Terry Collins, Coast Community News

The NSW Government has come in for strong criticism for allowing just three days extra for public comment on its controversial Draft Central Coast Strategic Conservation Plan.

Environmental groups and community activists – and even Acting Mayor John Mouland – have expressed disappointment with the very small extra window of opportunity, with one community spokesperson labelling it “an insult”.

Originally due to close on November 11, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure announced that day that submissions would now be received until 5pm on Friday, November 14.

Mouland said Council had written to the Department following a public workshop on November 4 urgently seeking an extension of time so members of the community can review and comment on the draft plan, which has raised many red flags.

“I’m extremely disappointed that the NSW Government has granted just three extra days … for people to have their say and make a submission,” Mouland said.

“The issues that the Central Coast Strategic Conservation Plan covers are complex and require careful consideration, rather than being rushed through.

“The Plan proposes 14,000 new residential lots; it outlines how our unique biodiversity will be managed for the next 30 years and it describes how the NSW Government will deliver its housing targets by unlocking new lands for development.”

Mouland said once approved the plan will provide biodiversity approvals for development in certified land to fast-track the delivery of new housing, infrastructure and jobs.

“Decisions are being made through this plan about our threatened species, as well as the social, economic and environmental priorities of the Central Coast’s Aboriginal communities,” he said.

“All of these are big considerations that must have extensive and appropriate engagement with Council and the community.”

Mouland urged residents to review the plan in the time left.

Council has been granted an extension on its own submission until after its November 18 Ordinary Meeting.

Community Environment Network (CEN) Chair Gary Chestnut said while the group was thankful for three extra days, the plan should remain on exhibition until early February, given the community’s “palpable concerns”.

“We sincerely hope our local MPs and the Ministers who have to sign off on this plan pay close attention to the community’s widespread opposition to the draft plan which is likely to result in the significant destruction of biodiversity in this region,” he said.

“In its current form this is a Conservation Liquidation plan and we urge as many local residents as possible to make a submission opposing the plan by 5pm on Friday.”

Community activist Kay Williams said acceptance of submissions should be extended at least until the end of January.

“There is unequivocal broad community concern,” she said.

“The entire exercise to minimise community consultation and recording of community views is a disgracefully anti-democratic situation.”

Kariong Progress Association President Lisa Bellamy said she was deeply disappointed and concerned at news of the three-day extension.

“More than 10 community members spoke passionately and in good faith at the (November 4) forum, presenting clear, evidence-based arguments about the plan’s environmental, cultural, and procedural failures,” she said.

“The Department spent five years making this plan, gave the public just six weeks to respond, and now wants credit for adding three extra days; it’s an insult.

“They didn’t tell anyone about the plan, haven’t provided promised information from their own meetings, and now claim this token extension is ‘listening’.

“No wonder the community doesn’t trust this plan, the process, or the people and politics behind it.”

You can view the plan, along with a two-page information brochure, maps and video by searching “have your say” and scrolling down on the www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au website.

You can contact ccscp@ planning.nsw.gov.au directly or book a call with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure through its website: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/central-coast

This article appeared in Coast Community News, 13 November 2025.