Working Toward a Strong, Supportive and Inclusive Central Coast
Sep 11
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What does the Central Coast need to make it a strong, supportive, vibrant and inclusive community?
Team Central Coast has a few ideas: improved consultation, increased access to services, dedicated place-making initiatives and strategic partnerships with educational and cultural institutions, to name a few.
Team Central Coast leader, Lawrie McKinna, says a lack of social and community infrastructure development and ineffective placemaking has inhibited the creation of accessible, safe, and attractive local areas.
“A lack of well-planned community hubs has to date prevented Central Coast residents from adopting a strong sense of community and belonging,” says Mr McKinna.
“Team Central Coast will seek to increase community wellbeing and liveability through the provision of improved community and social infrastructure and revitalise our communities by fostering development in existing areas, so they become livelier, safer and more attractive, with vibrant retail and services."
Team Central Coast sees improved consultation as key to underpinning the creation of truly successful community spaces.
“Our aim is to strengthen engagement and consultation with all community members to ensure the changing needs of our local communities are consistently being met,” says Mr McKinna.
“We will strengthen community involvement with key placemaking initiatives and work with decision makers, stakeholders and local residents to ensure that the programs and projects on offer deliver real value for our community.”
Team Central Coast will also prioritise access to education and skills-based pathways for all residents.
“In 2023, 52.7% of unemployed residents in the region had no post-secondary qualifications, which represents a strong need for improved access to education pathways to support employment and economic advancement,” says Mr McKinna.
“With skills shortages in a variety of industries including tourism, hospitality, health and aged services, there is a growing need for us to further develop the education and skills base of our workforce to support future growth and drive innovation across the region.
“Team Central Coast will partner with the University of Newcastle (UoN) and its local campuses, TAFE and other learning organisations to address skill shortages, improve post-secondary qualification rates and enable better access to whole-of-life learning pathways.”
Partnerships across all areas are key to Team Central Coast’s philosophy in creating a strong, supportive and inclusive community.
“Partnerships are an essential to building a strong and cohesive Central Coast community,” adds Mr McKinna.
“Team Central Coast will work in partnership with our arts and culture institutions and local sporting associations to assist residents to develop a stronger sense of belonging to their local communities.
“We will also leverage strategic partnerships with government, industry and advocacy groups to innovative planning, elevate tourism, invigorate local enterprises, and celebrate the unique strengths of the Central Coast.
TEAM CENTRAL COAST
Team Central Coast is community movement and a voice that encourages like-minded
independent candidates to become catalysts for change in regional governance. The Team Central Coast mission is simple and rooted in genuine consultation and collaboration with the community to achieve local outcomes that effectively address both current and future needs.
It is time for our region to come together, formulate a robust and inspiring vision, and
collaborate with all levels of government, business, and the community to ensure that the Central Coast remains an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.
Lawrie McKinna
On behalf of the 15 Independent Candidates who form Team Central Coast
Media enquiries and interviews:
Lawrie McKinna
P: 0427 682 071
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