A petition launched by a local MP for the Central Coast to become a stand alone region from Greater Sydney is gaining momentum, with over 8,000 residents already signing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks created the petition three days ago and says she is overwhelmed by the support from the community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOver 8,000 residents have signed our petition in just three days, and close to 100,000 people have engaged with the social posts about this issue because it\u2019s so close to our hearts,\u201d Ms Wicks said, <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile we all know the Central Coast was declared as 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is why the Central Coast needs to be declared a region in its own right with Gosford as its capital or true city.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Central Coast was declared as a stand alone region under State environmental planning legislation in June 2010 in \u201cformal recognition of its significance to the state\u201d according to a statement, which can be accessed\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A survey was performed across more than 18 government departments and agencies (Federal, State and Local) shows the Central Coast is classified as, Greater Sydney, Hunter, Central Coast and Hunter, Central Coast and Lake Macquarie and Central Coast alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA quick survey across 18 different government departments and agencies, at all three levels of government reveals, the Central Coast region is lumped in twice as often with other regions than it is referred to in its own right,\u201d Ms Wicks said, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no single consistent definition applied to \u201cCentral Coast region\u201d that I can see, except on a map and the name of our local Council.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Ms Wicks said there is also a lack of clarity when it comes to other classifications of the region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAdd to that, there is a lack of clarity as to whether our region is classified as regional, metro, outer metro, or a host of other classifications,\u201d Ms Wicks said, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese classifications are important. They determine which government programs Central Coast businesses, community organisations and residents are eligible for,\u201d she explained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are the Central Coast. We are a region in our own right, we need a single, consistent definition and classification of what that means at all levels of government to ensure we do not miss out on Government funding and investments.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Wicks said is calling for Gosford to be recognised as the \u201ctrue city\u201d of the region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn calling for this, I am also calling for Gosford to be recognised as the true city of the Central Coast region,\u201d Ms Wicks said, <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe need our own true city within that region, so that all levels of Government recognise and prioritise programs and infrastructure funding to support the needs of a growing region with its own capital city.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Wick\u2019s petition can be signed online here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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