Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Rik Hart has today released his submission-in-reply provided to the Commissioner leading the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council, following the conclusion of the public hearings.Mr Hart said his submission-in-reply outlines eight recommendations for the Commissioner’s consideration.

Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program 2021-22Council has approved the recommendation to allocate $287,137.56 for the Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program with 29 successful applications.The Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program is designed to support the community to deliver community events and activities that activate spaces and places to complement activity around town centres, foreshores, lakes and open spaces for families, community and visitors.The Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program for 2021-22 has a total budget of $300,000 and is funded through existing and approved Operational Plan budgets.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said COVID impacted everyone’s ability to host community events and this funding is perfectly timed as we move out of restrictions and re-connect as a community.“I’m pleased this funding will support these organisations to deliver a range of exciting, meaningful and fun events and programs for the local community and to activate our region”There are 29 Community Events and Place Activation applications which have been endorsed for funding under the program:5 Lands Walk is the annual 10km walkWoytopia Festival 2022The 2nd Annual Coastal Twist LGBTQIA Arts & Culture FestivalDavistown Putt Putt Regatta & Wooden Boat FestivalYouth Sail NSW combined sailing regatta event and coaching clinicThe 49th Wyong District Garden Competition2022 Central Coast Pro QS3000 is one of the four key events that comprise the NSW Pro Surf SeriesLove Your Earth FestivalSpencer Place Activation is a one-day heritage festival in Spencer showcasing the historical significance of the village, river and its shorelines through storytelling, excursions, river tours, exhibition and celebration feastThe 6th Girrakool Blues Festival held from 13–15 May 2022Long Jetty FestivalWalk from Kincumber to Davistown along the Shipbuilders Memorial Path with historical displays en-routeTwilight Markets at Terrigal2022 Bay to Bay Running FestivalActivate Mooney Mooney ecotourism is a free event that showcases the local oyster industry on the Hawkesbury RiverOcean Beach Surf Life Saving Club celebrating 100 yearsAvenue Q is an immersive theatre show that brings together performers of diverse backgrounds to work collaboratively to create performances that highlight social issuesNSW Rugby Union Under 10 and 11 State Gala CompetitionThe Ella 7’s is a Rugby competition event delivered in conjunction with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community, NSWRU and Rugby AustraliaEmployment NOW 2022 is a Youth Education and Careers ExpoCentral Coast Soccer Cup is a soccer tournament for boys and girls of all ages to be held at the Central Coast Regional Sporting & Recreation Complex over 3 daysCentury Charity Cycle Ride is a community Cycle Event including 18km,50km & 100km options for cyclists.

Central Coast Council, the National Desexing Network and participating vet clinics have joined forces to offer residents in need a subsidised desexing program to help prevent unwanted cats and dogs.Central Coast residents on pensions or low income or with too many cats or dogs to afford to desex will pay just $50 to desex their cat, or $60 for a small dog, $70 for a medium dog, $80 for a large dog and $100 for an extra large dog.The program is managed by the National Desexing Network.

Our financial recovery in on track and we want to ensure if a new Council is elected in 2022, they are in the best position to make decisions for the whole community.

The State of the Beaches Report – the annual rating of ocean and estuarine swimming sites across NSW using Beachwatch results – has been released for 2020-21 and the Central Coast has performed well overall.A ‘Good’ rating for water quality and suitability for swimming was achieved at 14 out of 15 (93 percent) of the Central Coast’s ocean beaches and all of the region’s ocean baths.Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the report is an important resource to help Council manage water quality at swimming sites across the region.“We welcome the State of the Beaches Report for 2020-21 and are pleased to see that the vast majority of our beaches are performing well in terms of water quality and suitability for swimming most of the time,” Mr Cox said.“Improvement is needed for Terrigal Beach, which moved from a ‘Good’ to ‘Poor’ rating, and our estuarine swimming locations.“We have improvement measures in place for Terrigal Beach and it is important to note that the site was suitable for swimming 87 percent of the time during dry weather and that samples for the 2020-21 period were predominately taken following rain events.“Rain can cause our waterways to be impacted by stormwater pollution and this we why we strongly advise against beach swimming following rain for a period of at least 24 hours.“Estuarine sites – such as our coastal lagoons, Brisbane Water, Tuggerah Lakes and Lake Macquarie – are particularly susceptible to stormwater pollution due to the slower natural flushing process and swimming is not recommended at these locations for three days after a rain event.“We should not, however, rely solely on the natural flushing process for the health of our waterways, we need to work collaboratively to manage catchment runoff and other related impacts to reduce pollutant sources entering our waterways.“Council is committed to the health of our region’s waterways and we have a number of projects underway, some in partnership with the NSW Government, that are focused on improving water quality.”Council uses ongoing data analysis to identify water quality improvement measures for targeted sites.

