Council aligns housing controls to encourage development in northern growth areas Council has amended the Wyong Development Control Plan (DCP) to include Warnervale Town Centre DCP and align housing controls in key growth areas in the north of the Coast.A review was undertaken of the site specific development controls that applied to dwellings in Gwandalan, Warnervale Town Centre and Hamlyn Terrace to ascertain the best planning controls to use.The review found the Housing Code and Dwelling Houses and Ancillary Structures already in the DCP provided all the controls needed and would be used as the benchmark going forward.Administrator Reynolds said:

Central Coast Council has welcomed Federal Labor’s promise to deliver a Commonwealth Institute of Higher Education in Gosford if elected.Labor has promised to work with council, the University of Newcastle and Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council to deliver a 800 student place campus with a funding injection of  $30 million.Administrator Ian Reynolds said with the region’s predicted population of 415,000 residents by 2031, more educational and employment opportunities were definitely needed for the Coast.“This Federal Election has certainly shone a spotlight on the challenges facing our great region and presented a number of alternatives to address them,” Mr Reynolds said.“We need to invest in the future of our region.

NAIDOC Week, 3-10 July, marks a significant event for Indigenous Australians, celebrating their history, culture and achievements.Central Coast Council will kick off NAIDOC celebrations on the Coast with its annual Flag Raising Ceremony and morning tea on Monday 4 July from 10am at the Wyong office.This year’s theme is ‘Songlines:

Central Coast Council met with representatives from Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council today to discuss the Land Council’s projects on the Central Coast.The meeting comes on the eve of NAIDOC Week and recognises the importance of the Land Council to the future of the Central Coast.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he welcomed the opportunity to meet with such a key landholder on the Coast so early in the life of the new council.“Darkinjung have a number of projects in the pipeline in support of Indigenous people on the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“The projects are also aimed at supporting the need in our community for housing and other facilities to meet the needs of our growing population.“I look forward to working with them in a cooperative manner as they progress their planning program.”Darkinjung’s, Chairperson Ms Tina West and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sean Gordon, said as the largest private land owner in the region the relationship between Darkinjung and the newly formed Central Coast Council is significant in terms future planning and development for the Aboriginal community socially, culturally and economically.

As part of Central Coast Council’s Little Coast Kids commitment to provide dedicated childcare educators, three new trainees started work earlier this month.The trainees were selected through an innovative recruitment process in partnership with Training Services NSW and TAFE Ourimbah, delivering career opportunities for the local community.Council’s Section Manager Care and Education, Mrs Beth Burgess, said the selection of trainees helps ensure the provision of the best childcare possible.“Ten candidates went through four weeks of training provided by TAFE, which also included eight days of work experience at one of Council’s four Little Coast Kids Centres,” Mrs Burgess said.“This process allows us to get an idea of each applicant’s level of commitment and see how well they interact with the children and other staff.“Rather than selecting trainees solely through an interview process this method assists us to select the most suited and enthusiastic applicants for the positions allowing us to continue to provide superior care within the industry.”Council’s Organisational Development Partner, Mrs Linda Sutton, said the successful partnership between Council, Training Services NSW and TAFE Ourimbah has helped deliver local job opportunities.“Thanks to funding received through Training NSW we have been able to create entry level positions to help our community get a leg up in the very competitive job market on the Central Coast,” Mrs Sutton said.“This process also improves job prospects for the unsuccessful candidates who went through the selection process as all candidates now possess a four week statement of attainment in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.“TAFE Ourimbah will now continue to provide high quality training to the successful candidates through the remainder of the Diploma.”The successful applicants, Amanda Bailey, Stephanie Fisher, Rebecca McGuire-Read, will be placed at either the Wyong or Kanwal Little Coast Kids Centres. 

