The Central Coast is steadily growing in size.

Draft Financial Report shows Council on way to financial recoveryCouncil has presented the preliminary draft 2020-2021 Consolidated Income Statement for Central Coast Council, which covers the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.The draft report shows Council’s operating result before capital amounts is a deficit of $60.7M compared to the Q3 forecast deficit of $115.1M and FY20 deficit of $88.7M.Operating income was $541.9M, $0.1M under the Q3 forecast and $13.5M up on FY20.Operating expenditure for the year ended 30 June 2021 of $602.6M was $42.8M under the Q3 forecast through savings in restructure costs and tighter control over general expenditure and $14.6M under FY20.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the preliminary draft report shows Council is moving toward financial recovery.“Council has managed to reduce expenditure and maintain income resulting in a small surplus, which is excellent news for the short-term stability of the organisation,” Mr Hart said.“However, Council’s long-term financial sustainability is not yet assured.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart is calling on all Central Coast community members to strictly follow all requirements of the current Public Health Order and Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) direction in place to control the spread of the highly contagious delta variant of COVID-19.“I welcome the NSW Government’s recent decision to re-classify the Central Coast region in the Public Health Orders, separating our region’s COVID-19 rules from the Greater Sydney region,” Mr Hart said.“However whilst cases of COVID-19 on the Coast have been relatively low, it is vital that we do not become complacent – our actions are key to keeping our loved ones and our communities safe.“We’ve recently detected fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 at our Bateau Bay Sewage Treatment Plant and new exposure sites continue to be announced – we must be vigilant and do the right thing. “NSW Health is leading this emergency and Council is actively sharing their key messages – stay home, mask-up, check-in, get vaccinated and seek out a COVID-19 test if you are experiencing even the mildest of symptoms.“Council is also actively supporting the LEOCON in their role of emergency operations and their efforts to protect the Central Coast.“It is going to be a beautiful weekend and heading out for exercise and a dose of Vitamin D is important for maintaining our wellbeing during this difficult time but Council is asking the Central Coast community to follow the clear directions of the Public Health Order and LEOCON.“Head out for a walk at one of the Coast’s beautiful beaches or fantastic shared pathways but remember that physical distancing is critical.“If you’re out in public areas or purchasing a coffee for example, keep your physical distance from others and follow the Public Health Order.“By working together and doing the right thing we will keep our loved ones, colleagues and communities safe.”Community members should refer to NSW Health and Central Coast Health communication channels for the latest COVID-19 information, advice and restriction details – nsw.gov.au/covid-19Vaccination eligibility details are available on this webpage – health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccinesCommunity members can access a number of COVID-19 testing clinics across the Central Coast – peoplebank.hneccphn.com.au/covid-testing-ccDetails of any COVID-19 related impacts to Council facilities and services are on Council’s website – centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19.

Council has been working closely with people with disability, their family members and carers, and people working in the disability sector to strive towards providing an inclusive region for all who make up our Central Coast community.As such, here at Council we have developed a draft Central Coast Disability Action Plan 2021-2025, outlining strategies and actions we will put in place over the next four-year period.Here is some of the key achievements we’ve made over the past four years in progressing towards an inclusive and accessible region:Established the Access and Inclusion Reference Group.Created Universal Design Guideline to assist Council staff to ensure more playspaces, places, services and events are accessible.Developed the Pedestrian and Access Mobility / Bike Plan to guide footpath improvements.Installed and upgraded 86 bus stops to meet Disability Access StandardsMade beach wheelchairs available at 12 patrolled beaches and installed beach matting at Umina Beach, Ocean Beach and Toowoon Bay.Ensured Companion Cards are accepted at all Council venues that charge an entrance fee.Plus moreYou can help shape the future direction of accessibility and inclusion on the Coast through having your say by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com, with feedback due by 5pm 13 September.

