Central Coast Council has welcomed the release of the State Government’s Regional Plan for the Central Coast.The Plan is designed as a ‘blueprint’ for growing the regional economy, accelerating housing supply and protecting and enhancing the natural environment over the next twenty years.Population growth figures for the Central Coast were revised last month and are now projected to increase to 415,000 by 2036, bigger than the population of Canberra today.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he hopes the plan provides the right toolset to meet the needs of what is now a much faster growing community.“We submitted our strong views on the Draft Plan and like others on the Coast are looking forward to seeing how our feedback has been adopted in the final Plan.” Mr Reynolds said.“Our community values our natural environment, amenities, relaxed lifestyle and sense of community and we want to sustain and enhance that.“We need to accommodate a lot more people here over the next twenty years and the only way we can do that is by creating more housing options, more local jobs and more infrastructure so our growing community can continue to live and thrive here.“We have done a lot of work already to identify the key areas and projects we need to drive investment and jobs growth in our region.“Council looks forward to working constructively with the State Government to deliver the best possible outcomes for our community.”Under the Plan the Central Coast Delivery, Co-ordination and Monitoring Committee has been established to be accountable for achieving the Plan’s vision and goals, with representatives from Council and State Government agencies.“As the only region in the State that has one Council, we welcome our seat at the table to help ensure we move the Central Coast forward,” Mr Reynolds added.“Delivering a sustainable future for the Central Coast will require ongoing adequate funding of projects by the State and Federal Governments as well as Council.”

Nominations for the inaugural Central Coast Council 2017 Australia Day Awards are now open.These awards are open to anyone from across the Central Coast for the chance to be named the first ever Central Coast Citizen of the Year.The awards span seven categories and are designed to showcase locals who have shown outstanding dedication to their community, their workplace, arts, culture or sport.Council’s Acting Group Leader Customer and Community Relationships, Ms Julie Vaughan, is encouraging the community to get involved.“We all know someone who is at the local sports ground rain, hail or shine, or a leading local business entrepreneur.

Central Coast Council has released 43 new dog exercise area maps that clearly show where people can take their dogs in the Coast’s south.The new maps reflect the current on and off leash areas, as well as dog prohibited areas that were identified as part of the latest Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy.The Strategy was developed following extensive community consultation to determine the most appropriate ways for Council to cater for the needs of dog owners and encourage responsible pet ownership.Manager of Culture Phil Cantillon said the new maps will not only better inform dog owners, but also people who do not own a dog.“Some 3000 people have been involved in direct discussions over the past five years to inform this Strategy,” said Mr.

The Extreme Sports Park at San Remo is being revamped to cater for the growing interest in BMX riding and will complement the existing track at Terrigal.Work is well underway to build a competition style BMX track, and help create and support a club to run the facility.We have been working with riders – both local and skilled – as well as the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre to reactivate the area and gain their valuable input to make this facility top notch like Terrigal.The facility is being reshaped to BMX Australian competition standards, to enable the hosting of major events and competitions.Works are continuing on the $300,000 upgrade and when finished it will feature an eight lane, competition-style barrel gate, four straights coated in crushed granite, asphalt on the berms as well as the downhill starting ramp to maintain momentum and speed throughout the track, turfing between tracks and around facility and more car parking.This track will suit professional and technical riders, and also cater for the young developing riders in the area.Future plans to make the park more attractive include lighting, an upgrade to amenities and spectator areas, and a junior track.As well as improving the BMX area, we have also upgraded the skate area on site.

