Former Councillors given opportunity to play a key advisory role in Central Coast Council Expressions of Interest (EOI) will be sought from former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councillors to become members of a Local Representation Committee.The establishment of the Committee is strongly recommended by the NSW State Government as a vehicle to provide advice to the Administrator on local views and issues.  The NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet has issued Model Terms of Reference for the Committee which (amongst other things) provide that these committees should primarily be comprised of former Councillors who have demonstrated a commitment to the success of the new amalgamated Councils.   These terms of reference were adopted tonight.The Local Representation Committee will not exercise any decision making function of the Central Coast Council nor will its recommendations bind council – it will be there to provide important local advice only.The outcome of the EOI process and membership of the Local Representation Committee will be reported back to the Extraordinary Meeting of Council to be held on Wednesday June 29.Administrator Ian Reynolds said:

Central Coast Council is calling on around 3000 landowners in the region’s south to help it identify the most appropriate zoning for land that was deferred from the Gosford Local Environment Plan in 2014.Manager of Sustainable Corporate and City Planning Matthew Prendergast said the Environmental and Urban Edge Zone Review will strike the right balance between protecting important environmental areas and managing the future growth expected across the region.“Our aim is to identify land with significant environmental value that needs to be safeguarded and ensure urban growth is managed and delivered in the right areas where vital services, facilities and other infrastructure can be accessed,” Mr Prendergast said.“By confirming the most appropriate zoning for these deferred lands, we will be able to update the Local Environment Plan, fulfill the NSW Government’s planning requirements and give many landowners more certainty.“Feedback from landowners and the wider community is a key part of this review.”A dedicated site on council’s Have Your Say consultation hub has been created with plenty of detailed information and ways to get involved, as well as an interactive mapping tool for the review area.Visit www.haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.au and click on the link to the Environmental and Urban Edge Zone Review.“As part of this process we are considering the principles and recommendations that came out of the review of environmental zones on the far north coast of NSW,” Mr Prendergast added.“Plus, the community can be assured that council’s vast Coastal Open Space System (COSS), which currently includes over 2,500 hectares of land across the former Gosford City, is protected and is not being reviewed as part of this process.“We are working with the NSW Government, in particular the NSW Minister for Planning, to get the best outcome for the community and council when it comes to safeguarding COSS land.”

Residents in Avoca, Copacabana and MacMasters Beach are being urged to minimise their water use due to emergency works on the local drinking water supply network.Central Coast Council crews are working hard to repair a large submerged water main that crosses Avoca Lake.The water main – which supplies drinking water to the Avoca, Copacabana and MacMasters Beach reservoirs – broke earlier today.At this stage, crews are expected to be on-site over the next two days to fix the damaged main.Council is urging residents to conserve water to make sure the current storage levels in these reservoirs can continue to supply these areas if repairs take longer than expected.Avoca Lake will be opened to lower its water level and then closed again so the repair works can be undertaken.Council apologises for any inconvenience and thanks the community for their patience during this period.

