Message from the Chair / CEO - March 2026

The beginning of 2026 has been very busy at RDA Central Coast.  The Chair and CEO have spent time out and about connecting and talking with locals about a wide variety of topics.

We started by consulting with Central Coast Council on their draft Central Coast Economic Development Strategy, Events Strategy and Destination Management plan. We have had meetings with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Director of Environment and Planning, Unit Manager and Assessment and Strategic Planning staff within council, as well as participated in the Council led Regional Partners Group.

We held our first Strategic Planning session in preparation for the next twelve months business plan, which will include some exciting new opportunities, as well as participating in the current development of Gosford as our regional city for the Central Coast and of course reviewing our Infrastructure Priorities for the Central Coast for the next 12 months and beyond. We are also planning to hold some forums on specific relevant topics later in the year.

We continue to work as part of the Peak Alliance Body and look forward to meeting with Central Coast ministers at NSW Parliament House to make a submission on priorities for the Central Coast for the May Budget 2026/27, noting there is a NSW state election March 2027.

We have also attended the fantastic Business NSW Central Coast Future Leaders Summit, and a luncheon with Jacinda Ardern former New Zealand Prime minister as keynote for International Women’s Day. Locally we supported Women in Manufacturing by attending a tour of the Borg factories new 2MWh Battery installation and learnt about all the sustainable and circular initiatives they are implementing.

We are continuing to support Central Coast Industry Connect and their new Food Innovation Hub. Backed by a $17.14M investment and supported by the Australian Government, University of Newcastle, Central Coast Council and RDA Central Coast, the Hub will strengthen the region’s $2 billion food & beverage sector, build workforce capability through training and partnerships, drive innovation with pilot-scale production and R&D facilities as well as create jobs and regional economic growth. The Food Innovation Hub is due to open in May 2026.

Going forward we are finalising a 10-year Central Coast Economic review from 2016 to 2026, as well as compiling a list of current developments underway or in the pipeline funded by Australian Federal Government, NSW Government, Central Coast Council, Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council and Pacific Link Housing. This list helps us to understand what is currently being built or upgraded and what is coming to improve infrastructure and housing on the Central Coast.

Apart from the work we are doing for the development of the Central Coast, we are supporting the region by attending Mariners games, attending local theatre, local retailers and local hospitality venues. RDA Central Coast continues to connect, collaborate and advocate for long-term economic benefit of the community.

Gail Cottrill                                        Lisa Barnes

Chair                                                CEO / DRD