MidCoast Council Advances Key Initiatives: Development Plans, Infrastructure Projects, and Economic Growth Strategies
Table of Contents
- MidCoast Council Advances Key Initiatives: Development Plans, Infrastructure Projects, and Economic Growth Strategies
- Local Environmental Plan Advances to Final Approval Stages
- Development Activity and Assessment Report: october – December 2024
- Forster Foreshore Plan of Management Officially Adopted
- Public Toilets in Parks Strategy 2024-2035 Approved
- Community Engagement Strategy to be Exhibited
- Blackhead Skatepark Construction Tender Awarded
- muldoon Street reconstruction Project Advances
- Economic and Destination Development Activity Update: July – December 2024
- Councillor Expenses Report: July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
- Amendment to Council meeting Schedule 2025
- Financial sustainability Action Plan update
- Conclusion
- MidCoast Council’s Strategic Vision: Shaping a Thriving Coastal Community
The MidCoast Council is moving forward with several meaningful initiatives aimed at shaping the region’s future. Councillors have endorsed the draft Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and adopted the Forster Foreshore Plan of Management, signaling a commitment to strategic development and environmental stewardship. Tenders have also been awarded for the construction of the Blackhead skatepark and the reconstruction of muldoon Street, demonstrating a focus on infrastructure improvements. These decisions,along with updates on economic development and financial sustainability,highlight the council’s multifaceted approach to enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Local Environmental Plan Advances to Final Approval Stages
the draft MidCoast Local Environmental Plan (LEP) has been endorsed by Councillors and is now headed to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for final approval. This plan is a crucial document that outlines strategies for local development and land use within the MidCoast region. The development of the LEP involved extensive community consultation over several years,reflecting the council’s commitment to incorporating public feedback into its planning processes.
The consultation process was comprehensive, with more then 51,000 letters sent to landholders. The council also engaged in conversations with over 1,700 people, facilitated 429 phone appointments, and addressed numerous email inquiries. This widespread outreach ensured that a diverse range of perspectives were considered in shaping the LEP.
According to council reports, more than 500 submissions were received during the consultation period, along with two petitions. This feedback was carefully reviewed, and various changes were made to the draft LEP consequently, demonstrating the council’s responsiveness to community concerns.
Development Activity and Assessment Report: october – December 2024
Councillors reviewed a report providing an overview of development assessment and building certification activities from Oct. 1 to Dec.31, 2024. The report included data on application volumes, determination times, and comparisons to other councils, offering insights into the region’s development landscape.
The report indicated that development and building activity is trending back to the application volumes seen in 2019 and 2020. During the reporting period, the council received 1,558 customer requests related to development assessment and building certification, representing 11% of all requests lodged during the quarter.
The report also highlighted that MidCoast Council assessed 487 applications, a number surpassed by onyl two other councils: Lake Macquarie with 774 and Newcastle with 536.
Forster Foreshore Plan of Management Officially Adopted
Following extensive community consultation, the final Forster Foreshore plan of Management has been officially adopted by councillors. The plan has received approval from the Department of Planning, Industry, and Surroundings and is now ready for implementation.This plan is designed to ensure the effective management of this significant coastal area, balancing environmental protection with community access and recreational opportunities.
Public Toilets in Parks Strategy 2024-2035 Approved
Councillors formally adopted the Public Toilets in Parks Strategy, which is part of the broader Open Space and Recreation Strategy.This comprehensive plan addresses the management, enhancement, and potential removal of public toilets at 108 locations across the region, based on their usage and proximity to community spaces. The strategy spans from 2024 to 2035, providing a long-term framework for ensuring adequate and well-maintained public toilet facilities in parks throughout the MidCoast region.
Community Engagement Strategy to be Exhibited
A draft Community Engagement Strategy will be placed on public exhibition to gather community feedback.This strategy outlines how the council will communicate and engage with the community throughout the strategy’s lifespan. It provides the community with clear expectations on how engagement will be conducted, including the principles, objectives, methods, and tools that will be used.
Blackhead Skatepark Construction Tender Awarded
The Blackhead skatepark project is moving forward, with Councillors awarding the tender to VFG Skate Parks Pty ltd. Construction is expected to be completed by June 30, 2025, providing a new recreational facility for the community.
muldoon Street reconstruction Project Advances
The reconstruction of Muldoon Street from Wingham Road to the Railway Crossing is progressing, with Councillors awarding the contract to Alliance Construction Group. this project is a continuation of the Muldoon Street upgrade works, which serve as a main road to the Taree industrial district. The work will include deep lift asphalt, replacement of damaged kerb and gutter, and stormwater improvements, enhancing the road’s durability and functionality.
Economic and Destination Development Activity Update: July – December 2024
Councillors received an update on the general state of the MidCoast economy and the council’s activities in supporting growth. A key highlight was the presentation of the MidCoast Economic Outlook and Industry Analysis Report, described as a “pioneering document that offers valuable insights into the local economy.” This report is intended to guide the council in identifying strategic actions to enhance the region’s economic future.
The full Economic Outlook report was presented to Council in November 2024 and is available on the Council’s website. During this period, the council also received ECO Destination accreditation, and the Barrington Coast was recognized as one of only three destinations in Australia to make the top 100 Green Destinations list.
Councillor Expenses Report: July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
In accordance with regulations, Councillors are required to provide a report on their expenses every six months. The report, covering areas such as travel, conferences, professional development, and home office expenses, will be made publicly available on the Council’s website. The report will detail both individual and total expenses for all Councillors, ensuring clarity in the use of public funds.
Amendment to Council meeting Schedule 2025
The Council Meeting schedule for 2025 has been amended to accommodate the Australian local Government Assembly. The originally scheduled date of Wednesday, June 26, will now move to Monday, June 30. No other changes have been made to the schedule.
