OneClickDigital and Zinio online library services may be interrupted for up to six hours on Thursday 3 November, while works to update the site in preparation for a new app are undertaken.Between 1pm and 7pm on 3 November library customers may be unable to checkout, listen online or download books via their OneClickDigital and or Zinio site through their app or browser.One Click eBooks and audio eBooks and Zinio magazines will be accessible via the new app in December 2017, making digital library resources easier to access for library customers.Council apologies for any inconvenience.

Everyone loves a good ghost story and Tuggerah Library is presenting two free events about local ghosts in November.Local filmmaker Chris Halling will reveal details of the Coast’s most famous ghost at Jenny Dixon Beach and how hundreds of credible sightings of her over the past 40 years motivated him to make a thriller about her at a talk on Saturday 12 November at 11am.On Thursday 10 November at 2pm Renata Daniel returns by popular demand to present a talk called Ghosts From Our Past:

Council Meeting live webcast for the very first time  Central Coast Council is the latest local government authority to open up democracy by holding its first ever live webcast of a council meeting.Local Councils are increasingly opting to live webcast their meetings to give the community a convenient way to see decision making first-hand.Councils in NSW who also live webcast their meetings include Eurobodalla Shire, Lane Cove, Northern Beaches and Newcastle.Administrator Ian Reynolds said even more members of the community would be able to see democracy in action and hopefully understand better how decisions are made.“This is an historic day for Council,” Administrator Reynolds said.“We don’t know how many may want to watch each meeting but the fact that they can without having to be physically in the Chamber is a great outcome.“I hope our residents will gain a better understanding of what Council actually does.”Council is undertaking a six month trial of live webcasting with a report due back to Council following the trial.Meetings can be viewed through Council’s YouTube channel.The next meeting of Council will be held on Wednesday 23 November at 5pm in the Wyong Office Chamber.Council recognises Engineer’s successCouncil’s Senior Asset Systems Engineer, Misbah Khan, has been officially acknowledged and congratulated on his recent Newcastle Professional Engineer of the Year Award.Misbah undertook a research project to look into how authorities, including Councils, could better manage road pavement performance following storms and flooding.  It is believed these results will help road pavement authorities in managing flood-damaged roads with the appropriate treatment and within budget.Administrator Ian Reynolds said this ground breaking work would go beyond receiving a personal award to directly benefiting the wider Central Coast community.“There are many areas on the Central Coast that are subject to flooding and Council is always looking for ways to best manage and improve our local roads so they can cope,” Mr Reynolds said.“We are lucky to have someone working here at Council with the calibre of Misbah who is working hard to find engineering solutions that will directly benefit our community.“I congratulate Misbah on this well-deserved award and will be looking at how his career progresses with great interest.”Misbah has been nominated for the Australian Professional Engineer Award to be held in November this year.Development Application process streamlined across the Coast Council tonight adopted a new policy to process Development Applications (DAs) to apply across the whole Central Coast.Under the new policy DAs with more than 50 submissions will be reported to a Council meeting for a decision and DAs with less than 25 submissions can be determined by staff under delegated authority.Applications with more than 25 submissions will automatically trigger a briefing note to be sent to the Administrator for consideration.   The Administrator can also call up any DA for deliberation at a Council meeting.The new policy is in place following extensive public consultation which highlighted concerns that 100 submissions, to trigger referral to Council, was too many, particularly in smaller communities.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council now has one approach across the Coast making the process of determining DAs clearer for everyone.“This has always been about adopting one uniform approach so the community is clear about the process,” Mr Reynolds said.“Because the number of submissions required for an application to come to me for determination has been reduced from 100 to 50, development applications with a high level of public interest will automatically be determined by Council.”“I do want to assure the community that all submissions, are taken into account when considering any DA no matter how many are received.  Staff must assess all DAs on their merit and under planning law and I have confidence in staff to do their job effectively.”Rezoning will deliver a new Rural Village for MardiA new rural residential development for Mardi is closer with Council tonight agreeing to support a planning proposal to rezone the land.The rezoning will allow the large parcel of land on Old Maitland Road, just minutes from Westfield and Wyong CBD to be developed with up to 300 rural residential properties.Importantly the rezoning will secure the long term protection of 167 ha of Environmental land which is 75% of the site.The proposed rezoning has been subject to two rounds of public consultation, generating over 100 submissions.  The submissions have been taken into account with the proponent entering into Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) which will require management of the potential impacts of the development relating to biodiversity, bushfire and traffic.Administrator Reynolds said additional rural residential land provides more housing diversity for the growing population on the Coast.“We need more jobs and new housing on the Coast and this development will deliver both of those,” Mr Reynolds said.“It is also about delivering choice in housing.“This is just the rezoning stage.