Central Coast Council’s first draft Operation Plan 2016-17, which outlines their annual spend, including the management of over $11 billion worth of assets, is now on public exhibition.The comprehensive plan combines the former local government area plans of Gosford City and Wyong Shire to set out the actions and projects a Central Coast Council will deliver to the community.Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said the Plan details a commitment to continuing the services and service levels of the former councils for 2016-17.“This draft plan outlines how we will deliver more than $540 million on essential services and $183 million on a quality infrastructure,” Mr Noble said.“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.“We will also ensure attention remains on maintaining our unique environment, enhancing community facilities as well as developing our open space and recreation assets.”Key projects identified include the replacement of three existing amenities buildings, construction of a new multi-purpose building and upgrade of sporting fields and car park at Adcock Park, as well as new facilities to be built at Halekulani and Tuggerah alongside planned upgrades at Cambourn Drive Playground Lisarow, Swadling Park Toowoon Bay and McEvoy Oval Umina.“Everything we are doing is designed to improve the quality of life for our residents, while helping to create jobs and opportunities for our growing community,” Mr Noble said.“I would encourage anyone interested in the future of the Central Coast to take a look at the plan and have their say.”The draft plan can be viewed at both Council Civic Centres, all library branches excluding Mooney Mooney or online at http://haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.auSubmissions can be made online at http://haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.au, via email to ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or post to PO Box 20 Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21 Gosford NSW 2250.All submissions must be received in writing by 9am, Monday 27 June 2016.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the announcement of disaster assistance to residents affected by the recent storms that swept through the region.This will provide relief to a number of residents, particularly those who experienced coastal erosion damage at Terrigal, Avoca and Wamberal.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the relief funds were very good news to the hundreds of residents affected by the recent storms and to council.“Council and the community are still counting the cost of these devastating storms and so this is very welcome news indeed,” Mr Reynolds said.“This time it was those living or owning businesses close to our iconic beaches that sustained the most damage and my heart really does go out to them.“Our local road network also sustained major damage and now we will be able to apply for funding for repair work instead of it coming out of our own coffers – so I am particularly pleased about that.“It is great to see our State and Federal counterparts acknowledging the significant impact on communities of this natural disaster and also great to see their willingness to lend a helping hand.”Residents affected by the recent storms should contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 678 593 or visit www.emergency.nsw.gov.au Information about emergency readiness and storm preparation can be found at  www.wyong.nsw.gov.au/emergency and www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/community/community-safety/emergency-services.

One of the Central Coast’s most popular sporting and recreational facilities, Niagara Park Stadium, is set to host several major sporting events this month.Kicking off the premier sporting schedule is the Football NSW Futsal Schools Championships starting today until 10 June.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the decision by striking garbage truck drivers to return to work today.The drivers are already back on the job and have started with bin collections from last Thursday (when the strike began) and will work to catch up what has been missed since then.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the end of industrial action would come as a relief to residents“I am pleased for residents this strike is finally over and they now have surety their bin will be picked up,” Mr Reynolds said.“Council’s role here has always been to ensure we have a reliable and efficient waste and recycling service for our 331,000 residents and that will not change.“My door is always open to those willing to deliver that for our community.”Residents should leave their bin out on the kerb until it is collected by Remondis drivers.Council has opened its waste management facilities at Buttonderry, Woy and Woy and Kincumber for residents wishing to dispose of their red lid bin waste sooner for free until the end of the week (Friday).

Central Coast Council is busy cleaning up after the weekend storms when almost 200 mm of rain fell in just over 24 hours.The rain has given a significant boost to dam levels with more than five weeks supply of water captured for the Central Coast.A number of local roads were closed due to flooding and repairs will need to be made throughout the network, particularly to fix potholes.Council’s Team Leader of Beach Lifeguards Craig Healy said Terrigal Beach, Avoca Beach, Ettalong Beach and Patonga Beach were the areas most affected in south of the Central Coast.“The wild weather washed plenty of sand and other debris into nearby car parks, public reserves and other areas along the coastline,” Mr Healy said.“Local surf clubs, footpaths, seawalls and access ramps in the vicinity of a number of beaches were also damaged.“At this stage, we expect the clean-up in the south will last all week.Council’s Manager of Waterways and Assets, Mr Peter Ham, said council was bracing for more to come with a minor flood warning now issued for Tuggerah Lakes.“The rain may have stopped but it will take a few days for the lakes to reach their peaks,” Mr Ham said.“Residents are used to this and are being helped by the SES with sandbags to minimise damage to their homes.’Residents in low lying areas of Berkeley Vale, Chittaway Point, South Tacoma Road, Tacoma South and The Entrance North are urged to get sand bags from the Wyong SES in preparation.Damage in the north of the council area was limited to minor road damage, erosion at beach accesses, some minor flooding issues and a couple of assets exposed to wave action such as the walkway at Cabbage Tree Harbour and the sandstone wall near The Entrance baths.