Financial sustainability Action Plan update
Councillors received a six-monthly update on the implementation of the Financial Sustainability Action Plan. This plan was developed in response to an independent financial sustainability review undertaken by the AEC Group in July 2023. The AEC’s final report and the MidCoast Council Financial Sustainability Action Plan were presented to Council in May 2024. The six-monthly progress report ensures that the council’s enhancement path is documented and tracked.
Conclusion
The MidCoast Council is actively engaged in a range of initiatives designed to promote enduring development, enhance infrastructure, and foster economic growth. From the advancement of the Local Environmental Plan to the adoption of the Forster foreshore Plan of Management and the awarding of tenders for key infrastructure projects,the council is demonstrating a commitment to shaping a vibrant and prosperous future for the region. Regular updates on economic development, financial sustainability, and councillor expenses further underscore the council’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
MidCoast Council’s Strategic Vision: Shaping a Thriving Coastal Community
Is proactive community engagement the key to unlocking sustainable progress in coastal regions? The MidCoast Council’s recent initiatives suggest it might be.
Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, welcome to World Today News. Your expertise in regional development and community planning is invaluable. The MidCoast council has recently announced several significant projects. Let’s delve into their approach to community engagement and sustainable growth.
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. The MidCoast Council’s multifaceted approach, centering on robust community engagement alongside strategic infrastructure development and economic planning, indeed presents a compelling model for sustainable growth in coastal areas. This holistic strategy directly addresses the challenges and opportunities unique to these regions.
Interviewer: The council’s new Local Environmental Plan (LEP) involved extensive public consultation. What makes this level of engagement vital for prosperous regional planning?
Dr. Sharma: Engaging the community in shaping a Local Environmental Plan is not merely best practice; it’s absolutely crucial. A LEP fundamentally affects how land is used, impacting everything from housing development and infrastructure projects to environmental protection and the preservation of local character. By directly incorporating the perspectives of residents, businesses, and environmental stakeholders, the council ensures the plan reflects the community’s values and needs. This, in turn, fosters a sense of ownership and buy-in that is vital for successful long-term implementation and ensures the plan is both realistic and sustainable.The MidCoast Council’s engagement methods – encompassing letters, phone calls, meetings, and online engagement—maximize reach and inclusivity.
Interviewer: The council’s report highlights significant development activity. How can a council balance thriving economic growth with environmental preservation and the needs of existing residents?
Dr. Sharma: balancing economic expansion with environmental protection and the well-being of existing residents is a key challenge for many coastal communities. The MidCoast Council’s strategy, which prioritizes responsible development assessment, seems promising. Tracking development application volumes and processing times (as highlighted in their October-December 2024 report) provides crucial data-driven insights, allowing for proactive adjustments to the planning process. Implementing environmentally sustainable building practices and zoning regulations also helps to mitigate potential negative impacts. crucially, their commitment to transparent reporting ensures accountability and builds community trust. This demonstrates a balance between facilitating progress and protecting local infrastructure.
Interviewer: The adoption of the Forster Foreshore Plan of Management is remarkable. How can such plans ensure both environmental preservation and public enjoyment of coastal areas?
Dr. Sharma: The success of foreshore management plans hinges on strategic planning that considers both the ecological fragility of the coast and the community’s desire to enjoy those spaces. Effective plans shoudl prioritize initiatives that promote ecological health, such as habitat restoration, erosion control, and water quality management. Simultaneously,they need to create accessible and enjoyable public spaces. This requires a careful balance to create a sustainable future for this essential area, which means balancing recreational access, protection of natural habitats and preserving the unique characteristics of the environment.
Interviewer: The council’s new public Toilets in Parks Strategy shows attention to detail. Why should such seemingly small-scale projects be part of a larger vision for sustainable growth?
dr. Sharma: This strategy highlights the importance of considering smaller, more locally focused infrastructure in a cohesive plan for sustainable regional development. Access to adequate and well-maintained public toilet facilities significantly enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.Investing in these kinds of projects demonstrates the council’s commitment to enhancing even the smaller details which can have a significant impact and contributes to creating a more welcoming and vibrant community. This enhances residents’ satisfaction and increases the quality and enjoyment for residents and visitors, encouraging people using facilities in areas designed for recreation and leisure.
Interviewer: The MidCoast Economic Outlook and Industry Analysis report is described as pioneering. What kinds of key insights can such reports provide for strategic regional planning?
Dr. Sharma: An economic outlook report provides an invaluable understanding of a region’s current economic performance, its strengths, weaknesses, and future growth prospects. Its key value lies in offering data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making by the council. It will help identify key economic sectors driving growth,emerging opportunities,existing infrastructure deficits,and potential challenges. This facts helps in targeting specific interventions to promote economic diversification, job creation, and improved infrastructure.Such reports also support better allocation of resources and the creation of policies that stimulate regional economic prosperity. A successful regional economic development plan is built on a strong analytical foundation, which enables a better understanding of the regional economy and its future development.
Interviewer: what is the one key takeaway from MidCoast Council’s approach that other councils should learn from?
Dr. Sharma: The consistent theme of proactive and inclusive community engagement is the MidCoast Council’s most valuable contribution. Building strong partnerships and transparent interaction with the community is essential to ensuring all projects are sustainable, acceptable and successfully implemented. Their approach underscores that sustainable regional development thrives on collaboration, transparency, and a long-term vision that prioritizes the well being of its community.
Interviewer: thank you,Dr. Sharma, for your insightful perspective.This interview offers valuable lessons for communities worldwide. Readers, join the discussion! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s foster a conversation about building sustainable and thriving communities.