Wicks seeks review of Central Coast's regional status
Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks has written to the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Ben Morton, seeking a review of the Central Coast's status as a region.
She has asked that the Government's Deregulation Taskforce "investigate the inconsistent classifications of the Central Coast and its impacts".
"The Central Coast needs to be declared a stand-alone region with Gosford as its capital city, not as part of the Greater Sydney, Newcastle or Hunter regions."
In her letter, she said: ""
"I have been overwhelmed with support to make the Central Coast a stand-alone region.
"This issue touches on the sense identity and pride we have for our region, and as such, I think it should be brought to the attention of all levels of government.
"I will also be writing to the NSW Premier in relation to making the Central Coast a stand-alone region.
"There's no single consistent definition applied to the Central Coast region that I can see, except on a map and the name of our Council.
"That is why the Central Coast needs to be declared a stand-alone region with Gosford as its capital or true city.
"While we know the Central Coast was declared a region some years ago, there is a lot of confusion as to what that actually means or how it is applied by government bureaucracy.
"We are a region which is regularly lumped in with Greater Sydney, the Hunter and Lake Macquarie.
"We are not consistently recognised as a unique region, causing confusion and resulting in us being left behind.
"A quick survey across 22 different government departments and agencies in all three levels of government reveals the Central Coast region is lumped in twice as often with other regions as it is referred to in its own right.
"These classifications are important.
"They determine which government programs Central Coast businesses, community organisations and residents are eligible for.
"There are numerous examples of how we have missed out on funding opportunities because of an inconsistent application of definitions.
I'm calling for the Central Coast region to receive similar government investments to what cities like Parramatta, Newcastle or Wollongong receive.
"It's time for the Central Coast to come into its own."
SOURCE:
Social media, 20 Jul 2021
Lucy Wicks, Member for Robertson