At last night’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, I confirmed my intention to hold a Constitutional Referendum concurrently with the next local government election for the Central Coast region in 2022.

Council finances on track for the year to dateCouncil’s September monthly finance report shows Council is currently tracking in a satisfactory way in relation to its 2021-22 budget.Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council’s operating surplus (excluding Grants and Contributions for capital purposes) year to date was $10.4 million compared to the budget deficit of $1.9 million.“We are operationally tracking at a steady pace as we continue our path of prudent financial management and keeping costs down” Mr Hart said.“More importantly staff are consistently implementing efficiencies through better management of staff time, processes and utilisation of technology.

Central Coast Council has completed a new regional-level playspace at Green Point plus a new district-level playspace at Gwandalan, with more projects planned to commence this financial year including at Saratoga, Pretty Beach, North Avoca, Mardi, Kariong, East Gosford and Avoca Beach.Over the recent school holidays, many locals enjoyed the new play equipment, upgraded basketball courts, connected pedestrian pathways, park furniture, public barbeques, picnic tables and water refill station that Sun Valley Park, Green Point now offers as the Central Coast’s third regional level playspace.The Tunkuwallin Oval playspace, Gwandalan is also now complete with bouldering structure, inclusive custom bead and rail activity, swings, accessible carousel, timber play structure, nature play elements, fitness equipment, accessible paths, water refill station, shelter and picnic table.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said Council’s playspaces have provided a positive outlet for children right across the Coast, particularly during this latest lockdown period.“Our public playspaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks promote healthy living, active lifestyles and improve the quality of life for our community – For this reason we will continue to deliver public facilities, amenities, signage and playspaces in line with our annual Operational Plan and what our community has told us is important to them,” Ms Vaughan said.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the completion of new or upgraded community assets is something that Council is striving to continue.“The continued delivery of playspace infrastructure is a result of community feedback as part of Council’s Central Coast Playspace Strategy and is important to ensure fit-for-purpose facilities that support the needs and growth of our community,” Mr Hart said.“However in three years’ time we will be facing an annual income loss of $25million and without maintaining the 15 percent special variation for the life of the 10-year Long Term Financial Plan, the delivery of many projects like this will need to be reviewed and Council may again find itself in a dire financial situation.”New playspaces to explore:Sun Valley Park, Green Point (Corner Sun Valley Rd and Dalgety Cres) – Upgrade works completed on new regional-level playspace proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Central Coast Council.Tunkuwallin Oval, Gwandalan (Kanangra Drive)  – Construction completed on new district playspace, funded by Local Infrastructure Contributions (Development Contributions) and a Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program Grant gained by Gwandalan Summerland Point Peninsula Improvement Group.Upcoming playspaces to be completed this financial year:Kariong Recreation Area, Kariong – Construction of a new local playspace funded by Council.Hylton Moore Oval, East Gosford – Upgrade works on an existing local playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.Jirramba Reserve, Saratoga – Upgrade works on an existing local playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.Turo Close Reserve, Pretty Beach – Upgrade works on an existing local playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.Palm Gully Park, North Avoca – Upgrade works on an existing local playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.Woolmer’s Crescent Reserve, Mardi – Upgrade works on an existing local playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure ProgramRoss Park, Avoca Beach – Upgrade works on an existing district playspace funded by Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and Council.Pelican Park playspace, Woy Woy:

