Lake security for environmental, residential and Macquarie, while the southern and western industry uses. Currently, the Central Coast has parts drain to the Hawkesbury River. numerous water sharing plans, including: Central Coast Unregulated Surface and groundwater systems support • Water Sources (2009); ecosystems, industries and communities and provide the chief source of the region’s • Jilliby Jilliby Creek Water Sources (2003); urban water supply. Figures 9 and 10 Ourimbah Creek Water Source (2003); and identify the region’s surface drinking water • catchments. The region’s waterways support • Kulnura Mangrove Mountain recreational and commercial fishing, oyster Groundwater Sources (2003). farms and tourism and therefore rely on good DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 55
The NSW Government will: to implement these policies, and the requirements under the Water Management continue working with the Gosford- • Act 2000, to achieve healthy, productive Wyong Joint Water Supply Authority and watercourses and waterfront land. Hunter Water Corporation on options to enhance the existing water transfer Other relevant Government policy applying agreement, to benefit both regions; to the Central Coast includes the Hawkesbury • work with the councils to review Shelf Marine Bioregional Assessment, the region’s long term water plan, and Policy and Guidelines for Fish Habitat WaterPlan 2050, to facilitate the ongoing Conservation and Management. environmental health of the region’s waterways, optimise yield during high The NSW Government will: flow periods and update drought require decision-makers to minimise the contingency and transfer agreements; • effects of development on waterways • use appropriate provisions to protect (including watercourses, wetlands, water catchment areas and groundwater riparian lands, estuaries, lakes, beaches sources from the potential effects of and marine waters) to meet Water development. Any development should Quality and River Flow objectives; and have a neutral or beneficial effect on implement a risk-based decision-making the region’s water quality; and • framework to manage water quality and • work with councils to identify the need waterway health in the region, including the for further water sharing plans, based catchments of all coastal lakes and estuaries on the growth of the resources sector. where there is planned development, prioritising high environmental value lakes and estuaries, or identified key ACTION 4.2.2 Sustainably manage fish habitat/marine protected areas; surface and groundwater • work with councils to enforce the NSW Government’s guidelines for ‘Controlled The focus of the draft Plan is on managing Activities’ through resource development all surface and groundwater resources approval and monitoring processes; and within the region to sustain users, including ecosystems, industries and communities. • require that planning and development proposals include measures to reduce the risk of introduction or spread of aquatic Water quality is a significant issue for the pests and diseases that may impact region given much of the residential population fisheries and aquaculture industry practices. live around the estuaries, rivers, ocean foreshores and coastal lagoons. The NSW Government’s Estuary Management Program provides support to councils to improve the DIRECTION 4.3 Protect health of NSW’s estuaries. Both Gosford and the coast and manage Wyong Councils are active participants in the program and have produced catchment- natural hazards and based plans for the ongoing sustainable climate change risks management of estuaries in their area.
The NSW Government is supporting a range of The proximity of Central Coast communities to local planning to support estuary and coastline the natural environment increases the potential management, including committing to provide risk from hazards such as bushfire, flooding, $2 million for a stone wall at The Entrance, acid sulfate soils, coastal inundation and storms. and almost $500,000 for sand nourishment and a study into making the channel deeper. Most people in the region live close to the coastline or the extensive lake system. The NSW Government’s Water Guidelines Approximately 180,000 people (56 per cent) for Controlled Activities outline requirements live within one kilometre of a lake or ocean to protect waterfront land, including and many of these areas are at increased watercourses, wetlands and riparian areas. risk from coastal erosion and inundation. Councils and the NSW Government need 56
Figure 10: Water Catchment and Green Connections
Regional City Regional Green Corridor High Environmental Value
Surface drinking water Major Centre catchment Non-Urban Area
Heavy Rail Network National Park and Reserve Urban Areas
Motorway State Forest Waterway DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 57
