Summer has well and truly made its presence on the Coast!

A clock has been installed at The Entrance by the local Lions Club in partnership with Central Coast Council.The clock is located in Bayview Mall outside the cinema and was instigated by Council and The Entrance Lions Club to complement the recently upgraded mall area.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council is happy to support these great community initiatives to improve the local community.“Council has always supported and worked together on various programs associated with the Lions Clubs across the Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“Over the last few years, we have supported various Clubs with grants totalling more than $20,000 to support a range of projects such as community events, improvements to facilities and purchase of equipment to expand the range of services supplied by those Clubs and to assist with their volunteer development.“The new clock at The Entrance is a great example of where Council and the local Lions Club are working together to improve the amenity of our local community.The clock was built locally and uses modern technology to stay on time.Recently The Entrance Lions Club’s celebrated their 60th anniversary, making them the oldest Lions club on the Central Coast.Lions Club President, Mr Ken Bulkeley, said it’s a proud achievement.“Next year will see 100 years of Lions Clubs working to assist their communities and we acknowledged this milestone at our anniversary last month,” Mr Bulkeley said.“It’s great to see our ideas come to life and often this is made possible through the support of Council.“The clock is an idea we’ve had for a few years as we knew it would complement the area and become an asset the community can be proud of.”Find out how Council can support your community group by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council Libraries, in partnership with Coast Shelter, are bringing brand new books into the lives of families spending time in temporary accommodation on the Central Coast over Christmas.Finishing on Friday 9 December, this is the last call for residents to give the gift of a brand new book to those in need this holiday season.All Central Coast Council Libraries act as collection points so gift books can be taken to branches located at:

Ninja turtles may have made a comeback with the kids lately, but a turtle discovered in Berkeley Vale recently isn’t of the ‘cool’ kind.A Red-eared Slider Turtle was found at a home in Berkley Vale this week, prompting Central Coast Council to renew its call for residents to keep an eye out for these pests.Council’s Noxious Weeds and Pest Species Officer, Mr Paul Marynissen, said the warmer weather means the turtles are on the move.“We have had unconfirmed sightings of Red-eared Sliders from across the Coast, including at Berkeley Vale, Kanwal, Tuggerawong, Hamlyn Terrace and Woongarrah and now one captured by a keen eyed resident in their backyard in Berkeley Vale,” said Mr Marynissen.“With the weather warming up all reptiles, including these turtles, are more active and on the move looking for food, so we are more likely to spot them if they are here.”Council is encouraging the community to keep an eye out for these turtles when they are out enjoying the natural environment, particularly around waterways.“If you spot a turtle in the local environment, look for the distinct red markings over the ears, it’s a sure sign for these aggressive animals,” said Mr Marynissen.“Red-eared Sliders are also distinctive in the way they retract into their shell.

The Wyong Lakes Festival made a big splash across the Coast this month, attracting over 40,000 people to events and activities over the nine days.This is a twenty percent increase in numbers from the inaugural award winning festival held last year.Council’s Grants and Events Coordinator, Ms Ashlee Abbott, was thrilled with the result and said the program had been designed to entertain, educate and delight and proved popular with a whole new audience.“Not only did more people come than last year but more than 90 percent of people we spoke to said they will be back next year,” Ms Abbott said.“That is a great platform to build on and we will continue to grow this festival into one of the premier events for the Central Coast.The events that attracted the biggest crowds were Light up the Lake with headline act Thirsty Merc, the Lighthouse Folk Festival and Long Jetty Street Festival.“It was the first time we staged a folk festival as part of the overall program, the combination of the iconic Norah Head Lighthouse as the backdrop to showcase not only local talented performers, but national performers like Paul Kelly, proved to be an irresistible combination,” Ms Abbott added.“Light up the Lake and Long Jetty Street Festival were definitely the crowd favourites - attracting thousands and thousands of people at each event.“They had the family atmosphere but also had a festival vibe for those looking for a great day out.”Participation rates and spectators were also up at the annual Triathlon and Saltwater Stand Up Paddle Boarding Festival – attracting a wide range of competitors from outside the region.Council’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds, said the festival was a great success as it showcased one of the region’s best assets and also had a real community feel.“It makes you realise how lucky we are to have such a beautiful natural environment that we can enjoy and showcase to the world as well,” Mr Reynolds said.“It was a festival for everyone – locals and visitors – that is what made it so special as well as adding that extra financial boost to our local economy and tourism that we can all benefit from.“The festival also had the added bonus of educating our residents and visitors about the nature of our waterways and how we can all work together to improve our unique lakes system.”Planning will start early next year for the annual Festival which will be held from 10-19 November 2017.