Woy Woy is now home to a state-of-the-art wharf featuring a floating pontoon, accessibility features, solar lighting, and smart benches with mobile phone charging capability.The new Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf – the largest wharf project ever completed for the Coast – is designed to rise and fall with Brisbane Water’s varying tide conditions to ensure access in most weather conditions.Central Coast Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the new wharf will improve the daily commute for many community members and will also be popular with locals across the region and visitors.“The original wharf would become submerged during King Tide’s and severe weather conditions, but the new wharf is designed to ensure this no longer occurs.Using a floating pontoon allows the wharf to rise and fall with the tide conditions served up by Brisbane Water and this ensures access to ferry services, even during challenging weather conditions.“We have also future-proofed this important amenity by ensuring it can dock vessels up 35-metres and 250 tonnes.“Additional features of the wharf include mounting points for wheelchair lifting devices on the pontoon, covered pontoon gangway and passenger shelter, complete with solar lighting.“We have also made a number of improvements to the immediate surrounds including a boardwalk made from recycled plastic decking, dedicated fishing area, widened pathway, smart benches with mobile phone charging capability, banner poles and landscaping with salt tolerant trees.”Mr Bolgoff added that this project has been delivered under challenging circumstances given the current COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions at times halting construction.“Within the last week, Council has been able to have contractors on site to finalise the wharf project and is pleased to open this long-awaited wharf upgrade to the public.”The new Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf was funded through $3.99million from the NSW Government’s Regional Communities Development Fund and $1.61million from Council.Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf is exactly the type of project that the Regional Communities Development Fund was designed to deliver.“The NSW Government’s investment in regional towns has helped communities with hundreds of projects just like this – ensuring they continue to be great places to live, work and play,” Mr Toole said.“The new wharf and improvements to the surrounding area will boost liveability and go a long way in enhancing the Central Coast for locals and visitors alike, which is why I am continuing to back projects like this right across regional NSW.”Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was proud to contribute $3.99 million to the $5.6 million project.“This is Central Coast Council’s largest wharf project ever undertaken and I want to congratulate the project team for getting the job done,” Mr Crouch said.“The old wharf became submerged during king tides and quite frankly was not fit for purpose.

As the Public Inquiry hearing into Central Coast Council draws to a close, the community has heard firsthand over the past three weeks testimonies from suspended councillors, former and current council staff, former councillors, previous administrators, members of the community and academics, providing their perspective, opinions, and factual information on what went wrong.

ChromeFest – the largest rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly festival paying tribute to American classics and hot rod cars in NSW – will be streamed online this Saturday 23 October 2021.Whilst the physical event is not able to proceed due to COVID-19 restrictions, classic car enthusiasts and lovers of all things 1950s can experience event highlights through ChromeFest Overdrive TV.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the engine of ChromeFest will be kept humming this year as we transition to life with fewer measures in place to control COVID-19.“ChromeFest Overdrive TV features some of the most exciting elements of ChromeFest and really is a must-experience online event,” Ms Vaughan said.“We all can’t wait to get together in-person for fantastic events on the Coast but in the interim we will deliver some classic 1950s rock 'n' roll fun into the homes ChromeFest fans.

‘Creative Art Central’ returns to nurture growth and support excellence in the Central Coast’s arts and cultural sector.Local artists are invited to pitch ideas to create original works for the region, with up to six commissions available to professional or emerging artists.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the program is seeking applications for works that are of a professional standard and provide an opportunity for the community to participate or collaborate in the creative process.“Creative Art Central is an important action of the Central Coast Cultural Plan and supports the development of innovative and contemporary work across all art-forms.“The program will commission a variety of new high-quality works that will lead the local industry and enhance our creative identity.“Creative Art Central has flow on effects for the local economy and a focus on public programs offers the community new opportunities to engage with art and culture on the Coast.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said a diverse mix of artists who are skilled in all mediums and from a range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.“Creative partnerships build the footprint of creative industries on the Coast and deliver significant benefits across the arts, business and tourism sectors,” Mr Hart said.“I encourage local emerging and professional creative practitioners to apply for the program to create works and share stories that inspire the Central Coast community.Registrations open on Monday 18 October 2021 and application details are outlined at info.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/creativeartcentralENDS

As restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19 are eased, the teams at various Central Coast Council facilities and venues are thrilled to once again welcome community members in-person.From Monday 11 October leisure centres, gyms, pools and waste management facilities opened their doors, and there will be a staged reopening of various other facilities in the coming weeks.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said it is wonderful to see vibrancy return to the Coast after a long-period of lockdown.“To say that we are thrilled to reopen is an understatement – it is exciting to see activity return to venues and small businesses across the Coast as we get back to a freer way of living,” Mr Hart said.“We’ve already reopened a number of our facilities in line with Public Health Orders and a host are scheduled to open their doors very soon. “This is a particularly important time to support local businesses and provide a much needed boost to the Central Coast economy, but it is also vital that we are careful when we are out and about and ensure we carefully follow all safety requirements.” As required by the Public Health Orders for our region, in-person attendance at Council facilities and venues is currently only an option for fully vaccinated people.Below is a overview of key reopening timeframes.From Monday 11 October 2021Leisure centres, gyms and pools (outdoor pool only at Gosford Olympic Pool)Waste management facilities – Buttonderry, Woy Woy and Community Recycling CentreCentral Coast Animal Care Facility – open for impounded animals only – rehoming by appointment only.Society of Companion Animal Rescue (SoCares) – open for impounded animals only – rehoming by appointment only.Holiday parks – open to guests from Greater SydneyPatonga Camping Ground – open to guests from Greater Sydney From Monday 18 October 2021Edogawa Commemorative Garden, gift shop and café (main Gallery opening Saturday 30 October 2021)Pools – squads swimmingLibraries – Kincumber, Toukley, Tuggerah and Woy Woy (including Council Customer Service).

Lake Munmorah residents and school communities are now enjoying the convenience of a new 50 space carpark in front of Lake Munmorah High School on Carters Road.The project provides much needed parking spaces for this busy strip of road and services four nearby schools, where lack of parking and traffic congestion have previously been an issue.Central Coast Council completed the project with $900,000 in funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program).Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the carpark is an important amenity for the growing Lake Munmorah community.“The new 50 space carpark includes two accessible spaces and will certainly be well utilised by the school communities,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Parking and traffic management can be a challenge at this busy education precinct and we have completed improvements that will help with congestion during the school drop-off/pick-up time periods.“New footpaths have also been completed around the carpark to link it to the designated crossing points and a new pedestrian crossing.”Federal Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy said he was very pleased to see the carpark project completed.“Parking and traffic congestion on Carters Road has been a major issue for a long time now particularly during school pick-up and drop-off times, and I hope this new carpark will held to address this issue.“I look forward to seeing it utilised by the local school communities as well as the broader Lake Munmorah community.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the new carpark and associated works will deliver benefits that have long been sought by the schools.“Completion of this community-driven project will be welcome news for the Lake Munmorah community, particularly those who have children who attend the schools in the area on Carters Road,” Mr Hart said.ENDS 

Nominations for the Australia Day 2022 Awards are now open, providing an opportunity to recognise Central Coast individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the region.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the awards are more important than ever after a year of unprecedented challenges.“An Australia Day nomination is a wonderful way to honour the local leaders who go the extra mile for our community,” Ms Vaughan said.“There is no denying that the past few years have presented unprecedented challenges and in the midst of it all we’ve seen individuals and groups step up and make a difference in our community.“Our Australia Day nominees and winners are often unsung heroes who work quietly behind the scenes to make the Coast a better place to live, work and play.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Australia Day Awards celebrate the Central Coast’s diversity, values, national achievements and hopes for the future.“We’ve demonstrated tremendous resilience as a community in 2021 and there are so many individuals and groups who deserve recognition,” Mr Hart said.“The breadth of the Australia Day Award categories mean that a diverse range of contributions will be recognised, and I encourage the community to nominate the local heroes they believe should be acknowledged.”The 2022 Award categories are:Arts, Culture and EntertainmentAwarded to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in their chosen art form and made a significant contribution to arts, culture and entertainment on the Coast.Business Connecting CommunitiesAwarded to a local business or enterprise with less than eight fulltime employees that has established a genuine involvement and long-term value to the life of their community.Community Service and ActivityAwarded to an individual or group responsible for creating community activities or services that benefit the Coast.EnvironmentalAwarded to an individual who is leading the way in sustainability and making the Central Coast a place where people and nature can thrive.Sportsperson of the YearAwarded to an individual who has shown acts of sportsmanship and team building, been an outstanding sportsperson or made significant contributions as organisers or promoters of sports on the Coast.Volunteer of the YearAwarded to an individual (26 years and over) who has made a significant long-term commitment to volunteer work and demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to our local community.Youth of the YearAwarded to an individual (25 years or under) who has succeeded in his or her chosen field, acts as an inspiration to his or her peers and has made a significant contribution to the Coast community.Each winner from the above categories will go into the running to be named Central Coast Citizen of the Year.Nominations open Monday 11 October at 9am and close Friday 12 November at 2pm.For further information, eligibility criteria and to make a nomination visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/australiadayawardsENDS

Referral of draft Financial Reports 2020-2021 to auditThe draft Consolidated Financial Reports for Central Coast Council and the Financial Reports for Central Coast Council Water Supply Authority for the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 were referred to the Audit Office of New South Wales, for external audit.Notes extract from the Council Report:Operating ResultThe operating deficit before capital grants and contributions for the 2020-2021 financial year is ($91.5M).

