7 ment in unlocking housing and employment land. “It’s clear that regions like the Central Coast need tailored funding models to unlock growth,”Treasurer Mookhey said during the infrastructure panel. “We must work together to ensure enabling infrastructure isn’t a bottleneck to economic opportunity.” Minister Harris formally opened the event, reaffirming the NSW Government’s support for the Central Coast and praising the region’s collaborative approach. Economists Belinda Allen and Dr Sherman Chan provided expert analysis of national and local economic trends, with encouraging signs for the economy, tempered by warnings about productivity and housing pressures. “Businesses cannot expand, and new industries cannot grow without the right infrastructure,” said Dr Chan. “We need to ensure regions like the Central Coast are equipped to meet population growth while maintaining affordability and liveability.” Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO of the University of Newcastle also addressed the audience, sharing insights into the University’s regional partnerships and educational investments, including its new Central Coast-based initiatives in dentistry and health. The event was supported by major partners Commonwealth Bank and the University of Newcastle, whose contributions help make this marquee regional event possible. BUSINESS NEWS This year’s Coast Race Day held on 10th May saw a crowd of almost 3,000. Held at The Entertainment Grounds, home of the Gosford Race Club, the Coast Race Day is the richest on the calendar with $2 million in prize money. With a full programme of ten races and live entertainment the Central Coast’s richest race day is one of the most popular days for the Club which hold 23 race meetings each year and employs over a hundred staff on the day and a large number of people lead up to and after day CEO Daniel Lacey said, “Coast Race Day provides Gosford and the Central Coast with great exposure with many attendees staying overnight and enjoying local restaurants and tourist activities. Gosford is also given exposure on Channel 7.” “We also make use of local suppliers and local sponsors, such as Gosford IT, Ortus Financial, Railway Hotel Gosford and our Gosford Gold Cup Sponsor Guardian Safety Solutions. “As this is a metro race meeting we also attract high quality trainers who come for Coast Race Day.”“Some of these trainers include: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Bjorn Baker, Chris Waller and Annabel and Rob Archibald,” he said. Following the last race celebrations continued with an unforgettable afterparty with DJ Havana Brown and Natalie Sax that kept going well into the evening. Gosford Gold Cup draws big crowd Gosford Race Club Chairman, Michael Cusick (right) with winner Les Vampire and owners CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2025
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