Enjoy a wide range of activities set amid the stunning natural assets of Tuggerah Lakes for free when Central Coast Council’s award-winning Wyong Lakes Festival returns on November 12 with something for everyone.The festival attracted some 35,000 people in 2015 and is set to attract even more this year with an expanded program spanning nine days and offering everything from painting, storytelling, movies, live music, fireworks, education workshops, a Triathlon and a Scavenger hunt.With more than 30 activities to choose from, Council is urging residents to start planning their festival today.Two legends of the Australian music scene, Paul Kelly and Charlie Owen, will headline the inaugural Lighthouse Folk Festival on Saturday 19 November at Norah Head Lighthouse.Enjoy panoramic views of the glittering coastline while listening to a range of live artists, including Central Coast duo Winterbourne, who are known for their distinctive melodies and punchy riffs, and local troubadour Elwood Myre and his Americana-inspired folk rock band.Sharing the stage at the Lighthouse Folk Festival will be Melbourne fold outfit, Husky, fresh from a 12-month tour of Europe, and Ainslie Wills, whose powerhouse vocals and commanding presence have seen her described as ‘the Australian version of Tina Turner.’Council’s Events Officer, Ms Cobey Linsley, said the opening weekend would be jam packed and included fireworks, a spectacular free evening concert featuring headliner ‘Thirsty Merc’ and fun outdoor activities.“The popular Triathlon and Stand Up Paddle Board competitions will be running on the opening weekend, as well as a free brunch by the lake,” Ms Linsley said.“The final weekend of the Wyong Lakes Festival will finish with a big splash and will see live bands, moonlight cinema, folk festival, water obstacle course, Splash and Dash family event and a street festival."Also new to 2016 Wyong Lakes Festival is Colour Ya World, Obstasplash, Long Jetty Street Festival and Long Jetty Moonlight Cinema.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he couldn’t wait to see the Lakes come alive on and off the water.“There are a number of events I want to go to.

Niagara Park Stadium will play host to some of the most talented young sportspeople from across New South Wales (NSW) this weekend, as they converge on the Coast for the 2016 Hockey NSW Under 15 Indoor State Championships.The Championships will be held over four days from the 14 October, culminating in the grand final on Monday 17 October.

Goorama Avenue’s $1.1 million facelift will be unveiled in the New Year.Central Coast Council has reached the fifth and final stage of this $6 million major road and drainage upgrade that will include a new road surface, intersection upgrades and new traffic calming devices.Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock, said community safety will be significantly improved as a result of this final stage of work.“With two schools on Goorama Avenue and school back in session, Council urges the community to slow down during this final stage, follow all road work signs and drive to the conditions of the road," Mr Baverstock said.“During this work the speed limit will be reduced to 40km/h and motorists may experience short detours and delays.“Council will ensure the safety of all pedestrians and road users with the use of traffic control during this time.“Road users will not only enjoy a smoother ride along Goorama Avenue but will enjoy an upgraded drainage system that will alleviate the previous flooding issues experienced in this popular area.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said, the Coast community has identified our roads and drainage network as an area of need and Council has committed to injecting more funds into our roads this financial year.“This upgrade is a key project for the San Remo area that will improve the safety and ease traffic congestion for motorists in this busy area,” said Mr Reynolds.“Council is determined to deliver key infrastructure on the Central Coast that will increase safety for all road users and cater for our growing community.”Some other major road projects that will begin in the coming months include:Lakeside Parade, The EntranceChivers Road, SomersbyMyoora Road, SomersbyMurray Street, Ettalong BeachHastings Road, Terrigal

Tickets to the thrilling and action-packed sports show Nitro Circus Live, at Central Coast Stadium, will be available through an exclusive online pre-sale from Monday 10 October.Direct from sell out shows across the globe, the popular event is returning to the Central Coast for the first time in six years, as part of their 2017 Australia Regional Rampage Tour.On Saturday 1 April 2017, fans can expect to see some of the biggest and best mind-blowing stunts and jumps, in a fully choreographed sports and theatrical spectacular.The show features 30 of the world's most extreme athletes in freestyle motocross, BMX and skate, plus a host of crazy stunts performed by the Nitro daredevils, including acts never seen before in Australia.Those looking for the ultimate Nitro Circus experience can purchase the Nitro Club VIP package which includes entry into the show an hour before gates open, exclusive behind the scenes access, plus a Q&A session with the stars of the show.

