COAST CENTRAL REGIONAL STRATEGY STRATEGY

2006–31 The Central Coast is rich in natural resources and diverse ecosystems with more than half the Region comprising national parks, forests, conservation areas, drinking water catchments and waterways. The area ranges from the plateaus and valleys of the rural hinterlands to the more developed coastal areas, featuring an abundance of waterways and beaches. This Regional Strategy will be used to help ensure that population and economic growth is appropriately balanced against the need to maintain the unique and defi ning environmental qualities of the Central Coast. The Central Coast Regional Strategy applies to the local government areas of Gosford and Wyong and is one of a number of regional strategies recently prepared by the Department of Planning. The Strategy provides a framework for local councils in their preparation of new principal local environmental plans. The primary purpose of the Regional Strategy is to ensure that adequate land is available and appropriately located to sustainably accommodate the projected housing needs and promote local CONTENTS employment opportunities over the next 25 years. The Strategy INTRODUCTION ...... INSIDE COVER refocuses development to strengthen and increase the vibrancy of centres and to support the roles of Gosford city centre as a FOREWORD ...... 1 regional city and Tuggerah–Wyong as a major centre. THE CENTRAL COAST ...... 3 Detailed strategies are required to facilitate and implement the REGIONAL CHALLENGES ...... 5 growth in employment and housing on ‘greenfi eld’ estates to minimise confl ict in the use of the Region’s rural and resource A VISION FOR THE FUTURE ...... 9 lands. A Structure Plan for North Wyong will be prepared to ensure CENTRES AND HOUSING ...... 15 that future greenfi eld development occurs in a coordinated and sustainable way. A regional conservation plan will also be prepared ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT ...... 25 to ensure that greenfi eld development and development around ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE, RECREATION the urban fringes makes a positive contribution to the protection of AND NATURAL RESOURCES ...... 33 sensitive environments and biodiversity. This Strategy represents an agreed NSW government position NATURAL HAZARDS ...... 39 on the future of the Central Coast. It is the pre-eminent planning WATER ...... 41 document for the Central Coast Region and has been prepared to complement and inform other relevant State planning instruments. REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 45 Implementation of the Regional Strategy is underpinned on a REGIONAL TRANSPORT ...... 47 whole-of-government basis through the action plans outlined in IMPLEMENTATION ...... 51 the State plan: a new direction for NSW. The Regional Strategy incorporates the specifi c regional MONITORING, REVIEW infrastructure requirements identifi ed in the State infrastructure AND GOVERNANCE ...... 53 strategy 2008–09 to 2017–18 New South Wales. The Regional MAPS Strategy will continue to inform future infrastructure investment priorities for the Central Coast. Infrastructure planning will take into 1. Central Coast Regional Strategy ...... 12–13 account the broad planning framework identifi ed in the Strategy, to 2. Central Coast centres, current release areas and ensure that future population growth is supported by services and North Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area ...... 14 associated infrastructure. 3. Central Coast employment lands and employment precincts ...... 26 The Central Coast Regional Strategy applies to the period 2006–31 and will be reviewed every fi ve years. 4. Central Coast native vegetation ...... 32 5. State Infrastructure Strategy for the Central Coast Regional Strategy Central Coast (2008) ...... 44 ISBN 978-0-7347-5998-6 © The State Government of NSW through the Department of Planning 2008 APPENDICES www.planning.nsw.gov.au DOP 08_012 1. NSW State Plan and the Central Coast ...... 55 Photo credits: pages 31 and 43 courtesy Wyong Shire Council. 2. Central Coast centres and Disclaimer: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is employment hierarchy ...... 56 correct at the time of printing, the State of New South Wales, its agents and employees, 3. Sustainability criteria for new land release disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or any part of this document. – Central Coast ...... 60 F Foreword

The release of the fi nal Central of 100 000 over this time, with The fi nal Strategy also complements Coast Regional Strategy establishes associated increases in housing and the revitalisation of the Gosford city the necessary planning framework employment provision. Future reviews centre, through the Cities Taskforce to deliver a prosperous and of the Strategy will continue to project, which has established sustainable future for the Region’s monitor the Region’s water supply Gosford as one of a network of current and future residents. and other issues that may impact six regional cities underpinning the on population forecasts. State’s economic growth. Known for its outstanding environmental qualities and coastal The fi nal Central Coast Regional All of these objectives will be lifestyle, the Central Coast also has Strategy will ensure that this achieved in partnership with local the advantage of being strategically population growth is accommodated government, setting a clear and located between Australia’s only in a manner that preserves and sustainable direction for growth global city – Sydney, the regional enhances quality of life for the that will continue to evolve to city of Newcastle and the Lower Region’s residents, while also refl ect the long-term trends and Hunter. It is home to more than protecting the natural environment. needs of the Region, building on its 300 000 people. many existing strengths. In particular, the Strategy will limit Over the next 25 years the Central expansion of the urban footprint Coast is set to grow by around by protecting land west of the 4000 people per year. As such, and F3 Freeway from further residential considering the improved outlook for development, and improve water supply in the Region, the fi nal employment self-containment by Strategy allows for the need to creating more opportunities for The Hon. Frank Sartor MP accommodate a population increase local jobs closer to home. Minister for Planning Minister for Redfern Waterloo Minister for the Arts

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 1 CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 2 1

The Central Coast The Central Coast is located between

Sydney and Newcastle The Central Coast offers an environment has been a major attractive lifestyle and is a infl uence on the Region and its and covers an area of recognised tourist area. The community which will continue Region’s residents, 304 700 at throughout the life of this Strategy last count, enjoy a combination and beyond. 1854 square kilometres. of city advantages with high amenity coastal, suburban and Since 1989 there was an The Region extends rural lifestyles. Most people live in exhaustion of large release areas in detached houses both in existing the Gosford local government area, areas and the new residential areas. followed by an increase in greenfi eld from Gwandalan and development in the Wyong local In recent decades the population government area and an increase Doyalson in the north, growth rate on the Central Coast in medium density development in has been nearly four per cent per coastal locations and around the down the coast to annum. Since the peak population Gosford City Centre. growth rate of 11 000 people per annum in 1989 – due in part to the The Central Coast’s population Patonga in the south opening of the F3 Freeway link to is dispersed across a variety of Somersby – the rate of growth has urban settings that include towns, and west to Bucketty steadily declined to its recent levels villages and neighbourhoods. of around 3400 people per year Large centres on the Central Coast include Gosford, Tuggerah–Wyong, and beyond Mangrove (slightly more than one per cent per year). Erina, Woy Woy and The Entrance.

Creek. It is the The character of settlement and In non-urban areas there are development within the Region has a number of rural villages. The traditional lands of the evolved from its environment and Region’s population strongly associated economic development. identifi es the Central Coast as a The area’s initial European separate Region and it was formally Darkinjung, Garingai settlement was as a timber recognised as such in 2005 by the and agricultural area, and more Geographical Names Board. and Awabakal people. recently it has emerged as a place Due to the existing dispersed with strengths in tourism, retiree nature of settlement, the Region’s settlement and family homes. The transport networks must be

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 3 1 the central coast

strengthened, and the location of Wyong River, creeks and parts of surround the coast’s numerous future employment opportunities southern Lake Macquarie. To the waterways. These characteristics located to support economic west the Central Coast plateaus require careful management to growth and maximise the and Yarramalong and Dooralong maintain the distinct environmental effi ciency of the transport system. valleys extend to the foothills of the character of the Central Coast. Of particular importance, is the Great Dividing Range. development of key employment lands and improving links to the More than half of the Region is Gosford regional city, Tuggerah– comprised of national parks, Wyong major centre and the wider state-owned and privately-owned network of centres. bushland, regional and local open space, conservation areas and The Region has outstanding aquatic systems including water environmental qualities, including supply catchment areas. The 81 kilometres of ocean coastline, majority of existing and future extensive waterways including the development on the Central Hawkesbury River, Brisbane Water, Coast is located in coastal areas Tuggerah Lakes, coastal lagoons, and the valleys and plains that

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 4 2

Regional challenges

The Region’s waterways, The Central Coast plateaus and ECONOMIC AND topography and conservation Wyong valleys are important water TRANSPORT areas, along with important catchment areas and are coming resource lands, limit the expansion under increased pressure for Perhaps the greatest challenge is of the urban footprint. This means development. Future growth to create local job opportunities to that future growth will largely be across the Region needs to be match labour force growth, whilst contained within existing settlement sensitive to both its impact on the protecting the Region’s natural areas, apart from nominated quality of the water supply and the environment. The proportion of the greenfi eld areas. In planning for increased demand on the water adult workforce commuting out of growth and change, the Central supply system. the Region for work has increased Coast Region faces a number to over 25 per cent, resulting in of challenges in relation to water The key water challenges include: a range of specifi c infrastructure and social challenges. The Region supply, economics and transport, • providing a sustainable long- needs to take advantage of its the environment and population term water supply for residential, location between the global centres and housing. employment and environmental city of Sydney and regional city purposes of Newcastle, and increase WATER • protecting the health of employment self containment, The Central Coast has recently the Region’s rivers, lakes, to reduce the need for out- experienced its worst drought on underground water sources commuting. Providing capacity for record. Combined with the changes and estuaries over 45 000 new jobs over the next predicted to occur as a result of 25 years will help ensure a robust climate change, developing a safe • protecting water catchment and adaptable economy. and secure water supply without areas from inappropriate The economic base of the Central compromising the health of the development Coast is varied and covers many Region’s water sources is one of • managing population growth in sectors. Key economic sectors the greatest challenges that the relation to the capacity of water include manufacturing, retail, Region faces. These changes mean supply agriculture, tourism, construction, that a range of options need to and service industries such as be considered to develop a more • investigating alternative water health and community services and secure water supply system and sources that are sustainable in property and business services. that future growth must be carefully the longer term. Sectors expected to experience managed. strong growth over the next 25 years include wholesaling,

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 5 2 regional challenges

retailing, property and business services, tourism, health services, Planning in the context of is also aimed at retaining the cultural and recreational services Sydney and the Lower Hunter special character of the Central and personal services. regions Coast. The Central Coast Region is bound The Lower Hunter Regional Strengths of the Central Coast’s by the Sydney Region to the south Strategy plans for more than economy include innovative small and the Lower Hunter Region to 160 000 additional people by manufacturers, competitiveness in the north. Sydney and the Lower 2031. Newcastle is identifi ed as the Hunter Region will continue to regional city for the Lower Hunter logistics, strong growth in building signifi cantly infl uence both the and Morisset has been identifi ed as and construction, food production, economy and people of the Central an emerging major centre. Future hospitality and tourism. Coast over the next 25 years and additional residential development beyond. If these relationships are is planned for the Wyee, Nords The key economic and transport not managed effectively then the Wharf, Gwandalan and parts of challenges include: Coast’s identity, unique character Catherine Hill Bay, which are in and natural environment will suffer. and to the north of the Central • ensuring that suffi cient Coast Region. The Central Coast The relative affordability of land on will continue to provide jobs for employment lands and the Central Coast in comparison residents of the Lower Hunter and commercial offi ce space is to Sydney, the attractive natural vice versa. Planning for the North provided in appropriate environment and the large number Wyong Structure Plan Area needs of workers who commute to locations to accommodate to carefully consider the existing Sydney has placed pressure on and future relationship between the growth in existing and emerging property values and transport two regions. industries and businesses infrastructure. While Sydney will continue to play a major role for Planning for the northern most • increasing and diversifying job residents on the Central Coast, part of the North Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area, from opportunities and increasing particularly in respect to its employment and tourism networks, Gwandalan to Catherine Hill Bay, the level of employment self this Strategy aims to reduce the also needs to be considered in containment percentage of commuters by the context of the Lower Hunter providing more local jobs and Regional Strategy, particularly • promoting innovation and skills strategically targeting employment the identifi ed urban areas and development within the Region types that support the Greater conservation corridors in and Metropolitan Region. The Strategy adjoining the Wallarah Peninsula. • supporting and strengthening the existing employment base to help key industries achieve critical mass • supporting and strengthening Shire Structure Plan Area covers tourism opportunities as well land within the catchments of Lake • encouraging and investigating as managing the impact of Macquarie and Tuggerah Lakes, the opportunities to diversify the seasonal population fl uctuations Porters Creek wetland and includes Region’s economy on the Region’s environment and a signifi cant east–west regional infrastructure. biodiversity corridor. Planning in this • protecting existing and proposed area, and throughout the Region, transport corridors within the needs to minimise adverse impacts Region and to surrounding ENVIRONMENT on these areas and ensure future regions The continued demand for new residents are not at risk from hazards • capitalising on the Region’s housing within the constrained such as fl ooding, coastal erosion, position between Sydney and geography of the Region could place bushfi re and changes due to climate Newcastle pressure on the Central Coast’s change. Existing development is environment. The North Wyong concentrated along the coastline

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 6 and coastal waterways and already • managing stormwater to Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle places pressure on these sensitive protect downstream receiving as well as the Central Coast. environments. environments and identifying As well as the general ageing of opportunities for sustainable use the current population (a large Securing the Region’s long-term of this valuable resource proportion of which are families), water supply without compromising longer life expectancy will also the health of the Region’s rivers, • improving understanding of play a major role in increasing the estuaries and lakes is a priority for Aboriginal cultural heritage number of people aged over 65. the Central Coast. values and incorporating this Retirees are likely to continue to live information within land use Population growth and the demand in coastal areas such as Ettalong, planning and natural resource Toukley, Kincumber and Umina, for new housing must be managed management processes to protect the natural environment, which creates a number of specifi c the Region’s biodiversity, its • allowing for development and infrastructure needs. agricultural and resource lands and redevelopment while protecting The annual population growth is its Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal signifi cant cultural heritage expected to average 4000 people cultural heritage. • accepting the value of rural lands per year, or slightly more than one The western half of the Region as food-producing lands and per cent per year, between 2006 (west of the F3 Freeway) is largely ensuring the long term protection and 2031. By way of comparison, comprised of the Central Coast of these assets historical growth rates for the plateaus and Wyong valleys. Central Coast prior to the year These lands support agricultural • managing natural hazards in 2000 have been over 2.5 per cent production and contain water new developments, including or approximately 7000 people supply catchments which must fl ooding, coastal erosion per year. be protected from urban and and inundation (including the impacts of climate change), There remains a noticeable rural residential uses. The natural reduction in the population of adults environment also includes a number land instability, bushfi re and acid sulphate soils. aged 20–29 years old. Historically, of resource areas that need to be this has been attributed to people balanced with biodiversity values. in this age group moving to Sydney POPULATION, CENTRES The key environmental challenges for lifestyle and employment include: AND HOUSING reasons. A goal in providing More growth has recently occurred increased jobs, education, cultural, • providing a sustainable long-term in Wyong Shire than in Gosford. recreation and entertainment water supply The majority of population growth opportunities on the Central Coast has been in-migration by retirees is to reduce the future loss of this • providing a balance between age group. future development and and families relocating from the important conservation values Greater Metropolitan Region, Services to support population especially Sydney. growth will need to be planned and • improving identifi cation, delivered as this Regional Strategy protection and enhancement of The proportion of the population over 65 is projected to increase is implemented. These services natural environments, including include social infrastructure, signifi cant biodiversity corridors, substantially over the next 25 years to around 24 per cent. This is the transport infrastructure, the regionally signifi cant vegetation, identifi cation of new landfi ll sites, coastal lakes and estuaries, and highest percentage for the Greater Metropolitan Region, which covers continued waste minimisation landscape values programs, upgraded electricity

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 7 2 regional challenges

Figure 1: Central Coast aged distribution 2006 and 2031

Males 2006 2031 Females 2006 2031

14,000 14,000

12,000 12,000

10,000 10,000

8,000 8,000

6,000 6,000

4,000 4,000

2,000 2,000

0 0 0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+ 0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+

Source: NSW Department of Planning

infrastructure, and a sustainable As the Region grows, the rate of • implementing a centres hierarchy water supply. The delivery of in-migration is set to fall but be that clearly identifi es the roles state infrastructure to service this replaced by natural increase, i.e. and relationships of centres growth will be coordinated through more births than deaths. the NSW Government’s State • focusing population growth Infrastructure Strategy. The key population and housing to ensure effi cient use of challenges include: infrastructure, including public Improved urban design in new transport release areas and increased • providing the right type of densities within centres and housing in the right place and at • rejuvenating Gosford as the infi ll development will promote the right time regional city of the Central Coast, sustainability and help to protect developing Tuggerah–Wyong as • focusing new development the Region’s major centre and the Central Coast’s unique natural within existing urban areas and setting. revitalising other town centres the North Wyong Shire Structure to attract both residential and In 2001, there were 139 000 Plan Area business investment dwellings in the Region and, of • providing housing choice in these, 79 per cent were detached • strengthening the Central appropriate locations, refl ecting Coast’s unique identity dwellings (compared with 64 changing demographics per cent across NSW), 6.9 per and associated reduction in • providing a framework for the cent fl ats, units and apartments household size planning of new infrastructure (compared with 18 per cent across and facilities for the growing NSW), and 10 per cent semi- • reducing youth out-migration by population and concentrations detached. The Central Coast in providing vibrant town centres of elderly people and young 2001 also had a high dwelling with increased job, education families. vacancy rate of 12.5 per cent and training opportunities compared with 8.9 per cent across NSW. The vacancy rate however is • ensuring quality urban design expected to decrease over the next and amenity that is sensitive and 25 years as more people retire to complementary to the character their current holiday homes. and lifestyle of the Region’s centres

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 8 3

A vision for the future

A prosperous, sustainable, liveable and well-coordinated future for the Central Coast

PROSPEROUS A competitive, adaptable and sustainable economy with increased local employment opportunities and a place where people increasingly want to live, work, visit and invest.

