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CENTRAL COAST
REGIONAL SNAPSHOT
2016
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Regional
Overview
The NSW Central Coast region incorporates the Local
Government Area of Central Coast Council, having a total area of
some 1,854 square kilometres. The geography of the region is
characterised by extensive lakes and waterway systems, along
with coastal beaches and mountain forest areas.
The Central Coast is located in a unique position midway
between two major Australian cities of Melbourne and Brisbane.
Just one hours drive north of Sydney, the region is a world of
beautiful coastlines, golden beaches, alluring lakes and pristine
National Parks with an increasingly sophisticated food and
hospitality market.
Research and data analysis undertaken for this report
highlights that while the region has enviable strengths such
as lifestyle advantages; a relatively strong tourism base;
growing health and education sectors and proximity 5.5 million
consumers in the Sydney and Newcastle markets, it also
has its challenges. Infrastructure development is a pressing
issue with the need to provide capacity for over 24,674 new
jobs and 41,500 new dwellings over the next twenty years.
Other major challenges include high unemployment, slowing
population growth, a shortage of housing supply and housing
choice, high out-commuting levels and the need to greatly
improve education levels.
This key NSW growth area offers business owners, investors
and families great opportunities and a sought after lifestyle. The
NSW Central Coast is at the centre of the State’s fastest growing
corridor from the northern edge of Sydney to Newcastle. The
projected population along this corridor is estimated to be 1.1
million by 2036.