RDACC Newsletter October 2011

News, October 31, 2011

‘Regional effort’ to thank for Coast’s early rollout of National Broadband Network

Following the announcement this month by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and NBN Co Chief Executive Mike Quigley, that the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout will include Long Jetty and Gosford, Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC) is excited to acknowledge the collaborative effort that contributed to the early rollout of the Network in the region.

Partnering with key bodies and individuals, RDACC has coordinated the region’s promotion and lobbying for early rollout of the NBN over the past two years. “The regional effort that led to the Central Coast’s selection for early rollout of the NBN cannot be overlooked,” said John Dawson, Chairman of RDACC.

“Local, State and Federal Government, community groups, business leaders and government agencies have all been involved and are fully supportive. Without the commitment and resolutions of Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils, RDA Hunter, as well as local telecommunications capabilities from organisations such as Wahlstrom, CCTS, Relative Services and TE Connectivity, this accomplishment would simply not have been realised,” said John.

The Central Coast will benefit greatly from early access to the NBN, which is set to drive business and investment to the region, create new educational opportunities, encourage innovation and increase employment.

“2011 has been highly successful for putting the Central Coast on the map. We hosted the scuttling of the Ex-HMAS Adelaide, achieved regional status and now, the NBN will be rolled out to support business and community growth. RDACC is proud to be a part of the regional partnership that both the Federal Government and NBN Co. have endorsed to help deliver high speed fibre connectivity to the people and businesses of the Central Coast,” added John.

Community invited to discuss Central Coast Regional Plan at October Focus on the Coast forum

At this month’s Focus on the Coast forum, which was held on Thursday 20 October 2011, RDACC presented the key initiatives of the Central Coast Regional Plan 2011-2015, as well as an overview of the new Central Coast business attraction website and the Central Coast Innovation Plan to a room of more than 50 Central Coast residents.

The forum opened with Chief Executive Officer of RDACC, Anthony Dow, presenting an overview of the visions, goals and actions captured in the RDACC’s Regional Plan and how it is set to benefit the Central Coast community.

“The Regional Plan is an important document that provides all levels of government with a clear road map for the Central Coast and highlights the priorities for the region in terms of future investment and funding opportunities,” said Mr Dow.

“The primary purpose of this Plan is to present a coordinated representation of the Central Coast’s aspirations and priorities to partners and funders, ensuring our region’s needs are being heard and addressed by way of investment and local action,” he added.

The forum also previewed the new Central Coast business attraction website, an initiative designed to draw new business owners and investors to the region. This website, which will be launched in mid-November this year, is an initiative between RDACC, Trade and Investment NSW, Wyong Shire and Gosford City Councils and NSW Business Chamber Central Coast and aims to market the Central Coast as a premier business location.

Dr Anton Kritz, Chair of the Central Coast Innovation Project, also presented an overview of the Central Coast Innovation Plan, which focuses on facilitating innovation in the region through initiatives such as the early roll out of the National Broadband Network.
To find out more about the topic’s covered at the October Focus on the Coast forum, visit www.rdacc.org.au/focus-on-the-coast to download each presentation.

February Focus on the Coast forum – Very Fast Train

November Focus on the Coast postponed until February 2012.

The theme of the February Focus on the Coast forum is ‘Very Fast Train.’ The forum, which will be held on Thursday 16 February, will provide an opportunity to understand the potential for a Very Fast Train from Melbourne to Brisbane via the Central Coast.

The RDACC’s Focus on the Coast forums aim to provide local residents with the opportunity to participate in a consultative process that identifies priorities, aligns resources and promotes solutions. These forums enable the community to provide input to governments about issues and opportunities in the local area and RDACC encourages interested local residents to attend the upcoming February session.

The February Focus on the Coast forum will be held:
Thursday 16 February 2012
5.30pm to 7.30pm
RDACC Boardroom
Business Incubator Building
University of Newcastle, Ourimbah

Please RSVP to Leanna King, leanna.king@rdacc.org.au or contact 02 4349 4949.

Focus on: The Central Coast Regional Plan 2011-2015

The Central Coast Regional Plan 2011-2015 is an amalgamation of both Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils’ most recent community strategic plans and aims to provide all levels of government with a clear road map for the Central Coast.

The plan describes the region, its attributes and challenges, suggests a vision to aspire to and lists objectives and actions under economic, environmental and social sections. Drawing from the Central Coast Regional Strategy and the Regional Economic Development and Employment Strategy, this plan highlights the priorities for the region in terms of future investment and funding opportunities.

Priorities outlined in the plan include the need for transport connectivity, more local jobs, sustainable land use and developments and improved connectedness, with each priority aiming to promote one of three key concerns – ‘Economy and Employment’, ‘Environment’ and ‘Social Inclusion and Quality of Life’.

RDACC will continue to drive this Regional Plan and the partnerships required to deliver real and positive change to the Central Coast, in turn working to deliver improved quality of life.

For more information on the Central Coast Regional Plan 2011-2015, contact RDACC on 02 4349 4949 or email mail@rdacc.org.au