Central Coast Council continues to bring authors to the Coast that will inspire the love of learning and this event is no different.Council is proud to present Sydney based Author Donna Redman to discuss her first novel ‘Awakening Sebastian’ on 7 October at your local Library in Lake Haven.Council’s Customer and Community Relations Manager, Ms Sue Ledingham said, Donna is a well-known writer, speaker, coach, teacher and trainer in student wellbeing.“Donna’s experience and knowledge in youth awareness shines through this honest and original portrayal of a young person’s struggles and pressures through year 12,” said Ms Ledingham.“We love supporting our Australian writers here on the Coast and we aim to provide our community with different insights and perspectives on life.“Awakening Sebastian is a captivating read and will awaken the soul of every reader.“So come and join us and hear Donna share her insights on how she came up with this amazing story.”This event will provide an opportunity for locals to meet the author, get their book signed and find out the secret of Donna’s success on 7 October at 4pm.Bookings are essential so please call 4350 1580 or visit Lake Haven Library in person.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their work in the community?They may be the person who is always at the sportsground rain, hail or shine, or a leading local business entrepreneur.

Central Coast Council is inviting the whole community to celebrate in the success of Tuggerah Library serving our community for the last 21 years.Come and join us on 19 October at 9.30am for this year’s big anniversary celebration with special guest appearances throughout the day and a delicious morning tea to mark this memorable occasion.Council’s Library Services Section Manager, Ms Andrea Edwards said, this celebration is a way to thank our community for its support in the last 21 years.“During this celebration local author and healer Laurie Leah Levine will talk on her three books and give practical guidance on how to live a more energised, peaceful and balanced life,” Ms Edwards said.“A free talk and a meditation session by members of the local Khedrubje Kadampa Buddhist Centre will also be made available for visitors on the day.“So come and join in on the festivities and have some fun at Tuggerah Library.“All bookings for talks, meditation sessions and the morning tea can be made by contacting the library directly on 4350 1560 or come in and see our staff.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said our libraries support lifelong learning for all people on the Central Coast and act as vibrant community hubs.“Turning 21 is a big milestone and over this time over 5.5 million items have been borrowed from Tuggerah Library,” Mr Reynolds said.“Over the 21 years this popular branch has had over two million visitors come through its doors and this shows just how important our local libraries are to this community.“We are committed to keeping up with technology and improving our services across the libraries so we can deliver what our community needs, wants and values.”Find out more of what our libraries have to offer by visiting www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

Places are now available for the popular Reading Buddy program run at select Central Coast Council libraries during Term Four (October – December 2016).Aimed at developing the literacy skills of school aged children and fostering a lifelong love of reading, the program matches students one-on-one with Reading Buddy volunteers from across the community.Council’s Library Services Coordinator Michelle Swan-Beardmore said Reading Buddy programs have been shown to enhance literacy outcomes in young people around the globe.“The Reading Buddy program is so successful because children enjoy quality time and the undivided attention of an adult dedicated to helping them improve their literacy skills and encourage their enjoyment for reading,” said Ms Swan-Beardmore.“Children develop a real rapport with their Reading Buddy and our volunteers gain just as much from the program as the students do.“Previous term programs run here on the Central Coast have been fully booked out, proving the program’s popularity and value with both volunteers and students.”The program consists of bookings for half an hour per week, every week for the ten-week school term.

