Highlights of the 29 April 2019 Council Meeting

Council commits to improving housing affordability and finalising an Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy

Central Coast Council last night committed to addressing affordable housing in a bid to provide more housing choice for households earning less than $100,000 per year.

Councillors authorised the Chief Executive Officer to finalise an Affordable Housing Strategy which draws heavily on the draft strategy which was on public exhibition for 103 days last year.

During that time, 441 submissions were received, along with supportive petitions containing 1,718 signatures.

Following the public consultation period, councillors worked together to develop a united approach to housing affordability. The Council acknowledged the work of housing expert Judith Stubbs.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council’s commitment to a strategy was a demonstration of its commitment to be a leader in this area, as more than 60% of Coast households earn less than $2,000 per week and are at risk of experiencing housing stress within the current market.

Work to begin on Terrigal rock pool

Council has approved construction of an upgrade of the existing Terrigal rock pool.

Council will conduct a further site inspection with an engineer before making a final decision about the proposed Terrigal Boardwalk.

Council secures funding to help redevelop Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf

Council has received a $3.99million NSW Government grant to contribute towards the $5.32million redevelopment of Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf.

“We are committed to delivering essential infrastructure projects to increase the safety, liveability and sustainability of our region and securing this funding from the NSW Government will help us take another step in the right direction,” Mayor Jane Smith said.

“The grant from the Regional Communities Development Fund will be used to help redevelop the wharf, making the infrastructure adequate and sustainable to meet future demand, enabling the wharf to operate in all weather and tide conditions. The proposal will also allow for disabled access from the existing pathway area to the proposed pontoon.”

To complement the works, a section of seawall, fishing wharf and associated facilities, footpath and cantilever boardwalk along with lighting and landscaping will be delivered as part of the project.

The redevelopment of Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf will be carried out in stages and is expected to be finished in December 2020.

Community Facilities Review on track

A report into Council’s Community Facilities Review has detailed the initial stages of the review are on track with Council delivering a series of workshops in April with existing tenants and regular users of community facilities to help identify current challenges and opportunities for these community facilities.

Council has 280 community facilities comprising public halls, neighbourhood/community centres, senior citizen centres, libraries, child care centres, sporting clubs and surf clubs.

The review will enable a consistent and transparent approach to the management, operation and planning of community facilities. It will focus on the use and management of community facilities that operate under lease, licence, hire and volunteer models.

Broader community consultation has commenced today via Councils Have Your Say engagement hub with an online survey as well as telephone interviews with regular hirers and volunteer committees.

Community feedback from user groups will help to shape a new overarching framework and policy for community facilities that will provide transparency and consistency for the community.

Following the conclusion of phase one in late 2019, phase two of the review will assess Council’s portfolio of community facilities, understand community demand and need, and plan for future population growth across the region with community facilities.

A draft community facilities framework and policy is expected to be presented to Council in late 2019.

Council to report on sale options for proposed Australian Chinese Theme Park land

Council is working with external consultants regarding the proposed sale of land located at 4 and 10 Warren Road, Warnervale.

Council staff are obtaining reports which advise on the appropriate method for the proposed sale and the estimated current market value for the site of the formerly proposed Australian Chinese Theme Park.

A further report will be presented to Council on 27 May.