Central Coast Council has welcomed the significant investment in the local road network in the NSW State Government’s budget to improve community connectedness and well-being.The Baird Government delivered a $125 million roads funding windfall with a number of number of notable inclusions to benefit Central Coast residents including:$25 million for the Wyong Road Intersection upgrade$20 million for Ourimbah Street, Lisarow to Glen Road, Ourimbah$12 million for the upgrade of Mingara Drive to Tumbi Road$1.5 million to continue planning the upgrade of the intersection of Empire Bay Drive and Scenic Road and Cochrane Street, Kincumber$500,000 to plan a future upgrade to Terrigal Drive between Chetwynd Road and Duffy’s Road$400,000 design of traffic lights on Terrigal Drive and Tarragal Glen Avenue, Erina ( current roundabout at Erina Fair/McDonalds), to improve local connections and support active transport$500,000 drainage upgrade on Central Coast Highway at WamberalCouncil’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said council was pleased with this important cash injection into the Coast’s road network, confirming the region’s significance in the eyes of the State Government.“The number one issue raised with me since I came here as Administrator is roads – our community want better roads to connect their homes and jobs and improve their access to the great recreational opportunities the Coast offers" Mr Reynolds said.“Council plans to deliver over $120 million in roads projects next financial year and it is heartening to see the State Government is willing to match this spend to deliver better roads for our community.“The investment in Wyong Road will be particularly welcome as local residents and workers will know only too well.”Administrator Reynolds confirmed the commitment of $133 million to continue the $348 million redevelopment of Gosford Hospital is particularly welcome news as improved health services were needed to meet the needs of the region’s growing population.“I understand this investment is the single biggest investment in the budget for any hospital in the State,” Mr Reynolds said.“This clearly shows how important our growing region is to the State Government and highlights the value to the community of the recent merger.“331,000 residents can now demand services with one voice and the State Government is listening.“An equal commitment to the redevelopment of Wyong Hospital is also needed and council will continue to push for this infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the community in the north of the Coast.”

Central Coast Council has secured over $800,000 from the Australian Government to tackle road safety issues at seven notorious black spots.Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester approved the funding under the 2016/2017 Black Spot Programme for road safety projects in Somersby, Wyoming, Lisarow, Gosford, Patonga, Narara and Avoca Beach.Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds said the support from the Australian Government for these important works was very pleasing.“With this much needed funding now signed and sealed, we’re keen to get on with delivering these vital safety improvements so that the benefits are passed on to road users as soon as possible,” Mr Reynolds said.“Improving the road surface and installing new safety barriers and signage at these black spots will make sure motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are safer when they’re out and about on the Coast’s local roads.“I would especially like to thank the Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester for delivering this funding, as well as NSW Roads and Maritime Services for supporting these black spot nominations.”The latest approved projects for the Central Coast are:$55,000 to install a safety barrier and signage on Debenham Road (west of Kowara Road) at Somersby$35,000 to upgrade the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Cary Street at Wyoming$207,000 to install a safety barrier and improve the road surface and signage on The Ridgeway (east of Bishendens Road) at Lisarow$95,000 to improve the road surface and signage on Mann Street (near Gertrude Street) in Gosford$185,000 to improve the road surface and signage on Patonga Drive (south of Karool Road) in Patonga$77,000 to improve the road surface and signage on Mangrove Road (south of the Pacific Motorway) at Narara$163,000 to install a safety barrier on Avoca Drive (west of The Round Drive) in Avoca Beach

Central Coast Council was the first of the 19 new NSW councils visited by Local Government Minister, the Hon Paul Toole MP, today.Minister Toole met with Administrator Ian Reynolds, CEO Rob Noble and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and 35 Central Coast Council staff this morning to see first-hand how the new council was going and to present a cheque for $20 million to fund community infrastructure and help with merger costs.Administrator Reynolds said the funding was welcome news for staff and the community who had come together quickly to embrace the new council.”The Minister experienced the enthusiasm staff have for the new council, most of them live on the Central Coast and want to see this area thrive and prosper.“That is also the word on the street – everyone I have spoken to has embraced the change as they see it will mean bigger and better things for the Central Coast.”Minister Toole echoed the Administrator’s comments and said the Central Coast Council is shaping up to be an amalgamation success story and a credit to staff who had been working together for months beforehand to make it happen.“I got to see for myself this morning the enthusiasm of staff and respect for the new administration and I am impressed.“I was at a Chamber of Commerce dinner last night and they had nothing but praise for the way the new Council has hit the ground running.“We wanted mergers to lead to stronger communities and deliver better services and infrastructure for residents.“The new Central Coast Council is well on the way to achieving these goals.”Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it was a truly exciting time for everyone on the Central Coast especially the staff at the new Central Coast Council.“I congratulate the staff for working so collaboratively in the lead up to the creation of our new regional council,” Mr Crouch said.“They have a truly exciting opportunity ahead to deliver for our entire community, and from what I have seen they are more than up to the task.“I believe it speaks volumes that the first visit by Local Government Minister Paul Toole to a new council in NSW was to the Central Coast Council.”

