A state-of-the-art Water Play Park at the Peninsula Leisure Centre (PLC) has been completed in time for Spring and the school holidays.The $1million interactive water-based play and education space is expected to attract locals and tourists.Central Coast Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the community-driven project has resulted in the ideal use for the outdoor space at PLC.“This fantastic new amenity is sure to be very popular with the young and the young at heart,” Ms Vaughan said.“The nautical themed Water Play Park can be enjoyed upon entry to the PLC, it combines water-based play and education and has an accessible design to be enjoyed by all community members.”Features of the Water Play Park include a tipping bucket, interactive (cause and effect) elements, shade sail, in-built filtration system and zero depth (for safety and accessibility).Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the new play park was funded by the NSW Government with $850,000 from the Stronger Country Communities Fund as well as over $200,000 from Council.“I want to congratulate the Council staff that have undertaken this million-dollar upgrade at the Peninsula Leisure Centre,” Mr Crouch said.“The PLC is one of Central Coast Council’s most highly-utilised assets, and thanks to the opening of this new Water Play Park, it’s becoming an even better facility for locals to enjoy.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the collaboration between local and state government had delivered another fantastic facility for the Central Coast community.“There is so much to love about this project – an accessible design that creates a space for fun, physical activity and education,” Mayor Matthews said.“This is one of many projects, Council is delivering this year with the State Government, while adhering to important COVID-19 requirements.”The Water Play Park will be open to the public from Saturday 26 September.

Central Coast Council will present a ‘drive in’ concert to bring the magic of a live music event back to the Coast in a way that meets current COVID-19 restrictions.‘Live at the Drive In’ is a first for the Central Coast and will feature the modern blues genius of headliner Ash Grunwald and local support Elaskia performing to audience members sitting comfortably and safely in their own cars.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said he was excited about the Central Coast hosting a ‘drive in’ event.“Who doesn’t love a ‘drive in’ movie?

Council adopts a positive jobs plan for a Central CoastThe first ever Economic Development Strategy for the Central Coast has been adopted, positioning the region as the place to do business, creating jobs and prosperity for the region.The local economy will be strengthened through targeted investment, improved partnerships between the community, business and education sectors and all levels of government.Mayor Lisa Matthews said COVID had great challenges for local and global economies but Council is determined to lead to way with a positive plan to deliver jobs for the growing community.“We know our community are doing it tough, we know our businesses are doing it tough but we are already seeing the signs we are coming out of this with lots of interest from people wanting to live, visit and do business here,” Mayor Matthews said.“Creating local jobs and opportunities has always been a priority for this Council and our community - we now have a Plan to deliver it.“We are going to directly invest in our people, infrastructure and digital capability and transform the economy of the Central Coast.” 678 submissions were received during the exhibition of the Economic Development Strategy 2020-2040 and Economic Recovery and Resilience Framework with 86% agreeing it was important for Council to develop and implement a detailed plan to grow the local economy.“72,000 additional jobs and economic growth of $21 billion is needed by 2040 to support the population growth predicted for the region and we are pleased to have a Plan in place now that will help make that happen,” Mayor Matthews said.Development of a new Education and Business Precinct for Warnervale a step closerCouncil has endorsed a concept plan, for public exhibition, to turn Council-owned land, in Warnervale, into an Education and Business Precinct.The land situated on the eastern side of 30 Jack Grant Avenue, is bounded by Porters Creek wetlands and the future Warnervale Link Road (connecting Wyong to Watanobbi).

Central Coast Council is reminding the community to keep safety top-of-mind if heading to Terrigal these school holidays, as works continue on the construction of Terrigal Boardwalk and upgrade to the existing rockpool.Council advises anyone visiting the area to follow all signage and directions and adhere to the latest COVID-19 restrictions.

With the expected influx of visitors over the school holidays Council is putting in place plans to keep the Coast COVID-safe.New signs are in place at all Town Centres reminding visitors about public health warnings around no large gatherings, social distancing, encouraging mask use and hand sanitation.

