Population projected to grow less than national average

The Peninsula's population is projected to grow by less than 0.5 per cent per year and as little as nothing between 2026 and 2036, according to maps in the Central Coast Council's Local Strategic Planning Statement.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has projected the average national growth rate in this period to be 1.2 per cent per annum, based on current trends.

Assuming the maximum projected growth rate of 0.5 per cent starting now, this would amount to an increase of five per cent or around 2000 people in that decade for a total Peninsula population of around 41,500 people, based on a current population of around 38,500.

However, the range of population growth does not seem to correspond with the projected increase in dwellings and development for the area.

Despite the possibility of there being no population increase, the Statement nevertheless projects a minimum "change" in "forecast dwellings and development" for the Peninsula of 2.8 per cent in the 20 years from 2016 to 2035.

The maximum change is projected to be 27.7 per cent.

Elsewhere in the Statement, among the priorities for Woy Woy as a "strategic centre" is to "adopt a Strategic Plan for Woy Woy to support population growth".

The maximum projected population increase for the period would be a five per cent increase over 10 years.

Exactly how the maps are meant to be interpreted is unclear.

The Statement shows the Peninsula "planning area" as extending beyond the Spike Milligan bridge, normally regarded as a Peninsula boundary, as far as Pt Clare and Kariong.

Four "key enabling projects" are mapped for the Peninsula: the Rawson Rd underpass, Woy Woy wharf, Ettalong wharf and drainage across the Peninsula.

The maps show Woy Woy as a transport hub.

"Action transport facilities" at Woy Woy are identified as a "new infrastructure initiative proposed by council".

The Rawson Rd level crossing upgrade is listed as well as an upgrade to Blackwall Rd.

The railway would be subject to a "faster rail" improvement.

A link is shown between Woy Woy and Kariong, but what it describes is unclear as it is labelled "M1 - Newcastle Smart Motorway".

The Statement does not show either Ocean Beach Rd or Woy Woy Rd as arterial roads.

Many of the maps simply reflect existing infrastructure on the Peninsula.

For example, the Statement identifies existing "employment land" at the old abattoir site at the base of Bulls Hill, South Woy Woy, on Nagari Rd near the sewage works; in Alma Ave, Woy Woy; in Memorial Ave, Blackwall and at the corner of Ocean Beach Rd and Rawson Rd, Woy Woy.

A small pocket is also shown in Ettalong.

The only natural asset mapped for the Peninsula is Blackwall Mountain, but open spaces include Burrawang Reserve, creeks, waterfront reserves and the beaches.

Ovals - such as Woy Woy, James Brown, McEvoy and Col Gooley - as well as the golf course and Lemon Grove netball courts are also included as open spaces.

The "recreation precinct" around and including Umina oval is identified a "regional" open space.

The NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort is also mapped as open space.

A map of community facilities shows the two libraries, the Peninsula Leisure Centre, two community halls, the PCYC, the Ettalong Seniors Centre, the Peninsula Community Centre and three other "community centres".

A water supply map shows five reservoirs on and around the Peninsula, together with pumping stations, transfer mains and distribution mains, as well as the water treatment plant at the Council's works depot in Gallipolli Ave.

Heritage areas are shown at Pearl Beach and Patonga.

Website, 13 May 2020

Local Strategic Planning Statement, Central Coast Council