There are only 10 days left to give feedback on the draft Norah Head Village Centre Masterplan which is on Public Exhibition until Friday 9 December 2016.“This plan has been developed with input from over 60 residents and stakeholders at two community workshops held in May and June this year,” said Mr Scott Cox, Group Leader, Environment and Planning.“We encourage anyone interested to view the plan and provide feedback by the due date,” Mr Cox said.The plan considers public domain improvements like the provision of car parking, shared pathways and cycleways, street furniture, lighting, signage and landscaping, public amenities and recreational facilities in the Village Centre.The draft masterplan can be viewed at Toukley Library or at Central Coast Council Chambers, 2 Hely Street, Wyong or online at www.haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.au/norah-head-master-planThe community can provide feedback via email ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au, via the Have Your Say webpage or by writing to Council at PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259.

Central Coast Council’s facilities and services will be closed to the public on Friday 2 December for an award approved Union Picnic Day.This includes the Gosford and Wyong Offices (including Customer Contact), Libraries, Ranger Services, works depots and northern child care centres (Kanwal, Northlakes, Toukley and Wyong).Lifeguard services, Kincumber Transfer Station and Woy Woy and Buttonderry Waste Management Facilities will operate as normal and the following community facilities will be open:Lifeguard servicesPeninsula Leisure CentreSouthern child care centres (Kariong, Niagrara Park, Terrigal and Umina)Laycock Street Community TheatreGosford Regional GalleryGosford Olympic PoolOn Friday, Council will have its on-call and essential services available as required.

2016 SeaFM Discovered Grand FinalSome of the Central Coast’s most talented young performers will hit this stage this Friday for the grand final of SeaFM Discovered.Hosted by The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue, the final will feature 12 artists aged 11-24 years, performing two songs as they contend to become the 2016 discovery.Winners from this year’s competition will share in over $5,000 of Macron Music Money as well as gain access to a range of development opportunities from Digital Wagon, Resovoir Records and The Music Cellar Studios.The series offers professional development opportunities for young people and the chance for emerging vocalists and singer/songwriters to showcase their talent.SeaFM Discovered is presented by Central Coast Council Youth Services, and The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue.Professional development partners include:

Central Coast Council is investigating the attack on trees at The Entrance and is calling on the community to help identify the phantom poisoner.Tuckeroos on the corner of Victoria Avenue and The Entrance Road as well as down to Marine Parade have been tampered with.Council’s Asset and Project Coordinator, Mr Steve Ashton, was shocked when he discovered two of the trees appeared to be dying on a recent inspection of the area.“It’s a shame someone is destroying these trees as they really do add to the character of The Entrance,” Mr Ashton said.“The trees not only add to the amenity of the area, but they also provide a valuable source of shade for pedestrians, especially leading in to summer.“The Entrance is one of the popular tourist destinations on the Central Coast and a senseless act like this destroys it for everyone.“Council believes these trees have been deliberately poisoned and is calling on anyone with any information to make contact as soon as possible.“We want to catch the perpetrator before they do it again to ensure this beautiful part of our Coast can be protected for the enjoyment of all.”Council is carrying out its own investigation including reviewing CCTV footage and taking samples from in and around the trees to find the cause.More trees at a popular reserve in Norah Head have also been poisoned following an attack earlier this year.Mazlin Reserve is a popular spot for families situated along the cliff top at Norah Head.Council’s Section Manager Open Space and Recreation, Mr Keith Ollier, said it’s frustrating as the vegetation in the reserve plays an important role.“Not only does it provide shade for the users of the park, it also helps provides habitat to native birds and animals, reduces salt laden winds and helps to stabilise the cliff area – making it safe for everyone,” Mr Ollier said.Council is also continuing to work with the NSW EPA on the recent spate of bird poisonings at Woongarrah and Budgewoi and is reminding the community to remain vigilant.Anyone with any information should report it to Council on 4350 5555.

Central Coast Council is urging the community to have a direct say on how to spend $9 million allocated under the NSW State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund for local community infrastructure projects.The Stronger Communities Fund was a key funding commitment by the NSW State Government to merging Councils.  The Fund is designed to fast track the delivery of priority infrastructure and services for local communities such as upgraded community facilities, improved roads and car parks or new sporting or learning facilities.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this funding has been provided due to the amalgamation and Council wants the community to have a direct say in where the money should be spent.“This is a real win for the entire Central Coast community,” Mr Reynolds said.“These funds are additional to Council’s existing operational budget – so it means we can get on with some projects that we know the community want.Council have identified 30 new projects that could be considered under the Fund.

Over 200 property owners in Empire Bay, Bensville and Kincumber South are breathing a sigh of relief as they say goodbye to their on-site sewage management systems, thanks to Central Coast Council’s Cockle Bay Towns Sewerage Project.This $11 million project has been in the pipeline since the 1990’s, when unsewered areas in the Cockle Bay catchment were deemed high priority for improved sewerage services, due to the sensitivity of local waterways and ecology, and potential public health risks posed by unsustainable on-site sewage systems.Council’s Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling said Cockle Bay residents have finally achieved their pipe dream.“Connection to the sewer has been sought by residents in the area for a while now, and we’re pleased to say it has arrived,” Mr Dowling said.“The delivery of this sewerage scheme has been well received by the community.

