With the joining together of the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils, we're now stronger together as one Central Coast Council.

The wait is over – Bato Yard opens at 3pm!Bato Yard is the biggest skate park in the region and its opening has been the hot topic of conversation for local riders of all abilities and disciplines.Council’s Landscape and Recreation Planner, Mr Boyd McMillan, said this skate park will be one of the biggest and the most diverse in Australia as it will have a few features no others can boast.“Bato Yard has been built to a competition standard and has a rare feature in that it has a competitive street area and two competitive bowls all in the one park,” Boyd said.“The quality of CONVIC’s work shows through all over the park but is on display in the deep bowl – one of the most innovative and exciting bowls in Australia.“The highlight is the 12ft deep (3.6 metres) circular bowl with 1.5ft vert that rises to central 7ft twin hip open bowl and waterfalls down to a 9ft deep square end.

Registrations are still open for the SeaFM DISCOVERED series – the Central Coast’s premier vocalist competition for singers aged 7-24 years.The next heat will be held on Friday 5 August 2016 from 6.30pm, at The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue, North South Road, Erina Fair, with a $5 entry fee at the door.This round will feature a selection of young people from across the region, performing two songs each as they contend for a place in the semi-finals in October and November.The series offers professional development opportunities for young people, and the chance for emerging vocalists and singer/songwriters to share in the spotlight.Contestants make their way through a series of heats, competing for the chance to perform in the Grand Final in December and be in the running for the first prize, $5000 in Macron Music money.The SeaFM Discovered series is presented by Central Coast Council Youth Services, and The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue.Professional development partners include:

Budding artists over 50 years of age are being asked to pick up their paint brushes, as entries for the prestigious Grandma Moses Art Exhibition are now open.In its 34th year, this long-standing fixture on the cultural calendar takes inspiration from the life and work of Anna Mary Robertson, better known as Grandma Moses, who became widely famous for her evocative paintings depicting American rural life, after taking up painting in her seventies.Central Coast Council Group Leader Customer and Community Relationships Judy Jaeger, said the essence of the competition is that it’s never too late to learn new skills.“The fact that this competition has been running for more than three decades is a testament to its popularity, both for artists and viewers,” said Ms.

Live streaming of fuller Council meetings on the agenda   In a move to improve efficiency, transparency and public engagement, council resolved to undertake a six month trial of live webcasting of its meetings.At the first meeting of the new council on 25 May, the Administrator called for a report on the potential to webcast meetings to provide the community with an additional and convenient means of seeing the decision-making processes of council first-hand.  That report was presented to council tonight.The trial will include the installation of fixed cameras in both the Gosford and Wyong Civic Centres, with images and audio live streamed via the internet.Council will continue to alternate meetings between Gosford and Wyong Civic Centres.A further public exhibition will get underway shortly to gauge community views on webcasting and also a proposal to hold monthly instead of fortnightly meetings.Councils are required to hold at least ten meetings a year.

Central Coast Council is recognising the community members who shared their stories as part of a year-long campaign that highlighted the Coast as a great place to live, work and play.Tagged Wyong Alive, the campaign was run as part of the 2015-16 Year of the Community and has been collated into a book to showcase the vibrant and diverse characters in our community.Council’s Community Partnerships and Planning Manager, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the past 12 months has showcased everyday people doing what they love best on the Coast.“Through Wyong Alive, we brought to life the stories of everyday people and have captured the overall journey in a book,” Julie said.“The book, Wyong Alive – The Story so Far, gives a special insight into our unique community and highlights the vast array of activities, places, traditions and personalities that make up our community.“Each month community members appeared in a number of different features such as history, sport, volunteers, entrepreneurs, creative arts, positive ageing, future leaders, Indigenous and more all shared through the Wyong Alive website, various mainstream and social media.“The book celebrates the stories of our community and everyone who told their story will receive a copy of the book to share with their family and friends.“We will be expanding the concept this year with Coast Alive giving monthly snapshots of the lives of people in our wider Central Coast community.“Wyong Alive has proved to be a successful campaign and has been recognised as a great way to build pride within a local community.”See the story so far by visiting www.wyongalive.com.au 

