The 2022-23 beach season will commence early this year, with the red and yellow flags to be placed in the sand on Thursday 22 September at many Central Coast Beaches. From Thursday, 10 of the 15 Central Coast beaches will be patrolled including Grant McBride Baths, ensuring the safety of those community members who intend to visit our scenic coastlines during the recently declared National Day of Mourning to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Central Coast Council offices will be closed on the National Day of Mourning public holiday on 22 September 2022.Some of Council’s services and facilities are impacted however essential services will continue to operate. CUSTOMER SERVICE - partial closureCouncil’s Customer Service Centre at Wyong and Gosford will be closed on Thursday 22 September.Customers can contact Council with non-emergency enquiries, requests, reporting issues or formal feedback through our online Customer Service Centre 24/7 at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au which will be progressed by our Customer Service Team during business hours.We have an out of hours service available on 1300 463 954 to call in any urgent reports such as water main breaks, sewer issues or fallen trees over roads.50+ LEISURE AND LEARNING, SENIOR CENTRES - closedClosed on Thursday 22 September and re-open as normal from Friday 23 September.BEACHES - varied patrols (conditions dependant)The following beaches will be patrolled on Thursday 22 September, from 9am to 5pm:Umina BeachOcean BeachMacmasters BeachAvoca BeachTerrigal BeachShelly BeachToowoon BayThe Entrance BeachEntrance Tower ChannelSoldiers BeachGrant McBride BathsNote:

Like many, I am saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who served her nation and the Commonwealth with complete dedication for more than 70 years.

Nominations for the Australia Day Awards 2023 are now open, providing an opportunity for locals to recognise individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the region.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the 2023 awards will help honour the local leaders that have helped make the Coast a better place to live, work and play.“Each year, we’re thrilled to see the community come together to honour the outstanding achievements and contributions of local individuals and groups who go the extra mile for our community.” Ms Smith said.“Nominating someone for an Australian Day Award is a wonderful opportunity for our region to appreciate those who have helped others this year.

Central Coast Council is continuing its work to fix potholes and other road defects after a combination of three major flood events and higher-than-average rainfall patterns over the past eight months which resulted in unprecedented damage to the local road network.Since 1 March 2022, 73,000 potholes have been patched across the Coast’s 2000km road network.Council Director of Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff, said while Council has short, medium, and long-term strategies to manage and prevent potholes impacting the roads, the on-going wet weather has resulted in the need to adapt work plans.“Pothole patching is continuing across numerous suburbs which may also receive medium and long-term solutions such as heavy patching in the near future.“It is a priority for us to keep the roads open to traffic.

Council is taking part in mental health awareness campaign, R U OK?

Council is encouraging the Central Coast community to ask their friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours “Are you ok?” ahead of R U OK?

Road rehabilitation works have commenced on Wisemans Ferry Road which is expected to impact residents and motorists for approximately six weeks.Ongoing severe weather events in February, March and July of this year have impacted several sites along Wisemans Ferry Road, causing dangerous road conditions such as embankment failures, minor landslips and significant pavement damage.

Council has completed the Tuggerah Lakes Entrance Management Study which included the development of the Interim Entrance Management Procedure, to assist in reducing flood risk and impacts to the community. The interim procedure is intended to guide Council’s channel management until the Entrance Management Strategy is completed, as part of the Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program.

Central Coast Council’s 2022 household Chemical CleanOut campaign was a huge success with over 6,000 resident vehicles attending disposal locations and 260 tonnes of hazardous waste being collected!Run over four weekends in 2022, the program is aimed at encouraging residents to clear out unwanted and out-of-date hazardous items from homes, garages, and sheds to be correctly disposed for free at nominated Chemical CleanOut locations.Central Coast Council’s Unit Manager Waste and Resource Recovery Andrew Pearce, said the community should be congratulated for taking up the opportunity to dispose of hazardous materials safely, while also allowing for the recovery of reusable materials.“Incorrect disposal of chemicals, such as dumping, placing in the bin or pouring down drains, are offences that attract fines and penalties, but more importantly, they can also cause serious environmental effects by contaminating our waterways and landfill sites.“The Chemical CleanOut campaign is just one of the many resource recovery initiatives offered to residents by Council, beyond their household waste and recycling collection services.”Mr Pearce added that paint was the most common item dropped of at the events, with other items including motor oils and garden chemicals.This year’s Chemical CleanOut disposal sites were at Long Jetty Depot, Mt Penang Event Park, Charmhaven Depot and the former Kincumber Landfill.“The Kincumber site was a new site this year and proved extremely convenient for residents in that area.”Council Administrator Rik Hart, said once again he was impressed by the ongoing commitment from the community to responsibly dispose of problem wastes.“In previous years, CleanOut events across the region have attracted consistent, record-breaking numbers – and 2022 was no different.

Central Coast Council is giving the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog a helping hand by collecting and relocating tadpoles from the Bareena wetland to ponds at North Avoca, which were constructed by Council to provide additional habitat for the threatened species.

Over the last month I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting various community groups around the Central Coast to hear about the issues that matter to them. Community members and I have discussed a range of topics – from Council finances, to potholes and general service delivery – and I have appreciated hearing the passionate and informed perspectives of Central Coast locals.In early August I attended the Wyong Neighbourhood Centre’s Tuesday Discussion Group, where I was asked about Council’s financial position, libraries and how road works are managed and prioritised, among other topics.

Council has received over 3,200 submissions to its Draft Dogs in Open Space Action Plan, with community consultation now closed.Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said Council would like to thank all community members who shared their valuable feedback.“Council reviewed a strong community response to the Draft Plan and we now have a lot of feedback to analyse and consider,” Ms Howe said.“This is not the last conversation that Council will have with our passionate community on this topic.