SUSTAINABLE A healthy and sustainable environment continues to be enjoyed by future generations.

LIVEABLE Communities supported by a range of housing, employment, education, training, research and life-long COMMUNITIES learning opportunities with access to vibrant, well-serviced centres. The design of new developments and the redevelopment of existing areas encourages community interaction and cohesion.

IMPROVED REGIONAL A region where important issues such as the provision and location of essential human services and associated COORDINATION infrastructure are identifi ed, coordinated and well managed. AND IDENTITY There exists a strong regional identity and pride in the Central Coast.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 9 3 a vision for the future

THE CENTRAL COAST activity, housing opportunities businesses and employment AT 2031 and employment generation opportunities for the regional workforce In 2031 the Central Coast will have: • town centres at The Entrance, Bateau Bay, Erina, Lake • increased opportunities for local • a population of just over Haven, Toukley, Woy Woy and products and services to be 400 000 people Warnervale provided to other areas within the Greater Metropolitan Region • an additional 56 000 dwellings • seventeen villages and numerous neighbourhoods with • an economy that effectively • more units and townhouses viable shops and services and competes in a range of value- in key centres, to provide a high amenity. added activities in business better housing mix as larger services, cultural, sporting centres are revitalised and new The Region will also have: and recreational industries, residential land is released • suffi cient employment land and health services, advanced • a regional city at Gosford and retail and commercial fl oor space manufacturing and logistics, major centre at Tuggerah– to provide capacity for more than tourism and hospitality Wyong, focused on business 45 000 additional jobs • new business opportunities • better connected centres and that support the lifestyle and STATE SIGNIFICANT employment areas protected service requirements of a rapidly growing and ageing population SITES rural and resource lands and conservation areas as urban The Minister for Planning has • recognition for Gosford as an declared that two major projects in development is directed to important public administration Wyong Shire will be considered as existing centres and appropriate centre within the Greater State Signifi cant Sites, under State release areas in the north of Metropolitan Region. Environmental Planning Policy (Major Wyong shire Projects) 2005. The Minister will determine new planning controls for • a strong economy that these important projects. maximises investment The projects are: opportunities for competitive • Warnervale Town Centre This mixed use development covers a 119 hectare precinct in Warnervale, and will provide a new town centre focused on public transport. The town centre will house up to 5000 residents, along with retail, commercial, community and conservation areas.

• Wyong Employment Zone This site is strategically located between the Warnervale Town Centre and the F3 Freeway. The Wyong Employment Zone is expected to generate 6000 jobs and to set aside important conservation areas.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 10 THE STRATEGY AT A GLANCE

The Central Coast Regional regard to more detailed local • Provides a framework by which Strategy will provide the strategic planning that is consistent with future employment opportunities framework to guide sustainable the Regional Strategy and beyond this can be identifi ed growth within the Region over the centres hierarchy. and located. next 25 years. This Regional Strategy: • Promotes Gosford as the • Prevents development in areas regional city of the Central Coast constrained by coastal • Provides a plan to and Tuggerah–Wyong as the processes, fl ooding, wetlands, accommodate an additional major centre with a focus on important primary industry 100 000 people expected to be employment generation and the resources and signifi cant scenic living in the Region by 2031. key priorities for centre planning. and cultural landscapes.

• Identifi es that an additional • Identifi es the North Wyong Shire • Protects the cultural, Aboriginal 56 000 dwellings will be Structure Plan Area as the focus and non-Aboriginal heritage required over the next 25 years for new employment lands and values and visual character of to accommodate the increased new greenfi eld residential the Region’s centres and population and falling household development and the key surrounding landscapes. occupancy levels. priority for release area planning. • Provides a framework for • Focuses the majority of new • Nominates a framework under important environmental assets, housing in existing urban areas which future lands will be identifi ed. landscape values and natural – 71 per cent or 40 000 new resources to be identifi ed and dwellings will be located in • Supports creating the capacity protected. centres (including up to 3000 in for over 45 000 jobs in the and around the new Warnervale Region over the next 25 years: • Provides a framework for future town centre) and existing urban 6000 in Gosford, 5500 in rail and road transport areas. Twenty-nine per cent or Tuggerah-Wyong, 18 000 in the infrastructure to be identifi ed 16 000 new dwellings will be remaining centres and other and prioritised. located in other new land employment types (e.g. home • Requires that new development release areas with the majority business), 5000 in Employment occurs in a sustainable manner. of these in the North Wyong Lands and 10 500 in the North Shire Structure Plan Area. Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area. All major development proposals will be required to contribute to • Provides a framework that additional regional infrastructure allows for fl exibility in the costs. distribution of population and employment targets, having

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 11 LINKAGE BETWEEN CENTRES Major corridors in both LGAs provide the LOWER HUNTER REG largest concentration of residential and employment development. The Region’s WALLARAH PENINSULA (INSET) intra-regional road network focuses this activity on the two major centres; The Gosford Regional City in Gosford LGA and the Tuggerah-Wyong Major Centre in Lake Wyong LGA. Macquarie

Gwandalan

NORTH WYONG SHIRE Catherine STRUCTURE PLAN AREA Hill Bay A structure plan will identify land available for development and those areas that need to be preserved because of their conservation or resource value. The Structure Plan will include the PROPOSED URBAN AREAS majority of future greenfield release areas for the Region. The Wyong PROPOSED CONSERVATION AREAS Employment Zone and a new Town Centre at Warnervale will be the initial focus of development within the structure plan area.

NEW EMPLOYMENT LANDS The Wyong Employment Zone is a major employment node that is being planned between the Sparks Road F3 interchange and the site of the new Warnervale Town Centre. This node will capitalise on the location between Sydney and Newcastle, NORTH WEST be over 300 hectares in size and generate METROPOLITAN capacity for up to 6000 new jobs. SUBREGION

EMPLOYMENT LANDS Contain various employment activities such as factories, warehouses, high tech manufacturing, transport logistics or major storage operations with some associated offices. These places are vital to our economy.

CONSTRAINED EMPLOYMENT LANDS

RAIL NETWORK AND STATION Nia

STRATEGIC BUS CORRIDOR

FREEWAY West Gosford E HIGHWAY Bris Wa MAJOR ROAD Woy Woy

NATIONAL PARK Hawkesbury

Um NORTH REGIONAL/STATE PARK METROPOLITAN SUBREGION River

Br RURAL AND RESOURCE LAND B

NORTH EXISTING URBAN AREA EAST Warners Toronto Bay GION 100 000 more people Belmont 56 000 new homes 45 000+ new jobs

Lake Macquarie 25 year plan REFER INSET Swansea 7 town centres MORISSET (Emerging Major Centre) 1 major centre 1 regional city

GOSFORD CITY LGA Gosford City is projected to grow by an additional 30 000 people, with the majority being housed in existing urban areas and in centres. No new greenfield areas are planned. Lake Munmorah Lake WYONG SHIRE LGA Munmorah Wyong Shire is projected to grow by an additional 70 000 people who will be Budgewoi housed in existing urban areas and green field areas. The Tuggerah-Wyong Major Lake Haven Centre will be the Shire’s principal centre New Warnervale Budgewoi for retail, business and administration. Town Centre Lake Toukley Wadalba

Tuggerah REGIONAL CITY Wyong Lake Gosford will be a city serving the entire Region. It will provide the Central Coast Tuggerah with higher-order civic and administration services, cultural and recreational facilities, medical/health specialists and services (including a major regional hospital), Chittaway Bay professional services, a regional library, regional entertainment facilities and a The Entrance regional civic precinct. The revitalisation of Gosford will refocus it as the Regional City Long Jetty and strengthen its economic and Ourimbah employment significance. agara Park Killarney Vale Lisarow Bateau Bay

Wyoming MAJOR CENTRE The Tuggerah-Wyong centre will develop as the Region’s Major Centre and will GOSFORD perform vital economic, employment, civic, residential, social and cultural roles for the northern half of the Central Coast and East Gosford Erina support the Gosford Regional City. Terrigal sbane Water Avoca Beach Kincumber TOWN CENTRE Town Centres will generally have concentrations of retail, health and professional services mixed with medium density residential within and adjoining the centre. Town Centres will also serve Ettalong Beach surrounding residential areas and have a mina Beach public transport interchange.

Map 1 Central Coast Regional Strategy VILLAGE roken N 0 5 10km Village Centres will generally be small to Bay medium sized concentrations of retail, health and other services integrated with medium density (largely town house style) residential living. Local public transport will provide connections to Town Centres. KEY Town Village Freeway 0 5 10km Urban Area Main Roads National Park Major Centre N REGIONAL CITY Regional / StateRegional Park Strategic Bus Corridor Rail Network and StationRail Rural and Resource Lands and Resource Rural Bay Existing MDP Release Areas Existing MDP Release Warners and North Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area Plan Structure Shire Wyong and North Belmont Swansea Central Coast Centres, Current Release Areas Release Current Coast Centres, Central North Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area Plan Shire Structure Wyong North Lake Map 2 Macquarie Lake Lake Munmorah Lake Budgewoi Toronto Toukley Munmorah Lake Budgewoi Lake Haven Lake The Entrance The Lake Tuggerah Bateau Bay Bateau Long Jetty Wadalba away Bay Terrigal Avoca Beach Avoca Chitt Tuggerah Tuggerah Wyong (Emerging Major Centre) Town Centre Town MORISSET Killarney Vale Killarney New Warnervale New Warnervale Erina Lisarow Ourimbah Kincumber Wyoming GOSFORD Bay East Gosford Broken Water Brisbane Niagara Park EAST NORTH West Gosford West Ettalong Beach Ettalong LOWER HUNTER REGION Woy Woy

Umina Beach River

Hawkesbury NORTH SUBREGION METROPOLITAN METROPOLITAN SUBREGION NORTH WEST METROPOLITAN METROPOLITAN

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 14 4

Centres and housing

BACKGROUND facilities, and community and features, landscape and personal services character. Settlement in the Central Coast is characterised by a network of • collaboration, competition and The dwelling and employment towns, villages, neighbourhoods innovation-sharing among capacity targets need to be and rural communities. Seventy clustered businesses distributed across the Region per cent of future residential growth and in a variety of centres. to 2031 is forecast to occur in • more productive use of existing Redevelopment and revitalisation the Wyong local government area infrastructure (state and local) strategies will be required for the with 30 per cent in the Gosford • better returns and outcomes for strategic centres of Gosford and local government area. Map 2 public and private investment Tuggerah–Wyong, as well as other shows nominated centres, existing centres within the centres hierarchy. greenfi eld areas and the North • opportunity for increased As well as controls on the built Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area sustainable transport options form, local councils will also need that will be investigated for its such as public transport, walking to consider infrastructure and potential for additional greenfi eld and cycling, leading to healthier servicing, and place management development. communities and enabling strategies to assist in achieving people to carry out a number of redevelopment objectives. To accommodate this growth, the activities in one location Central Coast will require 56 000 OUTCOMES new dwellings with 40 000 new • reinforced, revitalised and homes to be located in centres and strengthened current centres New development will include well existing urban areas and 16 000 designed housing within close new homes located in greenfi eld • protected sensitive and non- proximity to services and facilities, release areas. The largest urban locations, including preferably within walking distance. proportion of future growth will be agricultural and resource lands. Well located new development in existing and emerging centres. With such rapid historical will assist in creating better, population growth, the Region’s attractive, adaptable and self-reliant The identifi ed benefi ts of unique character has changed settlements that foster a stronger concentrating growth and activities sense of community identity and • providing appropriate design in centres include: place. The provision of more standards and guidelines to adaptable housing will allow the • improved access to and maintain and enhance centres ageing population to ‘age in place’. coordination of retail, offi ce, will result in high quality health, education, leisure, development responsive to entertainment and cultural the Region’s climate, natural

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 15 4 centres and housing

DEFINITIONS infrastructure coordination. Originally dwellings might ideally be expected Greenfi eld development established in 1981 as the Urban to be located within identifi ed centres Development that occurs outside of Development Program, it includes and how many may be expected to the existing urban footprint, excluding both housing supply in the established be outside of these centres. minor infi ll, and includes areas already areas and in fringe greenfi eld The METRIX tool allows councils identifi ed for future development. locations. and the State Government to Centres development The NSW Government approval is share information and to perform Development that occurs within and required for new greenfi eld areas to analysis of various scenarios for the around the centres defi ned in the be included on the MDP. They must distribution of future dwelling growth. Regional Strategy. be consistent with this Strategy and When council input their long-term satisfy the Sustainability Criteria (2013, 2021 and 2031) dwelling and Infi ll development included in Appendix 3. employment capacity targets for their Development that occurs generally local government area, the data will As part of the enhanced MDP a ‘Five within the existing urban footprint then be used to inform discussions and Ten Year Staging and Sequencing and outside of the centres, such with State agencies and infl uence Plan’ is being prepared that includes as dual occupancy development, long-term spending on infrastructure a program for the release of land and subdivision of existing allotments through the State Infrastructure identifi es key infrastructure. and redevelopment of previously Strategy. The METRIX tool has been non-residential land within urban Employment Lands Development made available to both Gosford and areas for residential purposes. This Program (ELDP) Wyong councils. category can also include minor infi ll The ELDP has been established to development on the edge of the urban Strategic centres ensure land the Sydney Region will footprint. The Strategic centres of Gosford continue to have suffi cient stocks regional city and Tuggerah–Wyong Sydney Region Land Supply of appropriately located, zoned and major centre will play a vital role in Program serviced land to support economic shaping the future of the Central development and competitiveness. The NSW Government has Coast. Development of the centres The ELDP will parallel the MDP. The established a Land Supply Program inline with their role in the centres two programs are aligned under the within the Department of Planning hierarchy is critical to ensuring Land Supply Program. to ensure the strategic provision sustainable growth, providing a focal of jobs and housing at a local and METRIX planning tool point for local development and subregional level. This program The Sydney Metropolitan Strategy a signifi cant contribution to local includes an enhanced Metropolitan committed to both subregional and employment capacity. Strategic Development Program (MDP) as well regional planning, in consultation centres will be planned in partnership as establishing an Employment Lands with local government and State between the Department of Planning Development Program (ELDP). agencies. The METRIX planning and councils. Metropolitan Development tool is an internet-based electronic Program (MDP) model that has been developed by The NSW Government’s key program the Department of Planning to assist for managing residential land and this process. The tool can be used by housing supply, and assisting councils to estimate how many