Central Coast Council has today announced an interim leadership team to deliver the newly merged Council’s plans for the Coast.The appointments follow an intensive, merit based, internal recruitment process.Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said the new leadership team was created to best support the outlook and vision of the new Central Coast Council.“My vision is to build on the tradition of strong leadership of the two former Councils as we move to a new era for the Central Coast,” Mr Noble said.“I have chosen leaders who are customer-focused, collaborative, passionate and professional and can lead and support this Council and our community through this change creating an organisation that cares about people, places and quality of life on the Central Coast.”The new Executive Team for the Central Coast Council is:Chief Financial Officer – Stephen NavenGroup Leader Customer and Community Relationships – Judy JaegerGroup Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business – Mike DowlingGroup Leader Environment and Planning – Scott CoxExecutive Manager People and Culture – Kellie ReevesExecutive Manager Governance – Brian GlendenningExecutive Manger Transition and Business Performance – Janine McKenzieThe eighth position, a Chief Information Officer, is yet to be appointed.Four senior staff have chosen to leave the organisation altogether, including Paul Anderson, former General Manager of Gosford City Council who has decided to pursue opportunities outside of the public sector.Mr Noble said he had nothing but thanks and praise for the senior staff who have served the community so well for many years.“Each and every one of them has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Central Coast community and I thank them for that.”

Central Coast Council is appealing to the community to report any unusual activity observed along Sparks Road Warnervale Tuesday night following the discovery of a massive amount of illegally dumped waste.The dumping is thought to have occurred sometime between 5 and 6pm, Tuesday 14 June, and judging by the huge scale of waste a large truck must have been involved.Council’s Section Manager Ranger Services, Ms Rennae Projceski, said the site was inspected this morning by a Regional Illegal Dumping officer, who estimated around 30 tonnes of rubbish has been dumped near the airport.“The waste is covering a massive area, measuring more than 62 metres in length, 6 metres deep and 1.5 metres high,” Ms Projceski said.“With such a huge amount of waste being dumped along a main road during peak hour, someone must have seen something.“Illegal dumping not only costs ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to clean, but also poses series serious environmental and health risks for the community.“We are currently searching through the waste to try and identify the dumper as our community shouldn’t have to foot the bill for those that do the wrong thing.“If you have any knowledge of the dumped waste along Sparks Road please call our Customer Contact team on 4350 5555.”On the spot fines for illegal dumping can be anywhere upwards of $2000.Ms Projceski said there is never an excuse for illegal dumping with the number of waste disposal options available to the community.“Alongside comprehensive garbage collection, residential properties are also entitled to six free kerbside collections each year,” Ms Projceski added.“We also manage three waste facilities;

Temporary traffic controls will be in place along part of Cullens Road, Kincumber while Central Coast Council carries out works to replace the existing safety barrier.Works are commencing today and are expected to take approximately three (3) weeks, with crews working Monday through to Saturday, weather dependent.Traffic controllers will be on-site to manage two-way traffic in the area via Stop/Slow controls during this period in order to undertake the works safely.Warning signs will also be in place and motorists are being advised to expect minor delays.Local residents in the vicinity of the works will still be able to access their properties.Council thanks community members for their cooperation and apologises for any inconvenience while these important safety works are carried out.

Registrations are now open for The Hub Erina’s most prestigious musical competitions, Battle of the Bands and the SeaFM DISCOVERED Series, both commencing this July.Battle of the Bands is open to unsigned bands of all genres, with band members aged 12-24 years, and the SeaFM DISCOVERED Series is open to unsigned singer/songwriters and cover version vocalists aged 7-24 years.Council’s Director Community Growth, Judy Jaeger said these contests build on existing programs in the youth sector to provide a platform for young people to showcase their passion and talent.“These competitions allow talented young people to showcase their skills in an intimate performance space and can provide further opportunities for young performers from our local community.“With amazing prize incentives, professional development opportunities and the chance to connect with industry professionals, Battle of the Bands and the SeaFM DISCOVERED series offer our aspiring stars a platform to launch their musical careers,” Ms.