Lakeside Parade at The Entrance is being transformed as the important second stage of the upgrade gets underway.Some $1.2 million has been set aside for this second and final stage of this project, which involves the upgrading of pavement and drainage from Fairview Avenue to Lentara Walk.The first stage of the upgrade cost $900,000 and was completed in the previous financial year.The upgrade includes full drainage and road pavement upgrade, including kerb and channel and driveways.The works are due to be completed in February 2017 and will help to make the area more accessible to residents and holidaymakers.The upgrade complements a number of recent street upgrades by Council in the immediate area including Ashton Ave, Campbell Ave, Oakland Ave (part), the southern end of Lakeside Parade and View Street (part).Upgrade of the nearby Manning Road has also been earmarked for a future project, with a budget of some $1.5 million.

Wyong Lakes Festival is set to bring out the Coast’s competitive spirit with a number of great sporting events.Colour Ya World on 12 November and TriWyong on 13 November are two fun sporting events at Wyong Lakes Festival that involve getting out and being active by walking, running, cycling and swimming against the stunning backdrop of the lakes.The Colour Ya World Fun Run at Picnic Point involves walking, running, dancing and singing across a simple 5km course.The perfect event for families, participants can move or groove in whichever way they like to the latest tunes being mixed by one of the Lakes’ hottest DJs as they get peppered with liquids, powders and gels of blue, green, pink, purple and yellow, turning them into rainbows.After the success of 2015 some of the nations’ top triathletes are again expected to hit MacKenzie Reserve, Budgewoi for the second Wyong Triathlon Festival.For those who feel like trying something new enter the Try-a-Tri for free, which involves a 200m swim, 8km ride and 2km run – a friendly and achievable distance for newcomers to the sport.Five separate distances will be held over the course of the day, including the signature Standard distance, the high speed Sprint and the more welcoming distances in the Enforcer and Enticer.Race organiser, Elite Energy CEO, Mr Mark Emerton, said “Wyong provides an ideal natural landscape for triathlon and fun run events and is excited to provide two great events for the massive hub of triathletes and locals.“For the kids, we have the ever popular MINIMAN,” Mr Emerton said.Registrations for TriWyong close 9 November at 5pm and entries are accepted on race day.Registrations for Colour Ya World close 10 November at 5pm and children under the age of five are free.

A friendly face at this week’s State Firefighting Championships at Norah Head on the Central Coast will be Wyong firefighter Matt Perry.Matt is one of the local stars of the This is the life social media campaign which tells the story of what’s great on the Central Coast.“I agreed to be in the This is the life campaign because I think it is really important that we tell people about the wonderful things that are here on the Central Coast,” Matt says.A proud Coastie who grew up in Mangrove Mountain, then spent 10 years in Sydney and now lives in Wyong, Matt says the Central Coast gives him everything he needs to live a happy and balanced life.“I love the sense of connection to the community, the outdoors, the people and the lifestyle on the Central Coast,” he says.  “You’re close to lots of great spots for camping, four-wheel drive and fishing, I particularly like fishing near The Entrance.”With a wish to give back to community and a long term dream to become a firefighter, Matt jumped at the chance when a part-time position as a retained firefighter became available at Wyong Fire Station shortly after he returned to the Coast.His role is heavily involved with the local community and Matthew says the sense of ‘togetherness’ is strong amongst everyone who works at the station.

Central Coast Council will broadcast proceedings of tonight’s meeting by live webcasting for the very first time.A fixed camera has been installed in the Gosford Chambers and residents will be able to watch the proceedings live from 5pm.Council agreed to trial webcasting to provide the community with an additional and convenient means of seeing the decision-making of Council first-hand.Meetings are open to the public to attend and now can also be viewed live on Council’s YouTube Channel.Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month alternating between Gosford and Wyong Chambers.  This meeting will be held at the Gosford Chambers in Mann Street.

Council is investing in the quality of life of our local community, with more than  $2 million in play spaces underway.With more families living and moving to the Coast, we need better play spaces to meet this growing need.

