Federal government signals support for Central Coast City Deal

The federal government has confirmed advanced negotiations with the NSW government and Central Coast Council for a City Deal partnership that would direct coordinated infrastructure investment into the region's city centre, transport network, and housing supply over a 10-year period.

A Central Coast City Deal would be modelled on the established city deal frameworks in Newcastle, Launceston, and Geelong, which have each generated significant economic development dividends through focused, multi-government infrastructure investment. The Central Coast has been advocated for a city deal by successive councils for more than five years, with proponents arguing the region's status as one of NSW's fastest-growing areas and its persistent infrastructure deficit made it a clear candidate.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the Central Coast met all the criteria for city deal consideration, with a clear infrastructure investment pipeline, willing state and council partners, and demonstrated capacity to generate economic returns from targeted Commonwealth investment. "This is a serious conversation and it is at a serious stage," she said, without committing to a timeline for announcement.

Central Coast Council administrator Rik Hart said a city deal was the mechanism most likely to deliver the quantum of investment needed to close the region's infrastructure gap in a reasonable timeframe. He identified the Gosford CBD, the rail corridor, and the digital connectivity of the growth areas as the three investment themes a deal should prioritise.

The NSW government's engagement has been confirmed by Infrastructure NSW, which has been working with the council on a project pipeline document that would form the basis of city deal negotiations. A formal announcement is expected by mid-year.

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