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The Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 aims to build a strong economy capable of generating jobs, providing greater housing choice, essential infrastructure, lively centres for shopping, entertainment and dining, and protecting the natural environment.
The NSW Government has released the Darkinjung Delivery Framework (Framework), a set of pioneering planning measures to assist the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (Darkinjung) better utilise its land.
The Framework is the NSW Government’s response to the notion Darkinjung, like all Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs), faces a number of issues securing suitable uses for its land – land it has successfully claimed under the Aboriginal Land Rights (ALR) Act, 1983 (NSW).
The ALR Act was passed by the NSW Parliament to establish a network of ALCs to acquire and manage land as an economic base for Aboriginal communities, as compensation for historic dispossession and in recognition of their ongoing disadvantage.
Darkinjung is one of 120 ALCs in NSW established under the ALR Act.
The measures align the planning system more sympathetically with the ALR Act, stimulating improved governance, empowerment, strategic planning and more efficient land use.
The Framework also implements Direction 6 of the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 (Regional Plan) “to strengthen the economic self-determination of Aboriginal communities”.
The Regional Plan recognises that encouraging Aboriginal people to gain economic benefit from their land will support broader regional development and environmental and social outcomes.
The Framework is a pilot with potential for extension to other ALCs to benefit Aboriginal communities across NSW.
Darkinjung is the largest non-Government landholder on the Central Coast, so it is an ideal test case for such sweeping planning reform with the potential to be extended state-wide.
The Framework package includes:
For further information regarding the Darkinjung Delivery Framework please read the frequently asked questions.
A Darkinjung Delivery Framework Consultation Paper outlining the inter-related measures - including an explanation of intended effect of the SEPP - received overwhelming support when exhibited from 16 November to 14 December 2018.
A Local Planning Panel (LPP) will be implemented on the Central Coast to bring greater expertise, transparency and accountability to local planning decisions.
LPPs are panels comprising two independent experts, a community member and a chair who make decisions on sensitive, complex and high-value development applications made to local councils.
The establishment of an LPP for the Central Coast was a recommendation from the independent review of governance in the NSW planning system by former NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Nick Kaldas.
The review recognised the positive feedback and overall effectiveness of mandatory LPPs – formerly known as IHAPs (Independent Hearing and Assessment Panels) – in metropolitan Sydney and Wollongong and recommended the Department consider extending LPPs to the Central Coast and Newcastle.
A Central Coast LPP is expected to be in place by early 2020 and will consist of a chair and two independent experts appointed by Council from a Minister-endorsed pool of independent, qualified people, plus a community representative.
For more information about the Central Coast LPP contact Andrew Roach at Central Coast Council.
The Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 is a 20–year blueprint for the future of the Central Coast.
Our vision is to create a region with a healthy natural environment, a flourishing economy, and well-connected communities.
We’ll deliver our vision through four goals:
The Central Coast Regional Plan 2018 Monitoring Report highlights the significant progress made in delivering outcomes for the people of the region in the Regional Plan’s second year.
The Central Coast Regional Implementation Plan 2018-2020 has been released that sets out exactly how the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 will continue to deliver jobs, housing, conservation planning and revitalisation for the region over the next two years.
For more details visit Delivering the Plan page.
Revitalisation of Gosford City Centre as the capital of a healthy, prosperous and connected Central Coast, is a key Ministerial priority of the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036.
The project has reached a significant milestone with the release of the final Government Architect report and approval of a suite of new planning controls to revitalise Gosford City Centre, following public exhibition throughout the year.
Information relating to the final planning controls and development assessment and approvals within the Gosford City Centre can be found on the Gosford City Centre web page.