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 16 Types of centres Table 1: The Central Coast centres hierarchy Classifi cation Summary of hierarchy The Central Coast Regional Regional city The waterfront city of Gosford (including the City Centre and Strategy identifi es a hierarchy of (Gosford) surrounding areas) will be planned to function as the Central centres, classifi es larger centres Coast’s Regional City over the next 25 years. West Gosford, East and articulates their future roles. Gosford and Erina will be planned to grow whilst complementing The Strategy also identifi es the Gosford and ensuring that it realises its potential as the Central amount of employment that each Coast’s Regional City. centre type within the hierarchy Major centre Tuggerah–Wyong will become a Major Centre with the main requires and the amount, (Tuggerah–Wyong) shopping, civic and business focus for Wyong Shire. The close proximity and complementary roles of Tuggerah and Wyong will be distribution and mix of housing built on and planned in a coordinated fashion. Wyong, Tuggerah required to 2031. The size, Straight, Anzac Road, Tuggerah Business Park, Westfi eld status and functions of a centre Tuggerah, Tuggerah Supa Centa, Westfi eld’s ‘Tuggerah Gateway’ broadly correspond to its level of site and the Tuggerah Lake Reserve will play key roles for the overall centre. accessibility by various means of transport and its level of business Employment lands Employment Lands contain the Region’s industrial lands such as factories and warehouses. They exclude business–commercial and community investment. lands and examples include Somersby, Lisarow and Berkeley Vale. The Central Coast centres Other centres There are over 50 Town Centres, Villages and Neighbourhoods hierarchy is illustrated in (town centres, on the Central Coast. Whilst renewal and increased residential the Regional Strategy Map, villages and densities will occur in these centres over the next 25 years, this described in Appendix 2 and is neighbourhoods) will occur at an appropriate scale to protect and enhance the summarised in Table 1. character of these centres. Planning for these centres by local government will be based on the Central Coast Regional Strategy.

THE CENTRAL COAST’S TWO KEY CENTRES ARE

The Regional City of The Major Centre of 12GOSFORD TUGGERAH–WYONG

The NSW Government, in partnership with local government, will plan for the strategic centres of Gosford and Tuggerah–Wyong as a priority. Support will include working with local government and other stakeholders to ensure the centres achieve increased economic activity and employment.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 17 4 centres and housing

Gosford regional city • develop the city as a city. The Department of Planning learning centre will continue to work with Wyong In 2006, the Department of Council to achieve the goals of the Planning’s Cities Taskforce, in • provide for healthy and relevant local planning strategies partnership with Gosford City active lifestyles to ensure that this centre, as a Council, prepared a suite of • improve the natural environment whole, achieves its major centre planning tools for Gosford City role. The directions that have that consists of a vision, local • increase commercial investment been expressed through council’s environmental plan, development strategy will inform future planning control plan and civic improvement • facilitate access and mobility and include plans to: plan. The other regional cities in around the city centre the Greater Metropolitan Region • revitalise Wyong centre • create new gateways to the city are Parramatta, Liverpool, Penrith, • investigate higher density Wollongong and Newcastle. • develop the railway station as a housing The plans for Gosford were also transport hub prepared in close consultation • improve transport links with a range of government • create a waterfront recreation representatives and non- and cultural precinct • upgrade the Westfi eld shopping government representatives centre at Tuggerah • establish a new town square at including industry groups, business Kibble Park • develop the area between groups and environmental groups. Westfi eld shopping centre and • improve the quality of the The Gosford City Centre plans aim Tuggerah station public domain to establish Gosford as a vibrant, • develop the site between attractive and liveable mixed-use • ensure human scale active Westfi eld shopping centre and city centre, at the heart of the street edges the F3 Freeway Central Coast regional economy and community. An increase • attract new shopping and • investigate development at in jobs is to occur around high leisure activities. Tuggerah Straight growth industries such as business services, health, education, retail, • investigate bus services tourism and cultural activities. Tuggerah–Wyong improvements within the centre. The city centre will benefi t from major centre The main challenges for the its thriving health industry, higher The Tuggerah–Wyong area will Tuggerah–Wyong major centre education activities and from be developed as a major centre include connecting Tuggerah strengthened commercial and and will perform vital economic, and Wyong, responding to the retail, waterfront, cultural, leisure employment, civic, residential, large expanses of fl ood prone and sporting precincts. The city social, cultural, entertainment land, improving urban design, centre will have 6000 new jobs and and recreation roles for the north revitalising Wyong and protecting 10 000 more residents within the of the Central Coast. The major development opportunities east next 25 years. centre will provide access to the and west of the Westfi eld site. F3 Freeway and will be a focal The plan for Gosford: point for major roads and public Future reviews of the Regional • create a liveable city transport networks that provide Strategy may consider the need for key links to surrounding town additional employment lands west • link and grow the health precinct centres and Gosford regional of the F3 at Tuggerah and adjoining

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 18 areas, having regard to the overall Table 2: Additional dwellings by type and LGA to 2031 supply of employment land and Centre Type Number and percentage of new dwellings progress with development of the Gosford local Wyong local Central Tuggerah–Wyong major centre. government government Coast area area Region Gosford regional city 6000 (36%) Housing capacity Tuggerah-Wyong major centre 4000 (10%) targets Centres (town centres, villages 8500 (52%) 14 500 (37%) (1) and neighbourhoods) The housing capacity targets All centres 33 000 for Gosford and Wyong local Infi ll 2000 12% 5000 (13%) 7000 government areas to 2031 are Greenfi eld 0 ( 0%) 16 000 (40%) (2) 16 000 summarised in Table 2. Subtotal 16 500 (30%) 39 500 (70%) As part of the preparation of their Dwelling totals 56 000 principal local environmental 1 Includes the Warnervale Town Centre. 2 Targets for greenfi eld include the North Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area and MDP areas that are plans (LEPs), councils will need to outside that area examine land located within and around centres (i.e. generally within Councils will be required to people with a disability. Seniors a radius of 1000 metres of the demonstrate, through detailed living development is one form of regional city and major centre, 800 local planning, the distribution of housing that will assist councils in metres for towns, 400–600 metres capacity targets across a range achieving their capacity targets. of centres within their area. They for villages and 150 metres for Planning for the North Wyong Shire can assess the centres in their neighbourhoods) for its residential Structure Plan Area will identify area against the Centres Hierarchy potential to support the centres. suitable land for the majority of (Appendix 2), including determining Dwelling capacities have been greenfi eld residential development, individual capacity targets for lower distributed across the respective with an initial focus on areas order centres. local government areas. supporting the new Warnervale Councils will also need to Housing supply and town centre. The Structure Plan undertake a detailed assessment demand will also identify land with important of the capacity of their urban areas conservation values. Primarily the Regional Strategy to accommodate the projected LEPs will be required to plans for increased housing supply population, as part of that process. demonstrate that the population, in existing areas. Seventy one The overall objective for councils housing and employment capacity per cent of new dwellings will be will be to ensure suffi cient zoned targets set by this Strategy can located in centres (including the capacity to allow their respective be achieved. Following more new Warnervale town centre) and targets to be met for dwelling detailed local planning there may in urban areas through infi ll and growth to 2031 and beyond. The be fl exibility in the distribution of redevelopment. Due to the forecast capacity assessment will be aided population and housing capacity changing demographics of the by urban capacity modelling tools targets, provided they are Region and the need to revitalise developed by the Department of consistent with the requirements a number of centres, a mix of Planning, which has been provided of the Regional Strategy and housing types will be needed. to both councils. The Department centres hierarchy. When preparing An example of a specifi c housing of Planning will continue to update new LEPs councils will also be need for the Central Coast will be the METRIX tool to assist local required to review the validity of self-care housing for seniors or housing market analysis. the existing urban footprint and

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 19 4 centres and housing

appropriateness of zonings on the and local infrastructure to allow residential development potential fringe of that footprint. development of these sites to occur. during the life of the Strategy.

The North Wyong Shire Structure The Department of Planning has Greenfi eld development Plan will identify land that is released a regional strategy for the suitable, and not suitable, for future Lower Hunter Region that will inform The Central Coast, as one of fi ve development and the future land the preparation of the North Wyong key submarkets for greenfi eld uses that may be appropriate. In Shire Structure Plan. That strategy housing supply in the metropolitan the short term it is expected that has identifi ed the potential for future region, has historically provided greenfi eld development will focus greenfi eld development immediately 12 per cent of greenfi eld land supply. on the Warnervale town centre and north of the Doyalson area, in the Twenty-nine per cent of new the new employment areas. The vicinity of Wyee and at Catherine Hill houses on the Central Coast Structure Plan will also have regard Bay and Gwandalan. to development proposals at will be built in greenfi eld release Other release sites not currently areas. Greenfi eld areas will include Catherine Hill Bay, and Gwandalan where there may be opportunities identifi ed in the Central areas already identifi ed under Coast Regional Strategy may the Metropolitan Development for expansion that would assist in attracting a higher level of facilities be considered if it can be Program (MDP) and suitable land demonstrated that the proposal within the North Wyong Shire and services for that locality. The Structure Plan will also include a satisfi es the Sustainability Criteria Structure Plan Area. Planning outlined in Appendix 3. However, for this area will involve a whole- staging and sequencing plan and an infrastructure plan to inform these opportunities for settlement of-government approach led by expansion will not apply to the Department of Planning, in future planning for this area and infrastructure investment decisions. the rezoning of land for urban conjunction with Wyong Shire residential development west of the Council. The Structure Plan for the Not all land identifi ed in the F3 Freeway. North Wyong Shire Structure Plan Structure Plan area will be suitable Area is targeted for completion for residential or employment in 2008. The Structure Plan is development. Land will also need Centres development an essential step in ensuring a to be set aside for conservation, Greater residential densities will continual supply of land from the open space, recreation, drainage, Central Coast submarket. be located in higher-order centres infrastructure provision and such as the regional city, major The North Wyong Shire Structure resource lands. Characteristics that centre and town centres. Increased Plan will incorporate plans for the will substantially limit development densities may also be achieved new Warnervale town centre and in some areas include current in villages and neighbourhoods the Wyong Employment Zone. and future mine subsidence but this will be at a lower scale Both of these areas are currently and fl ooding issues as well as and more focused on the centres being considered for assessment threatened species and corridor themselves. The typical housing as State signifi cant sites, meaning issues. The development of a type and mix for each centre the Minister for Planning will set regional conservation plan will allow type is described in the Centres clear and consistent guidelines for improved coordination of decisions Hierarchy (Appendix 2). The form, future development and deliver related to biodiversity conservation, location and desired character of certainty for these important biodiversity offsets and land release. development for each centre will be employment areas. There will be a Areas west of the F3 Freeway are determined by local government, range of actions and coordination not required for additional urban in conjunction with the Department mechanisms required for regional of Planning having regard to the

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 20 Centres Hierarchy. Councils will The NSW State Plan considers From 1 July 2008 mortgage duty be required to provide the zoned housing affordability from two on the purchase of residential capacity to enable the dwelling perspectives. Firstly, from the investment properties will also be capacity targets to be achieved perspective of the fi rst home buyer abolished and land tax cuts for for centres as part of LEPs or local for whom purchasing a home is property investors introduced. planning strategies, in consultation increasingly diffi cult. Secondly, with the Department of Planning. from the perspective of the most The NSW Government allocates The take-up and remaining capacity vulnerable households; the frail signifi cant funding towards of centres will be considered as aged, people with disabilities, assisting those most in need to part of future reviews of the Central people with mental illness and obtain appropriate and affordable Coast Regional Strategy. people at risk of homelessness; accommodation through public who face poor health, educational and community housing. or other social outcomes due to The Affordable Community Rural residential high housing costs or overcrowding. Housing Strategy, announced in development The Metropolitan Strategy, in line March 2007, invests more than Existing rural residential with the State Plan, sets goals for $230 million over four years to development will continue to housing and land supply. Achieving deliver more affordable rental provide a choice of housing in these targets at a subregional level housing to people on low to the Region. Increasing rural small will ensure the distribution of growth moderate income focusing on: holdings raises a number of in a manner that provides greater • long-term leases to community issues including fragmentation of housing choice. housing providers to provide agricultural lands and subsequent greater income security and loss of effi ciencies, confl ict with The NSW Government has a range increase their ability to borrow other resource land uses such as of programs and services to help for stock increases extractive industries, water rights people gain access to fi rst home issues and higher servicing costs. ownership. These include: • creation of an Affordable Under the Central Coast Regional • the First Home Owners Grant of Housing Innovations Fund to Strategy, opportunities for new $7000 toward the purchase or increase the supply of affordable rural residential development will be construction of a new home; community housing through limited to those already provided partnerships between the in the Region and opportunities, if • the First Home Plus scheme, Government, community sector, any, identifi ed as a part of the North which provides stamp duty and private investors. Wyong Shire Structure Plan. and mortgage duty exemptions and concessions for fi rst home Encouraging private investment in buyers, and the First Home Plus affordable rental housing is a key Housing affordability One scheme which extends element of the strategy. Housing affordability is a key stamp duty concessions to Gosford Council completed an consideration for all tiers of shared equity arrangements; and affordable housing strategy in government in the Region over • the abolition of mortgage duty on 2005, and Wyong Council is the next 25 years. The Regional the purchase of owner-occupied currently preparing a strategy that Strategy provides a diversity of residences from 1 September will address affordability issues. housing types which, together 2007, providing a saving of These strategies will need to be with other initiatives, will contribute almost $2000 on a $500 000 incorporated into the councils’ towards housing affordability. mortgage and benefi ting around principal LEPs. 186 000 home buyers each year.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 21 4 centres and housing

