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).

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

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.

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

October is Mental Health Month and Central Coast Council has pulled together a program of online courses and activities to get residents to reflect on their mental health and wellbeing.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said Council was asking residents to ‘Tune in’ to what is happening to them and around them.“This year, the National 'Mental Health Month' campaign is asking people to 'Tune In' – Tune In to yourself, Tune In to others, Tune In to your communities, and Tune In to stigma,” Ms Vaughan said.“Council is partnering with a range of service providers, not just to help the community learn more about mental health, but to give residents practical tools and support to build mental resilience and look after their mental wellbeing.“Our program includes online webinars with Mental Health organisations like ‘Mind Blank’, an Accidental Counselling training course with the ‘Lifeline Direct Training Support Team’, plus online mindfulness craft workshops, stretch and relaxation classes and more.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said this is part of Council’s longstanding commitment to work with the community to solve a range of social and health issues that may impact community wellbeing and vulnerable people.“From devastating bushfires, drought and floods to a global pandemic, major economic downturns and social isolation, there’s no denying that the past few years have paid a heavy toll on the mental health of our community,” Mr Hart said.“Key to our community’s recovery from these events is Council’s role in connecting those who need support with education, information and advice, so we are helping to start those important conversations.

It is important for us to examine rates again and for our community to make an informed choice about maintaining services and service standards for the future of the Central Coast.In less than three years’ time we will be facing an average annual income loss of $25.8million over the next 7 years and this means we will be forced to reduce or cease many services.

Service level consultation to inform future rate proposalCentral Coast Council will commence the next stage of community consultation in its bid to maintain the current rates income beyond three years. Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the two years of heavy losses and overspending left Council having to restructure its business and budget to produce a surplus to repay the $150million debt over the next 10 years.“We cannot forget, loans of $150million were provided to Council in 2020 based on Council’s financial recovery plan which included sale of assets, reduction in costs of $50milion, capping infrastructure spending and a rate increase of 13 percent plus rate peg for 10 years in order to repay the loans.“In less than three years’ time we will be facing an average annual income loss of $25.8million over the next 7 years and this means we will be forced to reduce or cease many services.“There has been major restructuring of Council and Council is on track to achieve the $50million in cost savings including productivity gains.  Together with the recent rate increase, Council is budgeting for a small surplus this financial year.“Our current plan is working, and Council is on track to be able to continue to service its community.

Central Coast Council’s pricing proposal on water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices from 1 July 2022 has been submitted to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) and is now on their website for public comment. Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader, said that Council is proposing an increase in rates for these services, as Council’s current pricing model is not financially sustainable. “As they currently stand, our rates for water, sewerage and stormwater drainage are the lowest in NSW,” said Mr Loader.“If we continue along with these current prices, we will not have sufficient funds to provide the community with what they need and deserve, which is a safe, clean and reliable water supply and an effective sewer and drainage system that does not harm the environment. “What we are proposing is returning our prices for these services similar to 2018-19 levels, with an allowance for subsequent inflation.

Central Coast Council is undertaking sand building works at Karagi Point ahead of the ‘Little Tern’ bird species reaching the Central Coast for their 2021 breeding season.This important habitat and enhancement work is funded by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program and follows a record-breaking breeding season on the Central Coast for the endangered Little Terns in 2020.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said strategic sand building works will be undertaken at a location where the Little Terns are likely to nest.“The much-loved and endangered Little Terns will be arriving on the Coast in the next three weeks or so and it is vital that we take steps to help ensure they have another successful breeding season,” Mr Cox said.“Over approximately three days, Council staff will move sand from the southern end of Karagi Point (adjacent to the channel) and deposit this 100 metres north at the location where the Little Terns are expected to nest.“These works are vital as the Little Terns are strongly site faithful and this location is currently vulnerable to inundation by high seas, tides and flooding.“To protect the Little Terns from people and dogs during this crucial nesting time, we will install a temporary fence and signage around the breeding site that has been replenished with additional sand. “We had an incredible breeding season on the Coast last year – with Karagi Point being one of the most significant breeding sites in NSW – and we’re expecting strong Little Tern numbers again this year.“By moving the sand from the southern end of the sandspit, the works will also aim to enhance the channel opening to better maintain the exchange of water between the lake and the ocean and provide for the preliminary phase of dredging which is planned to commence in 2022.”Mr Cox added that Council will also be carefully monitoring upcoming works to restore Karagi Reserve beach access to ensure it has no impact on the Little Terns.“We are also planning to restore the main access point to Karagi Reserve beach nearby which has been subject to coastal erosion. “Work plans and approvals are currently being prepared but are expected to involve placing additional basalt rocks to construct a southern end treatment to the existing emergency protection works constructed as part of the coastal erosion emergency response in 2020. Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council is committed to best practice management, monitoring and education to support the growth of threatened species such as the Little Tern, Eastern Osprey, Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater. “The Central Coast is critically important location to secure the future of the endangered Little Tern and we are hoping for another bumper breeding season,” Mr Hart said.“Helping threatened species is part of our commitment to leave a positive legacy for future generations and reflects the values of the Central Coast community, which are strongly tied to this beautiful natural environment. “We ask that our community support us in helping the Little Terns by staying away from the breeding site, as well as keeping their pets away from the area.”Community members can find out more about the Little Tern on Council’s website.The habitat and enhancement work at Karagi Point will require a small section of the Karagi Point / Hutton Road carpark to be closed off with temporary fencing during works (approximately three days). Works to restore Karagi Reserve beach access are expected to begin in late September and will require the adjacent carpark to be closed during construction, which is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete.

