Regional plan unclear on intentions for the Peninsula
Woy Woy "offers opportunities for revitalisation through the development of a cohesive public domain approach that supports a vibrant and safe town centre for residents and visitors", according to the draft Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 announced last week.
The document does not explain what it means by the statement and no further detail is given.
Talking of the Peninsula generally, it states: "Development proposals will need to protect the scenic quality and retain the unique environmental character of the area.
"At the same time, development will need to be limited in environmental hazard areas of the Woy Woy Peninsula.
"It will also need to consider sustainable ways of accommodating short stays for visitors.
"Increased housing choices will be focused close to public transport and need to consider traffic impacts."
The draft plan does not describe how these statements differ from what is currently claimed for the Peninsula.
It says: "By adopting a 15-minute region, it allows everyone on the Central Coast to meet most of their daily needs within a short walk or bike ride of their home.
"This will reduce traffic and parking congestion in ... Woy Woy, as well as improve healthy lifestyles through sustainable exercise of walking and cycling."
It says: "Central Coast Council's Greener Places Strategy identifies five suburbs on the Woy Woy Peninsula for priority planting to mitigate urban heat island effects.
"This should be enhanced through further urban greening opportunities, including tree planting on private land and on land used for schools, health facilities, parks and golf courses."
The plan does not indicate any intention to increase deep soil areas or enforce setback requirements to allow tree planting in future developments, or to reduce development intensity.
Instead, it states: "Development proposals must demonstrate future residents will be within a 15-minute walk of green infrastructure, such as parks, woodlands, gardens, waterways and street trees."
It also states: "The local centres of Umina and Ettalong also will be promoted for their potential for increased numbers of people enjoying their lifestyle and vibrancy."
The draft plan is available at https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/centralcoast2041.and is currently open for public comment.
SOURCE:
Website, 10 Dec 2021
Central Coast Regional Plan, DPIE