Long Jetty foreshore has been restored to its former glory as a popular swimming and boating paradise with a new sandy area open for community enjoyment.Central Coast Council recently completed the stormwater consolidation and foreshore enhancement works with $360,500 in funding from the Federal Government’s National Landcare Programme.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the project was another key step in improving our community’s quality of life.“Council has a responsibility to not only provide key services to the community but to provide places the community can get together and enjoy their local environment,” Mr Reynolds said.“The project not only provides benefits to our lakes through foreshore improvements and stormwater works, but some unique recreational opportunities as well.“Wooden lounge chairs and picnic benches were installed to complement the foreshore next to the iconic Long Jetty and are already proving popular with the locals and visitors alike.“It’s great to see so many people taking advantage of these community facilities.”Council’s Manager Waterways and Asset Management, Peter Ham said aside from the recreational opportunities, important physical works were completed.“The physical works on site included re-profiling a 60 metre section of foreshore, sand nourishment and construction of a sandstone rock wall which will result in a more natural shoreline profile and provide protection from future erosion,” Mr Ham said.“Also included in the works were infrastructure improvements which allow stormwater to be better collected and diverted away from the newly enhanced foreshore site - this will result in improved water quality along the lake foreshore.“Continuing with the unique nature of this project, our staff have also captured the development of the foreshore area with a time-lapse camera.“So if you have ever wondered what it takes to actually create a new space such as this one, visit our Facebook page or YouTube channel and check it out.”Council is reminding residents the Long Jetty is currently closed for maintenance until Friday 29 July (weather dependent) and requests the community enjoy the jetty from a safe distance until it is reopened.#loveourlivinglakes

Central Coast Council is continuing to deliver new facilities for the Central Coast, as well as improving existing ones to improve the quality of life for our community and visitors.Expanding Little Free LibrariesOur library service is continuing to inspire a love of learning and reading in the community with the installation of two all-weather Little Free Libraries on the shores of Tuggerah Lakes.The newly installed boxes at Saltwater Creek Reserve, Long Jetty and Canton Beach add to our growing list of these free, accessible libraries across the Coast.These libraries are set up so anyone can stop and pick up a book to read or drop in a book or two for the community to share.Little Free Libraries are available at the following locations:Farm Gate Café, North WyongKibble Park, GosfordYesterYear Hair Salon, TuggerawongGosford Smart Work HubGosford Hospital Emergency DepartmentPeruch Avocado Farm – Wisemans Ferry Road, SomersbyBurns Park, GosfordMingaletta, Umina Beach Community HallPeninsula Recreation PrecinctKariong and Kincumber Youth centresWyoming Community CentreRotary Park, Terrigal (anticipated to be available August 2016).We’re always looking for more interest from organisations or businesses who would like to host their own book exchange.

Central Coast Council concerns about the effect on the drinking water catchment, environment and residential areas will be central to its review of modified plans for the Wallarah 2 Coal Project released to the public last Friday.Wallarah 2 have modified the plans related to the rail loop, rail spur line and train load out facility.

Central Coast Council Administrator Ian Reynolds and CEO Rob Noble have the answers to your queries about our new organisation, and are keen to speak with you.

Peninsula residents are being encouraged to get on their bikes, with the completion of three new sections of pedestrian and cyclist shared paths in the area, adding to the almost 160 kilometres of shared off-road path currently in operation across the Central Coast.The three new shared paths add half a kilometre to the existing network and are located along parts of Memorial Avenue, Barrenjoey Road and Uligandi Street in Ettalong and Blackwall.Central Coast Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business Mike Dowling said the creation of connective transport corridors is one of the key priorities on The Peninsula.“Council is dedicated to improving the cycleway network on The Peninsula to encourage greater connectivity and improve accessibility within the local community,” said Mr Dowling.“The establishment of an integrated cycle network in this area offers alternate transport options and improves recreational facilities and social engagement opportunities for both visitors and residents."Council recognises the many benefits of cycling and supports initiatives that encourage more people to cycle across the Central Coast.“Our integrated network forms the basis of Council’s objective to encourage cycling as a convenient, sustainable and healthy mode of transport, as well as an ideal way to experience and enjoy our magnificent region,” Mr Dowling added.At this stage, more than 90 kilometres of further off-road shared path is proposed for the region.