In response to the escalating outbreak of the COVID-19 Delta variant in Greater Sydney and regional New South Wales, as well as the Public Health Orders impacting these areas, Central Coast Council has adapted a number of upcoming community events to ensure the health and safety of our community.ChromeFest 2021Due to the continued uncertainty around the current COVID-19 outbreak impacting our region, Council has made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person component of its annual ChromeFest event, which was scheduled to take over Memorial Park at The Entrance on 23 and 24 October 2021. While provisions were put in place to deliver this year’s ChromeFest in a COVID-safe way (including introducing ticketing to limit attendees), the continued uncertainty around restrictions has made it difficult for Council to plan to deliver this event safely.Fortunately, fans of this much-loved annual event will still be able get their ChromeFest fix, with ChromeFest Overdrive TV set to share a livestream of all the favourite bands on Saturday 23 October.

The Central Coast community continues to have their say on key local projects with nearly 4,000 people visiting Central Coast Council’s Your Voice Our Coast hub to help shape future Coastal Management Programs.Over three months, Council collected community feedback to understand how the Coast’s waterways are valued so this vital information can be used to help shape the future management of Tuggerah Lakes, the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system including Brisbane Water, and our Open Coast and Coastal Lagoons.Council also collected community feedback for our northern and southern-most waterways including Lake Macquarie and will be sharing this with our neighbouring councils as we work together to ensure the values of these important areas are heard in those Plans as well.Feedback collected from over 1,100 survey responses, as well as focus group discussions found:94.5% of respondents stated that waterways are a significant reason that they live on the Coast.

By this stage ratepayers would have started receiving their ordinary rates notices.

Council works for an accessible and inclusive Central Coast Council will place the draft Central Coast Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2025 on public exhibition for community feedback, following the successful delivery of its first four-year Action Plan.The past four years has seen Council:Establish the Access and Inclusion Reference Group made up of people with lived experience of disability who assist Council in the development and implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Create universal inclusive design and planning guidelines that have been implemented into Council planning documents to ensure more playspaces, places and events are accessible.Develop the Pedestrian and Access Mobility / Bike Plan to guide footpath improvements.Install 86 bus stops that meet Disability Access Standards.Make available beach wheelchairs at 12 patrolled beaches for the community to reely use, and installed beach matting at Umina Beach, Ocean Beach and Toowoon Bay.Host the ‘Including You’ sensory tent at key community events which provides free information, equipment (such as noise cancelling headphones) and a calm place for time out.Work with local businesses to help them become more accessible and therefore expand their customer base.Work with local sports and active recreation providers to help increase participation of people with disabilities in mainstream sport.Improve accessibility at its own facilities including installing hearing loops in admin buildings and The Erina Centre;

Central Coast Council is adding to further calls from NSW Health and Central Coast Health for all community members to strictly follow all Public Health Order requirements in place to control the spread of COVID-19 and to seek out a test for the virus if the mildest of symptoms are experienced.The plea follows the identification of nine cases of COVID-19 on the Coast (as at Friday 6 August) and detection of the virus at sewage treatment plants in Woy Woy, Charmhaven, Toukley, Burwood Beach, Belmont and Shortland.Council Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer said the health advice is clear – only leave home for essential reasons when absolutely required and seek out a COVID-19 test at the onset of the mildest of symptoms.“It is extremely concerning for Council and our community to hear about cases of COVID-19 in our region and an increase in the detection of virus fragments in several of our sewerage systems,” Mr Farmer said.“NSW Health is the lead in this emergency and the advice provided by NSW Health and Central Coast Health has been regular and clear.

This week is recognised as national homelessness week.

The constant news cycle about COVID-19 and the necessary restrictions placed on visiting our friends and family, and going about our day-to-day activities can lead to distress, anxiety and frustration.Whatever your concern, it’s important to acknowledge it and seek help if it is affecting your wellbeing.