Some areas of the region are also flood prone. • require that councils review and The 2007 storm event caused a damage bill update their floodplain risk and coastal for the Central Coast and Hunter regions management plans, particularly where estimated at $1.35 billion.54 More recent growth is being considered that may storm events, such as that in April 2015, also be affected by natural hazards; demonstrate the cost of natural hazards. • complete the Coastal Reform Program to respond to community concerns The close proximity of Central Coast ‘non- about coastal hazard management; urban’ communities to the natural environment means bushfire risk is also widespread. In • prohibit new urban releases in high 2013, bushfires across NSW burnt 768,000 flood hazard areas and designated hectares of land and destroyed 279 homes.55 floodways, consistent with Coastal and Floodplain Management Plans; Climate change is predicted to result in work with councils so that man-made the increased frequency and severity of • hazards such as mining-related surface some hazards such as bushfire, coastal subsidence, land contamination and road inundation and storm events. and rail noise are considered in future planning and development controls; The draft Plan aims to improve the region’s resilience to hazards. The NSW Government • develop strategic and incident- will continue to support councils and based bushfire actions such as local communities to identify, monitor, emergency evacuation areas for the educate and plan for natural hazards. mountains community and other isolated communities; and develop emergency management actions ACTION: 4.3.1 Apply contemporary • such as flood and coastal response plans. risk-management to coastal, man-made and other hazards ACTION: 4.3.2 Plan for Floodplain risk and coastal zone management a changing climate plans are currently used to manage flood risk and the coastal zone. Other hazards, Coastal regions are vulnerable to the including bushfire and storm events are effects of sea level rise such as flooding. associated with some of the areas experiencing Better information is needed about the the greatest development pressure. implications of such events, and their impact on the natural environment, future The existence of economic coal reserves land use and infrastructure planning. and a history of coal mining in the northern parts of Wyong Shire mean that mine The NSW Government will: subsidence has to be considered in the new development and redevelopment of • consider the effect of sea level rise these areas. Other man-made hazards that and climate change in flood planning will need to be considered include land for urban release areas and infill urban contamination and rail and road noise. areas; incorporate new knowledge on regional climate projections and related Suitable mitigation and management strategies impacts; and prioritise resilience to climate for these hazards, such as surface controls change in the siting and development for development in potential mine subsidence of infrastructure and land use; areas or buffers for development around • support communities to understand road and rail corridors, will be identified and respond to climate-related risks and implemented through local planning. by applying and communicating detailed climate information to The NSW Government will: support decision-making; and • work with councils to incorporate the best • build resilience against such events by available hazard information and mapping supporting regional decision-makers to of all vulnerable estuaries, coastal lakes identify and implement climate change and their catchments in planning controls; adaptation projects and programs. 58
Endnotes
1 NSW Department of Planning and 14 Families and Community Services Environment (2015), unpublished, (2014), unpublished, ‘Housing Market ‘Central Coast Region Population Snapshot, Central Coast Region’, Sydney Projections 2011-36’, Sydney 15 NSW Department of Planning and 2 Ibid Environment (2015), unpublished, ‘Central Coast Region Population 3 Industry NSW (2015), Economic Projections 2011-36’, Sydney Profile, Central Coast, p.2, Sydney 16 Ipsos (2014), Housing Preferences in 4 NSW Department of Planning and the Central Coast, pp.4-5, Sydney Environment (2015), unpublished, ‘Central Coast Region Population 17 Weidman, B., Kelly, J.F., 2011, What matters Projections 2011-36’, Sydney most? Housing Preferences Across the Australian Population, September 5 Ibid 2011, Grattan Institute, Melbourne 6 Gosford City Council (2014), Coastal 18 Department of Planning and Open Space System, http://www. Environment (2012), North Wyong gosford.nsw.gov.au/environment-and- Shire Structure Plan, p.23, Sydney waste/bushland-and-wildlife/coss 19 Wyong Shire Council, (n.d) Warnervale- 7 Wyong Shire Council (2014), Wyong Wadalba SPD, http://forecast. Shire Settlement Strategy, Planning id.com.au/wyong/population- for our Community, p.17 