The weekend saw the last NRL game hosted at Central Coast Stadium of our adopted home team the New Zealand Warriors.

With the HSC just around the corner, Council is reminding local students and their families to take advantage of the many free online study resources available via its Library Service, including the online homework tool Studiosity.Available to students in Years 3-12 through to tertiary level, Studiosity connects students to vetted subject specialists, who can provide real-time feedback and support via a live chat function at any hour of the day.Council Section Manager Library Strategy and Connection, Benjamin Hartley said that the platform is an excellent resource for students looking for additional help and guidance as they prep for exams and complete assignments or homework.“With thousands of students across the Coast preparing for the HSC right now, it’s the perfect time for us to remind our local students of the free online support available to them through our Library Service,” said Mr Hartley.“Platforms like Studiosity can give students a much-needed leg up when preparing for exam season, particularly when looking for additional support and advice outside of the classroom.“Knowing that there is a subject expert available to review draft essays, provide guidance and share feedback 24/7 will help to reduce the stress and worry that students often feel when studying alone.“As added support, students can also access a range of reliable sites on topics including Modern History, Ancient History, Literature, Science, Geography and Culture and Religion via Council’s free eResources section.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said that providing the community with free access to these online resources helps to level the playing field for all students.“The way students access information and support is constantly evolving and we are thrilled to offer a range of resources and platforms to benefit students of all ages and their families,” said Mayor Matthews.“One of Council’s key priorities is to cultivate a love of learning and knowledge in our community and we are proud to be contributing to this with these important initiatives.”Community members can access Studiosity using their library membership number at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/Studiosity and check out a range of free study eResources at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/eresources.Not a library member?

The Coast’s beloved ChromeFest may not be going ahead in its usual format this year but Central Coast Council has found a way to keep the engine humming in 2020.ChromeFest Overdrive TV will bring the head-turning beauty of classic American cars and some classic 1950s rock 'n' roll fun into the homes of locals and the many visitors who travel to the Coast for the event each year.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the event will feature many interactive moments.“ChromeFest is a Central Coast institution and whilst we’ve switched gears in 2020, ChromeFest Overdrive TV will offer a lot of fun for everyone,” Mr Cannard said.“2020 has not been a great year for events and initiatives, so this will help keep the fun alive.“There’s something for everyone – vote for your favourite show cars across 18 different categories, dance to your favourite bands, and even pick up hair and makeup tricks through an online tutorial workshop.“We’ve even partnered with some local restaurants and cafés to offer ‘ChromeFeast’ meals – so be sure to pick up some sumptuous takeaway options to enjoy while watching the event from the comfort of your own homes."Mayor Lisa Matthews said the challenges of 2020 had inspired creative thinking in the events space.“We may not be lining the streets of The Entrance to watch the chrome of classic cars roll into town but we will be able to enjoy some ChromeFest fun at home,” Mayor Matthews said.“The restrictions required to manage COVID-19 have been challenging on all of us and initiatives like ChromeFest Overdrive TV are a great way to keep the fun alive and our community engaged.”‘ChromeFest Overdrive TV’ highlights include:Online Show N’ Shine in partnership with Californian Crusin’ Car Club, for the public to vote for their favourite ChromeFest car across 18 categoriesViva La Vintage hair and makeup tutorial workshopMiss ChromeFest Pinup competitionThe Sydney Swing Katz tearing up the dance floor dance displaysChromeFest 2020 bands live streamedChromeFeast – a selection of hospitality businesses from across the coast will have meal packages to be enjoyed whilst streaming the fun.‘ChromeFest Overdrive TV’ will be featured on the ChromeFest Facebook page on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2020.