Central Coast Council is encouraging community members to ‘adopt, not shop’ when making the commitment to bring a new companion animal into their home.This follows the NSW Government’s announcement of free lifetime pet registration for people who adopt a rescue pet from Council pounds, animal shelters and rehoming organisations.Council Unit Manager Environmental Compliance and Systems, Sara Foster said free registration for rescue pets will ensure more abandoned or surrendered cats and dogs find a forever home, reinforcing the benefits of animal adoption.“Thanks to the announcement from the NSW Government, community members who choose to adopt a rescue dog or cat from Council’s Animal Care Facilities are now entitled to free lifetime pet registration,” Ms Foster said.“Council works closely with our Animal Care Facilities at Charmhaven and Erina to ensure surrendered pets can find a suitable and safe new home.“With backyard breeding a huge issue on the Central Coast, we hope that this new initiative will make adoption an even more desirable pathway for those looking for a pet, so that we can reduce the number of people accessing unregistered breeders.“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this has on the animals in our care.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said pets are a much-loved part of the fabric of the Central Coast and this new registration fee exemption will make adoption an even more desirable choice for community members searching for a new companion animal.“If you’re looking for a new four-legged friend, I encourage you to contact Council’s Animal Welfare Facilities to find out more about the animals currently up for adoption,” Mr Hart said.“It’s important to remember that while owning a pet can be highly rewarding, it is also a big responsibility.

With this year’s event attracting record crowds to the Central Coast’s hinterland region, Central Coast Council is looking for new event partners to join the Harvest Festival success story in 2022. Council Director Community and Recreation Services Julie Vaughan said expressions of interest are now open for local businesses, groups and organisations to become a 2022 Harvest Festival event hub partner. “A celebration of the Coast’s spectacular hinterland communities, Harvest Festival has become a much-loved fixture on the Central Coast event calendar and continues to grow from strength to strength,” Ms Vaughan said. “With this year’s festival drawing more than 48,000 locals and visitors to 29 event hubs over the June long weekend, the event provides a significant boost to our region’s economy as well as excellent exposure and patronage for participating event partners. “We’re keen to continue to evolve our relationship with existing partners and invite new businesses and groups to further enhance this celebration of farms, food, friends and fun!” The Harvest Festival event trail features a diverse range of experiences and activities across eight of the Coast’s hinterland communities - Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby and Calga. Expressions of Interest are sought across a range of offerings, including but not limited to:ticketed farm tours and talkspick your own produce experiencestours and talksIndigenous cultural experiences and bush tucker toursart events and installationslive music eventsfamily fun eventscooking demonstrationsfood experiences with local produceobstacle course races/fun runs.Council Administrator Rik Hart said Harvest Festival is brought to life by the unique experiences, tours and events offered by event partners. “After a very successful event in 2021, which injected close to $6 million into the local economy, Central Coast Council is looking forward to the return of the much-loved Harvest Festival in 2022,” Mr Hart said. “The event shines a spotlight on the Central Coast’s spectacular hinterland communities, as well as on the region’s fantastic local produce, venues and experiences.“Harvest Festival would not be possible without the contribution of local businesses, organisations and community groups and we look forward to seeing how we can continue to enhance this popular winter highlight.” Businesses, companies, organisations or community groups interested in being part of Harvest Festival in 2022 can complete an Expression of Interest by Monday 13 September 2021. Learn more and apply at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/EOI.  