The Central Coast has long been recognised as a region of extraordinary artistic talent, with our lifestyle and natural beauty attracting and inspiring art, design and creative practitioners and professionals.This weekend, Gosford Regional Gallery opens three new exhibitions by local artists, further strengthening our region’s reputation as a centre for artistic excellence.Australian artist Jocelyn Maughan was encouraged to draw from an early age, and at fifteen, much to the annoyance of her headmistress, left school to begin five years study at the National Art School.

Plenty of nature play opportunities and grassed areas along with modern play equipment and sculptures are now ready for local families to enjoy at the brand new, $370,000 Narara Valley Precinct Park.The new park and playground on Willari Avenue in Narara will be opened by Central Coast Council next Thursday afternoon 28 July 2016 with a community get together and barbecue between 3.30pm and 5pm.Council’s Group Leader of Customer and Community Relationships Judy Jaeger said it was pleasing to see that the Narara Valley community now has access to the precinct park it deserves.“With the new Narara Valley Precinct Park funded from the sale of the area’s old community hall, this is a great example of how Council is reinvesting funds back into vital community services and facilities, “ Ms Jaeger said.“The spacious, multi-use playground is located in a large reserve with plenty of open space for recreational and group activities.“We’re very proud of the playground’s strong focus on nature play and the highly vegetated environment the park provides for children to explore.”Narara Valley Precinct Park offers great accessibility for a broad range of ages and capabilities, as well as fantastic complementary facilities including public amenities, barbecues and picnic furniture.“This new park and playground truly has been a collaborative community effort, with over 200 local residents leaving their mark on the facility either via hand printing in the pathways or tree planting,” Ms Jaeger added.“We’d like to see as many people from the Narara Valley area down at the community get together next week to celebrate this wonderful piece of community infrastructure.”

Central Coast Council Libraries are continuing to inspire a love of learning and reading in the community with the installation of two all-weather Little Free Libraries on the shores of Tuggerah Lakes.There are now 15 of these free, accessible libraries across the Coast as a result of the overwhelming positive community response to their use.Council’s Section Manager Library Services, Ms Andrea Edwards, said this was just one of the many ways libraries are delivering free and affordable resources to the community, beyond the doors of their branches."The newly installed Little Free Libraries are located at Saltwater Creek Reserve, Long Jetty and Canton Beach.

Central Coast Stadium will be hosting six American football games later this year as part of the newly-formed National Gridiron League.The National Gridiron League consists of four teams in Queensland and four teams in New South Wales – including the Central Coast Cyclones.In its inaugural season, the League will feature top American football athletes from North America, Australia and around the world.Tickets are now on sale for the first ever American football games to be played at Central Coast Stadium, which are:Sunday 30 October 2016 – Sydney Express v Newcastle Miners (1pm) and Central Coast Cyclones v Wollongong Devils (6pm)Sunday 4 December 2016 – Sydney Express v Brisbane Outlaws (1pm) and Newcastle Miners v Logan Wolverines (6pm)Sunday 11 December 2016 – Wollongong Devils v Gold Coast Kings (1pm) and Central Coast Cyclones v North Coast Heat (6pm)Residents and visitors can experience the excitement of two professional American football games – as well as a live concert between games – on a single ticket.Tickets available through Ticketek.