Central Coast Council is urging the community to avoid swimming and other recreational activities in public waterways until further notice following wild weather over the weekend.Along with major stormwater pollution, there were a number of sewage overflows into waterways in a number of areas due to the significant rainfall.Although council’s sewerage network is now operating as normal, public waterways including local beaches, lagoons and parts of Brisbane Water are still potentially affected.Council is working with all relevant authorities including the NSW Environment Protection Authority and Public Health Unit.The community can be assured that the drinking water supply has not been affected by these sewage overflows.

Central Coast Council is considering invoking penalty clauses in its contract with local waste contractor, Remondis if the strike by garbage truck drivers continues.Remondis is contracted by council to provide waste services, including regular bin collection, until January 31, 2018.Remondis directly employ the current garbage drivers and are responsible for their wages and conditions.  The Transport Workers Union (TWU) lodged the intention to take strike action in the Fair Work Commission, against Remondis, not council.Council’s CEO Mr Rob Noble said he was tired of the blame game and wants Remondis to get on with what it is paid to do and pick up the bins.“This protracted action is starting to take its toll on everyone – particularly our residents who see rubbish piling up in the streets.“We have a broader responsibility to provide the best possible services to our 331,000 residents.“The new waste tender hasn’t even been released yet so there is plenty of time for workers to secure their conditions.“In the meantime our residents are being made to pay for this ill-advised action.“They need to get to work and pick up the bins - that is what they are paid to do.”Council has moved to lessen the impact on residents by opening up its three waste facilities at Buttonderry, Kincumber and Woy Woy for the free drop off of domestic waste.“We know this won’t be convenient for everyone but it is a step we can take now at our expense until the backlog is cleared.”Residents should leave their bin out on the kerb until it is collected by Remondis.

Very low usage and the availability of other, free parking in Gosford’s city centre will see the former Kibbleplex site’s commuter car park close on weekends starting this month.From Saturday 11 June 2016, the operating hours for the site’s 400 free commuter car parks will change to Monday to Friday between 5.30am and 9pm each weekday.Central Coast Council’s Director of Community Growth Judy Jaeger said that except for major city centre events the commuter car park was virtually empty on weekends.“Council worked hard as part of the site’s sale earlier this year to make sure it would be business as usual at the car park for the foreseeable future,” Ms Jaeger said.“But with weekend usage at the car park very low and plenty of other free parking available in the city centre, especially at the nearby Imperial Centre, the cost to the community of keeping the car park open seven days a week is no longer sustainable.“We also expect that closing the car park on Saturdays and Sundays will reduce some of the security issues at the site.“I would like to apologise for any inconvenience and thank the community for their understanding,” Ms Jaeger said.Council will continue to liaise with the site’s new owner to have the car park opened at certain times on those weekends when a major event is being held.“I can also assure the community that we’re continuing to develop a long-term car parking strategy for Gosford’s CBD,” Ms Jaeger added.“This strategy will look at a number of options including possible changes to council’s current Baker Street car park, potential sites for new car parks, as well as lobbying the NSW Government to provide more parking to support all its facilities and services in Gosford.”

