Central CoastConnected, creative and close to Australia’s largest city, the Central Coastoffers all the advantages of a metropolitan business setting without the

same cost pressures.

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Connected, creative and cost-effective

Just over one hour from Sydney and Newcastle

Just over one hour to the major markets and cities of Sydneyand Newcastle

Excellent connectivity

Excellent connectivity to the National Broadband Network,transport corridors, utility and communications infrastructure

Over 24,000 businesses

Over 24,000 businesses attracted by the strategic and cost-competitive location

High quality of living

High quality of living in a coastal environment, with stronghealth and education services

Just over one hour from Sydney and Newcastle, the Central Coast is home to some ofAustralia’s best known food and beverage producers and a range of professional and publicsector services.

The Central Coast’s lower business operating costs attract relocating companies.

The Central Coast contributes A$10.9 billion to the NSW economy and has a population of 342,047. It has a skilled and mobilelabour force, and around 25% of the Central Coast Council area’s resident workers travel outside of the area to work.

Over 58% of residents are tertiary educated, of which 22% have a science, technology, engineering or mathematicsqualification. The proportion of people aged over 65 is also increasing, providing opportunities in aged care services.

Connectivity through high speed fibre internet and transport infrastructure make the Central Coast an attractive location forinternational food processing, professional services and freight, logistics and distribution companies.

The region offers a beautiful natural environment and coastal lifestyle with over half its area in national parks or reserves.Tourism has been steadily increasing since 2010 with a 3.8% average annual increase in overnight stays and total expenditure ofA$722.2 million in the year ended June 2019.

Find out more about the Central Coast and read more success stories from businesses taking their business further.

The Central Coast is globally connected to markets via the SydneyInternational Airport, Port Botany (Sydney) and the Port of Newcastle, allaround an hour away. 81% of households are connected to the internet.

The region is serviced by the Sydney-Newcastle railway line, and improvements to key highways will reduce travel times andimprove goods movements along the eastern seaboard.

Key infrastructure supporting the Central Coast economy

The Gosford and Wyong hospitals, University of Newcastle's Central Coast campus and TAFE campuses, and a wide selection ofquality public and private schools provide excellent health care and education.

Commercial real estate in Gosford is on average A$300 per square metre for office rent per annum, compared to A$695 inMelbourne’s CBD, while industrial rent is on average A$110 per square metre in Gosford .

Construction of the multi-million dollar medical institute near Gosford Hospital will see the Central Coast become a world-classhealth, research and education precinct.

Sun rises over horizon at Killcare Beach, Killcare - image courtesy of R A Stanley Landscape Photography

Current opportunities on the NSW Central Coast

Agribusiness and food

The region continues to attract new business services and governmentdepartments due to its cost-competitive location, available land and well-educatedworkforce.

Workforce

Infrastructure

Success

For more information on Food Processing, please refer to the sector detail page.

1,166 people employed⟩

A$1.1 billion contribution to the NSW economy.⟩

Proximity to the M1 motorway and NorthConnex motorway tunnel⟩

International market access via Port of Newcastle or Port Botany (Sydney)⟩

Growing hub for food and agricultural innovation and research centres including the Central Coast Food InnovationCluster.

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A$110 million agricultural production by value (excluding crops, vegetables and egg production) – poultry processingand nursery and cut flowers accounting for 57% and 27% respectively

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Home to international brands of Sanitarium, Sara Lee Bakery (McCain), MasterFoods (Mars Food) and Life HealthFoods

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Central Coast Food Alliance bring brings industry, research organisations and government together to grow the foodand beverage sector in the region

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A$114 million agricultural production by value, poultry processing and nursery and cut flowers accounting for 60% and20% respectively.

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Professional and financial services

The region continues to attract new business services and governmentdepartments due to its cost-competitive location, available land and well-educatedworkforce.

Workforce

Infrastructure

Success

For more information on Professional and Financial Services, please refer to the sector detail page.

Skilled, stable and motivated workforce⟩

58% tertiary educated, greater than national average⟩

35,300 (or 25%) of the Central Coast Council area’s resident workers travel outside of the area to work.⟩

Broad range of affordable commercial property options⟩

Early adoption of National Broadband Network with download speeds up to 100MBps⟩

Just over one hour by road or rail to Sydney CBD.⟩

322 financial and insurance companies added between 2013 and 2017, 22% growth⟩

Location of government including Australian Tax Office and NSW Finance, Services and Innovation Department.⟩

Freight, logistics and distribution

The region’s strategic location and extensive infrastructure make it a competitivechoice for freight and logistics hubs in a range of industries.

Workforce

Infrastructure

Success

For more information on Freight, Logistics and Distribution, please refer to the sector detail page.

A$38.70 hourly industry average wage compared to A$42.40 national average⟩

Over 5,000 people employed⟩

1.5% of the State’s output in freight, logistics and distribution.⟩

Easy access to labour, food manufacturers and consumer markets⟩

Major investments in the Pacific Highway and NorthConnex motorway⟩

Access to Port Botany or Port of Newcastle via Sydney-Newcastle railway line.⟩

Strategic location has already attracted a number of global logistics companies including the Woolworths distributioncentre.

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A$2.9 billion NorthConnex 9km tunnel integrating the M1 and M2 motorways.⟩

Health and aged care

The growing ageing population, availability of land and Central Coast’s idylliclifestyle and climate presents excellent investment opportunities in aged carefacilities and services.

Workforce

22,294 people employed.⟩

Health and aged care sector contributes to 16.0% of total employment.⟩

Mark McClean

Deputy Director for Hunter and Central Coast

Office contacts

Level 5, 26 Honeysuckle DrNEWCASTLE NSW 2300

CALL

EMAIL

Infrastructure

Success

For more information on Health and Aged Care, please refer to the sector detail page.

Health and aged care in the Central Coast region contributes A$1.6 billion to the NSW economy.⟩

Development of a state-of-the-art Central Coast Medical School and Research Institute within a new Health andWellbeing Precinct at Gosford Hospital will deliver world-class health, research and education outcomes for therapidly-growing community.

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Nine community health care centres in addition to Gosford Hospital.⟩

Gosford Hospital's new 11-storey tower opened in June 2018. This is part of a A$348 million redevelopment deliveringnext-generation, first-class health care to the Central Coast.

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A$200 million Wyong Hospital redevelopment. This will include emergency, surgical, acute care, maternity, paediatric,inpatient medical and surgical beds, rehabilitation, mental health and ambulatory care.

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Central Coast success stories

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