Wollongong rubbishes comparison to the Central Coast in government transport plan
LEADING Coasties have blasted Wollongong City Council over “childish” claims that the south coast city is superior to the Central Coast.
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LEADING Coasties have blasted Wollongong City Council over “childish” claims that the south coast city is superior to the Central Coast.
Wollongong’s civic leaders have rubbished the Central Coast, saying it does not want to be compared with Gosford as a lowly “satellite city” in a government transport plan.
Instead, it says it should be rubbing shoulders with likes of Sydney, Newcastle and Canberra as a “global gateway city”.
In its submission to the state’s draft Future Transport 2056 strategy, Wollongong City Council makes it clear a comparison with Gosford is not satisfactory.
“We do not believe there is a valid rationale for classifying Wollongong the same as Gosford as `satellite cities’, other than their proximity to Greater Sydney,” the council’s submission reads.
“The very different demographic and economic function and international connectivity of these two cities demands differentiation.”
The draft Future Transport 2056 strategy aims to outline NSW transport needs over the next four decades.
The document identifies Sydney, Canberra and Newcastle as “global gateway cities” while the next category down — where Gosford and Wollongong find themselves — are described as “satellite cities”.
In its submission, Wollongong’s council said the report also failed to factor in Port Kembla, which could be used for both freight and cruise ships, and should have seen it bumped up a category.
“Port Kembla is perfectly placed as an overflow port given the intense pressures on berthing availability in Sydney,” the council’s submission reads.
But former advertising mogul and longstanding advocate for the Coast, John Singleton said Wollongong should be so lucky to compare itself to this region.
“I can understand why Wollongong wouldn’t want to be compared to Gosford,” Mr Singleton said.
“Let’s face it, we are a beautiful part of NSW with better beaches, good schools, a university, a booming local economy and all within an easy commute to Australia’s largest city.
“We also have the benefit of being close to Newcastle so people have a number of employment opportunities.
“Wollongong, well they can try and compare, but good luck.”
Central Coast Council deputy mayor Chris Holstein said he had not seen the draft strategy or Wollongong’s submission, but he described their swipe at the Coast as “childish behaviour”.
“There’s nothing to be gained by that pettiness,” he said.
“If there’s comparisons which will enable you to get a better outcome from government, I will compare us to anyone I need to.”
COMPARE THE PAIR
WOLLONGONG
Area: 68,398ha
Population: 211,201
Median wage: $47,069
Unemployment: 7%
Average mortgage: $2047/month
Registered vehicles: 113,151
Completed Year 12: 41.6%
Married: 48%
Internet access: 71%
National parks and reserves: 7,441ha
Patrolled beaches: 17
CENTRAL COAST
Area: 168,107ha
Population: 335,309
Median wage: $43,676
Unemployment: 6.9%
Average mortgage: $1890/month
Registered vehicles: 195,385
Completed Year 12: 40.3%
Married: 46.4%
Internet access: 71%
National parks and reserves: 46,742ha
Patrolled beaches: 15
(*Source: 2016 Census data)