Spring is in the air and the school holidays are just around the corner - a perfect opportunity to holiday in or explore the Central Coast.The Coast has a lot to offer to keep your family entertained these holidays, from the beach to the lakes, to the valleys and the bush - there’s something for everyone. As the weather warms up, it’s a great chance to head on down to one of our 15 patrolled beaches from the Lakes in the north to Umina in the south.Beach conditions are assessed daily to determine the safest part of the beach to swim and where to set up the red and yellow flags.If the beach isn’t your thing, we have been working hard to improve the Lake’s boat ramps and swimming areas with foreshore improvements, maintenance of netted swimming areas and buoy markers, as well as the general amenity of foreshore parks - but remember these areas are not patrolled by Lifeguards.There is more to the lakes than swimming and fishing. With more than 700 kilometres of shared pathways around the Coast (most of them along the water’s edge), this opens up a number of options to walk, ride explore the lake foreshores with family and friends.Check out the first section of Magenta Shared Pathway - 1.5 kilometres of shared pathway that runs along the edge of the Red Gum Forest - or the new pathways winding around the Peninsula.Along all our pathways there are a number of play spaces to stop play or rest and enjoy the views.We maintain more than 250 play spaces across the Central Coast catering for all ages and abilities – so there is bound to be one close to you.There are also 24 skate places on the Coast, including the new regional skate place at Bateau Bay called Bato Yard, which has shading, seating, a basketball court, parkour elements and much more.There’s so much to do and see on the Coast these holidays, and don’t forget to use #thisisthelife and share your favourite places.October long weekendThis year, the October long weekend falls in the middle of the school holidays.If you’re planning on going away, remember these simple travelling tips to ensure you arrive safely at your destination:Stick to the designated speed limit - speeding remains the greatest cause of fatalities and injuries on our roads.Recognise the tired signs.

Coast Olympians and Paralympians to be honoured with Civic ReceptionCouncil will host a Civic Reception next month to honour the Olympians and Paralympians from the Central Coast who represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Games.Four athletes from the Coast made their Olympic debuts in Rio including Matt Dawson in the men’s hockey team, Jesse Parahi in Rugby 7s and Lachlan Tame and Riley Fitzsimmons in canoeing.Five Paralympians represented Australia in Rio - Liesl Tesch in sailing, Dylan Littlehales in canoeing, Rae Anderson in athletics with Matt Formston and Nick Yallouris in the cycling team.Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said the athletes were great ambassadors for the Central Coast and the community was proud of what they have achieved.“These athletes have taken on the best on the world’s biggest sporting stage and have done themselves, and our region, proud,” Mr Reynolds said.“To be the best takes a lot of time and sacrifice - but it is worth it when you get to represent your country in a sport you love.”“We are proud of how these athletes have performed in Rio and are delighted to have them as sporting ambassadors for our great region.”The athletes and their families will be invited to a civic reception to be held within the next month.Monthly Council meetings go live onlineCentral Coast Council meetings will now be held monthly and broadcast live to a potential audience of 331,000 residents.Council will utilise new technology and install fixed cameras in both the Gosford and Wyong Chambers to allow residents to see what is discussed and decided at a council meeting.Council’s Administrator said the community has shown this is something they want as often due to distance and time constraints they cannot always attend Council meetings themselves.‘Like residents, I am looking forward to having the option available.  It is an open and transparent way to show how Council works,” Mr Reynolds said.“Unfortunately, many people don’t understand how local government works which limits their opportunities to be involved.“I hope that once the community can see the proceedings without having to attend, there will be a greater understanding of the governance of Council and how decisions are made.Council meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of every month from January to November inclusive and continue to alternate between Gosford and Wyong.The next Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 26 October in the Gosford Chambers in Mann Street.Council shelves Gosford Land Sale Strategy Council has abandoned plans to reclassify a number of land parcels under the Land Sale Strategy of the former Gosford Council.In late 2015, the former Gosford Council resolved to reclassify a number of identified parcels of public land from "community" to "operational".

Central Coast Council is holding a series of free green living workshops to help you live sustainably and reduce your environmental impact around the home.Learn from experts in their field on how to compost, setup an organic garden, use Australian bush flower essences, eat sustainable food, keep backyard chickens and clean your house without chemicals.To celebrate National Recycle Week, from Monday 7 until Friday 13 November, Council also has a range of workshops that focus on recycling around the home including in the kitchen, your backyard and even in your wardrobe.In addition, a variety of workshops will be on offer as part of the Wyong Lakes Festival from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 November.Council’s Environmental Education Officer, Anni Griffiths, said there are workshops to suit all households.“Regardless of what size your backyard is or whether you live in a unit, we have a range of workshops to suit everyone’s lifestyle and sustainability goals,” said Ms Griffiths.“By making small changes you can easily live a greener lifestyle.