Central Coast Council will start work on Monday to upgrade the carparks at a popular reserve at Long Jetty.Saltwater Creek Reserve boasts a regional play space with an all access swing, mini BMX track, barbecues and picnic facilities, open reserve, free Wi-Fi and a boat ramp to access Tuggerah Lakes.Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Operations, Mr Greg McDonald, said the upgrade will complement the popular reserve.“Both carparks desperately need an upgrade and we promise you will notice an improvement to the surface and have more parking as a result,” Mr McDonald said.“In order to carry out these works though, we need to close both carparks temporarily.“We know this closure will be inconvenient to users, but it’s the best option to carry out the works in a safe and timely manner.”Weather permitting, work is expected to be finished at the end of July and includes:A new boat and trailer car park that will provide 10 formalised spaces for boats and trailers as well as improved rigging and turning areasA new main carpark that will provide 83 formalised car spaces - providing an additional 14 spaces, more than there is nowRealignment of the shared path off road to improve safetyA new and improved boat ramp (4.5 metres wide) to access Tuggerah Lakes.During the works, boat ramps users can still launch their vessel from the nearby ramp at Picnic Point, The Entrance.“The park, play space and BMX track will be open – residents will just need to find parking nearby to the park,” Mr McDonald added.Parking is available across the Central Coast Highway at the Lions Park (aka Rocket Park) as well as along Tuggerah Parade and the adjoining streets.

Central Coast Council’s current tender process for a new waste contract to start in February 2018 is not a reason for local garbage drivers to strike.The dispute lodged by the TWU in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) is between drivers and Remondis and does not involve council.

Central Coast Council’s Administrator has urged the Waste Contractor Remondis to go to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to resolve its dispute with local garbage drivers.The workers, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) lodged a dispute with the FWC over their working conditions with Remondis and called a strike from 2am this morning.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said council has been unfairly dragged into the dispute because of the tender process it is undertaking for a new waste contract in 2018.  This has nothing to do with the current dispute between workers and Remondis.“I have listened to both parties now and understand their concerns.  I want a quick resolution so the community can have confidence that their bins will be picked up when they put them out.”“The ball is in Remondis’ court now.“Council certainly respects the rights and entitlements of the Remondis drivers but we also have a broader commitment to deliver services to 331,000 residents on the Central Coast.“And they want their waste picked up today.”Residents affected by the strike are advised to leave their bin out and it will be picked up.  All enquiries regarding bin collection should be referred to Remondis on 1300 126 278.

Central Coast Council’s Administrator and CEO held an emergency meeting today with representatives of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) ahead of the planned industrial action by local garbage workers tomorrow.The workers are employed by Remondis which has the contract to supply garbage services to the Central Coast until January 2018.The TWU raised concerns regarding a termination clause in their enterprise agreement with Remondis Australia and wanted assurance their pay and conditions would be protected in any future garbage service collection contract.The Administrator sought a meeting with Remondis management as soon as the meeting was over and one will now take place first thing tomorrow morning.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the meeting with the TWU was amicable and it was unfortunate it had got to the stage where industrial action was being contemplated.“I was pleased to be able to meet with the TWU representatives and hear their concerns first hand and I look forward to meeting with Remondis tomorrow,” Mr Reynolds said.“Our role is to ensure that Council and the community receive the best value for money and the possible waste service from any new contract arrangements.”“My door is always open to those willing to help Council deliver that for our community.”If the strike goes ahead it will affect residents on the Central Coast whose bins are normally picked up on a Thursday morning and there is talk the strike might extend to Friday as well.Residents wanting to know what to do about their bins should check Remondis’ website at www.1coast.com.au  or call them on 1300 126 278.

Central Coast Council has welcomed last week’s announcement by Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher and Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks to commit over $2.7 million toward vital road upgrades on The Peninsula, following an election victory.The $2.7 million investment would be shared among traditional trouble-spots including:$1.1 million for Murray Street in Booker Bay$900,000 for Davis Street in Booker Bay$750,000 for Ryans Road in Umina BeachCentral Coast Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds said that making roads on The Peninsula safer and more accessible would be a real win for the local community.“Council is continually advocating for improvements to road safety across the Central Coast, and this funding would be a real boost to improve the safety and accessibility of traditional trouble spots within our regional network,” Mr Reynolds said.“Residents on The Peninsula will be particularly pleased with local road improvements, as road safety and adequate pedestrian access are key priorities that will only enhance the surrounding business and residential community.“We are happy to see all levels of government addressing the backlog of road upgrades on The Peninsula as a key priority, and council looks forward to further announcements focused on improving Central Coast roads.”Next financial year council will spend over $100 million on local road upgrades. To find out what is planned go to www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

