Central Coast, New South Wales
From Freepedia
The Central Coast is a region in the Australian state of New South Wales, lying on the coastline north of Sydney and south of Newcastle. Geographically, the Central Coast is generally considered to include the region bounded by the Hawkesbury River in the south, the Watagan Mountains in the west and the southern end of Lake Macquarie in the north. Politically, it is administered as two local government areas, Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council.
The region was a network of towns that have been linked in recent years by expanding suburban development which have developed into bustling cities and towns. The main urban centre of the region stretches from West Gosford in the west to the retail centre of Erina in the east and Gosford in the north. Other commercial centres are Wyong, Tuggerah, The Entrance, Terrigal and Woy Woy. Large numbers of people who live in the southern part of this area commute daily to work in Sydney. It is also a popular destination for holidaying, and for retirement. As a result, the cultural identity of the region is distinct from that of the large, diverse metropolis Sydney and the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region, with its mining, industry and port.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics considers the Central Coast part of the Sydney Metropolitan Area when analysing population statistics, therefore accurate population figures are difficult to acquire. The 2001 census reported the combined population of Gosford and Wyong Council areas as approximately 285 000. The estimated population as of July 2004 was 304 600, growing at 0.7% per annum. (Source: population NSW Bulletin, June 2005 [1].)
The region is connected to Sydney and Newcastle via Cityrail's Newcastle/Central Coast rail line and the F3 freeway. A ferry also operates from Ettalong across Broken Bay to Sydney's Palm Beach.
In recent years the Central Coast's main issues have centred around sustainable development and creation of local employment as the population of the region expands rapidly. High-rise development has been at the centre of many disputes as well as an ongoing water supply issue.