Central Coast community members can now view Stages 1-4 of technical studies developed to inform decision-making around a long-term solution to manage coastal erosion at Wamberal Beach.The technical studies outline five seawall concept designs – ranging from revetment to vertical and promenade style structures – with concept design renders, cross-section drawings and footprint mapping developed for each option to assist with visualising the potential solutions.Central Coast Council Acting Director Environment and Planning, Luke Sulkowski said the local community is passionate about Wamberal Beach and Phase 2 consultation is an opportunity to provide initial feedback on the available options.“The current release of technical studies meets a key objective of Council’s certified Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) which includes an action to investigate long-term solutions for Wamberal Beach and seek community input into a preferred protection solution,” Mr Sulkowski said.“It is important to note that Council’s role through the CZMP is to outline a preferred protection solution but the delivery of any solution is a separate and currently unfunded process.“The Stage 5 and 6 studies, which are still under review, will include an updated Cost Benefit Analysis and will be available to the community around the end of August.“Final Seawall alignment, access points and terminal ends would need to be determined during the detailed design phase of the project.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said delivery of a long-term erosion solution at Wamberal Beach is currently not funded and proceeding with any solution would require a funding commitment from the NSW or Federal Government.“There are many technical, financial, social and environmental complexities that need to be worked through to develop a long-term solution to erosion at Wamberal Beach,” Mr Hart said."Technical studies and concept design renders are an important step forward in the exploration of a long-term solution but it needs to be clearly understood that delivery of any solution at Wamberal Beach is not yet funded.“We also need to consider that on top of the initial cost to develop a new asset of this scale there are significant ongoing maintenance and other costs.“For the best coastal erosion management solutions to be developed and delivered it is vital that all levels of government, residents and the broader community work together.“Following the release of all technical studies and a thorough community consultation process we will have a full understanding of the funding commitment that would need to be forthcoming from the NSW and/or Federal Government in order to deliver a long-term erosion solution at Wamberal Beach.”The technical studies now available to the community represent a $498,996 investment and were 50/50 funded by Council and the NSW Government through the NSW Coastal and Estuaries Grants Program, inclusive of an additional $36,380 from the NSW Government for the renders and additional engagement.As well as being a key objective of Council’s CZMP, the technical studies are an important milestone for the Wamberal Seawall Advisory Taskforce which was established by the NSW Government in July 2020 to provide Council with support to develop a sustainable long-term solution to coastal erosion issues at Wamberal Beach.Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch is a member of the Taskforce and said the Taskforce’s role is to break down bureaucratic barriers and provide technical expertise to Council.“The Taskforce is chaired by coastal expert Dr Phil Watson and so far has provided advice to Council on a range of Crown Lands, resource supply, legal and engineering issues,” Mr Crouch said.“We must protect the beach itself as well as the hundreds of millions of dollars of public and private assets behind it.“I want to ensure that the best possible long-term solution is developed as a product of community input, and that is why the NSW Government has provided an additional $36,380 to cover the cost of this community consultation.”Community members can provide feedback on the technical studies (Stages 1-4) during a consultation period that runs from Thursday 29 July 2021 to Friday 10 September 2021 by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com

Central Coast Council has commissioned an independent review of the model governing its water and sewer operations.Council CEO, David Farmer said the review was Council undertaking due diligence in the ordinary course of its business to explore if there were opportunities to produce better value and return on investment for the Central Coast community.“Central Coast Council is unique in New South Wales in being the only Council owned water authority alongside the State owned Sydney Water and Hunter Water.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s recent announcement that Mr Garry Fielding will head the Regional Housing Taskforce.The newly formed Taskforce will seek to combat housing supply shortage across regional New South Wales, delivering recommendations to stimulate housing supply, address housing needs and promote the delivery of affordable housing.Council Director Environment and Planning Scott Cox said Council looks forward to working with Mr Fielding and the Regional Housing Taskforce to address short and long-term housing needs on the Central Coast.“Housing supply and housing affordability are both critical issues on the Central Coast and we look forward to working with Mr Fielding and his team to gain better insight into the issues facing our region and what steps we can take to address them,” Mr Cox said.“This Taskforce will complement the work Council is currently undertaking to develop its Housing Strategy, which will examine housing demand and supply on the Coast and the amount, type and location of new housing, as well as identifying barriers to delivery and recommended actions to overcome them.“Council will take into consideration any recommendations put forward by the Taskforce in the development of its Housing Strategy and plans to exhibit a discussion paper on the Strategy in the coming months.“This also coincides with Council’s work as part of its Central Coast Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy 2020, which seeks to provide effective policy solutions to address the growing need for affordable and alternative housing within the Central Coast LGA.”Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Taskforce is welcomed at a time where the Central Coast is experiencing significant growth, with high demand for housing supply.“Council’s Housing Strategy will be a key element of our Council-wide strategic planning framework and we look forward to working alongside the Regional Housing Taskforce to develop a plan which meets the unique demands of our region,” Mr Hart said.“Council is already achieving great outcomes through its Central Coast Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy and we look forward to working with the Taskforce to achieve our vision for a fair and inclusive region, where everyone has access to affordable and sustainable housing.”The NSW Regional Housing Taskforce will seek to undertake engagement with local government, industry and the community to assist in formulating responses and recommendations relating to housing supply in regional NSW.Written submissions can be made up until 27 August 2021 via the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Planning Portal:

Constitutional Referendum postponed A Constitutional Referendum to determine the future number of Central Coast Councillors that was scheduled to be held on 4 September 2021 has been postponed to a future date to be determined.The Minister for Local Government has published an order in the Gazette under section 318C of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) postponing all council elections to 4 December 2021. The decision to postpone all council elections has been made in response to the escalating outbreak of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus in Greater Sydney and the potential for further outbreaks in regional areas. Based on this advice, these risks have been considered and the Central Coast Council constitutional referendum will be postponed to a future date.

Whilst the Central Coast has been further impacted by additional restrictions, I would like to reassure the community that Council’s essential services will continue in line with the latest COVID-19 restrictions recently put in place.    I’d like to make the community aware that council continues to undertake work to maintain public facilities and provide essential services including water and sewer services, waste collection, road repairs and childcare services.

In response to feedback from the community, Central Coast Council is trialling the introduction of a dedicated small dog off-leash area at Tuggerah Dog Park. Signage has now been erected to identify an off-leash zone for small dogs weighing 10kg or less only, giving smaller breeds and puppies the opportunity to socialise in a separate off-leash area away from bigger dogs at the discretion of the owner.Council Unit Manager Environmental Compliance and Systems Sara Foster said the aim of the trial is to improve dog safety and dog owner responsibility, reducing dog incidents within the off-leash area. “The Central Coast community is made up of a high proportion of dog owners, many of whom love to enjoy our off-leash parks, reserves and beautiful beaches with their dogs,” Ms Foster said.“We’ve received feedback that owners of smaller dog breeds and puppies could benefit from a dedicated area where they can safely enjoy taking their companion off-leash – a model which has worked successfully at other neighbouring councils. “We look forward to seeing how both dog owners and their four-legged companions respond to the trial and if successful, will aim to make it a permanent fixture at Tuggerah Dog Park.“As always, we ask that any dog owners entering our dog parks and off-leash areas ensure they have effective control over their dogs, pick up after them and have checked they are up to date with vaccinations.

Families across the Coast now have access to even more exciting playspaces with Central Coast Council recently completing construction on playspace projects at Budgewoi, Umina Beach, Woy Woy, Copacabana, Gwandalan and San Remo.Over recent months Council has completed improvement works on popular playspaces at Susan Fahey Park, Copacabana and John Pete Howard Reserve, San Remo and has also opened Australia Avenue Local Playspace at Umina Beach, Halekulani Oval Playspace at Budgewoi, South Eastern Park at Gwandalan, Vernon Park at Umina Beach and Anderson Park Playspace at Woy Woy.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said these new spaces have been guided by community feedback as part of Council’s recently adopted Central Coast Playspace Strategy.“Council operates and maintains over 260 playspaces across the Central Coast and we are thrilled to announce that a number of new playspaces are now open for the community to enjoy,” Ms Vaughan said.“This includes an innovative new district size playspace at Susan Fahey Park in Copacabana, which has been jointly funded by Central Coast Council with grant funding from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play Program.“The playspace has been upgraded with a range of exciting features including an outdoor ping pong table and chess table, adult fitness equipment, accessible BBQs and a picnic shelter, as well as an inclusive play unit.“All of these new areas are safe, inclusive and accessible for the whole community to enjoy.