It is fantastic to see Central Coast Council leading the way to help shape the future of soft plastics recycling nationally through the Australian-first soft plastics program rollout.All households in the Central Coast Council area can now register to be part of a soft plastics recycling program, allowing you to recycle soft plastics from the convenience and safety of your own home using the Curby Program and Council kerbside yellow bin.We are blown away that over 10,000 Central Coast households have opted into the Curby soft plastics program since its inception.Already the program has resulted in over 11,000 tonnes of soft plastics being diverted from landfill, that equates to over 2 million plastic bags, and the number continues to grow.The program is run in collaboration with Australian recyclers iQ Renew and CurbCycle and builds upon the successful soft plastics recycling trial facilitated by Council since November 2020.Currently the program is only available to households with access to a smartphone who can access the Curby app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Central Coast Council has launched a new podcast series, Emergency Ready Now, to provide community members with the tools and knowledge to better cope when faced with adverse challenges, such as natural disasters and emergencies.Council Director Community and Recreation Services Julie Vaughan said the new podcast shares people’s stories about disaster recovery, community and mental wellbeing. “In recent years, the Central Coast community has been exposed to a range of emergencies and disasters – from devastating bushfires, floods and storms to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Vaughan said. “As a community, we’ve displayed great strength in working through these challenges together, but what do we do after they pass and how do we learn and prepare for next time? “The new Emergency Ready Now podcast explores these important questions and looks at how we, as a community, can become more resilient and connected in the wake of disaster.”The engaging 12-episode series shares the stories of community members and industry experts to explore topics and themes including the positive impact of resilience, supporting children’s mental health during and following emergencies, preparing for and recovering from trauma and loss , and financial and environmental impacts of disasters.Council Administrator Rik Hart said the podcast provides a powerful platform to support community members impacted by natural disaster, while highlighting the importance of community connectedness. “Community stories are one of the most powerful learning tools we have,” Mr Hart said.“This new podcast shares people’s stories about disaster recovery and gives a fantastic overview of how communities can proactively ready themselves for the future.

Central Coast Council has been blown away that over 7,100 Central Coast households have opted into the Curby soft plastics program in the past weeks.Already the program has resulted in over 11,000 kilograms of soft plastics being diverted from landfill (the equivalent of 2 million plastic bags) and now that the Central Coast is nearing its 10,000th household joining the program, this number is expected to quadruple.Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the Central Coast is leading the way to help shape the future of soft plastics recycling nationally.“Our community’s dedication to reducing waste and protecting our land and marine environments continually amazes and inspires us,” Mr Bolgoff said.“We understand that many people in our community are waiting on their Curby Pack to arrive in the post – Curby has guaranteed absolutely everyone registered will receive their pack so please be patient as the Curby Team methodically go through the list of households and in the meantime, please keep collecting your soft plastics ready for when your pack arrives.”Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council was delighted to be part of this Australia-first program.“We know that the Central Coast community is passionate about waste reduction but this response from our residents is simply outstanding,” Mr Hart said.“The values of our community are strongly tied to our local natural environment and we are delighted to continually look for opportunities like the Curby program, which enables our residents to live their values.”The program is run in collaboration with Australian recyclers iQ Renew and CurbCycle and builds upon the successful soft plastics recycling trial facilitated by Central Coast Council since November 2020.All households in the Central Coast Council area can now register to be part of a soft plastics recycling program, allowing them to recycle soft plastics from the convenience and safety of their own homes using the Curby Program and Council kerbside yellow bin.Currently, the program is only available to households with access to a smartphone who can access the Curby app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

With the warmer weather approaching, it’s time to Get Ready.

Council streamlines the Development Assessment process for faster turnaround timesCentral Coast Council processes more than 3,000 development applications each year with a value of more than $1 billion.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said that at the Council Meeting on 26 October 2020 Council resolved to investigate measures to assist in the fast tracking of DA assessments, and at the Meeting on 3 February 2021 resolved to draft a process to make it happen.“It is pleasing that the ‘Policy on the Assessment of Development Applications’ is now adopted following community feedback.

Central Coast Council has commenced proactive patrols in natural reserves and continues to monitor open space areas for unauthorised bike jump and track builds.Every report to Council is assessed by staff for its risk to the surrounding environment, threatened species, any heritage values as well as the risk to the greater public before determining the next steps.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said Council had received an increased number of reports from the community about unauthorised mountain bike and BMX tracks and structures being built right across the coast.“Unauthorised bike tracks and jumps are constructed without any approval or assessment of impacts to environment, heritage or other reserve users,” Mr Cox said.“They have the potential to negatively impact trees, native vegetation and the habitat of our local native animals;

The current climate we live in is proving extremely challenging more than ever for many already struggling, particularly as our community head into double digits of weeks in lockdown.

With us all spending more time at home, trying to find things to keep young minds entertained and bodies moving can be a challenge.Central Coast Council’s spring school holiday program is now available, with a wide range of online and contactless activities that families can get involved in including:•    kids yoga•    marsupial, crocodile, snake and lizard educational workshops•    storytime readings and more with StarFM •    tabletop games and trivia•    science experiments•    drawing and crafts•    Tie Dye or Slime and Skate Deck activity kitsVisit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays for the full list of events, details and bookings.

Central Coast Council has endorsed the process for the preparation of the draft pricing proposal to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for its water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices from 1 July 2022.IPART sets the maximum prices for Council’s water, sewerage and stormwater drainage services.