Corinne on Coast development

There is a perceived divide on the Central Coast between those prioritising development, jobs and growth, and those focused on environmental protection. This is a false dichotomy. Economic growth and environmental sustainability are intrinsically linked. A healthy environment is essential for a thriving economy, and vice versa. This interconnectedness is crucial for attracting investment and maintaining our region's desirability as a place to live.

As you know, I'm committed to reducing flooding in the Lakes area, and saving our beaches from destructive seawalls. I recently heard a local at the north end of The Entrance ward say, “when the Lake looks good, the town looks good.” Meanwhile, at the southern end of the same ward, I see Wamberal café owners backing the no seawall campaign, saying, “Sandy beach, happy business”. This perfectly captures how environmental health directly impacts our community's overall well-being and economic prosperity.

The Central Coast will continue to experience significant population growth, which will increase pressure for development. Balancing this growth with environmental sustainability is a complex challenge and calls for careful planning, innovative solutions, and awareness of the long-term consequences of growth decisions for the region's sustainability. Most importantly, decision-making needs to be independent, not driven by Councillors with links to big developer and construction lobby groups. Councillors have an important governance role, so the community should avoid backing candidates who are entangled with big developer interests.

There is a clear link between the big developer lobby group, Urban Development Institute Australia (UDIA), Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC), many Central Council staff and “Team Central Coast” council election candidates. While RDACC plays a role in regional development, there are real conflict of interest issues when:

1. The Chair at RDACC, Lawrie McKinna, is running for Council (East Gosford Ward) as part of Team Central Coast
2. The CEO at RDACC John Mouland, is also running for Council (Budgewoi Ward), also as part of Team Central Coast
3. John Mouland, as a Central Coast Candidate, is actively promoting the big developer lobby group, UDIA (see online post by Mr Mouland below)

UDIA say they have “grown to become the leading industry body representing the interests of the NSW property development sector”. So, a question for John Mouland and Lawrie McKinna is how will they be able to make independent development decisions on Council when they are actively promoting the UDIA who represent the interests of developers? Will Mr McKinna and Mr Mouland as “Team Central Coast” candidates represent the NSW property development sector or will they be representing the needs of Central Coast constituents? How will they be able to fulfil their obligations as Councillors when they are so professionally invested in the urban development lobby? How can they justify their position on Council other than to represent the developer industry? If elected, will Team Central Coast vote on issues as a ‘team’ or block, like a quasi-political party, or will they be independent, voting differently, especially on development matters?

Note, I am not necessarily anti-UDIA or anti-RDACC. I am open-minded and welcome sensible development, but I am very concerned by the perceived and actual conflict of interest that “Team Central Coast”, or at least some on their team, represents if elected to Council. The September 14 election is an opportunity for a new, independent elected Council. The Coast could well do without a Council stacked by developer lobby interests. An independent Council is more likely to get development right than a stacked one. 

It is important for good Council governance that Councillor’s act for all Central Coast constituents, not for external interest groups such as UDIA and RDACC and their members and partners. As a truly local independent, I enter this election without any external lobby group interests. I am not anti-development but I am not conflicted with development sector relationships. I am running on the back of local grassroots constituent action to stop Wamberal Beach seawall and address Tuggerah Lakes flooding issues. I see opportunities to improve education and employment outcomes for Coast constituents, including through a Gosford education and business innovation hub which will have positive ripple effects for the rest of the Coast. I see greater opportunity for Coast constituents in the small business sector on the Coast, being a small business owner in The Entrance Ward myself.

We don’t want planning decisions polluted by conflicts of interest on Council, resulting in poor outcomes that become a disaster for future generations on the Coast. We have all been there before.

While economic growth has inflated property values for some, it has concurrently reduced housing affordability for others, exacerbating homelessness and financial stress on the Coast. Increasing housing supply can be a fix for housing affordability and homelessness, but how well that works depends on the type and location of housing delivered, as well as the provision of associated services, access to employment and so on.

Rapid development can overburden infrastructure, services, and the environment, ultimately compromising community wellbeing. Developers prioritise profit, yet it is imperative that development aligns with housing needs and delivers longer term tangible benefits to the community beyond short term financial gain to developers. To many in the community finding it hard to pay rent, the vacant holiday apartments in Terrigal and other coastal suburbs underscore the disconnect between housing supply and affordability.

To foster a resilient, equitable community, we require a long-term vision that harmonizes economic prosperity with environmental protection. We also need Councillor independence. Future plans must:

         Prioritise infrastructure and community well-being

• Invest in comprehensive, long-term planning for transport, utilities, community services, and recreational spaces. Regularly review and adjust these plans to accommodate population growth and ensure adequate provision for all residents.

         Safeguard greenspaces and biodiversity

• Protect and enhance the region's natural environment through dedicated funding for green spaces, rigorous independent biodiversity assessments, and habitat preservation. Implement initiatives to increase urban greening and promote a thriving ecosystem.

         Manage high-rise development responsibly

• Hold to limits on high-rise development that prioritise compatibility with the surrounding environment and community character. Conduct thorough impact assessments to minimise negative consequences.

         Foster community engagement

• Create transparent planning processes that actively involve residents, incorporating their feedback into decision-making. Implement ongoing education and awareness programs to build community support and for sustainable development. This is not possible if members of Council are also connected to the big developer lobby.

Corinne Lamont welcomes media and general inquiries on these important issues concerning the Central Coast and her run for Council.