Central Coast Council will receive $20 million from the NSW Government to help fund vital infrastructure, community projects and merger costs.Ten million dollars has been allocated under the Stronger Communities Fund (SCF).

Central Coast Council is calling on all skateboard, BMX and scooter riders to send in a video clip showing off some serious skill for a chance to win the ultimate Bato Yard prize pack.Live to Ride opens today to all riders of all abilities and ages.Council’s Team Leader Community Education, Danielle Hargreaves, is encouraging riders from beginners to competitors to get out there and film how you live to ride to be in the running to win a VIP experience at the official opening of Bato Yard on Sunday 14 August.“It doesn’t matter if you’re just learning or can already master complicated moves, the competition is open to everyone,” Danielle said.“And this is one prize everyone will want to win!“The winners will receive an exclusive VIP experience at the official opening of Bato Yard which includes a prize pack full of goodies and merchandise as well as the chance to meet with the professional riders performing on the day.“All you need to do is film yourself either skating, scooting or BMXing and send it in.“Videos can be shot on smartphones, tablets, go pros, camcorders or any other videoing device you have and should be between 90 seconds and two minutes long.”The competition closes 5pm, Monday 18 July.

Central Coast Council has started the final stage of work to complete the makeover of a popular road at The Entrance.Bay Road is used by many as an alternate route to and from The Entrance town centre and is in desperate need of repair.Council’s Construction Section Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock, said this is the second and final stage of a $3.5 million upgrade to Bay Road.“This stage of works will cost $1.9 million and will continue on from where we left off last year – just north of Richard Street to the Dening Street intersection,” Mr Baverstock said.“Motorists will notice more than a smoother surface to drive on, we are also improving the drainage system as well, as there has been flooding problems in the past.“As well as improving the road surface in Bay Road, we are extending it to include the intersection of Dening Street as well as part of Dening and Fairport Avenue.”Work is expected to be finished in October.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council is getting on with the job of delivering services the community need, want and value.“We know residents want better roads and we have a plan in place to deliver,” Mr Reynolds said.“Next financial year there is a strong focus on key community priorities with more than $150 million dedicated to improving our road and drainage networks, including Hastings Road Terrigal, Goobarabah Close Lake Haven, The Ridgeway Lisarow and Bligh Close Tumbi Umbi, to name a few.”Other major road projects happening around the Central Coast at the moment include:Killarney Vale – Norton AvenueNorah Head – Maitland StreetPalmdale – Palmdale RoadSaratoga – Davistown RoadWamberal – Dover RoadWest Gosford – Faunce Street West

Central Coast Council would like to congratulate Mr Ian English, who took out first place in the 2016 annual EXPOSURE competition for his unique photograph Burnt toast.Announced at a well-attended ceremony Friday night, the image displays a thoughtful juxtaposition of calm and disarray, encapsulating his audience into a world of wonder.Council’s Grants and Events Coordinator Mrs Ashlee Abbott said with such a high calibre of entrants this year the judges were set the almost impossible task of selecting a winner.“In our fourth year we received over 400 entries from amateur and emerging photographers from all over Australia as well as some international submissions,” Mrs Abbott said.“The quality of images just keeps getting better, with more expressive, personal and imaginative photos received than ever before.“We would like to congratulate all the winners and thank everyone who entered.”Prize winners in the 2016 EXPOSURE competition are:First Prize overall – Ian English for Burnt toastSecond Prize overall – Hayley Spindler for Little Murri Warrior (Wyong Creek)Third Prize overall – Amie Lambert for He foughtHighly commended Postcards of The Shire – John Chapman for Aiming HighHighly commended Through the Generations – Sarah Harris for A moment in timeHighly commended A Picture Tells 1000 Words – Kimberly Starr for Soul CatcherHighly commended The Natural World – Patricia Smith for Silvereye on PodsMrs Abbott also made special mention to our local prize winners, Hayley Spindler and Amie Lambert.“Their images truly demonstrate the outstanding talent we have in our own backyard, capable of competing on an international stage,” Mrs Abbott added.“I would encourage everyone to come along and view the 145 exceptional short listed entries now on exhibition at the Entrance Gallery.“There is such a diverse array of images on display, many of which reflect our beautiful Coast, you will be left talking about them for weeks.”The exhibition will be open to the public until Sunday 26 June, 10am – 4pm weekdays and 10am – 3pm weekends.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the bipartisan interest from Federal political parties to partner with the community on the proposed development of a performing arts centre for the Central Coast.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said it was a testament to the extraordinary artistic talent in the region that there was such a high level of funding commitment from both sides of politics for a cultural venue.“As we have seen with the recent opening of The Art House in Wyong, the performing arts industry is thriving on the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“It is great to see both sides of politics acknowledge the significant contribution arts makes to a community and their willingness to support the infrastructure for it to grow on the Central Coast.”Council notes that today’s funding announcement by Federal Labor refers to the site of the proposed ATO building in Gosford being the preferred site for the performing arts centre.This week, the Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel deferred consideration of the application of the ATO building in Gosford pending receipt of further information.   The panel advised that it expects to consider the matter further, hopefully reaching a determination later this month.