One lane of Showground Road in Gosford – at its intersection with Racecourse Road – will be temporarily closed for northbound traffic on Saturday 28 May 2016 from 7am to 6pm while important tree removal works are undertaken.Unfortunately, no access to Showground Road from Racecourse Road will be available during this time.The tree removal works are required to allow the construction of a safe, all-weather concrete footpath that will cater for the large number of pedestrians in this area.Southbound traffic flow on Showground Road will operate under traffic control and delays may be experienced.Warning signs are in place advising of the works and motorists will be required to detour around the work site.

Council meeting schedule adopted Council resolved to amend the Code of Meeting Practice to make it easier for residents from across the Central Coast to attend council meetings.Meetings will be held in the Council Chambers of the Gosford office on the second Wednesday of the month and the Wyong office on the fourth Wednesday of the month.   All meetings will be audio recorded.The Administrator has asked for a report on the potential web casting of future council meetings.Administrator Ian Reynolds said:

National Reconciliation Week provides the focus for a number of significant art exhibitions by international, regional and local artists opening at Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery this weekend.Now in its fourteenth year Reconciliation 2016 is Gosford Regional Gallery’s highly popular annual exhibition and art competition.Opening this Saturday 28 May, it provides an opportunity for local Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to showcase their work and promote reconciliation in a positive and practical way across the community.This year’s prize winners will be announced at 11am this Sunday 29 May at the Gallery’s eagerly anticipated Reconciliation Award Ceremony.The day will also include an Indigenous arts and craft market from 12noon until 3pm, with 20 stalls featuring a variety of Aboriginal artwork, craft and food as well as children’s activities, live music and a bush tucker BBQ.Also opening at the Gallery on Saturday 28 May is a significant solo exhibition, Imagining Victory, by prominent artist Richard Bell.A leading force within contemporary Australian art, Richard Bell’s work confronts issues of race relations.The Imagining Victory exhibition centres on a trilogy of highly acclaimed and provocative video works that reveal how racism can be deeply lodged and passed on to future generations.Tim Braham from Gosford Regional Gallery said the new winter exhibitions address revealing aspects of community identity and participation, as well as reflect the varied aspects of the Gallery’s changing program.“As well as attracting and exhibiting work by leading international artists such as Richard Bell, the Gallery is an important platform for community achievement and connection, demonstrated by popular annual exhibitions such as Reconciliation, which this year features around 100 works of art including painting, sculpture and photography,” Mr Braham said.“A third exhibition entitled Shorelines by Robert Bennetts also opens this Saturday 28 May, whose rich abstract paintings have been inspired by the distinctive landscape of the Central Coast, particularly our region’s dramatic geography of water, land and sky.“Our new program of exhibitions and associated events provide real opportunities for Central Coast residents and visitors to engage with thought-provoking and inspiring exhibitions.“Don’t forget to drop in this Sunday 29 May from 11am to support all participants in the Reconciliation Award Ceremony and enjoy the variety of Indigenous arts and craft market stalls and cultural activities in our Gallery foyer,” Mr Braham added.For more information about these new exhibitions, visit www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/galleries.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the announcement of $3 million funding for the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.Council has a long history of working to improve the health of the Tuggerah Lakes system.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said the funding would build on the work Council was already doing to improve the health of the catchment and reduce pollution.“This financial year alone, we will build 11 gross pollutant traps, four of which received federal funding, on the shores of Tuggerah Lake,” Mr Reynolds said.“This additional funding will allow us to build on the work already done, focus on our foreshores and put some much needed attention into the catchment areas.“We welcome the opportunity to work with all levels of government in improving the health of the Tuggerah Lakes catchment so that future generations can enjoy our amazing estuary.”