Central Coast Council is once again celebrating the NSW Seniors Festival, with numerous events being held across the region from 25 March to 3 April, to provide older residents an opportunity to participate in, contribute to and be included in, community life.The largest event for seniors in the southern hemisphere, NSW Seniors Festival is especially significant on the Coast, with many of the Coast’s population aged 60 years or older.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Festival helps to connect seniors with the range of local services, lifelong learning, and leisure activities available across the region. “With a growing ageing, but vibrant, population on the Central Coast, Council is committed to celebrating our older residents by promoting inclusion, independence and quality of life for all community members.“We have put together a diverse calendar of events which seniors can access and enjoy from 25 March to 3 April, including educational workshops, fitness programs and entertainment that will enrich their lives and support them to age positively as they grow older.“A highlight of the Festival is the Seniors Expo on 31 March, at Wyong Race Club, which will feature a variety of stallholders from services and community groups around the Coast that support older people to age in a healthy and positive way.”“Older residents are active in all facets of community life and add significant value and knowledge to our region as workers, volunteers, neighbours, friends, parents and grandparents,” Mr Hart said.“This is your time to shine as a senior on the Coast – have fun and celebrate your age, wisdom and experience in a fun and friendly environment!”Pick up a copy of the full program of events from your local library, 50+ Leisure & Learning Centres and Seniors Centres or view online by searching 'Seniors Festival' at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.ENDS

Council has named five new Y4Y (Youth for Youth) action team members, to represent young people on the Central Coast. The newly appointed team members range from 14 to 24 years and include young people who live, work or study on the Central Coast.

Council is working with Resilience NSW to ensure residents have access to information and support services to aid recovery following the recent severe weather event.Community members that have been impacted are encouraged to visit one of the pop-up Recovery Hubs at Spencer Community Hall, Diggers at The Entrance or the Berkeley Community Centre for help and information. SPENCER COMMUNITY HALL, 4776 Wisemans Ferry Road, Spencer Wed 16 Mar (10am – 4pm)Sat 19 Mar (10am – 4pm)\Mon 21 Mar (10am – 4pm)Tues 22 Mar (10am – 4pm) DIGGERS AT THE ENTRANCE, 315 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty Thur 17 Mar (10am - 4pm)Sun 20 Mar (10am – 2pm)Wed 23 Mar (10 - 4pm)Thur 24 Mar (10am – 4pm)BERKELEY COMMUNITY CENTRE, 3 Heather Ave, Glenning ValleyFri 18 Mar (10am - 4pm)More dates and times will be arranged according to community need and updates will be posted on Council’s website – search ‘flood recovery’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au  centralcoast.nsw.gov.auENDS

Similar to the floods of 2021, debris and mixed bulk rubbish is being washed ashore on the beaches closest to the Hawkesbury River – including Umina, Ocean Beach, Patonga and Killcare.Now there are suitable conditions, Council crews are starting the clean-up of the debris that has washed up on beaches and asks that any collected by the community is placed away from the water’s edge.Ongoing, Council does a lot to manage the quality of the waterways, providing bins in public spaces, and the installation of gross pollutant traps at a number of key locations across the coast to stop dirt and rubbish entering the water.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said these past few weeks have shown us what ends up in the gutter, ends up in our waterways.“When people litter on the roadside, it ends up in the drainage system which leads to the major waterways and can create all sorts of environmental problems for the flora and fauna that call the Coast’s local waterways home,” Mr Hart said.“While Council actively stops some rubbish entering the waterways, we need the communities help to stop rubbish flowing into our drainage systems in the first place.”Roadside litter is one of the most unnecessary and preventable environmental problems.Littering is not only damaging to our environment, but it is also a fineable offence, and everyone can play a role in reducing the impact of litter on local beaches and waterways.The NSW EPA can issue fines from $250 for an individual and $500 for a corporation for littering from a vehicle, based on reports from members of the public.Find out how you can report a tosser littering from their vehicle by visiting the NSW EPA website www.epa.nsw.gov.au.ENDS

