Do the following objectives describe the type of economy required for the Gosford Local Government Area for the future?

Reasonable and wide-ranging objectives, but I think rather too bland. How do we determine what it is that makes Gosford (and the CBD in particular) more attractive than any other place? The CBD needs a label showing (shouting) that it is the best in Australia, or maybe just NSW, at something - but what?

What figures do you base these objectives/ comments on, how can the Gosford CBD be described as diverse and robust? Gosford City Centre is barren, lacks entertainment of any description, why not organise some lunch time entertainment in the park. Gosford City Centre lacks the obvious, that is, a large shopping centre complex to attract people into Gosford CBD. The existing malls and arcades are dated and lack patronage, they must be redeveloped sooner rather than later.

We have the appropriate skills and knowledge on the Central Coast, although, Gosford Council lacks leadership, skills and knowledge. Our local community has these skills and knowledge in abundance. We lose those skills and knowledge on a daily basis when they have to travel to Sydney for employment. If Gosford Council planned and attracted businesses to the Central Coast we could work locally, not possible at present because Council is not attracting business to the Central Coast.

If those objectives aren't already self-evident to Gosford Council god help us. Enough talk, how about some action. Frankly, Gosford Council looks like a bunch of thumb-twiddling bureaucrats in comparison to Wyong Council, who appear to be real doers.

It is a firm belief of mine that Gosford can become one of Australias greatest cities. After travelling around Australia in 2004 and expieriencing first hand the impact in vitality and economic growth that different councils revitalised areas have made, for example the Forster N.S.W foreshore area, Arlie Beach waterfront public pool, Townsvilles foreshore and pool and the magnificent Cairns waterfront precinct- ( which in my view should be Gosfords benchmark for our waterfront precinct). In seeing Cairns the first time in 1996 and then again in 2004 after the revitalised waterfront, it was obvious to me that they got it right.

I would like to see our council concentrate efforts on the waterfront and linking it to the CBD,Rail and Hospital Precincts.

I do not think turning market town shopping centre into a car park has any merit, yes we need more parking but closer to the Hospital/ Rail would be preferred. You would be better off tuning it into a massive backpackers accomadation entertainment type venue attracting holiday makers and overseas tourists to enjoy our hopefully magnificent waterfront revitalisation.

In support of Paul Clitheroes view that Gosford needs to develop as a "People magnet place" and the business and commercial elements will follow, will require GCC not only setting objectives, but acting upon them. There will be a need for all levels of government to work together. The natural assetts which will attract people to the community requires GCC to take action, e.g Brisbane waters requires a clear entrance way to attract boats to the Gosford center, which will in turn will make it a more vibrant center, the water way needs to be dredged, mangroves cleared so the tides flow and the water ways are accessable. The concern is that there is a "lack of will" on behalf of council to do anything that the local community suggests and puts forward, the continual hiding behind "no money" or regulations is just not good enough.