Wyong Council’s affordable • Develop a set of training 4.3 Councils are to facilitate housing strategy and the North modules in partnership with competitive land releases in Wyong Shire Structure Plan will various professional and industry the Region and to meet, as a consider the role that residential associations to promote a better minimum, the dwelling capacity parks and manufactured home understanding of urban design targets and distribution by centres estates play in the provision of and housing types. provided in this Regional Strategy, affordable housing. In 2001 this Work to be done in conjunction form of housing comprised 2.3 • Expand the success of SEPP No. with the Department of Planning per cent of all housing in Wyong 65 – Design Quality of Residential and delivered through the timely shire, with a large proportion of it Flat Development to include preparation of LEPs. in relatively isolated locations in the medium density housing forms northern half of the shire. such as town houses and villas. 4.4 Councils are to investigate the potential for land located within and For the most vulnerable households • Develop Urban Design around centres for future housing the NSW Government remains Guidelines for the new growth opportunities, consistent with the committed to a strong social housing centres and Centre Design centres hierarchy and the dwelling sector. The State Plan, released in Guidelines for existing areas and employment capacity targets November 2006, identifi es the undergoing urban renewal. through the preparation of LEPs NSW Government’s commitment to • Identifying landmark and exemplary and local planning strategies, (i.e. maintaining the total social housing sites and instigating processes, generally within a radius of 1000 stock. Councils, in preparing centres including design competitions, metres of a regional city and major planning strategies should discuss to promote excellence in design centre, 800 metres for towns, the potential for redevelopment of and planning. 400–600 metres for villages and social housing and the role that this 150 metres for neighbourhoods). could play in helping to achieve 4.5 council objectives for that centre. ACTIONS Councils are to review their current residential development 4.1 The Cities Taskforce, established strategies, including a review of Design quality by the Department of Planning, to the adequacy and accuracy of continue to work with local existing urban boundaries and The Department of Planning will government and other stakeholders zonings in fringe areas, through the undertake a series of initiatives in planning Gosford Regional City. preparation of principal LEPs. to improve design quality in new development including: 4.2 Councils are to provide for a 4.6 Land to be rezoned for housing mix of housing types, including during the life of the Strategy is to be • Preparation of educational material housing that will accommodate located within existing urban areas, for training local government an ageing population and smaller existing MDP areas, areas identifi ed councillors on the benefi ts and household sizes through the through preparation of LEPs and importance of good urban design. preparation of LEPs and strategies. greenfi eld areas nominated in the North Wyong Shire Structure Plan.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 22 4.7 The majority of future 4.11 Urban land releases groups in the community. The greenfi eld development is to to contribute to additional Department of Housing and be concentrated around the regional infrastructure costs in Department of Planning to identify Warnervale town centre and line with adopted government how these initiatives can be applied Wyong Employment Zone, via the policy regarding infrastructure to the Central Coast. Structure Plan and associated contributions. infrastructure plans for the North 4.15 Councils are to consider the Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area. 4.12 Implement expansion of the appropriateness of the locations in This work will be undertaken by NSW Government’s new Land which residential parks or caravan the Department of Planning in Supply Program for the Central parks are permissible during conjunction with Wyong Council. Coast to: preparation of principal LEPs, including their access to services. 4.8 The Department of Planning • monitor housing supply and This review is also to have regard is to continue to assist Wyong demand in both greenfi eld areas for protection of existing affordable Council in the planning of and existing areas housing stock. Warnervale town centre and the • include the new Employment Wyong Employment Zone. 4.16 Councils to prepare locally Lands Development Program responsive design guidelines 4.9 Ensure planning for the Lower • be the principal tool for the for the urban areas and include Hunter Region informs the more coordination and staging of land provisions to ensure that new detailed planning that will be done release for both residential and development is consistent with as part of the North Wyong Shire employment lands these guidelines. Structure Plan. • report the Central Coast 4.17 Councils to incorporate 4.10 Provide around 70 per cent separately from Sydney. provisions into development control of new housing in existing urban plans that require new buildings to areas and the new Warnervale 4.13 Consider a range of be designed to be able to adapt town centre by: affordable housing strategies, to meet the needs of a changing including forms of low-cost demographic and, where appropriate, • focusing new development in housing, suitable zonings and to alternative future uses. key centres to take advantage development controls to improve of services, shops and public housing choice, and specifi c 4.18 In planning for development transport as well as identifying schemes. These strategies must and redevelopment of urban areas, and preserving the character be consistent with relevant State councils are to consider the need of the Central Coast’s smaller policies. for civic open space and access neighbourhoods and suburbs to a variety of open space and 4.14 State Government will recreation opportunities (e.g. coastal • ensuring that existing centres develop options for improving foreshore and riparian land), in a will be developed consistent housing affordability, with a focus manner that is consistent with the with the centres hierarchy. on affordable housing for particular maintenance of ecological values.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 23 4 centres and housing

4.19 Recognise the regional and major centre by public transport in 4.25 Prior to the preparation state signifi cance of the Warnervale metropolitan Sydney’. of LEPs and centres planning town centre in providing a new strategies, councils need to community, government and 4.23 The Department of Planning establish whether development or business focus over the next is to prepare Centre Design redevelopment of any signifi cant 25 years. To ensure this, the Guidelines to encourage improvement government landholdings could NSW Government will: and appropriate renewal of local assist in achieving the overall centres and exchange of practices objectives for that centre. • lead the major strategic planning between councils. for this area 4.26 Councils are to implement 4.24 The Department of Planning is to their cultural plans and investigate • ensure that Ministerial consent is assess proposed land release areas opportunities to encourage clusters required for major developments against sustainability criteria and of entertainment and cultural facilities, and infrastructure in that area, implications on infrastructure funding. including activities based around where appropriate the night economy when preparing 4.20 The Department of Planning, centres planning strategies. as a part of future reviews, is to review population and employment capacity targets contained within this Strategy and will work with councils to determine the take up of land for residential and employment purposes.

4.21 Councils and the NSW Government are to undertake integrated land use and transport planning to ensure that opportunities to benefi t from infrastructure investment are realised.

4.22 Councils are to ensure location of new dwellings improves the Region’s performance against the target for State Plan priority E5 ‘Jobs closer to home – increase the proportion of people living within 30 minutes of a city or

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 24 5

Economy and employment

BACKGROUND target of 55 000 jobs for the • population growth driving new Central Coast between 2001 and economic and employment A key issue for the Central 2031, which equates to a opportunities Coast over the next 25 years is requirement for more than 45 000 to increase the current level of new jobs between 2006 and 2031. • competitively-priced employment self containment. It is estimated that approximately employment lands and Historically, local employment 10 000 jobs were created between the position of the Region growth has not kept pace with 2001 and 2006. A range of actions between Sydney and the increases in population. Over are proposed to facilitate a greater Hunter for industrial and 25 per cent of employed persons, level of employment self containment logistics businesses and or nearly 30 000 people, who live for the Central Coast. Close monitoring good interregional transport on the Central Coast currently work of employment growth will ensure infrastructure, i.e. the F3 outside the Central Coast. The that the capacity targets and Freeway and rail majority of these workers commute related employment actions can be • demographic and lifestyle to Sydney. Improving economic adjusted over time to ensure that development and increasing local changes, such as young the Metropolitan Strategy targets families, older professional employment is fundamental to are met or exceeded. reducing the proportion of workers workers who commute part-time commuting out of the Region over The Central Coast’s economy has to Sydney and retirees. the next 25 years. Centres and evolved from primary industries, These changes have resulted in the employment lands on the Central specifi cally agriculture, forestry and growth of home-based businesses, Coast are identifi ed on Map 3. mining industries to a diverse and demand for childcare facilities, economy with a strong presence in entertainment, cafes and specialised This chapter discusses the broad manufacturing and service industries. directions around which economic health services. The Region’s Apart from external factors such as natural assets bring an increasing growth is likely to occur on the national economic growth rates, Central Coast to 2031, and number of tourists, creating employment growth on the Central opportunities in accommodation identifi es a series of objectives and Coast is largely driven by: actions to support employment and hospitality industries. growth and prosperity, particularly in • the Region’s resource base The Central Coast economy has relation to centres and employment attracting investment in agriculture, become important as a market for lands. Sydney’s Metropolitan fi sheries, forestry, minerals/ goods and services, as a focus of Strategy City of cities: a plan for mining and energy sectors primary and secondary production Sydney’s future (NSW Department and as a labour supply for Sydney. of Planning 2005) identifi es a capacity

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 25 KEY Town Village Freeway 0 5 10km Urban Area Main Roads National Park Major Centre N REGIONAL CITY Employment Lands Employment Regional / State Park Regional Employment Precinct Employment Strategic Bus Corridor Rail Network and Station Network Rail Rural and Resource Lands and Resource Rural Bay Warners New Employment Lands (WEZ) Employment New Belmont Swansea Constrained Employment Lands Constrained Employment North Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area Plan Shire Structure Wyong North Lake Macquarie Lake Lake Munmorah Lake Budgewoi Toronto Toukley Munmorah Lake Charmhaven Charmhaven Budgewoi Lake Haven Lake Industrial Estate Industrial The Entrance The North Wyong Wyong North Bateau Bay Bateau Long Jetty Long Industrial Estate Industrial Central Coast Centres, Employment Lands and Employment Precincts Lands and Employment Employment Coast Centres, Central Lake Tuggerah Wadalba Terrigal Map 3 Erina Avoca Beach Avoca Industrial Area Industrial Chittaway Bay Chittaway Tuggerah Tuggerah Wyong (Emerging Major Centre) Town Centre Town MORISSET Industrial Area Industrial Killarney Vale Killarney North Gosford/Wyoming Gosford/Wyoming North New Warnervale New Warnervale Bushells Ridge Bushells Ridge Erina Lisarow Ourimbah Kincumber Wyoming GOSFORD Wyong Wyong Bay East Gosford Employment Zone Employment Broken Water Industrial Area Industrial Brisbane Niagara Park Tuggerah/Berkley Vale Vale Tuggerah/Berkley Lisarow Lisarow Industrial Area Area Industrial EAST NORTH West Gosford West Ettalong Beach Ettalong LOWER HUNTER REGION Woy Woy Umina Beach West Gosford Gosford West Industrial Area Industrial Somersby Somersby

Industrial Park Park Industrial River

ury Hawkesb NORTH SUBREGION METROPOLITAN METROPOLITAN SUBREGION NORTH WEST METROPOLITAN METROPOLITAN

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 26 With the forecast increase in Employment lands for Sydney OUTCOMES population, an ageing population action plan (Department of and the need to provide a Planning 2007) identifi es a range of A strong policy framework is greater diversity of employment measures to protect and enhance required to provide capacity for opportunities, growth in service- the supply of employment lands over 45 000 new jobs between related sectors such as retail and across the Sydney metropolitan 2006 and 2031, particularly for community services, including area. The action plan detailed key employment areas such as health, education, public a range of initiatives which the professional services. Careful administration, trades, property NSW Government is pursuing to attention and priority must be and business services as well as advance planning of employment given to planning, economic hospitality services are expected lands. These are summarised development initiatives and to continue. under fi ve key areas of activity: infrastructure planning to maximise results for the Region. The Region has a range of 1 Establish an Employment A coordinated plan for economic knowledge-based institutions Lands Development Program development and employment that are major contributors to the to maintain the balance growth on the Central Coast is local economy, such as Ourimbah between demand and supply of needed to capitalise on its position University, major hospitals employment land. between the global city of Sydney and several TAFE campuses. and the regional city of Newcastle, Combined, these present major 2 Release more greenfi eld land to while strengthening its own sense opportunities for the Region overcome a shortage of supply. as a Region. in relation to future training 3 Develop new policy initiatives to The gap between forecast labour opportunities and knowledge- encourage the regeneration of based growth. Building on these force growth and job growth will be ‘brownfi eld’ sites to support new managed via: strengths through provision of investment and employment better local training and good opportunities. • local planning – which needs quality local jobs will contribute to to respond to the dynamics reducing the loss of people aged 4 Employ more effi cient processes of economic change ensuring between 20 and 29 and provide a for zoning and developing there are suffi cient strategic sites range of other benefi ts. employment lands. and employment lands to meet Agriculture makes a signifi cant 5 Improve coordination industry demand and to attract contribution to the Central Coast’s between State departments new investment economy. Several agricultural and agencies, councils and • well managed commuting activities have the potential to industry to improve economic strategies, e.g. a relative increase the Region’s domestic development opportunities increase in employment self and export markets, including associated with employment containment may still result in an horticulture, particularly the high lands policy. increase of commuter travel over technical area of commercial plant current levels propagation. The main agricultural areas on the Central Coast such • improved connections as the Central Coast plateaus and between regions – stronger Wyong valleys have good access links to Sydney may spur new to supply fresh produce to local employment opportunities in and Sydney markets. the Region as it will induce additional investment

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 27 5 economy and employment

•improved monitoring and The Centres Hierarchy (Appendix Key opportunities for the Region consistency of data across the 2) outlines a hierarchy for include: Region – to allow job creation employment land and centres that and investment strategies provide employment opportunities • a general increase in economic to be continually updated to across the Region. Implementing activity and provision of respond to changing business plans to revitalise Gosford will be quality offi ce space will assist environments and requirements. a priority. Staging of development the growth of local business and growth of Tuggerah–Wyong, services such as accounting, Population growth will spur new town centres and villages will fi nancial management, IT and employment opportunities and, support Gosford. Staging of legal services if managed correctly, contribute development in Wyong shire will to a reduction in commuting • attractive industrial land prices also support further development and proximity to Sydney and through critical mass and more and revitalisation in Tuggerah– local demand. This growth alone Newcastle, especially for Wyong and the establishment of Sydney-based manufacturing will not be suffi cient to achieve the Warnervale town centre. employment objectives for the and logistics businesses Region so a Regional Economic A range of actions are proposed • signifi cant retail growth, based Development and Employment to implement the Employment on population growth, will create Strategy will be prepared to assist lands for Sydney action plan a need for more speciality job growth. The purpose of the including facilitation of release shops, bulky goods outlets and Regional Economic Development of greenfi eld employment land, department stores and Employment Strategy will identifi cation and classifi cation be to maintain the Region’s of employment land, monitoring • growth in health services, environmental and lifestyle the release of employment land driven by population growth, attributes while diversifying and and strengthening of existing lifestyle preferences, an ageing deepening the economic base over employment nodes. A number of population and growing the next 25 years. these directions will be addressed sophistication and complexity through ongoing planning and the of services. The number of A stronger sense of place Regional Economic Development health-related jobs is forecast to will improve the Region’s and Employment Strategy project. increase substantially over the attractiveness to business life of the Strategy investment by revitalising key As the Region grows, a number of centres such as Gosford. Other industries will benefi t from an overall • growth in education services, actions include promoting and increase in the economy and the with a corresponding increase encouraging entertainment, associated new infrastructure in the associated employment recreation and cultural provided, which will in turn attract in this sector. New schools, activities, creating pedestrian- new opportunities. Increasing vocational education and higher friendly environments, creating real incomes, education and skills education infrastructure will be quality public spaces and development opportunities will required to support a growing places, improving the diversity reinforce a positive cycle for the population with increased and quality of educational Region’s development. participation in education and opportunities available in the skills training Region and implementing the NSW Government’s planning • development of business system reforms to simplify the parks, which provide good development assessment process. building design and layout and an, emphasis on light

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 28 industrial and value-adding consideration of the applicability capacity targets and provide a industries and integration of of the new land use zones for distribution that refl ects the industrial, warehousing and areas. The Department of Planning centres hierarchy. offi ce activities. Signifi cant will work closely with councils 5.3 Councils are to investigate opportunities also exist to in preparing their respective strategies to ensure suffi ciently expand technology-based jobs strategies and plans to inform the zoned land to enable the provision in the Region new LEPs. The Department of of comparatively low cost premises Planning will continue to develop • forecasted high rates of growth for start-up business. Centre policy guidance on the application for cultural industries as well as strategies should include provision of zones and related development accommodation and hospitality. of low-cost offi ce and studio space controls as part of the ongoing The Region’s tourism advantages to assist business start-ups for planning reform process. are also likely to increase cultural activities.