Central Coast Council is encouraging community members to have their say on the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) draft determination on water, sewerage and stormwater drainage pricing for the Central Coast released today (15 March 2022).IPART’s draft prices would see the combined yearly bill for a typical household increase by approximately $200 on 1 July 2022 and then by around $49 per year, before inflation, until 2025-26.Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council encourages community members to provide feedback directly to IPART through their consultation process and a Public Hearing that will be held on 5 April 2022.“Council’s pricing submission to IPART was shaped by community feedback and we’re now encouraging locals to review the draft determination for our region and provide feedback directly to IPART,” Mr Loader said.“IPART will consider all community responses, which can be provided online or by attending the Public Hearing, before releasing their final determination on Central Coast water, sewerage and stormwater drainage pricing on 24 May 2022.“This pricing change is vital to ensure the maintenance and development of critical infrastructure and to meet the service levels our community expects.”Council is currently reviewing IPART’s draft determination and will provide detailed feedback as part of the consultation process.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Central Coast community should take advantage of this final opportunity to have their say on water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices for the next four years.“IPART’s draft determination on water prices is out and we’re calling on the local community to once again have their say – this time directly to IPART through their current community consultation process.“The Central Coast currently has the lowest water prices in NSW and we must return to pricing levels that will ensure we can meet the needs of our community.“Local residents will also be aware that we are going through a separate IPART process to keep ordinary rates at their current level for an additional seven years in order to maintain service levels and meet the requirements of necessary emergency loans.“It is important to note that our rates submission to IPART is not connected in any way to this draft IPART determination on our water, sewerage and stormwater drainage pricing.”Community members can have their say on the draft water, sewerage and stormwater drainage pricing determination for the Central Coast by visiting IPART’s website.ENDSKey features of the draft determinationThe combined yearly bill for a typical household would increase by around $200 on 1 July 2022.

Two Pop-up Recovery Hubs will open at Spencer and The Entrance from Monday 14 March to support affected communities.

The Central Coast is starting to recover from the impacts of the recent severe weather event which saw substantial rainfall and localised flash flooding, however parts of our region are still impacted.Safety and supporting the affected community continues to remain a priority for Council.A Recovery Committee has been established and Council is working with Resilience NSW as we move forward.While water is receding there is still major flooding continuing throughout the Hawkesbury area.

Central Coast Council congratulates the winners of the 2022 Grandma Moses Art Competition.

Registrations are now open for the Central Coast Series Skate and Scooter Competition, which returns this year with a total prize pool of over $3,000.Council will host the event in one action-packed day at Bato Yard this year, rather than several days of competition.

Central Coast Council’s multicultural event, Flavours by the Sea, will return on Saturday 26 March, bringing the tastes, sights and sounds of the world to the Central Coast.Featuring some of Terrigal’s most beloved eateries, the community is invited to celebrate the Coast’s diversity with a taste of the world’s food, music, and art along the Terrigal Foreshore from 11am to 3pm.Council Unit Manger Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said community members and visitors are invited to come together for this special event that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of our region.“Flavours by the Sea is an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures that make up our community, embracing the ‘everyone belongs’ message of Harmony Day by showcasing sensational music, art and cuisine from across the world,” Mr Cannard said.“Council is proud to offer the community the long-awaited opportunity to enjoy free live entertainment from Anna Salleh duo and Bobby Alu, as well as Brigitta Dance Project, Iwi Katoa, Tomoka Oka and Tessa Thames.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Flavours by the Sea aims to engage residents to participate in their community and build a sense of belonging for an increasingly diverse Central Coast.“This event is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise just some of the many diverse cultures that make the Central Coast such a great place to live, work and play,” Mr Hart said.Flavours by the Sea is taking place along The Esplanade, Terrigal on Saturday 26 March 2022 from 11am to 3pm.Community members planning to attend the event are encouraged to remain COVID-safe by practicing social distancing, using hand sanitiser, and are requested to stay home if they are unwell.Free parking is available for attendees at Terrigal’s Wilson street multi-story car park.A temporary road closure will be in place along the Terrigal Esplanade between Campbell Cres and Kurrawyba Ave from 5am Saturday 26 March and will reopen at approximately 5pm.For the duration of the road closures, the bus stop located along the Esplanade will be relocated to Kurrawyba Ave, between Hudson Lane and the Esplanade.The event is suitable for all ages and is an outdoor event.Proudly presented by Central Coast Council and Mounties Group.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/flavoursbytheseaENDS

