Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to check out the draft Central Coast Water Security Plan (CCWSP), as they only have until 12 October to provide their final feedback on the plan.This draft plan has been developed in line with the NSW Water Strategy, which was recently released by Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey.Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said that Council considered the NSW Water Strategy throughout the development of the CCWSP.“As guided by the NSW Water Strategy, the CCWSP has considered a range of possible climate scenarios and tested different supply and demand portfolios as part of our decision-making process,” Mr Loader said.“We took an all options on the table approach and considered a range of potential water futures to ensure the supply system remains resilient and flexible into the future.“The first pillar of the CCWSP is to conserve and use water efficiently.

As an easing of COVID restrictions draws closer, it is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the small businesses that help make the Coast a great place to live, work and play.Every dollar spent on the Coast keeps up to 63 cents in the community* and to support local small businesses, Central Coast Council has launched two initiatives – a buy local campaign and an improved business support website resource.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said small businesses are the heart of the region’s growing economy.“We’re encouraging our community to always buy local first,” Ms Vaughan said.“Buying from a local business creates up to 4.6 times the economic impact over money spent at a non-local business* – so buying locally not only means accessing often superior and bespoke products and services but you’ll also be contributing to a significant boost for our economy.“Our Love Central Coast website (lovecentralcoast.com) features a wide range of community and consumer facing businesses on the Coast and makes it easier than ever to buy local and love local.“We’ll be flying ‘Buy Local’, ‘Support Local’ and ‘Love Local’ flags in our town centres and we’ll be using our communication channels to encourage everyone to support the incredible small businesses that contribute so much to the Coast.“Many of our local businesses have been hit hard by restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19 so we’ve developed a new resource section on our website to provide a useful overview of the support, grants and resources that are available.”The new business support section of Council’s website features:information on how to connect with Council for advice on required permits and approvalsrelevant resources provided by Councillinks to other services and support such as Business Connect, Easy to do Business, the NSW Small Business Commissioner and The Business Centreinformation about Central Coast business networks such as the Chambers of Commerce.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said buying from local small businesses provides direct support for the region’s economy.“The quality and diversity of small businesses on the Coast is remarkable,” Mr Hart said.“Every time we buy a product or service from a local operator, the multiplier effect comes into play – the more a dollar circulates in a defined region, and the faster it circulates, the more income, wealth and jobs it creates.“I’d encourage community members to buy local products and services whenever possible – there is a great chance you’ll discover fantastic local providers and become a firm ‘Love Local’ advocate.”Community members can access explore a range of exceptional local small businesses on the Love Central Coast website – lovecentralcoast.com/planLocal small business operators can access the new business resource by searching ‘Business’ on Council’s website – centralcoast.nsw.gov.au *source:  https://thinklocalamarillo.com/the-local-multiplier-effect/ ENDS

It is important for us to examine rates again and for our community to make an informed choice about maintaining services and service standards for the future of the Central Coast.In less than three years’ time we will be facing an average annual income loss of $25.8million over the next 7 years and this means we will be forced to reduce or cease many services.

October is Mental Health Month and Central Coast Council has pulled together a program of online courses and activities to get residents to reflect on their mental health and wellbeing.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said Council was asking residents to ‘Tune in’ to what is happening to them and around them.“This year, the National 'Mental Health Month' campaign is asking people to 'Tune In' – Tune In to yourself, Tune In to others, Tune In to your communities, and Tune In to stigma,” Ms Vaughan said.“Council is partnering with a range of service providers, not just to help the community learn more about mental health, but to give residents practical tools and support to build mental resilience and look after their mental wellbeing.“Our program includes online webinars with Mental Health organisations like ‘Mind Blank’, an Accidental Counselling training course with the ‘Lifeline Direct Training Support Team’, plus online mindfulness craft workshops, stretch and relaxation classes and more.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said this is part of Council’s longstanding commitment to work with the community to solve a range of social and health issues that may impact community wellbeing and vulnerable people.“From devastating bushfires, drought and floods to a global pandemic, major economic downturns and social isolation, there’s no denying that the past few years have paid a heavy toll on the mental health of our community,” Mr Hart said.“Key to our community’s recovery from these events is Council’s role in connecting those who need support with education, information and advice, so we are helping to start those important conversations.