Phase 3 consultation open

Based on feedback from this consultation in 2023 and 2024, the final draft CSP is now on public exhibition, in addition to our IP&R framework.

Help shape the future of the Central Coast by sharing your lived experiences, values, and hopes for your community. Your feedback will ensure your values, priorities and vision are reflected in the review of two key documents; the Central Coast Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).

Together, the CSP and LSPS help guide the delivery of social, environmental, and economic objectives of the community.

The CSP and LSPS guide the present and the future of your Central Coast. As a result, Council invited you to have your say for these projects to portray your hopes and desires for the community. Both documents need to be reviewed and refreshed with our community’s input and feedback guiding the outcome.

The CSP represents the highest level of strategic planning undertaken by a local council and identifies the main priorities and aspirations of the community, providing a clear set of objectives to achieve this vision. It is a ten-year plan for the future.

The inaugural CSP, One – Central Coast, was adopted in 2018 and has since highlighted our community’s vision for the region and the key objectives we can all work towards collaboratively to achieve over the next ten years.

The LSPS is a 20-year land use planning vision for the Central Coast Region, which identifies the long-term planning needs and priorities of the Central Coast community, including housing provision, environmental conservation, transport, servicing and infrastructure, open space and recreation, community services and other relevant planning considerations.

The current interim LSPS was endorsed in 2020 to frame the future land use in the Local Government Area for the next 20 years. It explores how future growth and change will be managed and recognises the special characteristics that contribute to local identity.

What we've heard so far

Thank you for letting Council know what is important to you so we can ensure the final Central Coast Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) reflect the values of our community. Phase 1 and 2 of community engagement for the CSP and LSPS were completed between September 2023 and May 2024.

Navigate the tabs below to learn more about the feedback we have received so far or view the detailed engagement report.

  • Community Strategic Plan Engagement Report 2024

    Learn more 

Phase 1 - Discovery

Engagement approach

Council engaged with Woolcott Research and Engagement (Woolcott) to help deliver and undertake community engagement for the CSP and LSPS.

Phase 1 of Engagement for the CSP was delivered through telephone interviews and an online survey accessible on our website.

Woolcott also conducted separate interviews with small to medium business owners, youth aged 16-18, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents. Council’s Advisory Groups and Committees were also engaged to gain insight and perspective on their subjects and areas of interest.

Engagement results

Future vision

From the survey and telephone interview responses, a draft future vision was developed. This future vision outlines the community's priorities over the next 10 – 15 years.

A common vision was a vibrant dynamic atmosphere with cafes, retail, businesses and a youthful ‘vibe'.

The LSPS will take into consideration the community’s vision for the future, to create a LSPS Vision Statement.

Phase 2 - Exploration of findings

Community workshops

Following Phase 1 engagement, a further exploration of the findings was carried out through facilitated community workshops. The focus was to hear from the community and gain a deeper understanding of the survey results.

Two workshops were conducted to cover the north and south of the Coast. The Gosford workshop was held on the 12 March 2024, with 30 community members attending. The Wyong workshop was help on the 13 March 2024, with 29 community members attending.

Gosford workshop
Groups of people gathered around discussion tables
Wyong workshop
Groups of people gathered around discussion tables

Central Coast Wellbeing Survey

During Phase 1 of engagement the wellbeing of the community was touched on. Following this, a detailed survey was undertaken to gain a deeper understanding. A Central Coast-wide Wellbeing Survey was conducted from 8 April to 13 May 2024 to understand our community’s perception of their own wellbeing and quality of life. Results from this consultation were used to shape the CSP and LSPS.

To learn more about the findings from the Wellbeing Survey, view the dedicated project page.

Closing the loop

Following the feedback received during public exhibition, Council staff reviewed all submissions and prepared a report on the outcome of the public exhibition process for Council's consideration. It was presented to Council at the 23 July 2024 Council Meeting - Item 2.15 Community Strategic Plan - Engagement Report 2024. Minutes from the meeting are available to view.