Housing Summit explores potential for residential development

With the Central Coast falling behind in providing its share of the State’s housing targets and with a newly elected Central Coast Council, Business NSW Central Coast has drawn together over 130 leaders from across the property development spectrum to hear of the opportunities the region offers for developers and investors.

Held in the conference facilities of the new Gosford RSL the Central Coast Housing Summit participants heard of the site options and priority development areas across the region, programmes supporting affordable housing and high-density projects and practical takeaways such as financing options and state planning pathways.

Recently elected Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna welcomed guests. He was supported by newly elected Councillors; Deputy Mayor Doug Eaton OAM, John McNamara, Belinda Neal, Corinne Lamont and former Mayor in the failed council Jane Smith. 

The scene was set with the Opening Address by The Hon. David Harris MP, Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong.

who gave a detailed overview of the housing situation on the Central Coast emphasising the lack of housing supply and some of the many reasons the region’s economy is going backwards.

He referred to the shortage of planning staff at Council and council’s inability to keep quality staff.

He said that at Council level there needs to be a criterion to be get Development Applications approved as opposed to the present situation where DAs are regularly rejected and end up in the Land and Environment Court placing further demands on Council’s planning staff defending their actions.

He praised the vision of those who have taken big risks investing in the region, particularly in Gosford where, firstly John Singleton and then ALAND have shown the way.

He called on Council to promote investment in the region and get the economy back on a growth path.

Featured speakers and their topics included:

David Borger, Executive Director Business Western Sydney and the Western Sydney Story - Housing Now!,

Ian Lynch, CEO Pacific Link Housing -

Understanding Affordable Housing and Associated Incentives,

Angus Witherby, Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council - Engaging with the Region’s largest Landholder,

Kevin Stanley, Commonwealth Bank National Director Property Market Economics - Financing and Funding Opportunities 

 Dan Simpkins, Director Prometheus Planning - Planning Pathways.