Last week I hosted a Summertime 2020/21 Tourism & COVID-19 Safety Roundtable to discuss tourism opportunities to boost our local economy and operating in a COVID safe way. I was joined virtually by representatives from the Central Coast Local Health District, Destination Sydney Surrounds, Business NSW, NSW Police – Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command, Clubs NSW State Councillor Central Coast and Central Coast Council staff. Discussed were ways we can collectively support local businesses during the holiday period, manage crowds, pop up COVID testing clinics, beach patrols and promoting our region.With state borders currently closed it is anticipated there will be an influx of visitors coming to the coast and we want to ensure we are providing visitors opportunities and prepared in the current climate of COVID-19.There are currently 2,191 Central Coast businesses that are COVID-safe registered.Data from the Australian Hotels Association indicates for the Central Coast all weekend accommodation in the lead up to Christmas, as well as all accommodation over the Christmas period, is currently very near capacity.We welcome visitors to our region however be sure to share the love across the whole coast rather than the popular tourist locations.

As part of Central Coast Council continued effort to deliver consistent policies for the whole region, five consolidated draft policies that relate to open space leasing, tree vandalism, keeping of animals and smoke-free outdoor areas are now on public exhibition for the community to review and submit comments.This forms part of the ongoing program to review 68 policies from the Environment and Planning Directorate in order to consolidate all former Wyong Shire Council and Gosford City Council policies following the amalgamation.During the review process, where policies are found to have ongoing relevance, they are being updated and consolidated to ensure a single policy exists for the Central Coast Local Government Area (LGA).

The adoption of an innovative waste management strategy has underlined Central Coast Council’s commitment to being a leader in its approach to reducing waste and recovering resources which would otherwise end up in landfill.Council last night adopted its inaugural Waste Resource Management Strategy including provision to maintain the general waste red bin weekly service for residents and investigate the introduction of a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service for the Central Coast.

Taking the ‘trash’ out of waste managementThe adoption of an innovative waste management strategy has underlined Central Coast Council’s commitment to being a leader in its approach to reducing waste and recovering resources which would otherwise end up in landfill.Council last night adopted its inaugural Waste Resource Management Strategy, including provision to maintain the general waste red bin weekly service for residents and investigate the introduction of a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service for the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council has commenced the dredging program for The Entrance Channel.The program is set to continue through coming months, in accordance with the EPA licence and other environmental constrains and will be conducted in two stages.Mayor Lisa Matthews said it is important to see the program get underway.“Dredging The Entrance channel is important for our community, and I am glad to see the 2020-21 program begin,” Mayor Matthews said.“The sand from the dredging program will ultimately be used to nourish the highly eroded North Entrance Beach but will first be used in the preparation of staging, or work, areas near Karagi Reserve.”Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said the dredging program would look a little different to previous years, but that it was necessary to ensure Council met its environmental obligations.“Council has been working with coastal experts Royal HaskoningDHV to develop a program that meets the NSW EPA’s licencing requirements,” Mr Cox said.“This means that Council will now be pumping the dredged sand to the areas inside the channel near Karagi reserve where it will be ‘dewatered’ before being manually moved to areas we plan to nourish, including North Entrance Beach.“This process will be slower than previous years as the sand will have to be handled twice, and will mean that the community need to take extra care while the heavy machinery moves around on the beaches.“However, the program will remove an estimated 30,000 cubic metres of sand from the channel.“Our dredging plan also takes into consideration the imminent arrival of the Little terns and I want to assure the community we are taking measures to mitigate any impact on them while dredging is taking place.“As part of preparation of our dredging plans, Council has engaged ornithologists (bird specialists) to help develop an appropriate plan. “We will continue to monitor for the arrival of the Little Terns and when they arrive, we will seek further advice on the continuation of the program.”Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was contributing $600,000 to the project. “In February 2020, the NSW Government provided $600,000 to dredge The Entrance Channel and I am pleased that work is finally getting underway,” Mr Crouch said.“Council has matched this funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis, allowing for a $1.2 million dredging project.”The dredging program is funded by both Central Coast Council and the NSW Government through the Rescuing Our Waterways fund.

I was proud to announce last week a fantastic soft plastics recycling initiative Central Coast Council is leading the way in, and the interest from our community has been phenomenal.Central Coast Council is the only council in Australia who is currently trialling a soft plastics recycling initiative.