Local students entering their first or second year of university are invited to apply for Central Coast Council’s 2017 scholarship program.The annual program provides an outstanding opportunity to gain valuable on the job training in a professional field while studying.Council’s Executive Manager People and Culture, Mrs Kellie Reeves, said the program is designed to inspire young people to continue their education.“Currently less than 11 per cent of our residents have university qualifications, compared to 24.1 per cent for Greater Sydney and 18.8 per cent across Australia,” Mrs Reeves said.“Through this program we hope we can positively change these statistics by motivating students to continue with their studies and by giving them paid work experience in their chosen field.“During this time students work alongside and are mentored by professionals, which help them to develop skills and give them an edge on the competition when they enter the workforce.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents and visitors to be aware of snakes as the summer weather hits the Coast.As the weather warms up, snakes will begin to emerge from their winter abode in search of food, water and sun.Council’s Natural Areas Section Manager, Mr Alan Cibilic, reminded residents it’s time to be vigilant when outdoors.“Snakes might appear in open spaces, parks, beachside reserves and even our own gardens,” Mr Cibilic said.“Please take care when walking along beach accesses, bush walking trails and shared pathways, especially if you have your dog with you - make sure they stay on their leash.“Baby snakes are also about now and once they hatch they are on their own – which means they’re just as venomous as adults.

Central Coast families and visitors to our region will soon have new ways to play, with council investing more than $2 million in playground and play space upgrades this financial year.Council Administrator Ian Reynolds says that upgrading our playgrounds and play spaces is an investment in the quality of life of our local community.“Playgrounds and play spaces are an essential element in strengthening social networks.

Temporary traffic controls will be in place along Georgiana Terrace in Gosford from Monday 24 October until Friday 11 November 2016, while Central Coast Council completes essential sewer works.A section of Georgiana Terrace, adjacent to the Baker Street intersection, will be temporarily closed to through traffic.

Central Coast Council has closed The Entrance Beach today following a shark sighting.A shark believed to be a 3.5 metre bronze whaler was observed by Council lifeguards chasing a school of fish off The Entrance Beach.The beach is expected to be closed for at least several hours.  Lifeguards will reassess the beach over the next few hours and it will only be reopen when deemed to be safe.All other beaches across the Central Coast remain open at this time.  Lifeguards at nearby beaches are being extra vigilant to ensure the safety of swimmers.

Join the fight against graffiti by taking part in Graffiti Removal Day on Sunday 30 October.The state-wide graffiti removal and prevention day is a joint initiative of the New South Wales Government, Rotary Down Under and Graffiti Removal Australia, and is a great opportunity for individuals, community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and other organisations to join us in the fight against graffiti.We are encouraging residents to become part of the solution by volunteering to help remove graffiti at one of the official clean up sites across the Central Coast. Anyone over the age of 12 can get involved in the clean up.

Are you representing our region, state or country in a sporting or cultural event?Applications are now open for council’s Developing and Recognising Talent (DART) program to assist in covering costs for eligible residents who have been selected to participate in a recognised sporting or cultural event.Council Administrator Ian Reynolds says the DART program aims to recognise and support grass-roots sporting and cultural talent.“The DART program offers sponsorship for individuals or groups towards the costs associated with participating in significant sporting and cultural events,” said Mr.

Central Coast Council has secured three major events in 2017 at the region’s newest and biggest skate place - Bato Yard.Two events are associated with the Australian Skateboarding Federation (ASF) and the other is part of the NSW YMCA Skate Park League (SPL).Council’s Sports Development and Events Officer, Ms Karen Lightfoot, said this is great news and will put the new facility on the national riding calendar and boost its reputation nationally and internationally.“Since Bato Yard opened in July, hundreds of riders and spectators flock to the freestyle riding facility every day and these events will only further cement the increasing popularity of the Yard,” Ms Lightfoot said.“The two ASF events will be part of the popular King of Concrete skateboard contest series and is an opportunity for our local riders to showcase their talents in front of some big names.“The first one will be the bowl event which is locked in for Saturday 11 February and will feature qualifying spots for the well-known Bondi Bowlarama.“This means our Bato event could see some of our local riders competing against some of the best skaters in Australia at Bondi!“The other ASF King of Concrete event will be a street-based skate contest in April and will be used as a contest pathway to participate in a USA street event – another great chance for our local skaters to compete against some of the best in the world!”Bato Yard was designed to cater for a range of disciplines such as skate, scooter, BMX and blades for locals with a view to also hosting major events.The YMCA has booked Bato Yard for two years with their first SPL event booked in for the next school holidays on Tuesday 17 January.The competition will include riders competing in the categories of scooter, skateboard, BMX and wheelies (wheelchair/amputees).