Central Coast community groups and other local, eligible organisations can now apply for grants worth up to $50,000 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.As part of the $10 million provided to the newly formed Central Coast Council under the Stronger Communities Fund, $1 million has been earmarked for local community group grants over the next three years.Eligible groups and organisations can apply for the first round of grants from today until Friday 26 August 2016.View the Funding Guidelines, Application Forms and Eligibility Details.Administrator Ian Reynolds said the substantial grant program is a great chance for the new Council to work directly and collaboratively with the Central Coast community.“This funding will play a vital role in helping local groups deliver much needed community-oriented projects and initiatives that enhance Central Coast residents’ lives,” Mr Reynolds said.“We value the major contribution made by the many sporting, cultural, environment and other groups to ensure our community is a vibrant, socially inclusive and modern place for residents and visitors.“I’m looking forward to seeing as many community development projects as possible come to fruition, whether it be buying new equipment or giving a facility a facelift.”“Successful applications will deliver social, cultural, economic or environmental benefits for our community,” Mr Reynolds added.“Applicants must have a clear project objective, demonstrate a capacity to manage funds and deliver the project, and show the benefit their project will have for the community.“A Stronger Communities Fund Assessment Panel will be set up to assess and recommend projects for funding.”Council is also holding a series of presentations and drop-in sessions to provide community groups with more information about the funding program and how to apply.Information PresentationsWyong Council Chambers – 20 July 2016 (5pm-7pm)Smart Work Hub Gosford – 22 July 2016 (1.30pm-3.30pm)Drop-In Information SessionsBlue Haven Community Centre – 26 July 2016 (2pm-4pm)The Entrance Community Centre – 28 July 2016 (10am-12pm)Umina Surf Lifesaving Club – 28 July 2016 (1.30pm-3.30pm)Erina Centre (adjacent to Erina Library) – 4 August 2016 (5.30pm-7.30pm) 

Residents are advised that the poppy sculpture in Rotary Park, Gosford, has been moved so that inspections can be undertaken.This week, sculptor Margrete Erling has been overseeing the removal of the artwork, so that council and the artist can check on its condition.As the sculpture was created and installed to mark the World War 1 centenary, it was never intended to be exposed to the elements for the longer term.Unfortunately, the piece has started to show signs of deterioration.Council will be working with the artist to determine how it can hopefully be restored for future use, but in the meantime, please be assured that it has been stored safely. 

Environment protection guarantee for Warnervale developmentCouncil has engaged Eco Logical Australia (ELA) to prepare biodiversity certification and offset strategy to ensure current greenfield sites, south of Sparks Road, Warnervale are developed sustainably.The strategy will identify areas of high value vegetation and habitat for permanent protection and the areas that will deliver the best employment generating development.An appropriate development footprint will be established for land around the Warnervale Airport and Education Business Precinct so potential developers and landowners know up front where development will be allowed.As council itself is a major land holder in the area, it will be able to ensure that significant environmental offset land is secure, protected and managed effectively.The proposal will require the approval of the NSW Minister for the Environment who will need to be satisfied the conservation measures result in an overall improvement in biodiversity values.Administrator Reynolds said:

Today the 2016 Garden Competition officially opens with local green thumbs making final preparations.This year signifies the end of an era for the three decade strong event;

Central Coast Council’s northern most residents are set to benefit from a $300,000 investment in new multi-purpose courts at Tunkuwallin Oval.The need for the new courts was identified in the Tunkuwallin draft Masterplan and will cater for basketball, netball and handball as well as an overflow carpark.Administrator Ian Reynolds who will officially open the court next week said the courts were the first of many new sporting facilities and other infrastructure planned to meet the needs of the Coast’s growing population.“Our population is expanding rapidly, particularly in the north and so too must the services and infrastructure we provide.“Recreational facilities are particularly important as we want our community to be strong, happy and healthy and these enhanced facilities will deliver that.“These new courts have been championed by all local sporting clubs, particularly the Summerland Point/Gwandalan Netball Club, who need these facilities to cater for their expanding membership base.“This is a great example of Council and interested local groups working together to deliver the facilities our community need, want and value.“I am looking forward to more of that to come in this new Central Coast Council.”Other sporting and recreational facilities to be finished soon include a new BMX track at San Remo, the regional skate place at Bateau Bay and the first stage of the Magenta Shared Pathway.