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THURSDAY, 23 MARCH 2023
BUSINESS & PROPERTY
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Housing strategy on exhibition Council’s draft Central Coast Local Housing Strategy, drafted to help manage the future demand for housing within the region, is now on exhibition for community input until Wednesday, April 26. Council’s Director Environment and Planning Alice Howe said the draft strategy explored the challenges associated with housing such as continuing rapid population growth, the shortage of low-cost rental accommodation and the lack of diversity within the existing housing stock – and identifies a vision and key objectives to address those challenges. “A co-ordinated approach across all levels of government and the private sector is required to support diverse and sustainable housing on the
More housing will be needed to cope with expected population growth
Central Coast,” she said. “Council is able to directly influence housing typologies and supply through land use zoning, development approvals, development charges and public infrastructure delivery. “The Local Housing Strategy
will ensure this is done in a coordinated and collaborative manner.” Howe said Council originally sought input from the community about its Local Strategic Planning Statement and the Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy.
It then collated the information gathered and prepared a discussion paper, in conjunction with a comprehensive evidence-based report. The result of these have informed the development of the draft Local Housing Strategy.
“We now want to again receive feedback from the community on this very important strategy, as it impacts virtually everyone on the Coast and will become even more crucial as the Central Coast population continues to grow,” she said. Howe said Council would also hold drop-in community information sessions during the exhibition period. Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council was committed to helping shape the future of housing on the Coast, in particular, how affordable housing could be woven into overall housing development. “There is a common misconception that affordable housing refers to social or community housing,” he said. “This is not the case – affordable housing is much
more than this and a diverse mix of housing types is required to meet the needs of our community. “More than half (63 per cent) of all households on the Central Coast earn below $2,000 a week and need affordable housing. “The anticipated growth in population on the Coast is a terrific thing, which will help boost both economic growth and enhance the social fabric of our community. “However, it is essential that we get the mix of housing types right to ensure there is equity for all.” Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/ housing to find out more and have your say. Source: Media release, Mar 15 Central Coast Council
Irrigation upgrade for Patrick Croke Oval Patrick Croke Oval at Kincumber is set to benefit from $500,000 in upgrades funded through Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the funding would go towards the upgrade of irrigation and subsoil drainage. “It is fantastic that the Government has been able to provide Central Coast Council with the full amount requested to upgrade the much-utilised community facility,” Crouch said. “This is just one of six projects funded through the latest round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.”
Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the funding would help to deliver improved sports turf facilities and positive outcomes for the community. “Improving facilities encourages participation in sport and, importantly, supports healthy and active lifestyles for our community,” she said. “These works will improve the quality of the fields, making them more enjoyable to play on (and) limiting field closure and interruptions to seasons.” Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said in the past five years the fund had delivered more than 2,000 grassroots projects, benefitting every local
“It’s the little things that make a big difference to the way we all work, live, play and do business, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are delivering the projects that make a difference to everyday life right across regional NSW.” Round Five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund will support local community and sporting infrastructure projects, street beautification, public programs and events that display the best of local character and community spirit. For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf
Patrick Croke Oval
government area in regional NSW. “We all know how important
it is for communities to have great places to come together to build social connections and
boost their wellbeing through sport or community events,” he said.
Source: Media release, Mar 12 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch