A fundamental reassessment of priorities is vital for our Council to achieve financial sustainability and effectively address the genuine needs of our community.

To alleviate the ongoing rate increases and the associated financial strain on residents and businesses in our region, the Council must pursue operational efficiencies and productivity improvements while actively exploring alternative revenue sources.

It is imperative for the new Council to conduct a thorough evaluation of the current Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, Operational Plan, Resourcing Strategy, Workforce Management Plan, and Asset Management Plan. This review should ensure that the Council's commitments and implementation strategies are truly in line with community expectations and aligned with the Long-Term Financial Plan.

Additionally, the Council should provide robust economic leadership and coordination by enhancing decision-making efficiency and promoting key projects and initiatives that foster broad consensus among all levels of government, key stakeholders, and the community at large.

Housing development must be strategically planned to address the diverse and evolving needs of the Central Coast. This planning should prioritise locations where residents can easily access public transport, green spaces, and essential services.

To enhance housing solutions, it is crucial to simplify approval processes and foster collaboration between the private and public sectors. Effective housing planning requires improved coordination that takes into account both quantitative and qualitative outcomes. This means focusing not only on the overall housing supply but also on ensuring that the Central Coast becomes a sustainable, resilient, and vibrant region.

It is essential to provide quality housing options that are affordable for Central Coast residents and families, with a strong emphasis on promoting affordable and social housing to enhance social outcomes within the region.

Additionally, proactive planning and investment in enabling infrastructure are vital to accommodate future population growth, aiming to cultivate lively, liveable, and well-connected neighbourhoods and town centres.

Leverage strategic partnerships with government and industry to invest in transport infrastructure and position the Coast as a leading destination live, work and play.

Key transit corridors between strategic centres should be the focus of high frequency public transport services such as light rail or bus rapid transit.

Integrated land use and transport planning around key activity destinations and key transit corridors is essential to support future transit opportunities.

As more families driven out of city centres due to cost-of-living issues and relocating to regional centres like the Central Coast, it is important that public transport in the region is safe, reliable, and frequent and people can access open spaces, shops, cafes, childcare, affordable housing, sporting complexes and arts and cultural facilities.

Improving ease of access throughout the region via public transport will in turn increase the quality of life of residents, as road congestion is a growing concern for large parts of our region.

Engage in better community consultation to ensure the changing needs of the local community are met.

Increase community wellbeing and liveability through the provision of additional and improved community and social infrastructure across the region.

Revitalise communities by fostering development in existing areas so they are livelier, more attractive places, with vibrant retail and services.

Build community support for key economic initiatives and work with decision-makers, stakeholders, and the local community to ensure programs and projects deliver community value.

Leverage strategic partnerships with government and industry, advocacy, and innovative planning to elevate tourism, invigorate local enterprises, and celebrate the unique strengths of the Central Coast.

Work in partnership with our arts & culture institutions and sporting associations to assist residents to develop a stronger sense of belonging to their local community.

Partner with our university, Tafe and other learning organisations to address skill shortages, post -secondary qualifications and whole of life learning pathways.

Adopt a coordinated, infrastructure and place-based approach to deliver critical infrastructure, sustain population growth, and support long term economic development.

Partner with government and industry to help fund and deliver critical infrastructure in a timely manner and promote the advancement of major projects addressing the region’s critical infrastructure gaps.

Develop a strong commercial investment climate for organisations to invest and relocate to region.

Support advanced manufacturing networks to embrace, expand, and innovate their specialised sub-sectors, including food products, high-tech software and hardware, fabricated metal products and other specialised manufacturing industries.

Establish the region as a circular economy hub serve to serve as a catalyst for positive change, reducing waste product, driving sustainable development while simultaneously benefiting the economy and community.