Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC) has welcomed the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, The Hon. Kristy McBain, on her visit to the Central Coast yesterday to discuss regionally significant projects.

Hosted by RDACC, the visit allowed Minister McBain to meet with a number of regional stakeholders and learn more about the projects and challenges shaping our community including enabling infrastructure, food innovation, affordable housing, healthcare and manufacturing.

Minister McBain commented: “It was great to hear how the Central Coast Council, businesses, community groups, education providers and the RDA are working together to harness the opportunities in the Central Coast.  Everyone at the meeting demonstrated a desire to build the Central Coast economy and strengthen their communities for the future challenges and opportunities.”

RDACC Chair, Lawrie McKinna, says the Minister’s visit is a promising show of support for the Central Coast.

“It was a pleasure to host Minister McBain here on the Coast yesterday and we appreciate her making the time in her very full schedule to come and gain a better understanding of both the opportunities and challenges we face as a community,” says Mr McKinna.

“The fact that she was here listening to our concerns and learning more about our successes is a promising sign of further support and collaboration from the Australian Government in the future.”

RDACC Deputy Chair, Anna Cruckshank, says the visit allowed a firsthand look at how federal funding is being used to progress catalyst projects as key drivers for change including the Central Coast Food Innovation Initiative.

“A walking tour of the University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah Campus enabled Minister McBain to experience firsthand the recently established Food and Agribusiness Doctoral Training Centre, as well as examining the state-of-the-art food technology sensory facility and teaching lab upgrades, that is assisting the region to become a centre of innovation.”

RDACC CEO and Director Regional Development, John Mouland, says the visit also provided an opportunity to showcase and strengthen regional collaboration.

“Minister McBain’s visit gave us an opportunity to highlight the strength and unity of our regional leaders, with a broad cross section of government, education, health, housing and industry representatives all in attendance,” says Mr Mouland.

“This sends a clear message to the federal government that we are a strong and unified region, who are willing to work together for better outcomes for our community and to achieve our full potential as a strong and vibrant community.”

Regional stakeholders present:

• RDACC
• Central Coast Council
• University of Newcastle
• Central Coast Health District
• Central Coast Research Institute for Integrated Care
• Central Coast Industry Connect
• Australian Trade and Investment Commission Central Coast & Hunter
• Pacific Link Housing
• Borg Manufacturing

Agenda items:

• Central Coast Infrastructure Priorities List
• Central Coast Food Innovation Initiative
• Regional Affordable Housing Initiative
• Integrated Care Research and Projects
• An Overview of the Strength of gthe Central Coast Manufacturing Sector
• Regional Trade and Investment Programs and Activity
• Circular Economy Initiatives
• Regional Roundtables, Development Forums and Key Stakeholder Collaboration Processes
• Staff Recruitment and Retention Challenges for Buisness