• growth of home-based businesses. ACTIONS 5.4 The NSW Government is to prepare a Regional Economic 5.1 Promote economic and Table 3 outlines employment Development and Employment employment growth in the Region capacity targets for Central Strategy for the Central Coast that to increase the level of employment Coast centres and employment will aim to: lands by local government area. self containment and achieve These capacity targets outline capacity for more than 45 000 new • examine possible employment the preferred employment growth jobs on the Central Coast over the types needed over the next scenario for the Central Coast. next 25 years. 25 years

Preparation of new principal LEPs 5.2 LEPs are to be consistent • identify strategies to improve by both councils will require sound with the Central Coast Regional employment opportunities in the strategic planning and careful Strategy, the related employment Region and increase the level of regional employment self- containment Table 3: Central Coast employment capacity targets by local government area (LGA) and hierarchy 2006–31 • determine where the jobs should Centre type Gosford LGA Wyong LGA be located employment capacity employment capacity targets targets • establish a framework to Regional city (Gosford) 6000 (33%) 0 (0%) monitor land area and fl oor space targets to help ensure an Major centre 0 (0%) 5500 (20%) 1 (Tuggerah–Wyong) adequate supply of employment Other centres land over the next 25 years (town centres, villages 9000 (50%) 9000 (33%) neighbourhoods) • establish a framework so that the capacity targets and Employmentlands 3000 (17%) 2000 (7%) 2 objectives of the Central Coast North Wyong 0 (0%) 10 500 3 (40%) Structure Plan Area Regional Strategy can be met LGA totals 18 000 (100%) 27 000 (100%) • establish a framework for the Regional total 45 000 establishment of business parks

1 Targets for Tuggerah Straight and Tuggerah Business Park are included in the major centre fi gures. 2 Targets for Warnervale town centre are included in the ‘Other centres, home-based business and other’ fi gures. 3 Targets for the Wyong Employment Zone are included in the North Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area fi gures.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 29 5 economy and employment

Table 4: Schedule of strategic employment lands on the Central Coast Classifi cation Employment lands Local government area Approximate size in hectares Land to be retained for Lisarow Gosford 50 industrial purposes North Gosford and Wyoming Gosford 25 Erina Gosford 10 Somersby Gosford 300 West Gosford Gosford 125 Mount Penang Gosford 130 (not including area proposed for business uses) Charmhaven Wyong 35 Tuggerah Business Park and Berkeley Vale Wyong 200 Tuggerah Wyong 60 North Wyong Wyong 125 Bushells Ridge Wyong 630 (1) Wyong Employment Zone (largely new) Wyong 360 (2) Hakone employment Corridor (possible future) Wyong TBC Bruce Crescent (possible future) Wyong TBC Various employment lands precincts, i.e. Gosford and Wyong A range of sizes Kincumber, Woy Woy, Killarney Vale, Doyalson Land with potential to allow for N/A. Precincts to be identifi ed through local planning and future reviews of the Regional Strategy a wider range of employment uses Land that could be investigated N/A. Precincts to be identifi ed through local planning and future reviews of the Regional Strategy for alternative uses

1. The Bushells Ridge area is heavily constrained by threatened species issues. The North Wyong Shire Structure Plan and Regional Conservation Plan will establish a potential employment land yield for this area. 2. The fi gure for the Wyong Employment zone includes the existing Warnervale Industrial Park and is based on the draft proposal currently being considered by the Department of Planning for listing as a State signifi cant site.

• devise a strategy to increase • leading the major strategic zonings or other uses across the the level of regional employment planning for this area Central Coast, unless supported self-containment by a planning strategy agreed to by • ensuring that Ministerial the Department of Planning. • identify other factors outside consent is required for major land use planning that will assist developments and infrastructure 5.7 Investigate, through the employment growth. in that area preparation of LEPs, options to expand existing employment land 5.5 The NSW Government is • providing a framework to nodes and ensure future development to recognise the regional and inform future state and local occurring on employment land state signifi cance of the Wyong infrastructure decisions. does not result in inappropriate Employment Zone in providing fragmentation of that land. appropriate employment lands over 5.6 Ensure LEPs do not rezone the next 25 years by: employment lands to residential

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 30 5.8 Ensure that development of plateaus and Wyong valleys to 5.18 Enterprise corridors to be residential and mixed-use buildings consider agriculture, extractive investigated and, if appropriate, in business zones do not result in resources, water supply values implemented through principal a weakening of a centres retail and and tourism uses and address any local environmental plans – commercial functions. confl ict between these uses. possibilities include, West Gosford and Long Jetty. Detailed guidelines 5.9 Ensure that bulky goods 5.13 The NSW Government on enterprise corridors will be issued retailing is not located on industrial and councils are to engage with by the Department of Planning. land and is located in centres and industry regarding employment nominated nodes. land stock to ensure a suffi cient supply of employment land in the 5.10 The Department of Planning correct locations. will prepare guidelines to apply to business development and 5.14 The NSW Government and enterprise corridor zones. councils are to utilise government assets and investment to support 5.11 Ensure new retail and centres in accordance with the commercial development is located centres hierarchy. in centres. Some local convenience retailing may be required out of 5.15 The Department of Planning centre, however the presence of is to protect and enhance strategic a convenience shop can initiate employment lands through the a neighbourhood centre, around development of an employment lands which other activities such as child State environmental planning policy. care facilities can be located. 5.16 The Department of Planning 5.12 The Department of Primary is to establish an Employment Industries, Department of Water Lands Development Program, and Energy and Department of in parallel with the Metropolitan Planning, in conjunction with Development Program and under a Department of Environment and Sydney land supply program, to: Climate Change, is to review planning for the Central Coast • improve planning and delivery of employment lands

• monitor demand and supply of employment lands.

5.17 The Department of Planning is to work with councils in identifying and implementing measures to manage interface issues between industrial and residential lands uses.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 31 Warners Toronto Bay LOWER HUNTER REGION Belmont

Lake Macquarie Swansea MORISSET (Emerging Major Centre)

KEY

Lake Munmorah REGIONAL CITY Lake Munmorah Major Centre Budgewoi Town NORTH WEST Lake Haven METROPOLITAN New Warnervale Budgewoi SUBREGION Town Centre Lake Village Toukley Wadalba North Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area Tuggerah Lake Wyong Constrained Employment Lands Tuggerah Biodiversity Assets Outside Chittaway Bay Conservation Reserves

The Entrance Indicative Habitat Corridor Ourimbah Long Jetty Bouddi National Park Marine Park Extension Niagara Park Killarney Vale Bateau Bay Lisarow Rail Network and Station

Wyoming Freeway

GOSFORD Main Roads West Gosford East Gosford Erina National Park Terrigal Brisbane Water Avoca Beach State Park / Regional Kincumber Woy Woy Rural and Resource Lands Also contain significant areas of existing vegetation

Hawkesbury Ettalong Beach Urban Area Umina Beach NORTH METROPOLITAN Map 4 Central Coast Native Vegetation SUBREGION River

Broken N 0 5 10km Bay

NORTH EAST 6 Environment, heritage, recreation and natural resources

BACKGROUND to uncertainty, with developers The Central Coast is part of an having to resolve complex fl ora and airshed that extends from the The Central Coast’s natural fauna issues on a site-by-site basis Sydney Region to the Hunter environment is highly valued from with little regional context. Native Region. The Region’s non-urban a cultural, environmental and vegetation on the Central Coast is lands provide an important green recreation perspective and is identifi ed on Map 4. edge for the north-easterly air sensitive to change. More than half movement across Sydney. Major the Region is comprised of national Rural and resource lands are an air and noise pollution types on the parks, state forests, regional and important element of the Central Central Coast include road (noise local open space, conservation Coast environment. These lands and air), rail (noise and vibration) areas and aquatic systems contribute to employment, and industrial (noise and air). including lakes, estuaries, lagoons, tourism, cultural and regional beaches, rivers, creeks, wetlands identity, character, biodiversity, and Both the Hunter-Central Rivers and and water supply catchments, catchment protection. Hawkesbury Nepean catchment both above and below ground. management authorities have The diverse range of landscapes The Central Coast is the traditional developed catchment action plans, and ecosystems support a range lands of the Darkinjung, Garingai and which include regional investment of threatened species populations, Awabakal people. The Central Coast priorities and recommendations for ecological communities and critical was fi rst settled by Europeans in the land use planning within the Central habitat. Sustainable growth requires 1800s and the Region still contains Coast. To help achieve long-term managing the environmental impact a richness of both Aboriginal and environmental sustainability, land of development and reducing the non-Aboriginal archaeological sites, use planning objectives must consumption of natural resources, cultural values and settlement consider the objectives of the as well as safeguarding assets from characteristics. A signifi cant part of catchment action plans and those natural hazards, which are expected the cultural heritage of the Central of other resource management to increase over time through the Coast is embodied in the natural plans, such as water sharing plans impact of climate change. and built environment. and estuary management plans.

A Regional Conservation Plan that identifi es and protects areas of Rural and resource lands provide fresh local produce across the Sydney Region. environmental and conservation The Central Coast contributes over ten per cent of Sydney’s total agricultural value for the Central Coast production and signifi cant extractive resources such as coal, clay for brick and is underway. In the past, the tile manufacture, construction sand and sandstone. absence of such a plan has led

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 33 6 environment, heritage, recreation and natural resources

While coal resources underlie large OUTCOMES • identifying agricultural land parts of the Central Coast the that requires protection from most viable opportunities for coal The Regional Strategy will protect inappropriate development extraction occur in the northern the outstanding environmental balancing the economic benefi ts half of Wyong shire. A large qualities of the Central Coast by: that could result from the resource of friable fi ne to medium • focusing future population extraction of sand, coal and clay grained sandstone occurs on the growth in existing urban areas, resources, the need to address Somersby Plateau (including the east of the F3 Freeway (other environmental issues, the need Calga area). The Somersby Plateau than in and around existing to preserve agricultural land is a major source of fi ne-to- villages and employment use potential and the need to medium grain sand for the Sydney opportunities identifi ed in the accommodate planned housing Region and Central Coast area. strategy), in areas identifi ed as and employment growth in the Smaller deposits of clay also occur. a part of comprehensive local northern half of the Wyong local environmental plan reviews and government area suitable areas within the North • requiring councils to implement Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area the relevant policies actions and management plans including those formulated in line with the NSW Government’s NSW estuary management manual and NSW coastline management manual (1990), and Floodplain development manual: the management of fl ood liable land (Department of Natural Resources 2005)

• requiring council environmental planning instruments to incorporate the principle of integrated water cycle management

• requiring councils to implement the relevant policies within relevant catchment management authorities’ catchment action plans ensuring

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 34 new development incorporates • The Region’s State forests will more development around key ‘water sensitive urban design’ continue to be managed in public transport nodes and and minimising water demand accordance with their approved reducing the percentage of Ecologically Sustainable Forest the workforce that commutes • implementing the Building and Management Plans. to Sydney will help to reduce Sustainability Index (BASIX) to car dependency. reduce water and energy use by • Floodplains, estuaries and residential development coastal areas are extremely • Aboriginal cultural landscapes important to the Region and have been identifi ed through • investigating measures such require protection. The NSW the Aboriginal Cultural as dual reticulation (separate Government’s NSW coastal Landscape Planning Project drinking and grey water systems) policy (Coastal Council of NSW undertaken by the former in new developments. 1997), NSW State rivers and Department of Infrastructure, A Regional Conservation Plan will be estuaries policy (NSW Water Planning and Natural Resources. prepared that identifi es and protects Resources Council 1993) The project provides a set of state and regional biodiversity values, and Flood Prone Land Policy assessment criteria and including buffers to these areas, and (incorporated in the Floodplain guidelines to ensure that provides certainty for development. Development Manual) will Aboriginal community and This plan will be prepared in parallel be carried through into the cultural values are equitably to the North Wyong Shire Structure formulation of local environmental considered by both NSW Plan so that biodiversity planning can plans and other strategies in the Government and local both guide future development and planning process. governments. be balanced against the social and • Planning for future development • The Region’s centres will economic objectives for development in Wyong shire will take into continue to develop while in that area. The conservation plan account the location, timing and maintaining the heritage values will also provide a framework for building requirements of the NSW that are important from past more detailed planning to occur Mine Subsidence Board and the times. This will also have tourism elsewhere in the Region. Department of Primary Industries. benefi ts for the Region.

The Region’s valuable rural and • The Strategy will build on and resource lands will be maintained implement initiatives and for their agricultural, water supply, guidelines that include Action environmental, mineral and for air (Environment Protection extractive resources and recreation Authority 1998), NSW industrial and tourism opportunities. noise policy (Environment • The Region’s national parks, Protection Authority 1998), waterways, coastline and Noise and vibration guidelines foreshore areas will be (State Rail Authority & Railway conserved and managed to Infrastructure Corporation 2003) ensure both their preservation and Environmental Criteria for for environmental purposes, Road Traffi c Noise (Environment as well as their continuing Protection Authority 1999). contribution to recreation and Concentrating more population scenic amenity. in existing urban areas, focusing

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 35 environment, heritage, recreation 6 and natural resources

ACTIONS development in Wyong shire takes 6.4 LEPs are to appropriately account of current and potential zone land of high landscape value 6.1 The Department of Primary future mining issues. The fi ndings (including scenic and cultural Industries, in partnership with of the strategic inquiry into the landscapes). the Department of Planning, is to potential coal mining impacts in undertake mapping of regionally Wyong local government area 6.5 Councils, through preparation signifi cant activities, including established by the Minister for of LEPs, are to incorporate agriculture, mining, extractive Planning in February 2007 should appropriate land use buffers industry and special uses, to also be considered. around environmentally sensitive, identify rural activities and resource rural and resource lands. lands for preservation. 6.3 LEPs are to appropriately zone land with high state 6.6 The Department of 6.2 The Department of Planning or regional environmental, Environment and Climate Change, and Wyong Council are to work agricultural, resource, vegetation, working with the Department with the NSW Mine Subsidence habitat, waterways, wetland or of Planning, other relevant Board and Department of Primary coastline values. government agencies and Industries to ensure future councils, is to prepare a Regional Conservation Plan that:

• identifi es the key conservation values of the Region and regionally signifi cant corridors

• outlines how the Regional Conservation Plan relates to the Central Coast Regional Strategy and the relevant catchment action plans

• establishes a biodiversity investment guide that identifi es which landscapes and habitats, at a regional level, are to be targeted for investment to achieve improved conservation outcomes

• establishes a biodiversity offset package for greenfi eld development within the North

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 36 Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area 6.9 Ensure LEPs do not rezone by integrating relevant objectives and a framework for an offset rural and resource lands for urban and targets from the Hunter- strategy to be established for purposes or rural residential Central Rivers and Hawkesbury development outside of this area uses unless agreement from the Nepean Catchment Action Plans, until such time as detailed local Department of Planning is fi rst Stormwater Management Plans strategies are prepared reached regarding the value of and Estuary Management Plans these resources. (including both the Tuggerah • identifi es mechanisms that will Lakes and Brisbane Water be used to fund biodiversity 6.10 Incorporate provisions to Estuary Management Plans, when investment control the offsite impacts of completed) into local planning. development – in particular the • establish monitoring and review export of pollutants and high fl ows 6.13 Implement key NSW mechanisms. – in local development standards government initiatives and 6.7 The Department of Planning, and policies. guidelines, including Action for Department of Primary Industries, air, NSW industrial noise policy, 6.11 Ensure LEPs and other Noise and vibration guidelines and Department of Environment and strategies implement the NSW Climate Change and councils to Environmental criteria for road coastal policy, the NSW Flood Prone traffi c noise. work towards biocertifi cation of Land Policy and plans prepared in LEPs, where appropriate. accordance with these documents. 6.14 Integrate the aims and 6.8 Ensure LEPs facilitate objectives of the NSW waste 6.12 Protect the health of the avoidance and recovery strategy conservation of Aboriginal and Central Coast’s waterways, including non-Aboriginal heritage. (NSW Department of Environment the coastline, estuaries and lakes and Climate Change 2007) through local development standards and policies.

6.15 Councils and the Department of Planning are to ensure that Aboriginal cultural and community values are considered in the future planning and management of the local government area.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 37 environment, heritage, recreation 6 and natural resources

6.16 Councils are to ensure loss of natural resources, potential 6.23 Councils are to refer to LEPs have regard for State for land use confl ict and impact on the principles and guidelines in Environmental Planning Policy the environment. the Groundwater management No. 71 – Coastal Protection. handbook: a guide for local 6.22 Councils are to refer to government (Sydney Coastal 6.17 The Department of Planning Design in context: guidelines for Councils Group 2006) when is to continue to expand the infi ll development in the historic undertaking groundwater resource NSW Government’s Metropolitan environment (NSW Heritage Offi ce management and broader planning. Greenspace program and further and the Royal Australian Institute investigate opportunities to expand of Architects NSW Chapter Infi ll regional facilities for families such Guidelines Working Party 2006) as picnic areas and walking trails in preparing development control within the Central Coast Region. plans and making decisions relating to development in 6.18 Councils are to continue to existing areas so it is compatible maintain or improve the provision with conservation areas and of local open space, particularly in heritage items. centres along strategic bus routes and around centres where urban growth is being located.