Take flight with your imagination with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s acclaimed production of The Little Prince, adapted by Simon Clarke from the original story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.One of the most widely read books in history - 140 million copies sold worldwide and printed in more than 250 languages and dialects’ including braille - this exquisite tale tells the story of a curious prince who leaves his tiny home planet and journeys across the universe, discovering that adults have very strange ideas about the things that really matter.With its timeless message about the importance of friendship, The Little Prince is an adventure that celebrates the richness of human feeling and imagination.Council’s Manager of Culture Phil Cantillon said Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is Australia’s champion of puppetry and a leader in puppetry internationally.“This production is a beautifully vivid work which reminds us all of the magic of the imagination.  It speaks strongly about what really matters in life;

Central Coast Council has been working with the region’s young and emerging theatre makers to create a performance showcasing their talents.Periphery is the latest production created by local actors, musicians, writers and directors in conjunction with Tantrum Youth Arts and developed by Joshua Maxwell – a talented young director, theatre designer and writer.Council’s Community and Cultural Programs Section Manager, Mr Glenn Cannard, said there is only one place Periphery can really shine and that’s at The Art House.“Periphery is an innovative project supported by Council to help develop and encourage our future artists,” Mr Cannard said.“Being an innovative project, it’s only fitting we showcase these works at The Art House, the Coast’s newest performing arts centre.“The cast and crew have been through a number of Masterclasses and rehearsing for months and can’t wait to show everyone their new work.”Periphery will bring together short plays written by locals, verbatim excerpts from local heroes, short video interviews and musical interludes locally composed and performed by a cast and crew aged between 15-25 years old.The Periphery showcase is free and will be performed on Friday 17 June and Saturday 18 June from 7-8pm.“A special performance will be held for schools only on Friday 17 June from 11am-12.30pm,” Mr Cannard added.“After the performance students will have the opportunity to stay for a Q&A session with the crew.”Tickets to see Periphery are available from The Art House box office or by calling 4335 1485.Periphery:

Most Coasties with a Facebook account have seen the thought provoking messages posted on the Gosford Anglican Church noticeboard.Tuggerah Library will be hosting the man behind the sign, local treasure and Father of the Anglican Parish of Gosford, The Venerable Rod Bower, next Wednesday 15 June, 1.30-3pm.Tuggerah Library Supervisor, Ms Susan Davy, said even though he may not be known by name in the community, people are aware of the inspirational messages he conveys.“Whether you've heard of him or not, the majority of our community has seen the images of the at-times controversial noticeboard out the front of the Anglican Church at Gosford,” Ms Davy said.“Father Rod is not your typical minister – when other churches remain quiet he gives the marginalised a voice and makes sure his view is known.“Facebook images of his Parish’s noticeboard have gone viral due to the messages advocating a number of social justice and human rights issues.”In February this year Father Rod was lucky enough to attend the 12th Doha Interfaith Conference in Qatar where discussions revolved around the theme Spiritual and Intellectual Security in the Light of Religious Doctrines.Participants in the conference include Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders alongside leading scholars, academics, educators, activists, specialists and media.“We are incredibly lucky Father Rod will be sharing his learnings from the conference on how social media as well as conversations between people of different faiths and cultures can both positively and negatively impact how we act and think,” Ms Davy added.“He will also talk about how our nation’s current affairs inspire him to make a difference.“This is a rare chance to tap into the discussions from one of the largest international religious conferences and gain insight into one of our most motivating local treasures.”Seats are limited for this amazing event.