“I think it is vital that government sets clear goals based on what the community wants,” Mr Rees said.

“The State Plan puts our priorities for NSW front-and-centre, and proves to the Central Coast that we have listened to their concerns.”

Mr Rees said the key priorities for the Central Coast included:

• creating jobs and increasing business investment;

• improving local roads and transport;

• improving health services, particularly cancer services; and

• helping to create a distinct identity for the Central Coast.

“These are all issues that the Central Coast told us were important. As the plan is implemented we will update the community on our progress.

“Job opportunities are critical for local families. The Central Coast has to continue to develop its economy in order for job creation to prosper.

“We’ve already developed a Business Growth Plan for the Central Coast which includes:

• providing financial incentives to attract new businesses to the region – already we’ve attracted 33 projects to the Central Coast worth $265 million to the local economy and created 520 jobs;

• a marketing plan to promote the Central Coast as a place to set up a new business;

• revitalising the Tuggerah town centre; and

• increasing TAFE courses available locally and providing more government cadetships and apprenticeships. The Central Coast is a priority location for an $800,000 state-wide program to help young people prepare for their first job or apprenticeship.

“We also have a commitment to deliver over 45,000 additional jobs on the Central Coast by 2031.”

Mr Rees said the Government accepted transport was a critical area, and that the Government would develop a new Central Coast Transport Strategy for release next year.

The strategy is likely to be met with a degree of scepticism by locals who have seen similar strategies announced, and then seemingly abandoned.