Planning document used for economic plan

The State Government will use a planning document as the basis of its economic strategy for the Peninsula.

The Peninsula Urban Directions Strategy will be used by the government when developing its Central Coast Economic Development and Employment Strategy, according to Minister for the Central Coast Mr Ian Macdonald.

However, Mr Macdonald did not mention a role for the $100,000 Peninsula Vision economic strategy, funded by Federal, State and local governments and adopted by Gosford Council in 2002.

The new regional economic strategy, encompassing the entire Central Coast region, was announced by Mr Macdonald and NSW Premier Ms Kristina Keneally on February 3.

Mr Macdonald said the new approach aimed to ensure a sustainable economic development in a population expected to increase to 405,000 by 2031.

"The Central Coast Economic Development and Employment Strategy covers the whole Central Coast," Mr Macdonald said.

"While the current action plan focuses on some of the major centres - Gosford and Wyong - the plan will be further developed as the implementation process develops.

"Recommendations from existing documents such as the Peninsula Strategy will be taken into consideration when planning actions.

"This long term strategy provides key areas of focus for the region to facilitate the creation of local jobs and economic development.

"The Central Coast Economic Development and Employment Strategy action plan will be a progressive program of implementation over the next 25 years, and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring region-wide economic development."

Mr Macdonald said that Regional Development Australia would ensure the new strategy covered all areas of the region, including the Peninsula.

"In addition, a governance structure has been developed that includes an executive group," Mr Macdonald said.

"As chair of the executive group, I will be responsible for providing leadership and monitoring the ongoing implementation of the Regional Economic Development and Employment Strategy."

Ms Keneally said the new strategy would go a long way to support the growing population of the Central Coast.

"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."

Clare Graham, 5 Feb 2010 Interviewee: Ian Macdonald, Minister for the Central Coast Press release, 3 Feb 2010 Kristina Keneally, NSW Premier