The Terrigal Haven boat ramp has been officially reopened, following its $1 million makeover.Officially reopened by NSW Premier The Hon.

NSW Premier Mike Baird is on the Central Coast today to announce a new aircraft manufacturing facility that will establish in the region and create a new aerospace industry and subindustries in Australia.Premier Baird said that Amphibian Aerospace Industries will relocate its off-shore manufacturing to the Central Coast and become the first transport category aircraft manufacturer to set up in Australia since the 1940s.It will create 240 direct jobs in aircraft manufacturing, as well as thousands of indirect jobs in auxiliary industries like parts supply, instrumentation, interior fitouts and avionics.“This is a great day for the Central Coast – this announcement means thousands of jobs for the region with a significant flow on to the Central Coast economy,” Premier Baird said.“The decision by AAI to locate here is a testament that NSW is Australia’s prime location for business growth and investment.”Council Administrator Ian Reynolds said the announcement was the culmination of over 12 months of negotiations between AAI and Central Coast Council staff.“Bringing jobs to this region and enabling employment growth are some of the key priorities of Central Coast Council.

An internationally recognised public art installation is set to call the Central Coast home on Friday 30 September.The interactive artwork titled ‘IMAG_NE’ will put imaginations into overdrive as visitors to the sculpture picture themselves as the missing piece.Based on the game of Scrabble, 'IMAG_NE' features large letter pieces which spell out the word I-M-A-G-I-N-E, with a space where the second “I” would be - inviting the community to interact with the sculpture to complete the word.Created by Australian visual artist and creative producer, Emma Anna, the artwork originally exhibited at Bondi’s famous Sculpture by the Sea in 2008, and has since featured around the world including at Denmark’s inaugural Sculpture by the Sea in 2009.Central Coast Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the moving sculpture purchased in April 2016, will exhibit at a range of locations and popular destinations on the Coast.“We are thrilled to present the sculpture to the community as it moves around the region,” said Mr Reynolds.“It is a great opportunity to promote our beautiful landscapes and environment.“I encourage everyone to visit the artwork and make the most of the great photo opportunities it will create across our beautiful vista.”The artwork will be unveiled to the public on Friday 30 September, at the Gosford waterfront (opposite Central Coast Stadium), where it will be located for up to three months.The artwork will then move around the Central Coast and feature in locations including Terrigal and Norah Head.

Talented artists from around the country have been recognised in this year’s Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize.Winners were announced at the Gosford Regional Gallery exhibition opening on Friday 23 September.The popular competition received 566 entries submitted by over 420 artists, with over 70 percent of artists from the Central Coast.Team Leader at Gosford Regional Gallery, Tim Braham, said the receipt of artworks for the annual competition is both a frantic and thrilling time for the Gallery.“The Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramics Prize is a genuine demonstration of a wealth of talent, skill and artistic diversity in our community,” said Mr Braham.“In total, 141 works were selected for the final exhibition.

Central Coast Council welcomes today’s announcement for a NSW Government grant to promote responsible pet ownership on the Coast.The NSW Government introduced the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants scheme in 2014 to target programs that encourage owners to microchip, register and desex their pets.Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, said the funding boost will help Council provide important programs for pet owners on the Coast who need it most.“The scheme helps promote projects that encourage responsible pet ownership and aims to reduce the euthanasia rates and dog attacks,” Mr Crouch said.“Pet dogs and cats are important family members of many households across NSW and it is vital we support our community to promote responsible pet ownership.“The Baird-Government is committed to improving the positive benefits of pet ownership while strengthening safety and education in our local neighbourhoods.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this funding will assist Council to implement new services that help local pet owners.“Council wants our residents to be responsible pet owners and this funding will help deliver that.” Mr Reynolds said.“Microchipping helps reunite pets with owners and comes at a cost for owners.