households-dwellings?WebID=180 8 Gosford City Council, Arts, Culture 20 Industry NSW, (2015) Economic and Recreation (2014), http://www. Profile, Central Coast, p.2, Sydney gosford.nsw.gov.au/arts-culture-and- recreation/leisure-venues/pedestrian- 21 regional Development Australia (2014), and-cycleways and Wyong Shire Central Coast NSW Employed Residents, Council (2010), On Road Bicycle and Sydney http://economy.id.com.au/ Shared Pathway Strategy, Background central-coast-nsw/employed-residents and Supporting Information, p.24 22 Ibid, http://economy.id.com.au/central- 9 Gosford City Council at www.gosford. coast-nsw/residents-place-of-work nsw.gov.au and Wyong Shire Council 23 Ibid, http://economy.id.com.au/ at: www.wyong.nsw.gov.au central-coast-nsw/unemployment 10 NSW Health (2014), unpublished, Health 24 Ibid, http://economy.id.com.au/ Statistics: ‘NSW Adult Population central-coast-nsw/employment- Health Survey, Table 1: Percentage of by-industry-fte?BMID=20 the population classified as overweight and obese – Comparison of NSW and 25 australian Bureau of Statistics, (2013), CCLHD data for 2002 & 2014’, Sydney Wyong Region Data Summary and Gosford Region Data Summary, Canberra 11 regional Development Australia, (n.d), http://economy.id.com.au/central-coast- 26 australian Bureau of Statistics (2015), nsw/residents-place-of-work, Sydney Counts of Australian Businesses, including Entries and Exits, Jun 12 NSW Department of Housing (2015), 2010 to Jun 2014, Canberra Greater Metropolitan Region – Time Series of Median Sales Prices ($’000), March 27 Destination NSW (2015), Travel to Quarter 1991 to March Quarter 2015, Sydney Central Coast Year ended June 2015, Sydney, http://www.destinationnsw. 13 Department of Planning and Environment com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ (2015), unpublished, ‘Central Coast Dwelling Central-Coast-YE-Jun-15.pdf Completions (1996-97 – 2014-15)’, Sydney DRAFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN 59
28 Department of Planning and Environment 44 Op cit., Employment Lands (2015), Employment Lands Development Development Program Program pp.45-48, Sydney 45 Op cit., Warnervale town centre – 29 Ibid Sparkes Road, Sydney, http://www. rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/central- 30 Ibid coast/sparks-road/index.html 31 Transport for NSW (2013), NSW Freight 46 Wyong Shire Council (2014), Precinct 7A, and Ports Strategy, p.180, Sydney https://www.wyong.nsw.gov.au/building- 32 Transport for NSW (2013), Central and-development/planning-strategies/ Coast Regional Transport Plan, Sydney warnervale-planning-strategy/precinct-7a 33 Roads and Maritime Services (2015), 47 NSW Department of Industry, unpublished, Central Coast NSW, http://www.rms.nsw. Comments on draft Central Coast gov.au/projects/central-coast/index.html Regional Plan Outline, Sydney 34 Transport for NSW, Bureau of 48 Op cit., Central Coast NSW, Industry Transport Statistics, Sydney, Sector Analysis, http://economy. http://visual.bts.nsw.gov.au id.com.au/central-coast-nsw/industry- sector-analysis?IndkeyNieir=23100 35 Gosford City Council (2010), Our City Our Destiny, Gosford City Centre 49 NSW Department of Industry, unpublished, Masterplan, http://www.ccrdc.nsw. Comments on draft Central Coast gov.au/Portals/0/documents/Gosford- Regional Plan, Outline, Sydney Report14July2010lowres.pdf 50 local Land Services (n.d), Biosecurity: 36 NSW Health (n.d), Gosford Hospital Strategy and Policy, Sydney, http://www.lls. redevelopment, Sydney, http:// nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/strategy-and-policy www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ 51 Op cit., Local Land Services caringforthecoast/redevelopment/ Pages/Gosford-Hospital.aspx 52 NSW Department of Industry, unpublished, Comments on draft Central Coast 37 Op cit., http://visual.bts.nsw.gov.au Regional Plan, Outline, Sydney 38 lend Lease (2010), Sydney, http://www. 53 Gosford City Council and Wyong lendlease.com/worldwide/capabilities/~/ Shire Council (2013), Central Coast media/792F2BE2CE56418E9A959E20AB18 Water Supply System, p.3, AECF.ashx 54 Bureau of Meteorology (n.d), Summary of 39 australian Government, (2015) National Significant Severe Thunderstorm Events Stronger Regions Fund, Canberra, in NSW - 2006/07, http://www.bom. http://investment.infrastructure. gov.au/nsw/sevwx/0607summ.shtml gov.au/funding/NSRF/ 55 Climate Council (2014), Be Prepared: 40 roads and Maritime Services, Brisbane Climate Change and the NSW Bushfire Water Drive and Manns Road at West Threat, https://www.climatecouncil. Gosford, Sydney,http://www.rms. org.au/be-prepared-climate-change- nsw.gov.au/projects/central-coast/ and-the-nsw-bushfire-threat central-coast-highway/brisbane- water-drive-manns-rd/index.html 41 Op cit., http://visual.bts.nsw.gov.au 42 Ibid 43 Westfield (2015) Tuggerah, Sydney, http://www.westfieldcorp.com/ centre/westfield-tuggerah/