RDA Central Coast

09/09/2026

Regional Australia is growing fast, but planning systems are struggling to keep pace.

The latest Regional Population Planning report from the Regional Australia Institute highlights that regional Australia is now home to more than 10 million people and contributes over $1 trillion to the national economy. Key challenges include housing shortages, infrastructure gaps and increasing pressure on services.

For the Central Coast, the findings are particularly significant. Ranked as Australia's 5th largest Regional Population Unit in 2024, our population is projected to continue growing substantially by 2050, reinforcing the importance of long-term planning, infrastructure investment and coordinated regional development.

As our region continues to grow, ensuring planning systems support future housing, workforce and infrastructure needs will be critical to maintaining our quality of life and economic prosperity.

View the full report here
https://regionalaustralia.org.au/Web/Research-Policy/Research-Paper/Regional%20Population%20Planning.aspx

07/09/2026

Hear Chair Gail Cottrill talk about her upcoming presentation to the National Economic Development Conference 2026 in Hobart.

03/09/2026

Looking for practical ways to prepare your household for emergencies?

The Emergency Management Expo at Wyong Racecourse is a free community event where you can meet local emergency services and agencies, learn how to prepare for disasters, and access helpful resources for your home and family.

• Meet your local emergency services
• See live demonstrations, including helicopters and boats
• Learn simple ways to prepare your home and family
• Pick up free resources and a personal preparedness plan
• Enjoy fun, family-friendly activities

Come along, get informed, and help build a safer, more prepared Central Coast community.

For more information, visit CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au

02/09/2026

NSW exporters navigating freight, logistics and supply chain disruption are encouraged to attend the Trade Resilience Service Roadshowin Sydney.

Hosted by Austrade, the NSW Government and Business NSW, this practical workshop will provide insights, strategies and support to help businesses manage risk and strengthen export resilience.

📅 Monday 7 September 2026
🕐 1.00 pm – 2.30 pm
📍 Business NSW, 8 Chifley Square Tower, Sydney

Hear from industry experts, government representatives and exporters, including Mark Coleman, Director of ICAL, who will share practical strategies for navigating global trade disruption.

Registration essential.

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02/09/2026

What a special visitor! RDA Central Coast CEO Lisa Barnes was delighted to meet “Shortie” the therapy pony during a visit to Central Coast Branches of Bendigo Bank .
attunement is doing wonderful work across the Central Coast, bringing horse-assisted wellbeing visits to schools, hospitals, aged care communities, disability services, community groups and events.

31/08/2026

A great visit to Borg’s Somersby facility to see the scale of investment, innovation and local jobs being created right here on the Central Coast.

Since first establishing in the region in 1989, Borg has grown its operations across Somersby, Charmhaven and Gosford and now employs more than 550 local people.

The visit gave us a valuable look at Borg’s manufacturing, recycling and specialist services, including the work of polytec, Australian Panels and Crossmuller.

Thank you to the Borg team for welcoming Regional Development Australia Central Coast and sharing the important role local industry plays in supporting jobs, investment and the future growth of our region.

26/08/2026

Mind Fest 2026 is coming to the Central Coast! This Mental Health Month community event is all about celebrating connection, wellbeing and the important support available across our region.

Community organisations and services are invited to host an information stall and showcase the valuable programs, resources and support they provide. It’s a great opportunity to connect with attendees, network with other local services and help promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

If your organisation would like to take part, register your stall here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=t_6EiLIEo0mV5QkASNCbBIL7bJJMeQNHkD6Ywb4szi9UNE4xMUFRTlNKV01GVUpaVjZaN1JMQkVYRi4u&origin=lprLink&route=shorturl