6.19 Councils and the NSW Government are to ensure that development in the North Wyong Shire Structure Plan Area and in existing urban areas is designed to encourage use of sustainable forms of transport, including walking and cycling.

6.20 Councils are to review and protect the cultural heritage values of centres, if these centres are identifi ed to be the focus of urban renewal projects.

6.21 Councils and the NSW Government are to ensure that development pressure of tourist activities are managed to minimise

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 38 7

Natural hazards

BACKGROUND may increase due to sea level rise accordance with NSW and more frequent and intense storms government policy. The Central Coast Regional associated with climate change. Strategy recognises that some Similarly, the management of acid areas may be subject to the effects The Floodplain Development sulphate soils must be undertaken of natural hazards such as fl ooding, Manual covers the management in accordance with NSW coastal inundation and recession of fl ood liable land and defi nes the government policy. which are closely linked to the NSW Government’s Flood Prone coastline, estuaries and foreshore Land Policy. The manual aims OUTCOMES areas of coastal lakes. to reduce the impact of fl ooding on landowners and property. Future urban development should These areas are also subject to Councils must incorporate be located in areas that are not some of the Region’s greatest processes and planning provisions vulnerable to coastline recession, development pressures. Existing in LEPs consistent with the frequent fl ooding or rising watertable and future development within Floodplain Development Manual, consistent with a fl oodplain and the Region faces varying degrees including preparation of fl oodplain coastal zone management plan. of risk from natural hazards. management plans. These policies Local planning needs to be Preparation and future reviews and resulting development controls consistent with NSW government of fl oodplain and coastline for fl ood prone land must also policy in relation to fl ooding, acid management plans must consider be considered as part of the sulphate soils, bushfi res and coastal the potential for these risks to development assessment process. management plans. increase as a result of climate change, including sea level rise. The Department of Planning is piloting a laser survey of part of ACTIONS The Coastal Protection Act 1979 the Region that will deliver highly 7.1 Councils are to prepare (or requires councils to prepare accurate topographic information update) fl oodplain, estuary and Coastal Zone Management Plans from which modelling of coastal coastal zone management plans using the NSW Government’s inundation, fl ooding and recession in order to reduce risks from Coastal zone management manual can be improved. natural hazards. These plans must (1991). These management be completed and considered in plans will form the basis for the In an area that has such substantial planning decisions made within the consideration of impacts of new vegetated areas and a dispersed areas that they apply to. land releases, proposed rezoning population there is a high risk of and developments in areas bushfi res. Planning for bushfi re subjected to hazards. These risks protection is undertaken in

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 39 7 natural hazards

7.2 Local environmental plans will zone areas subject to high hazard to refl ect the capabilities of the land.

7.3 In order to manage the risks associated with climate change, councils will undertake investigations of lands with the potential to be affected by sea level rise and inundation to ensure that risks to public and private assets are minimised.

7.4 Local environmental plans will zone waterways to refl ect their environmental, recreational or cultural values.

7.5 Local environmental plans will make provision for adequate setbacks in areas at risk from coastal erosion and/or ocean- based inundation in accordance with Coastal Zone Management Plans. Until these plans are made by the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, councils cannot zone land or approve new development or redevelopment in potential hazard areas, unless assessed within a risk assessment framework adopted by the council.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 40 8

Water

BACKGROUND for water supply will remain with OUTCOMES the councils who would wholly own The Central Coast has recently this entity with revenues raised by The Gosford Wyong Councils experienced its worst drought the corporation remaining in the Water Authority in recent times on record. That fact, combined Region. The corporation model has focused much of its energy with the CSIRO’s predictions of has been developed following a on contingency and recovery increased temperatures, changes request from Gosford and Wyong planning as a result of the drought. in rainfall and storm intensity due councils for a new legal entity to In August 2007, the local councils to climate change means that a formally endorsed WaterPlan enable improved governance and range of strategies and measures 2050 (Gosford Council & Wyong streamlined decision-making. Both that are not yet in place, must be Councils 2007), the long-term councils are taking steps towards implemented to develop a safe, blueprint for managing the Central establishment of this board and it is secure and reliable water supply. Coast’s water resources over the expected that the new corporation Ongoing security of water supply next four decades. WaterPlan 2050 will come into operation shortly. and drought recovery is a factor provides strategies for delivering that will need to be considered Mangrove Creek, Mooney Creek, a sustainable long-term water in relation to future reviews of the Ourimbah Creek, Jilliby Creek, supply system to the Central Regional Strategy. Wyong River and several aquifers Coast, to accommodate existing and future water needs, without Water supply on the Central Coast provide water for the Region, compromising the health of the is managed by Gosford and Wyong although other sources are being Region’s rivers, estuaries and councils who are each designated used such as the transfer of water lakes and to implement natural as a water supply authority under from Hunter Water Corporation. resource management legislation the Water Management Act 2000. The water supply system includes requirements, e.g. the Water On 27 November 2006 the NSW three major dams (Mangrove Creek Management Act 2000. Government assented to the Dam, Mardi Dam and Mooney Central Coast Water Corporation Mooney Dam) along with three WaterPlan 2050 identifi es a Act 2006. This Act (the date of weirs, two water treatment plants, number of water-saving, water- its commencement yet to be 40 reservoirs and almost 2000 harvesting and water-supply proclaimed) provides for the kilometres of piping. Groundwater measures needed to meet establishment of the Central Coast and stormwater are playing long-term water requirements. Water Corporation to supply water increasing roles in the water supply Options considered under the and sewerage services on the system through a number of plan include improved demand Central Coast. The responsibility projects throughout the Region. management, recycling more

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 41 8 water

water, more effective use of river being developed for the remaining consumption. This goal aligns with water through building transfer water sources. Water sharing the Gosford Wyong Councils Water schemes, transferring water from plans are legal documents made Authority’s objectives of reducing the Hunter Region, stormwater under the Water Management water demand via the installation harvesting schemes in developing Act 2000. They provide the of water-effi cient devices such as areas, and using groundwater. rules for allocating water for the rainwater tanks. Two high priority projects have environmental needs of the water been commenced, an upgraded source and direct how water is Councils must continue to link between Wyong River and to be shared. Implementation of incorporate appropriate Mardi Dam and a pipeline linking water sharing plans is managed water-effi ciency initiatives into Mangrove Dam to Mardi dam. by the Department of Water and both planning strategies and Construction of the new Mardi- Energy. These plans will determine development controls. This is Mangrove link is expected to environmental fl ow and water likely to include encouraging commence by the end of 2008 and access rules for both surface and rainwater tanks, non-potable water commissioning of the project is groundwater and are critical to usage, water reuse and water scheduled for July 2010 (subject to ensuring ongoing water supply for sensitive urban design. The NSW the necessary approvals). the Central Coast. Government continues to support water sensitive urban design The Gosford Wyong Councils The NSW Government is and integrated water catchment Water Authority has also achieved working to ensure the plans meet management. Councils should development approvals for environmental requirements and continue to adopt these principles desalination plants as longer allow provision for security of in local planning and seek funding term contingency options. The water supply to service expected for local stormwater initiatives. options for desalination include population growth for the Central small mobile plants and a large Coast. There is agreement in Other demand management permanent plant that has the principle to allow greater extraction options being implemented on capacity to provide 20 per cent of of water during times of high fl ow the Central Coast include water the Region’s water supply. and reduced extraction from very restrictions, water effi ciency refi ts, low fl ows, subject to determination an expanded rebate system for The NSW Government’s proposed of environmental fl ow requirements, water tanks and water effi cient 450 billion litre dam at Tillegra will also and further information being appliances and programs to provide long-term benefi ts for the provided by councils in relation increase effi ciencies and recycled Central Coast’s water supply system. to the environmental health of the water usage for major users. Water sharing plans have been respective waterways under the Much of the land to the west of developed for a number of Central proposed extraction regime. the F3 Freeway is part of the water Coast water sources including The NSW Government’s Building supply catchment of the Central Jilliby Jilliby Creek, Ourimbah Sustainability Index (BASIX) Coast. The Central Coast Regional Creek and the Kulnura Mangrove requires residential development to Strategy will protect the Region’s Mountain groundwater source. In adopt water-effi cient features with a water supply catchment from addition to the water sharing plans goal of reducing water and energy inappropriate development or already gazetted, plans are also land use.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 42 Management of groundwater increase available water for 8.3 Develop water sharing plans extraction and development within transfers from the Hunter Region and implement environmental catchment areas will also be an fl ows to improve waterway health ongoing area of concern for both • management of the transfer as outlined in the existing and councils and the Departments of pipeline between the Hunter and proposed water sharing plans and Environment and Climate Change, Central Coast regions relevant catchment action plans, and Water and Energy. • temporarily allowing increased whilst providing water for forecast population growth. The Central Coast Regional water extraction from Ourimbah Strategy aligns with the work of the Creek 8.4 Require new residential NSW Government and councils • extension of the NSW development to comply with to ensure a secure, safe, and Government’s Water Savings BASIX targets to reduce water adequate regional water supply Fund (part of Metropolitan Water consumption and energy through supporting: Plan) to the Central Coast in consumption. • specifi c environmental fl ows for May 2006. This funding could 8.5 Ensure that LEPs seek all rivers and estuaries be used for rainwater tank and to improve existing land use water effi cient appliance rebates confl icts within defi ned water • sustainable extraction of and allows industry and other catchment areas. groundwater large water users to save and harvest water. 8.6 At each review of the Regional • per capita reduction in town Strategy an assessment is to be water use ACTIONS carried out on the capacity of the • Improved protection of water water supply system to adequately 8.1 The local water authority quality and quantity in water meet forecast housing and and councils are to implement supply catchment areas employment capacity targets. WaterPlan 2050, having regard • improved water cycle to the dwelling and employment management to, in part, capacity targets in the Regional increase reuse of water. Strategy for the next 25 years and take part in future reviews of these Several recent NSW Government capacity targets. initiatives that will help the local water authority and councils to 8.2 Councils must incorporate provide a more robust and adaptable appropriate water effi ciency, water supply system include: integrated water cycle management and water sensitive • construction of the new 450 urban design initiatives in local billion litre Tillegra Dam planning, development standards, • construction of a pre-treatment policies and LEPs. plant on the Williams River to

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 43 Health Map 5 State Infrastructure Strategy Roads

1 Gosford Hospital: Carpark and Main Access for the Central Coast (2008) 20 Avoca Drive: Sun Valley Road to Bayside Drive: and Mandala Mental Health Source: State Infrastructure Strategy, Widen to 4 Lanes 2 Wyong Hospital Redevelopment New South Wales 2008–09 to 2017–18 21 Central Coast Highway: Brisbane Water Drive, Manns Road Intersection Upgrade* Education 22 Central Coast Highway: Carlton Road to Matcham Road* 3 Brisbane Water Secondary College: 23 Central Coast Highway: Matcham Road to Trade School* Ocean View Drive* 4 Gorokan High School: New Gymnasium 24 Central Coast Highway: Ocean View Drive to Tumbi Road, Widen to 4 Lanes 5 Jilliby Public School: Library and Central Coast Highway: Woy Woy Road Administration Facilities* 25 Intersection Upgrade* 6 Kariong Mountains High School: New School 35 40 26 Pacifi c Highway: Lisarow to F3 Stage 2, Glen Road to Burns Road, Widen to 4 Lanes 7 Lisarow High School: Upgrade Library* 27 Pacifi c Highway: Lisarow to F3 stage 8 Pretty Beach Public School: Demountable 31 11 3, Railway Crescent to Glen Road, Replacement 16 Widen to 4 Lanes* 5 Lake Haven Ageing, Disability and New Warnervale 28 Pacifi c Highway: Narara to Lisarow Upgrade, Town Centre Manns Road to Railway Crescent* Home Care 12 4 Toukley 29 Pacifi c Highway: Tuggerah to Wyong, Anzac 9 Accommodation Reconfi guration and Fitout, 2 10 13 15 Road to Johnson Road, Widen to 4 Lanes Green Point 26 Wyong 30 Pacifi c Highway: Wyong Road Intersection 10 Accommodation Reconfi guration and Fitout, 37 29 Upgrade* Wyong Tuggerah 31 Sparks Road: Upgrade* 11 Re-accommodation of Large Residential 30 18 33 Centres, Hamlyn Terrace 32 Terrigal Drive Upgrade* 12 Re-accommodation of Large Residential 34 The Entrance Centres, Wadalba Transmission 13 Stronger Together: New Accommodation, 36 Wyong 7 33 Tuggerah 330kV Transformer Bateau Bay Attorney General 27 22 23 24 Distribution 28 14 Court Upgrade: Gosford 1 14 17 21 34 Berkeley Vale Zone Substation GOSFORD Police 38 35 Lake Munmorah Zone Substation Erina 36 Long Jetty Feeders 15 Wyong Police Station 6 32 37 Ourimbah Subtransmission Substation Rail 3 25 9 20 38 Wamberal Zone Substation 16 North Warnervale: New Railway Station* Woy Woy 19 39 41 39 Woy Woy & Umina Zone Substation 17 Stabling, Central Coast Generation 18 Tuggerah Station Interchange and Car Park 8 40 Colongra Gas Turbine Peaking Plant 19 Woy Woy Commuter Car Park Expansion 43 42 Country Towns Program

41 Bar Point Sewerage Upgrade

42 Little Wobby Sewerage Upgrade

REGIONAL National State/ Non–urban STRATEGY CENTRES Regional City Major Centre Town Urban Area Major Road Rail Line Park Regional Park Land 43 Mooney Mooney/Cheero Point Sewerage Upgrade * These projects are not yet approved but form part of the $140 billion State Infrastructure Strategy to 2017–18. 9

Regional infrastructure

BACKGROUND based on the NSW Government’s OUTCOMES priorities and timing for major A range of public and private infrastructure. There are several initiatives within infrastructure will be required to the Central Coast Regional service new employment and Given that current growth forecasts Strategy that will inform future residential areas as well as existing involve substantial population reviews of the State Infrastructure areas that are subject to ongoing growth, including further growth Strategy. These initiatives are all growth and redevelopment. An in the commuting workforce, long planned within the fi rst fi ve years of additional challenge in providing term planning for infrastructure, the Strategy, and include: infrastructure and services to the particularly water supply, road Region is the large fl uctuations due and rail transport is critical. The • a Regional Economic Development to the seasonal holiday periods. Region’s dispersed population, and Employment Strategy Concentrating the majority of future dispersed employment centres • planning for Gosford regional city growth in and around the Region’s and complex geography (i.e. by the Cities Taskforce centres provides an opportunity to large water bodies and numerous more effi ciently use existing and conservation areas) mean that it • the North Wyong Shire augmented water, energy, waste is diffi cult to service areas from Structure Plan and transport infrastructure. a road and public transport • a review of rural lands and perspective. Similarly, continuing to resource planning The Central Coast Regional improve the management of waste Strategy is linked to the NSW services is important as Gosford’s • a Regional Conservation Plan Government’s four-year exiting landfi ll sites – Woy Woy and budget cycle through the State Kincumber – are both expected to • preparation of new principal LEPs infrastructure strategy 2008–09 reach capacity during the life of (Gosford 2009 and Wyong 2011) to 2017–18 New South Wales the Strategy. (NSW Treasury 2008), which charts • outlining plans for upgrading the infrastructure provision that The Strategy recognises that there water infrastructure (ongoing). the NSW Government will need are several infrastructure areas The Regional Strategy requires that to undertake in NSW. The State that could, some time in the future, plans for Gosford regional city and Infrastructure Strategy has an potentially constrain the capacity the North Wyong Shire Structure overall ten-year outlook and allows for growth in the Region. It will be Plan Area consider infrastructure both public and private sectors, important for these factors to be requirements and, in the case of including local councils and the considered in future reviews of the the Structure Plan, a staging and wider community to make decisions Regional Strategy. sequencing Shire Structure Plan

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 45 9 regional infrastructure

will identify where the majority support growth in major regional of the Region’s future greenfi eld centres and major towns. dwellings to 2031 will be located. The plan will focus the majority of 9.4 Suitable locally-generated and/ new development around the new or renewable energy projects such Warnervale town centre. Staging as wind, solar, bio-waste and wave of development will be targeted power will be supported. to ensure that centres and key 9.5 In preparing LEPs, councils infrastructure are developed in an are to liaise with road, rail, water effi cient and and energy providers and make timely manner. provision for any regional road, The Strategy recognises that there rail, gas, water or electricity are short- and long-term measures infrastructure corridors that may that are underway to secure a be required. sustainable water supply. New 9.6 Councils are encouraged to development opportunities will promote waste avoidance and focus on major employment centres resource recovery in demolition so as to maximise economic growth and building work as well as in the Region, and ongoing reviews in the design and occupancy will be required to ensure that there of residential, commercial and is satisfactory consideration of industrial development. major infrastructure requirements, including water supply issues.