Central Coast Council is responding to the severe weather event currently impacting the Central Coast, regularly communicating information with the community as needed and mobilising crews on the ground.The NSW Government announced earlier this week that the Central Coast has been included in the Natural Disaster Declaration, which will allow people affected by this weather event to be eligible for flood assistance.While recorded rainfall has been lower than Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts over the last few days, localised heavy downpours were experienced in Gosford on Monday and within the Coast’s catchments.

Central Coast Council is delighted to announce the appointment of two new senior executives, filling two key vacant roles within Council.Ms Melanie Smith has been appointed Director for Community and Recreation Services, with Dr Alice Howe appointed Director for Environment and Planning.Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer, said the appointment of Melanie and Alice follows an extensive interview process, with the aim to build on the existing experience and depth in Council’s capabilities.“Both Melanie and Alice are very experienced in their fields," Mr Farmer said.“Melanie comes from a background in local government, including in senior executive roles.

Central Coast Council is continuing its close monitoring and tactical response across the Coast today as flooding and storm impacts persist despite slightly easing weather conditions.While recorded rainfall was lower than Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast overnight, a NSW State Emergency Service (SES) flood evacuation order for residents around Tuggerah Lake and surrounding areas remains.

Central Coast Council is continuing its constant and close monitoring of lakes, waterways, beaches and roads for flooding and storm impacts as an east coast low (ECL) impacts the Coast.This weather event is a quickly changing situation, and Council remains focused on distributing key information to the community as quickly as possible, while continuing to mobilise crews on the ground.Early this morning the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) issued a flood evacuation order for residents around Tuggerah Lake and surrounding areas, as well as other low lying areas including Wyong and Yarramalong.People who live in locations around Tuggerah Lakes are being asked to evacuate.

Central Coast has continued to receive heavy rainfall and strong winds today and are predicted to continue through to tomorrow.

Council is continuing its constant and close monitoring of lakes, waterways, beaches and roads for potential flooding and storm impacts, and is urging the community to get prepared as more heavy rainfall is forecast.The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has advised an east coast low (ECL) currently over the Mid North Coast is moving south toward the Central Coast region.

Central Coast Council is continuing to closely monitor roads, lakes, waterways and beaches for potential flooding and storm impacts as heavy rainfall and unpredictable weather lash the Coast. Council is encouraging the community to remain vigilant and continue taking extra safety precautions during the current weather event.Waterways and beachesAt 1:15pm today, Tuggerah Lake was recorded at 0.64m following a 2.0m high tide.

Central Coast Council is urging the community to take extra caution on roads today after heavy rainfall was recorded overnight. Gosford has received over 130mm of rain over the previous 24 hours, with the majority falling within a few hours last night:

Council is inviting experienced business owners and hospitality experts to create an exciting new hospitality and entertainment experience located on the foreshore of the iconic Terrigal Haven. The venue, formerly the Terrigal Sailing Club and now currently occupied by a restaurant and café, is currently up for tender which creates an exciting opportunity for the successful applicant to create an outstanding business in a picturesque location for both locals and tourists to enjoy.Council Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley encourages experienced business owners and hospitality experts to put forward their interest in delivering a new venture that takes advantage of the site’s potential and meets community expectations. “Terrigal is a popular tourist destination, which was further bolstered by the new $6million boardwalk attraction that provides a pedestrian link directly from Terrigal promenade to this waterfront property at The Haven,” Ms Cowley said.“The area has a high level of foot traffic from both tourists and the local community across the year and spectacular views which extend to Wamberal beach on a clear day.

Over the last 24 hours the Central Coast has received up to 100mm of rainfall in certain areas resulting in localised flash flooding.