The Central Coast Lakes Festival is one of the Coast’s highly anticipated annual events and this year Central Coast Council has created a new format for the event to ensure it can proceed in line with any NSW Government Public Health Orders.The 2021 program includes:Animated mascot Pippa the Pelican appearing in educational videos and on social media to share key messages around our waterways.A Get Active Scavenger Hunt where people can complete challenges and activities along four shared pathways using a mobile app (Tuggerawong, Chittaway to The Entrance, Gosford to Woy Woy and Kincumber to Davistown) – with a Stand-Up Paddle Board prize for the winner with the highest points.A series of kids’ craft and science activities.Eat Fest, different local food trucks popping up in a new waterway location each day during the Festival for people to grab some takeaway or picnic within restrictions at the time.Council will also spotlight its iBook’s, eBooks, virtual tours and videos from loveourwaterways.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au and will look to work with relevant local organisations to hold Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga, Kayaking or surfing lessons and other activations if restrictions allow.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said Council had to cancel last year’s event due to COVID restrictions and an online format with a real-world scavenger hunt will ensure the event will go ahead and people can celebrate our waterways in a COVID-safe way.“Waterways are a huge part of the Central Coast community’s lifestyle.

From next week I have the great honour of commencing virtual citizenship ceremonies for residents of the Central Coast region.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to check out the draft Central Coast Water Security Plan (CCWSP), as they only have until 12 October to provide their final feedback on the plan.This draft plan has been developed in line with the NSW Water Strategy, which was recently released by Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey.Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said that Council considered the NSW Water Strategy throughout the development of the CCWSP.“As guided by the NSW Water Strategy, the CCWSP has considered a range of possible climate scenarios and tested different supply and demand portfolios as part of our decision-making process,” Mr Loader said.“We took an all options on the table approach and considered a range of potential water futures to ensure the supply system remains resilient and flexible into the future.“The first pillar of the CCWSP is to conserve and use water efficiently.

As an easing of COVID restrictions draws closer, it is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the small businesses that help make the Coast a great place to live, work and play.Every dollar spent on the Coast keeps up to 63 cents in the community* and to support local small businesses, Central Coast Council has launched two initiatives – a buy local campaign and an improved business support website resource.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said small businesses are the heart of the region’s growing economy.“We’re encouraging our community to always buy local first,” Ms Vaughan said.“Buying from a local business creates up to 4.6 times the economic impact over money spent at a non-local business* – so buying locally not only means accessing often superior and bespoke products and services but you’ll also be contributing to a significant boost for our economy.“Our Love Central Coast website (lovecentralcoast.com) features a wide range of community and consumer facing businesses on the Coast and makes it easier than ever to buy local and love local.“We’ll be flying ‘Buy Local’, ‘Support Local’ and ‘Love Local’ flags in our town centres and we’ll be using our communication channels to encourage everyone to support the incredible small businesses that contribute so much to the Coast.“Many of our local businesses have been hit hard by restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19 so we’ve developed a new resource section on our website to provide a useful overview of the support, grants and resources that are available.”The new business support section of Council’s website features:information on how to connect with Council for advice on required permits and approvalsrelevant resources provided by Councillinks to other services and support such as Business Connect, Easy to do Business, the NSW Small Business Commissioner and The Business Centreinformation about Central Coast business networks such as the Chambers of Commerce.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said buying from local small businesses provides direct support for the region’s economy.“The quality and diversity of small businesses on the Coast is remarkable,” Mr Hart said.“Every time we buy a product or service from a local operator, the multiplier effect comes into play – the more a dollar circulates in a defined region, and the faster it circulates, the more income, wealth and jobs it creates.“I’d encourage community members to buy local products and services whenever possible – there is a great chance you’ll discover fantastic local providers and become a firm ‘Love Local’ advocate.”Community members can access explore a range of exceptional local small businesses on the Love Central Coast website – lovecentralcoast.com/planLocal small business operators can access the new business resource by searching ‘Business’ on Council’s website – centralcoast.nsw.gov.au *source:  https://thinklocalamarillo.com/the-local-multiplier-effect/ ENDS