ACTIONS 9.1 The Department of Planning and relevant NSW government agencies are to undertake a number of strategies that will plan for future growth to implement the Central Coast Regional Strategy.

9.2 The Department of Planning is to review the population and employment capacity targets contained within this Strategy as part of fi ve-yearly reviews.

9.3 Councils are to identify suitably-located and appropriately- zoned land for new water supply, wastewater treatment and recycling, energy and waste avoidance, and resource recovery infrastructure, to

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 46 10

Regional transport

BACKGROUND are also a large number of centre of Tuggerah–Wyong, Gosford workers who commute out of regional city and centres to the Transport infrastructure on the the Region for work by train and north and south. It also provides Central Coast is provided by by road, predominantly on the F3 one of the main interregional links Federal, State and local Freeway. The F3 and the Sydney- to the Lower Hunter and metropolitan governments. The network to-Newcastle rail line both have Sydney. RailCorp’s planned includes an arterial road system important national and State initiatives under the State with major highway and freeway freight functions, and are Infrastructure Strategy include: links to the adjoining regions, rail susceptible to disruption by fi re links, bus networks, a local airport, and storm damage. • a new railway station at ferry services and pedestrian and North Warnervale bicycle networks. The NSW Government is continuing to upgrade the regional road • providing additional stabling Dispersed settlement across the network and include bus priority capacity on the Central Coast Central Coast has resulted in a and cycleway construction in these to accommodate new outer regional transportation network upgrades. A network of strategic suburban cars formed to connect these dispersed bus corridors will be progressively • providing an additional platform centres and localities. Ensuring implemented, providing fast, at Hornsby station (as part of improved transport networks for frequent, direct and convenient links the Rail Clearways Program), existing areas and adequate between larger centres and major improving reliability for Central services for new development in the areas of patronage with more local Coast services northern half of Wyong shire are networks. The strategic bus signifi cant challenges as a result of corridors will be supported by • interchange and commuter car this settlement pattern. The improved roadside infrastructure park improvements at Tuggerah Region’s large water bodies with fl at and bus priority measures, and commuter car park expansion topography and scenic underpinned by larger contract at Woy Woy. environments surrounding them, regions for the Central Coast. provide opportunities for improved Road and rail infrastructure play the scenic bicycle networks. The rail corridor is located on the most signifi cant roles in moving western fringe of the heavily freight to, from and through the The Region is currently highly car populated coastal areas with Central Coast. dependent in terms of travelling buses playing an important role in between centres, railway stations intra-regional public transport. and other key destinations. There The rail network links the major

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 47 10 regional transport

Recent trends suggest industry is OUTCOMES The NSW Government’s Rail consolidating warehousing and Clearways plan and the new distribution centres to reduce the Connecting the Central Coast’s Chatswood to Epping railway line cost of maintaining inventories. centres and focusing links on will improve rail access for Central Distribution centres include local Gosford and Tuggerah–Wyong will Coast residents who travel into and delivery centres, freight terminals ensure the Region grows its around Sydney. The Rail Clearways and inter-modal facilities. There is an economic diversity whilst reducing plan aims to improve capacity and increasing demand for these both the economic and reliability on the CityRail network. facilities in strategic locations, environmental cost of doing The benefi ts from these actions will particularly near major roads such business. The Region’s centres are extend to freight and intercity as the F3 Freeway. being connected by public transport services from the Central Coast to via existing train services, improved Central Station and other areas. Warnervale Airport is owned by local bus services, and walking and Wyong Shire Council and operates cycling facilities. Both councils As part of the bus reform process in as a local airport. The future of the should continue to explore NSW, bus services within the airport is being considered as part opportunities for funding under the Region will be improved through the of the rezoning for the wider Wyong NSW Coastal Cycleway program Ministry’s integrated network Employment Zone area. and the Roads and Traffi c planning process in partnership with Authority’s cycleway programs. the local bus operators. This Ferries on the Central Coast provide process will also involve a regular service from Empire Bay to Similarly, connecting centres to consultation with relevant Woy Woy via Davistown and destinations such as recreation stakeholders and the general Saratoga, linking to train services. areas, schools and residential areas community. Part of the network They also link between Wagstaffe are vital to making centres and planning process is to introduce the and Ettalong and Palm Beach in surrounding areas attractive places strategic bus corridors identifi ed on Sydney’s north. There are several to live, work and invest. Map 1. The resulting integrated privately-operated tourist cruise network plans will provide bus services on the Central Coast with The Ministry of Transport, the Roads and Traffi c Authority and RailCorp services that are fast, frequent and a focus on Brisbane Water and direct, connecting regional and Tuggerah Lakes. will develop strategies, that identify future improvements to the capacity district centres and major patronage A number of specifi c transport of both road, rail and bus services generators such as hospitals, infrastructure projects have been to cater for future population educational facilities and major retail identifi ed in the State infrastructure growth, and to identify infrastructure centres such as Erina and strategy 2008–09 to 2017–18 New investment priorities. These Tuggerah. The network plans will South Wales (NSW Treasury 2008). strategies will inform the relevant also enable the RTA to provide bus These projects are shown on Map 5. agency’s total asset management priority measures along the plans and future reviews of the nominated strategic bus corridors. State Infrastructure Strategy.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 48 Improved self-containment of corridor strategy (Australian ACTIONS employment within the Region will Government Department of 10.1 help to reduce pressure on Transport and Regional Services The Ministry of Transport, the transport networks, particularly for 2007) – there are a number of Roads and Traffi c Authority and fl ows to Sydney and the Lower proposals undergoing assessment local councils are to implement the Hunter Region. or evaluation. These include strategic bus corridors with improved widening parts of the F3 Freeway to bus priority on all corridors. A train station will be planned and improve connection to Sydney, 10.2 developed within the new The NSW Government connecting it to the M2 Motorway is committed to planning and Warnervale town centre. This will and possibly north-western Sydney greatly improve transport access delivering a new town centre, and the M7. The planning for these including the station and for residents in the northern half links is an ongoing process with the Wyong shire and complement the interchange. Bus services that Federal and NSW Government refl ect the centre’s important role as range of retail, business, working closely together. community, health, social, a town centre will be introduced. recreation and residential functions The Metropolitan Strategy identifi es 10.3 For centres that are subject to that are planned for that centre and the need to plan for the provision of redevelopment strategies, councils its surrounds. suffi cient freight transport capacity are to identify, in consultation with in key corridors. One of the key the Ministry of Transport, passenger corridors that infl uence freight interchanges that are centrally Connecting regions movement on the Central Coast is located, visible from public areas, and gateways the Sydney-to-Newcastle freight integrated into overall centres and corridor. Planning also needs to be The NSW Government’s well connected to both pedestrian undertaken to determine ways to Metropolitan Strategy City of cities: and bicycle paths. enhance rail freight capacity a plan for Sydney’s future (NSW between Sydney and Newcastle. 10.4 The Roads and Traffi c Department of Planning 2005) Authority is to continue to plan recommends connecting regions Planning for land around several of for and implement upgrades to and economic gateways within the the interchanges along the F3 the Pacifi c Highway, the Central Greater Metropolitan Region Freeway (including Somersby, Coast Highway, Terrigal Drive, including the Central Coast. Subject Tuggerah and Warnervale) to Avoca Drive and Sparks Road and to Federal Government support and become key employment land to incorporate bus priority and the recent review of the F3 to M7 nodes (for appropriate employment cycleway initiatives where justifi ed corridor selection and the AusLink types) is also important for the and feasible. corridor strategies – Sydney urban effi cient movement of freight. corridor strategy (Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services 2007) and Sydney–Brisbane

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 49 10 regional transport

10.5 Investigate better impacts from freight movements, cater for population growth, and to management of through-traffi c in activities around the domestic identify infrastructure investment relation to Gosford regional city, with intermodal terminals, as well as priorities in conjunction with future a long term objective of improving the movement of construction reviews of the Regional Strategy. the connection between the city materials and bulk fuel. centre and the waterfront. 10.14 The NSW Government, in 10.9 Councils and the Department partnership with councils and 10.6 Assess and evaluate of Planning are to ensure there the community, to develop and proposals to widen parts of the F3 is suffi ciently zoned employment implement TravelSmart and other Freeway. Progress investigations land near major transport nodes to travel demand management into the F3 Freeway and M2 meet targets set by the Regional initiatives including those focused Motorway connection. As a result of Strategy, through the preparation of on major trip generating land uses. the Federal Government’s review of LEPs and the North Wyong Shire the F3 Freeway and M7 Motorway Structure Plan. corridor selection and the AusLink corridor strategies – Sydney 10.10 Concentrate employment urban corridor strategy (2007) and in areas that allow for effi cient Sydney–Brisbane corridor strategy public transport servicing, such as (2007) – undertake preliminary centres and specialised key nodes. planning for a new connection from 10.11 Council and the NSW the M7 to north of the Hawkesbury Government to investigate River. The Ministry of Transport will opportunities for additional or also participate in these reviews. improved forms of regional public 10.7 The NSW Government is to transport, subject to future funding. continue to improve the reliability 10.12 Councils and the NSW and increase the capacity of rail Government to work together services by continuing to implement to align walking and cycling the Rail Clearways project, in networks with public transport accordance with the State Plan. routes to improve accessibility to 10.8 The NSW Government is to public transport. This will include facilitate greater use of rail for freight completion of the NSW Coastal movement and reduce the impact Cycleway network. of road freight movement by promoting 10.13 Councils in conjunction with greater effi ciency of road freight State Government will develop movements and developing a series strategies that identify future of strategies to reduce emissions improvements to the capacity from diesel vehicles, reduce noise of road, rail and bus services to

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 50 11

Implementation

This Regional Strategy will be stakeholders in planning the Department of Environment implemented primarily through local Gosford regional city and Climate Change towards environmental plans, development a more robust and adaptable control plans, the State Infrastructure • continuing support for planning water supply system on the Strategy and funds collected as the Tuggerah–Wyong major Central Coast development contributions. centre by the NSW Government and Wyong Council • a statutory framework that Ongoing stakeholder involvement requires councils to prepare with the Central Coast Regional • preparing a Regional LEPs that are consistent with Strategy will ensure it is Conservation Plan the Regional Strategy. implemented, reviewed, remains • preparing a Regional Economic responsive and is kept up-to-date. An integrated approach to regional Development and Employment governance will be essential to As part of the NSW Government’s Strategy implementing the Strategy through state-wide planning reforms, • planning for the new partnerships between all tiers of Gosford and Wyong councils will be Warnervale town centre and government, stakeholders and the required to prepare a new principal Wyong Employment Zone, in wider community. LEP by 2009 and 2011 respectively. conjunction with Wyong Council The Minister for Planning has issued a direction to councils to ensure • preparing a Structure Plan that Contributions local plans are consistent with will guide future development in Where development or rezoning relevant regional strategies. The the northern part of Wyong Shire increases the need for State Department of Planning will also infrastructure, the Minister for work with both councils to ensure • the Sydney Region Land Supply Program consisting of Planning may require a contribution that these reviews are achieved towards the provision of infrastructure. within this timeframe. the Metropolitan Development Program and the Employment Funds collected from contributions Other implementation mechanisms Lands Development Program from major developments will be for the Central Coast Regional used for regional infrastructure, Strategy include: • reviewing rural and resources land use planning on the Central Coast consistent with the State • the Cities Taskforce, established Infrastructure Strategy, and by the Department of Planning, • continuing to work with the local approved biodiversity outcomes. will continue to work with water authority, the Department local government and other of Water and Energy and the

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 51 11 implementation

Funds collected by councils through section 94 contributions plans and levies will be used to fund local infrastructure and achieve any local biodiversity outcomes.

ACTIONS 11.1 Provide a statutory framework for the primary tools of implementation by preparing a Direction under section 117 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 that will require all LEPs to be consistent with the Central Coast Regional Strategy.

11.2 The NSW Government to implement, review and update the State Infrastructure Strategy as part of the annual budget process.

11.3 The Department of Planning and councils are to ensure LEPs and development controls are consistent with the Regional Strategy.

