Central Coast Council has announced the appointment of Dr Danielle Toase as its new Director Environment and Planning, following an extensive recruitment process.
Dr Toase will oversee the Environment and Planning directorate within Council, leading functions such as Development Assessment, Environmental Management and Environmental Compliance.
Dr Toase is an Environment and Planning Executive with a wealth of experience across the corporate, consulting, regulatory, research and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) sectors.
Widely recognised as a leader in her field, Dr Toase’s expertise has led her to publish over 10 academic papers and share her insights as an expert panellist and presenter at conferences across Australia, Europe and the USA. Danielle is motivated by the opportunity to apply her multi-disciplinary skills and experience to drive positive environmental and developmental outcomes in the community that she calls home.
Council’s CEO David Farmer, announced the appointment this week saying Council is very fortunate to have Dr Toase join the executive team.
The appointment has been welcomed by The Property Council of Australia. Property Council Hunter and Central Coast Regional Director, Amy De Lore said Dr Toase’s extensive experience across corporate, consulting, regulatory, and research sectors makes her well-placed to lead positive change.
“Danielle steps into this role at a pivotal time for the Central Coast, with strong demand for housing and jobs requiring a renewed focus on planning efficiency and industry collaboration,” Ms De Lore said.
“Central Coast Council assessed more development applications than any other NSW council last financial year—1,614 in total—which highlights both the scale of demand and the importance of a well-resourced, effective planning system.
“We look forward to working with Danielle and her team to build on recent improvements and explore new ways to streamline processes, improve communication, and support investment.”
Ms De Lore said continued improvements in planning efficiency would be key to unlocking the Central Coast’s economic and housing potential.
“The Central Coast is well-positioned for growth, with enormous opportunities to attract investment and create jobs.”
“By focusing on best-practice planning approaches and enhancing communication with applicants, Council can make sure great projects progress in a timely manner while maintaining high standards,” she said.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with Danielle and the broader Council team to share industry insights, support constructive engagement, and help shape a planning system that delivers for both the community and the economy.”
