13 GOSFORD ERINA BUSINESS Chamber (GEBC) is calling for the restoration of the Central Coast Development Corporation saying that the Central Coast is on the cusp of a transformative era, with Gosford poised to be the Capital of the Central Coast. The Central Coast Development Corporation was set up over 30 years ago as the Festival Development Corporation with the brief to redevelop Mount Penang Parklands precinct on the former Juvenile Justice Centre land that comprises more than 130 hectares. It was amalgamated with the Hunter Development Corporation (HCCDC) in 2000 without any community consultation in October 2018 with head office in Newcastle. It is responsible to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. In June 24 Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart handed control of the Gosford Waterfront Revitalisation to the (HCCDC) giving it the responsibility to deliver the project. Nothing has been heard from the HCCDC since and likewise the Gosford Waterfront redevelopment has been left in limbo. “A Central Coast Development Corporation would be a game-changer,” said GEBC President Peter Lawley. “It would give us the tools to shape a future that reflects our community’s vision and unlocks the Coast’s full potential.” “ It would provide the leadership, focus, and community-centric approach needed to seize this moment. By uniting local stakeholders, attracting investment, and delivering transformative projects across the region. CHAMBER NEWS Headquartered on the Central Coast, a CCDC would be staffed by professionals who understand the region’s social fabric, environmental assets, and economic priorities. The economic benefits of a CCDC extend far beyond the waterfront. With the Central Coast’s population projected to surpass 360,000 by 2036, the region is poised for significant growth, particularly in highdemand sectors like education, healthcare, and technology. Time to restore Central Coast Development Corporation (CCDC) Image of proposed Gosford Waterfront redevelopment prepared by Central Coast Council Chamber continues to advocate for new TAFE The Gosford Erina Business Chamber wants action on the plan to move Gosford TAFE into the proposed Mann St education precinct at the southern end of Gosford. It was part of a plan to bookend Gosford with two education precincts: it has started with the university now being built at the northern entrance to the CBD. The plan includes the State Government paying Council for the former council chambers in Mann St and that payment is still outstanding. “The concept of an education precinct in Gosford extends far beyond bricks and mortar,” Lawley said. “It represents a vision for an interconnected hub where education, culture and commerce thrive. “The redevelopment of the former Gosford Council Chambers for cultural and commercial use, as well as the inclusion of affordable housing, highlights the potential of this precinct to create a vibrant, dynamic community.” The Chamber says strong advocacy is needed from local leaders, community groups and businesses. “Stakeholders must push for transparency in budget allocations and demand that the redevelopment of Gosford TAFE be treated as a priority,” Lawley said. In 2021, Landcom proposed a new TAFE campus in the heart of Gosford on the former Gosford Council site with the goal of replacing the existing, aging campus and redeveloping the old site for affordable housing. This proposal aimed to revitalize the Gosford CBD, free up land for redevelopment, and potentially expand TAFE NSW course offerings. The project was envisioned to cost over $100 million and integrate the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music with the new TAFE campus, providing them with a permanent home. Funding for the new TAFE would be largely offset by the sale of the old TAFE site. Tony Mylan appointed Director Gosford Erina Business Chamber Tony Mylan, CEO of ET Australia Training College has been appointed Director of Gosford Erina Business Chamber. Mr Mylan has been CEO of ET Australia since 1994 and has extensive experience in employment training and recruitment and vocational education. Based in the Gosford CBD for over twenty years ET Australia operates two campuses, Parkside in Donnison Street Gosford and a Secondary College in the Imperial Centre. Commenting on his appointment Chamber President Peter Lawley, said, “Tony’s extensive knowledge in the secondary education sector over a life time and ET Australia being a significant and respected education provider in Gosford will assist the Chamber in promoting Gosford as an Education Precinct.” CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2025
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