11.4 The Department of Planning through the Sydney Region Land Supply Program and Employment Lands Development Program is to continue to support local planning programs through the provision of information and modelling on dwelling and employment.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 52 12

Monitoring, review and governance

BACKGROUND updates on levels of stock, trends 12.3 Provide a framework to and projected demand. inform the State Infrastructure The Department of Planning will Strategy on the strategic work in collaboration with other A key vision of the Strategy is infrastructure priorities for the State agencies and partners improved regional coordination Central Coast. including local government, the over the life of the Strategy. Federal Government, business and Implementing the directions 12.4 Work with the Department of non-government organisations and actions in the Central Planning on the fi ve-yearly review to achieve the objectives of the Coast Regional Strategy will be of the Central Coast Regional Regional Strategy and inform future the responsibility of State and Strategy. reviews of the Regional Strategy. local government and regional stakeholders. The Regional 12.5 The Department of Planning The Department of Planning Coordination Management is to: will review the Central Coast Group will provide advice on the • coordinate structure planning Regional Strategy every fi ve years implementation and review of the in partnership with the Central and infrastructure planning for Regional Strategy against its aims the North Wyong Shire Structure Coast Regional Coordination and actions. Management Group, and Plan Area following consultation with local ACTIONS • annually review the progress government. The review will assess on housing and employment any demographic and economic The Regional Coordination targets in the Regional Strategy changes occurring in the Region Management Group is to work in and report on progress to and this will assist local councils partnership with Department of the Regional Coordination with their fi ve-year review of LEPs. Planning to undertake the following Management Group actions: The NSW Government through the • in consultation with the Metropolitan Development Program 12.1 Coordinate the NSW Department of Environment and will monitor and manage the pace Government’s response to Climate Change staff, report to and location of housing growth on implement the actions in the the Minister for Planning and the Central Coast. In addition, an Regional Strategy. the Minister for Climate Change, Employment Lands Development Environment and Water on 12.2 Contribute to the Program will be used to monitor the progress of implementing development of performance employment land development. the Central Coast Regional measures against the aims of the This program will provide annual Conservation Plan Regional Strategy.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 53 12 Monitoring, review and governance

• report to the Minister for Planning on the progress in implementing the dwelling and employment capacity targets in the Regional Strategy

• coordinate and take part in a comprehensive review of the Central Coast Regional Strategy every fi ve years, or shorter periods if required by the NSW Government, in partnership with the Regional Coordination Management Group

• coordinate, as part of future reviews, an assessment of the capacity of the Region’s water supply, road and rail infrastructure to cater for forecast growth.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 54 A1 Appendix 1

NSW STATE PLAN AND THE CENTRAL COAST

The State plan: a new direction for New – strongly contribute to the majority of • expansion of mental health services South Wales, released in November the State Plan priorities, in particular, with new facilities including the 2006, defi nes the overarching goals and building harmonious and healthy Gosford Mandala Unit outcomes that the NSW Government communities, providing a high quality and the community agree should shape transport system as well as improving • ongoing upgrades of roads in the public policy over the next ten years. urban environments and stimulating Region, including the Central Coast business investment. Highway, Pacifi c Highway and The objectives and priorities of the Avoca Drive State Plan are mirrored in the aims of For example, the structure of the urban the Metropolitan Strategy and set out areas and the physical environment • improving F3 links to Sydney to three in terms of fi ve areas of activity of the created by the pattern of land uses, the lanes in each direction in partnership NSW Government: relationship to transport services, the with the Federal Government quality of the pedestrian environment, • creation of a better public transport Rights, Respect and including the accessibility of open system, including new outer Responsibility – the justice system space and safe walking and cycling suburban train carriages, upgrades and services that promote community networks, are signifi cant for a number at Tuggerah and Woy Woy stations, involvement and citizenship. of outcomes. These factors strongly rail maintenance upgrades and infl uence the opportunities for people Delivering Better Services – the better local bus services to be physically active and for reducing key areas of service delivery to the the growth in motor vehicle use. The whole population (health, education, • upgrading electricity infrastructure Regional Strategy also implements transport). specifi c targets of the State Plan. • upgrading services for older people Fairness and Opportunity This includes increasing the share of • providing new social housing Services – that promote social justice dwellings located within 30 minutes by and reduce disadvantage. public transport of a strategic centre • planning and delivering a new and providing more jobs closer to town centre at Warnervale, Growing Prosperity Across NSW home. including a new railway station – activities that promote productivity and transport interchange. and economic growth, including in rural The State Plan lists a commitment and regional NSW. to the following local actions for the Central Coast: Environment for Living – planning, environmental protection, and arts • implementing the Regional Strategy and recreation. for the Central Coast to guide appropriate development, maintain Implementation of the Metropolitan the lifestyle and environment and Strategy, the subregional strategies include government intervention to and regional strategies will help to increase local employment growth. achieve the priorities and targets set by the State Plan. The actions • ensuring employment land is and directions of the Metropolitan provided to increase local jobs, such Strategy – and the subsequent as the Somersby Industrial Park and subregional and regional strategies the Wyong Employment Zone

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 55 A2 Appendix 2

CENTRAL COAST CENTRES AND EMPLOYMENT HIERARCHY

Several characteristics have been The built form controls provide a Future centres development will considered in preparing these guide as to what form of development be focused on the regional city, major defi nitions that include centre role, generally typifi es centres with that centre and centres that contribute to scale, built form, employment type and standing. The planning regarding employment and a variety of economic employment numbers for the various the scale, form, density and type of activity. Detailed centres planning will centre types as well as the transport development for these centres will be largely be undertaken by councils, in and services and connections that undertaken by local councils. consultation with the Department should be available in these centres. of Planning.

Regional City Gosford will be the principal city serving the entire Region. It will provide the Central Coast with higher-order civic and administration services, cultural and recreational facilities, medical/health specialists and services (including a regional hospital), professional services, a regional library, regional entertainment facilities and could include a regional civic precinct. Gosford will also perform a local role for residents within the city centre. Gosford city will continue to include education facilities such as the TAFE and could incorporate off- campus expanded university facilities. The core will include specialised, possibly boutique style retail, high density housing, a major public transport hub (including a rail and bus interchange) providing connections to global Sydney and other regional cities. Priority will be given to: • expanding retail and commercial activities in the city centre and ensuring that these functions are not put at risk by residential development • encouraging and facilitating the development of strategic sites in the city centre that help to achieve the vision for the regional city • integrating the waterfront with the city centre and developing marina, performance and artistic cultural activities as well restaurants • requiring a high standard of urban and building design within the town centre • investigating how through-traffi c can be better managed through the CBD or redirected around the CBD. Built form: high density located around major public transport (up to 1000 metres from centre). The built form must respond to the landscape including the waterfront and surrounding vegetated hills. Buildings that generally have integrated uses such as a mix of commercial, retail and residential fl oor space. The highest residential densities will be located around the railway station. Employment: providing capacity for 6000 or more additional jobs. Transport: focal point for roads and major public transport (rail and bus) with access by walking and cycling. Recreation: the presence of regional open space and regional-level entertainment facilities. Major cultural activities will be hosted in the regional city. Shops/services: major retail and supermarket services, specialist shops, restaurants, cafés in a ‘living city’ that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Includes professional and educational services. Catchment population: 10 000 to 15 000 people locally with a wider catchment of 400 000 to 450 000 people.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 56 Major Centre Although somewhat separated by Tuggerah Straight, the Tuggerah-Wyong centre will be unifi ed by landscaping, building design and pedestrian cycle paths and has the advantage of two railway stations. It combines the local government area’s principal administration, civic, major shopping, bulky goods and business park functions. Employment is expected to increase to by 4500 or more additional jobs by 2031. Growth in Tuggerah will be driven by expanding retail fl oor space to provide for the large Wyong Shire catchment area, improving connections between major employment generators and Tuggerah Station and through the provision of new business park opportunities. Growth in Wyong will be driven by residential development, revitalisation of the retail area, strengthening of the commercial function, provision of cultural facilities and activation of the Wyong River foreshore. Priority will be given to: • ensuring the future expansion of major retail and commercial elements in Tuggerah and new development contributes to achieving an attractive and pedestrian-friendly major centre • creating a civic focus in Tuggerah that links with the train station • improving connections to both Tuggerah and Wyong train stations from the surrounding areas • increasing residential densities and town-based commercial activity in Wyong • requiring a high standard of urban and building design in both Tuggerah and Wyong.

Built form: mainly low rise but opportunities for higher densities around train stations and town centres (up to 1000 metres from centre). High amenity setting with distinctive character for both Wyong and Tuggerah. Employment: providing capacity for 4500 or more additional jobs to 2031. Diversifi ed employment sectors such as retail, bulky goods, administration, business parks, cultural facilities and employment/industrial lands. Transport: focal point for roads and major public transport (rail and bus) with access by walking and cycling. Pedestrian linkages within the centre and with key attractors such as Wyong River and Pioneer Dairy will be substantially improved.

Employment Lands Employment lands encompass clusters of major construction, manufacturing, light industry, transportation and storage activities. They include distribution centres, factories, warehouses and other industrial uses and should have high quality access to major strategic transport corridors. There are a number of guiding principles that relate to employment lands in the Region: • Where feasible, existing zoned employment land should be utilised before new employment lands are developed. However the land must be suitably located for the proposed employment activity. • The rezoning of employment lands to residential and other non-employment uses should not be supported unless supported by an employment lands strategy. • Opportunities for expansion of existing nodes for employment purposes where they are approaching full development should be investigated. • The North Wyong Shire Structure Plan will consider the future supply areas of employment lands and their relationship with other uses in that area. • Employment lands should have appropriate buffers to residential areas. Examples include Somersby Industrial Park, West Gosford, Lisarow, Berkeley Vale and Wyong North. Built form: industrial type warehouses, factories and other industrial and light industrial use buildings. Employment: 10 to 50 jobs per hectare. Transport: access to major strategic transport corridors such as the F3 Sydney to Newcastle Freeway and Sydney to Newcastle rail freight corridor.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 57 A2

Appendix 2

Town Centres Town centres will generally have concentrations of retail, health and professional services mixed with medium density residential within the centre. Town centres will also serve surrounding residential areas. Services present will generally include two to three supermarkets, a discount department store, more than 50 shops, child care, schools, community facilities, bank, branch library, professional services, medical centre and small civic square. Centres that will develop as town centres over the next 25 years are Bateau Bay, The Entrance, Erina, Lake Haven, Toukley, Warnervale (new) and Woy Woy. Built form: planning strategies will be required to determine appropriate low to mid- rise living opportunities (up to six storeys, where appropriate) in and around the core of the centre (up to 800 metres from centre). Lower-rise development will be provided surrounding the core. Some clusters of commercial use within the core with higher density residential around and on top as part of overall mixed-use development. Employment: a variable number and type of jobs. Employment sectors will differ between town centres. Service employment focused on the local area as well as some civic services. Transport: public transport interchange (frequent buses and/or rail) with access by walking and cycling. Recreation: the presence of a civic square and sporting facilities. Shops/Services: the presence of retail including 50 or more shops, two to three supermarkets, a discount department store and community facilities. Catchment Population: 5000 people locally.

Villages Village centres will generally be small- to medium-sized concentrations of retail, health and other services integrated with medium density (town house style) residential living. Local public transport will provide connections to town centres. Villages will have 11 to 50 shops, a small supermarket, child care, primary school, access to small parks and access to a general practitioner plus ancillary (dentist, podiatrist) and local business services (accountant, lawyer). Centres to be developed as villages over the next 25 years are Avoca Beach, Budgewoi, Chittaway Bay, East Gosford, Ettalong, Killarney Vale, Kincumber, Lake Munmorah, Lisarow, Long Jetty, Niagara Park, Ourimbah, Terrigal, Umina Beach, Wadalba, West Gosford and Wyoming. Built form: medium density and a focus on townhouse and villa development in close proximity to the town centre (up to either 400 or 600 metres from centre). Employment: less than 1000 jobs focusing on local retail and services. Transport: located on key transport routes with frequent buses or trains supported by walking and cycling. Recreation: a local park. Shops/Services: local retail facilities with 11 to 50 shops including a supermarket. Usually includes a primary school. Catchment Population: 2000 to 4000 people locally.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 58 Neighbourhoods Neighbourhoods generally have local shops combined with lower density residential development. Neighbourhoods will service the daily needs of residents with services being located within walking distance. They will have four to ten shops with access to small parks, a primary school and child care centre. Neighbourhoods do not usually contain health services. Built form: up to three-storey residential, including shop-top dwellings, townhouses and villas as well as detached houses (up to 150 metres from centre). Employment: less than 50 jobs predominantly in trade and local services. Transport: local bus service with walking and cycling. Recreation: a local park. Shops/Services: four to ten shops. Catchment population: 1000 people locally.

Business Parks Out of centre commercial activity generally refers to a business park. To remain competitive with other regions, the Central Coast must continue to provide land for a diversity of employment activity over the next 25 years, including business parks. There are considerable benefi ts of consolidating operations into a single site that combines head offi ce, back offi ce, manufacturing, warehouse and distribution activities. Development of business parks must have a minimum warehouse component, a total maximum percentage offi ce fl oor space for the park and be accessible by public transport, walking and cycling. The Regional Economic Development and Employment Strategy will include a framework for the development of future business that: • prohibits offi ce-only activities in out-of-centre locations • sets a maximum percentage of offi ce fl oor space within an out-of-centre commercial complex where this offi ce fl oor space is integrated with activities such as manufacturing and distribution • ensures that business parks are strategically located near a major transport corridor. Transport: must include frequent and direct access to public transport, and for walking and cycling.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 59 A3 Appendix 3

SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA FOR NEW LAND RELEASE – CENTRAL COAST

The following Sustainability Criteria In order that a development through the statutory processes as set allow the NSW Government to take proposal can be considered against out in the Environmental Planning and strong positions in relation to matters the Sustainability Criteria it will be Assessment Act 1979. of urban settlement in the Central necessary to demonstrate to the Coast confi dent in the knowledge that local council, as well as the NSW innovative development proposals Government, that the proposal can still be considered even though satisfi es the Sustainability Criteria. they may be outside of the Regional As with all rezoning proposals the Strategy process. The Sustainability Department of Planning requires a Criteria represent a clear, transparent thorough assessment of the merits of list of matters that any new proposal the proposal by the LEP Review Panel, will be assessed against. as well as requiring public consultation

1. Infrastructure Provision • Development is consistent with the Central Coast Regional Strategy, the relevant Mechanisms in place to ensure Residential Strategy, North Wyong Structure Plan, applicable regional infrastructure utilities, transport, open space and plan, Metropolitan Strategy and relevant section 117 direction. communication are provided in a timely • The provision of infrastructure (utilities, transport, open space and and effi cient way. communications) is costed and economically feasible based on government methodology for determining infrastructure contribution. • Preparedness to enter into development agreement.

2. Access • Accessibility of the area by public transport and appropriate road access in terms Accessible transport options for of: effi cient and sustainable travel > Location/land use: to existing networks and related activity centres. between homes, jobs, services and > Network: the areas potential to be serviced by economically effi cient public recreation to be existing or provide. transport services. > Catchment: the area’s ability to contain or form part of the larger urban area which contains adequate transport services. Capacity for land use/transport patterns to make a positive contribution to achievement of travel and vehicle use goals. • No net negative impact on performance of existing subregional road, bus, rail, ferry and freight network.

3. Housing Diversity • Contributes to the geographic market spread of housing supply, including any Provide a range of housing choices government targets established for housing for the aged or disabled or affordable to ensure a broad population can be housing. housed.

4. Employment Lands • Maintains or improves the existing level of subregional employment self Provide regional/local employment containment. opportunities to support the Central • Meets subregional employment capacity targets. Coast’s expanding role in the wider > Employment related land is provided in appropriately zoned areas. regional and NSW economies.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 60 5. Avoidance of Risk • Where relevant, available safe evacuation route (fl ood and bushfi re). Land use confl icts and risk to human • No residential development within the 1:100 fl oodplain. health and life is avoided. • Avoidance of physically constrained land. > High slope. > Highly erodible. • Avoidance of land use confl icts with adjacent, existing or future land use and rural activities as planned under the Regional Strategy.

6. Natural Resources • Demand for water does not place unacceptable pressure on infrastructure Natural resource limits not exceeded/ capacity to supply water and environmental fl ows. environmental footprint minimised. • Demonstrates most effi cient/suitable use of land. > Avoids identifi ed signifi cant agricultural land > Avoids impacts on productive resource lands, extractive industries, coal, gas and other mining, fi shing and aquaculture. • Demand for energy does not place unacceptable pressure on infrastructure capacity to supply energy. Requires demonstration of effi cient and sustainable supply solution.

7. Environmental Protection • Consistent with the approved Regional Conservation Plan. Protect and enhance biodiversity, air • Maintains or improves areas of regionally signifi cant terrestrial and aquatic quality, heritage, and waterway health. biodiversity (as mapped and agreed by the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Department of Primary Industries). This includes regionally signifi cant vegetation communities, critical habitat, threatened species, populations, ecological communities and their habitats. • Maintains or improves existing environmental condition for air quality. • Maintains or improves existing environmental condition for water quality and quantity. > Consistent with community water quality objectives for recreational water use and river health (Department of Environment and Climate Change and catchment management authority). > Consistent with catchment and stormwater management planning (catchment management authority and local council). • Protects areas of Aboriginal cultural heritage value (as agreed by Department of Environment and Climate Change).

8. Quality and Equity in Services • Available and accessible services. Quality health, education, legal, > Do adequate services exist? recreational, cultural and community development and other government > Are they at capacity or is some capacity available? services are accessible. > Has the NSW Government planned and budgeted to further service provision? > Developer funding for required service upgrade/access is available.

CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 61 Further information

Department of Planning PO Box 1148 Gosford NSW 2250 Email: [email protected] Inquiries: 02 4348 5000