‘The drain is just for the rain’The winners of the 2016 School Environment Awards for the former Gosford Local Government Area (LGA) were announced today at a ceremony at Laycock Street Community Theatre.Taking out the top honours for their work around the theme ‘the drain is just for the rain,’ was Chertsey Primary School (School of the Year – Large Schools) and Holgate Public School (School of the Year – Small Schools).

Santa will be stopping by Kibble Park, Gosford tonight and the jolly man in red will be a special guest at Central Coast Council’s annual lighting of the Christmas tree.An entertaining schedule of events is planned for the young and young at heart.At 5.30pm, Gosford Library will be holding a Christmas story time on the grass with bean bags and Linga Long chairs for listeners to sit back and relax.From 6.15pm, there will be a range of entertainment and performances for the whole family including interactive Christmas skits and dance acts.Santa will be spreading some festive cheer and will assist with turning on the Christmas tree lights at 8pm.Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic rug and chairs.Visitors can also enjoy a free sausage sizzle thanks to Liberty Church’s Random Acts of Kindness program.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

With summer just around the corner, it’s a great time to look for new ways to stay healthy and active, and enjoy the beautiful environment we live in.

Central Coast Council was up against more than 150 Councils across Australia in this year’s Garage Sale Trail and has taken out the national Outstanding Achievement Award.Council would like to thank the Central Coast community for their support contributing to this year’s amazing success.

Council increases tourism marketing fundingCouncil is looking to increase its direct funding for tourism marketing for the Central Coast and will seek to engage an organisation to deliver on a three year regional strategy.See Separate Media ReleaseCouncil laying the groundwork for a Central Coast Local Environmental PlanWork is now underway to prepare one consolidated Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to guide future development across the Central Coast.Currently there are four planning instruments applying to the Central Coast, each with different planning controls.  The Wyong Local Environmental  Plan 2013 is the local planning instrument for the north and the Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014, Gosford Interim Development Order and Gosford Planning Scheme apply in the southern areas.

Central Coast Council is looking to increase its direct funding for tourism marketing for the Central Coast and will seek to engage an organisation to deliver on a three year regional strategy.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that the timing was right for Council to examine its approach to tourism.“Destination NSW’s new regional tourism model and the projected population growth expected on the Central Coast has changed the tourism landscape.

Did you know Australia generates more than 140,000 tonnes of electronic waste per year?Most of this e-waste ends up in landfill, when at least 90 per cent of the materials used to create these items can be recovered and reused.To help residents recycle these items, Central Coast Council will be holding a free e-waste collection weekend at the Gosford Showground on Saturday 26 November and Sunday 27 November 2016.Open between 9am and 4pm on both days, the event is open to everyone – with commercial quantities also accepted.The drop off day targets every day household items such as televisions, computers, DVD players and other items people find difficult to dispose of in an environmentally friendly way.Items that will be accepted as part of the e-waste drop off include:Computers, monitors, notebooks, printers, fax machines, scanners, CD drives, hard drives, keyboards, mice and printer cartridges;Televisions, VCR players, DVD players, projectors;Electronic games/toys, stereos, cameras, video cameras, iPods and MP3 players;

Central Coast Council is ensuring the Central Coast’s most vulnerable road users put road safety first with the release of a 2017 Safer Seniors Calendar.Developed in consultation with local seniors to help raise road safety awareness, as part of the Local Government Road Safety Program, the calendar is an initiative of Central Coast Council, Cessnock City Council, MidCoast Council, Maitland City Council and Port Stephens Council.Each month features tips and information to address local road safety issues, including new bicycle laws, tips for low risk driving, how to be a safe pedestrian, alternative transport options, registering vehicles and older driver licensing.Council’s Administrator, Ian Reynolds, said the initiative puts the spotlight on all aspects of road safety.“While seniors are some of the most experienced drivers on our roads, they are also the most vulnerable if they are involved in an accident,” said Mr Reynolds.Statistics show that between 2011 and 2015, seniors aged 60 and above accounted for more than 2,400 of casualties on Central Coast and Hunter roads.Residents can pick up their free 2017 Safer Seniors Calendar from Central Coast Council’s Customer Service Centres, Libraries, and Council’s 50+ Leisure and Learning Centres and Senior Citizens Centres.

Central Coast Council has drafted new planning controls to promote development to revitalise the Gosford CBD and create a living city.The amendments to the Gosford Development Control Plan (GDCP) will provide opportunities for growth of the commercial centre of the CBD while ensuring that Kibble Park remains an attractive sunny space for the community to enjoy.