Central Coast residents can now stay up to date on more than 350 key infrastructure projects thanks to a new interactive map.Administrator Rik Hart said the new online tool highlights the infrastructure projects from the $176 million capital projects underway across the Central Coast."Council is investing $176 million in more than 350 community, roads and other urban infrastructure, water and sewer, waste, environmental and sport and recreation projects and this map includes the details, dates, progress and costs of each project, updated monthly,” Mr Hart said."This initiative makes it easy for anyone to find works within their street or suburb and is another important way Council is being transparent and open about linking the delivery program with clear information for the community.”Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the map also facilitates a view of projects being undertaken by the NSW Government in the Central Coast Local Government Area.“While the map shows the capital works projects, hundreds more smaller jobs and routine maintenance tasks continue to be delivered every day by Council staff.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the opportunity to join with other stakeholders in discussing flood mitigation and preparedness, at the meeting convened on 23 August at Wyong.  The meeting provided for a productive dialogue between the SES, as the combat agency responsible for flood events, NSW Police, Council, and the Central Coast’s state MPs so that we can improve our joint approach to flood preparedness.Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Dr Alice Howe, said the meeting was also an opportunity to clarify future actions Council is already, or will be, undertaking.“Central Coast Council has received funding from the NSW Government to review and update the 2014 Tuggerah Lakes Flood Study (which will inform an updated Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan).  This project is now underway and will allow for an updated understanding of flood risk and behaviour within the Tuggerah Lakes floodplain in order to better identify and mitigate flood risk.  The updated study will be able to take into account intensified development within the catchment since the last study.

Approximately one month ago, at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 26 July 2022, I asked the community members in attendance whether they would like the opportunity to join myself, Council’s CEO, and members of Council’s senior staff to have a discussion after the Council meeting concluded.

Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Gosford Art Prize, with $28,000 in prize money awarded to artists from across the Central Coast and beyond.This year 133 finalist artworks were selected for exhibition by a panel who aimed to include a variety of styles, content and techniques.

Get ready to once again enjoy American classic cars, vintage glamour and the sound of rock ‘n’ roll as the Central Coast Council’s annual ChromeFest returns in-person to The Entrance, October 21 to 23!After two years of being online due to the pandemic, excitement is building from car enthusiasts across Australia, local businesses and the community in general as the three-day tribute to hot-rods and everything 1950s and 60s event takes shape.Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said festival attendees can once again bask in the beauty of hundreds of show cars on display.“When you combine classic chrome with rock ‘n’ roll, vintage glamour and the beauty of The Entrance, you have quite a weekend on your hands,” Mr Cannard said.“Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, you won’t be able to resist lining the streets to watch the classic cars cruise through The Entrance.Mr Cannard said registrations are now open for eligible cars to be part of the spectacular, and encourages bookings for accommodation for participating car owners, general car enthusiasts and visitors to the Central Coast, to be made early.“In the past the ChromeFest weekend has attracted over 50,000 visitors, so planning ahead is important.“We invite locals and visitors to partake in a fun weekend that offers something for everyone – Show N’ Shine, vintage glamour fashion parade, retro market stalls, three outdoor stages with live entertainment, The Entrance Hotel Hub, roving entertainment, live caricature drawings, a walk down memory lane, paint and chrome workshops, the new speciality car zone plus more!Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said ChromeFest has become one of the Central Coast’s most successful events.“Not only does ChromeFest inject a great deal of money into our local economy –over $14 million in 2019 – it reintroduces tourists to The Entrance and surrounds, which has so much to offer!“ChromeFest has always been a huge and very successful event, and given that due to the pandemic, car enthusiasts have had to cool their heels by attending ‘on-line’ for the last two years – we expect this year’s ‘in-person’ event to bigger than ever.”ChromeFest 2022 highlights include:iconic car displaysretro market stallsthree outdoor stages boasting undercover dancefloors and live entertainmentvintage glamour fashion paradeNSW Pin Up Pageant Grand finalKittens & Chrome one on one hair and make upPaint N Chromesoaking up the atmosphere of this nostalgic event at outstanding cafes, restaurants and bars throughout The Entrance.ChromeFest is a free three-day event – Friday 21 October to Sunday 23 October – held at The Entrance and presented by Central Coast Council, with support from a range of sponsors.Road closures will be in place during the event.

The Central Coast’s reputation as a gourmet foodie destination continues to grow with the Central Coast named ‘Outstanding Region’ in this year's delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards. The Award announced on 18 August, is the latest in a string of achievements by Central Coast Council and the Destination Central Coast team that are elevating the region nationally and globally as a world-class destination to live, work and play. Spokesperson for Destination Central Coast and Council Director, Melanie Smith said it was thrilling that the work the team has been doing to support and grow the visitor economy is being recognised at such high levels, particularly in the food, wine and gourmet experiences sector. “In a relatively short period of time since bringing the function of tourism marketing and management in-house in July 2020, Council has developed a powerful Destination Central Coast brand that has united our industry, elevated our tourism offering and is turning heads. “This latest accolade puts the spotlight on our brilliant producers, restaurateurs and our foodie industry, which the team have been focusing on growing and developing. “From research we knew that food and gourmet experiences was the second biggest reason for travel and yet the traveller perception for the Central Coast was that our food and wine offerings were ‘stuck in the 70s’ with 0 percent of survey respondents believing they could have a quality food experience in region. “We knew this wasn’t a true reflection of the Central Coast industry, considering we had several Hatted restaurants and many casual dining options that wouldn’t be out of place in Surry Hills.

To raise awareness about the experiences of people with invisible disabilities, Council has joined the ‘Think Outside the Chair’ movement;