THE NSW Government has announced a Central Coast regional development vision to support 45,000 new jobs, new businesses and industries in the region over the next 20 years.
Premier Kristina Keneally said the Regional Economic Development and Employment Strategy (REDES) would support the growing population of the Central Coast – expected to be 405,000 by the year 2031 - an additional 100,000 people moving in.
“Our long-term plan for sustainable economic development in the Central Coast, will build jobs, industries, businesses, close to home for people living in this great region,” Ms Keneally said.
“We have worked closely with stakeholders, businesses and the community to create this vision for the Central Coast – we have listened to your priorities, and will now begin working to implement this strategy.
“The Central Coast is the ninth largest population centre in Australia and the third largest residential region in NSW – we will continue to support and plan for its bright future.”
To develop the strategy, the Government consulted with more than 80 large business and regional stakeholders, 300 businesses small and medium enterprises and 400 individuals.
The REDES is a partnership between the NSW Government, the Regional Development
Australia Central Coast (a state and federally funded body), Gosford City, and Wyong Shire councils. This partnership will be honoured through a Regional Compact for Economic Development and Employment.
“Today we will sign a cooperative agreement to implement this strategy as quickly and as effectively as we can,” Ms Keneally said.
A taskforce, chaired by Minister Ian Macdonald, has now been set up to manage the implementation of a broad range of improved government services to this vital regional hub.
Each proposal will be given proper government consideration before they are implemented.
The Regional Economic Development and Employment Strategy (REDES) includes:
STRENGHTENING THE REGIONAL ECONOMY
• Attract new businesses to the region especially in logistics, manufacturing, tourism,
government agencies and call centres;
• Build on successful industries such as food production, logistics, manufacturing, and
tourism;
• Create new investment opportunities in health, ageing and green industries; and
• Support business growth for small and medium sized enterprises through mentoring,
development and training programs.
Developing future skills
• Establish a Central Coast Learning Region Network to increase take-up of education
and training;
• Develop action plans to cover skill shortages, emerging industries and small
business;
• Broker business engagement with schools to develop future employment skills for
young people, and increase work experience programs and apprenticeships;
• Provide targeted skills programs to re-skill mature aged workers and work skills for
disadvantaged people, displaced workers and indigenous communities.
INCREASING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION
• Create education and research precincts at Ourimbah, Gosford and Tuggerah-
Wyong;
• Develop existing health sciences, education, sports science, coastal ecologies and
agribusiness;
• Research new sectors in environment, energy, ageing and logistics;
INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC GROWTH
• Undertake feasibility assessments to improve regional public transport systems
including bus, rail and road;
• Promote the Central Coast Region as a priority area for the National Broadband roll
out;
• Undertake an audit of land for employment, with an initial focus on industrial land;
• Facilitate the development of the Wyong Employment Zone;
• Provide logistical infrastructure and support for the sinking of HMAS Adelaide off the
Central Coast.
“The REDES provides direction and priorities for creating real, lasting jobs, close-to home, for skilled, well-educated workforce over the next two decades,” Ms Keneally said.
A review of the strategy will be undertaken every five years.
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