Council draft plan sets 20-year growth at one per cent

A Council draft Local Strategic Planning Statement estimates that the Peninsula population will grow by less than one per cent over the next 20 years.

Growth in the number of households is expected to be around seven per cent.

The draft will be considered by Central Coast Council's environment and planning committee tomorrow evening, Tuesday, April 7.

The staff recommendation is that the committee asks the council to endorse the draft for community consultation.

If adopted, this would reduce the growth rate currently implied by the Council's adopted Community Strategic plan from 60 per cent population growth in 10 years.

The draft Local Strategic Planning Statement relies on population forecasts from "spatial intelligence" specialists, ID Consulting Pty Ltd.

According to the draft, the Peninsula will grow less than one per cent (0.92 per cent) from a 2025 population of 38,705 to a population of 39,060 in 2046, just 355 more people.

Despite the low growth in population, the number of households is expected to grow by 976, about seven per cent.

This is put down to a contracting household size, "marked by an ageing population, and an increase in lone person households".

The household growth figure is in line with a low end estimate by consultants Hill PDA, providing background for the council's housing strategy in 2021.

Hill PDA projected take-up rates as being between 1663 dwellings and 2352 dwellings.

Since that study, about 1000 development applications have been approved for the Peninsula.

The low figure remains despite changes to planning controls in the meantime allowing higher dwelling densities.

Since 2021, the Council has introduced new planning controls that allow higher dwelling densities and the State Government has introduced its own provisions for higher dwelling densities including Transport-Oriented Development, Low and Mid-Rise Housing, and dual occupancy policies all of which also allow increased densities.

The draft Local Strategic Planning Statement shows the expected housing mix, using icons for which there is no key.

They appear to show 67 per cent low density residential, 29 per cent medium density residential and one per cent multi-storey residential flats.

The Hill PDA study put the medium density percentage in 2021 at 29 per cent, suggesting the mix is expected remain the same.

In what is called a "Peninsula Place Vision", the draft states: "The Peninsula continues its strong relationship to natural features like the National Parks, natural trails, and Brisbane Water.

"Woy Woy and Ettalong provide more housing options to local communities supported by increased public amenity and connectivity, including cycle connections.

"Transport-oriented development is located near Woy Woy station and is the focus for higher density in the planning area.

"Lions Park and other green spaces are retained and enhanced for the local community.

"Commuter parking in Woy Woy contributes to the public amenity of Woy Woy centre, and a shuttle bus service links the train station and centre to surrounding residential neighbourhoods.

"The night-time economy provides a greater number of options for night-time dining and activities, supported by increased commercial visitor accommodation.

"Flood prone areas at Woy Woy, Booker Bay and Ettalong Beach foreshores are appropriately managed to ensure community safety."

The draft lists "place pressures" on the Peninsula as flooding from Brisbane Water, urban heat, limited road access, environmental protection, infill development, social disadvantage and foreshore connectivity.

It also lists 19 actions that would be taken under the Statement.

If the council endorses the draft, it will be open for "community consultation" and comment for 42 days.

SOURCE:

Agenda, 7 Apr 2026

Environment-Planning Committee, Central Coast Council Statement lists 19 actions - Page 4 Extensive consultation planned - Page 4 High level masterplan drafted for Peninsula - Page 4

Park run cancelled with course under water

Woy Woy Park Run was cancelled on Saturday, March 28, after 25.5mm rain fell on Friday, March 27.

"The Park Run is cancelled.

"The course is under water," organisers announced.

SOURCE:

Social media, 27 Mar 2026

Woy Woy Park Run Fourth wettest March - See page 2