Central Coast Council is urging residents to join the fight against graffiti by taking part in Graffiti Removal Day on Sunday 30 October 2016.The state-wide graffiti removal and prevention day is a joint initiative of the New South Wales Government, Rotary Down Under and Graffiti Removal Australia and is a great opportunity for individuals, community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and other organisations to help us in the fight against graffiti.Council’s Community Development Coordinator, Ms Shari Young said everyone can play a part in keeping the Coast graffiti free.“Anyone over age of 12 can get involved in the clean up – we’re encouraging people to get involved,” Ms Young said.“All volunteers will be provided with training, graffiti removal equipment and protective gear on the day.”Official Graffiti Removal Day sites for the Central Coast are located in Point Clare, Ettalong, Umina, Woy Woy, Wyong, Gorokan, Watanobbi and Toukley.Some of the more successful anti-graffiti initiatives carried out on the Central Coast include the neighbourhood volunteer graffiti removal groups, an education program in high schools and an extensive community mural program.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said graffiti was an ongoing challenge that impacted most communities.“It is one of the most visible crimes and the cost to the community is not just financial,” Mr Ian Reynolds said.“Indirect costs include environmental harm, increased concerns for personal safety, and reduced civic pride.“Removing graffiti costs NSW ratepayers more than $100 million each year, and even though Council has had increased success in our efforts to reduce graffiti vandalism, we cannot do it without the help of the community.“We are committed to improving the Central Coast community’s quality of life so let’s roll up our sleeves and work together to keep our community beautiful and free of graffiti vandalism.”To get involved and find a local clean up a site on 30 October please visit graffitiremovalday.org.au.

A $2.2 million upgrade of road at Audie Parade at Berkeley Vale gets underway this week.Central Coast Council is continuing to spend a record amount this financial year on road upgrades with Berkeley Vale being the latest focus.Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock, said Audie Parade is part of the critical local road network connecting residents to schools, hospitals and local amenities.“Upgrading this road with this first stage of works will help alleviate the flooding previously experienced in this area and improve road pavement conditions, allowing easier access to these local facilities and amenities,” said Mr Baverstock.“This major project will include new road pavement, extensive drainage work and new kerb and guttering along Audie Parade.“During this work the speed limit will be reduced to 40km/h and short detours and delays can be experienced by motorists.“We understand road construction can cause some disruption and we appreciate the community’s patience while this important work takes place.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said he was asked about more road upgrades from members of the Coast community everywhere he went, as well as being asked what Council is doing about our road network.“Council is doing a lot this financial year to prioritise our road and drainage network,” said Mr Reynolds.“A record amount of funding is being invested to making our roads safer and to ease congestion throughout the Coast.“We are also continuing to lobby the State and Federal Government to assist us with improving our road network.“Roads connect our community and are essential to residents as they go about their daily lives.”

As Central Coast Stadium prepares for the first home game of the Central Coast Mariners A-League on Saturday 22 October 2016, patrons are encouraged to have a ‘Plan B’ before travelling home.The ‘What’s Your Plan B?

A second wave of Council pop up engagement stalls is rolling out across the Coast.This follows the successful launch in June of the stalls as a one stop shop to answer resident questions with over 800 residents taking advantage of the opportunity to talk directly to Council representatives.Council’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds and CEO Mr Rob Noble will once again make themselves available at the following shopping centres:Umina Beach Coles – Thursday 20 October from 2.30pm to 4pmErina Fair (outside Megasave Chemist, near Coles) – Thursday 20 October from 5pm to 7pmLake Munmorah Shopping Centre – Thursday 24 November 5pm to 7pmCouncil’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said he enjoys attending the stalls as it gives him a unique opportunity to hear residents’ ideas and concerns first-hand.“What is particularly pleasing is that residents are passionate about their community here on the Coast and want to see this area go forward,” Mr Reynolds said.“I want to harness that passion, as together Council and the community can make the Central Coast the very best place it can be.“So come along for a chat and share your ideas.