Community members are invited to provide feedback on Central Coast Council’s Draft Positive Ageing Strategy 2021-2026, which outlines how Council will deliver services that support our older residents to age healthily, feel connected and enjoy an age-friendly community.Council Acting Director of Connected Communities, Phil Cantillon said the draft strategy builds on the first Central Coast Positive Ageing Strategy 2014 and renews Council’s commitment to better meeting the needs and aspirations of the Coast’s growing older population.“The Central Coast has long been an attractive place for older people to live and retire, with 27 percent of the region’s population aged 60 years and above*,” said Mr Cantillon.“With the number of residents aged over 60 expected to increase by almost 39 percent by 2036, it’s vital that we ensure that our services, programs and infrastructure reflect the evolving needs of this population.“The Draft Positive Ageing Strategy has been informed by what our older residents have told us, their aspirations and expectations, as well as research and consultation with relevant service providers.“There are many areas where Council can play a key role in positive ageing, from providing options for older people to connect, learn, exercise and have fun to making Council services and facilities more accessible and providing information to older people about what is on in their community, how they can get involved and how to get support.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said that Council’s Draft Positive Ageing Strategy is part of Council’s commitment to ensuring our older community members live active, healthy and independent lives.“Older people play a vital role in our community and it is important to recognise and respect the significant contribution they make to our vibrant region as workers, volunteers, neighbours, friends, parents and grandparents,” said Mayor Matthews.“Our Positive Ageing Strategy aims to enhance participation, improve quality of life and provide support to older residents so that they can continue to participate in and contribute to community life as they grow older.”The Draft Positive Ageing Strategy 2021-2026 outlines four key areas of focus where Council can make a positive difference to older residents:

Join us for the fifth online Innovation Breakfast about the ‘Future of Industry’.

Central Coast Council has mobilised its resources in preparation for dredging to commence within a fortnight.Council’s Acting Environment and Planning Director, Andrew Roach said a site compound was being set up this week, with site offices, sheds and security to be in place within days.“The Entrance community and visitors to the area will start to see a site compound develop over the next two days, including the arrival of sheds, piping and machinery,” Mr Roach said.“Once the compound is in place, Council will begin the necessary preparations, including testing and staff training, with the aim to have dredging start within a fortnight.“We know that many are looking forward to seeing the start of the program, but we ask that the community stay away from the area, so that Council can get the preparations for dredging underway as soon as possible.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said it was timely for preparations to get underway for the commencement of the dredging program.“We love and care for our waterways on the coast and dredging The Entrance channel is important for our community," Mayor Matthews said.“The dredging program is carried out to help maintain tidal exchange between the ocean and the estuary.

Central Coast Council has released a redacted version of the previously confidential Airport Review (Phase Two) Final Report, conducted by independent consultants, Morrison Low.The Report reviewed a large body of information relating to:The project to establish a regional airport at Kiar RidgeThe development of an Aviation Hub at Central Coast AirportAny activities, including works and development applications lodged, by the current Council or former Wyong Council relating to works at the airport site;

Central Coast Council’s emergency works response to mitigate coastal erosion at Wamberal and North Entrance is now complete with focus turning to recovery and future coastal management planning for the Central Coast.The State Emergency Controller (LEOCon), has signed off on the works which saw Council crews working round the clock to place over 10,000 tonnes of rock and sand at North Entrance and Wamberal beaches.Council CEO Gary Murphy praised the cooperation and hard work taken to respond to the emergency and that this would be harnessed as the focus moves to mitigating and managing coastal erosion into the future.“This has been a truly collaborative effort with Council, expert coastal engineers, residents and the community and the State Government all working together – it really saved the day,” Mr Murphy said.“We need to continue that effort as we now focus on more permanent solutions and best practice coastal management going forward.‘We will now focus on delivering Coastal Management Plans for the whole of the Central Coast, which we are aiming to complete by 2021, that will involve working with property owners, the broader community in addition to State and Federal Governments Departments.“It won’t be an easy process, but we are committed to getting it right.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said coastal management was a challenging issue for all Councils up and down the Coast and there is a need for a local as well as a national solution.“Here on the Coast we have faced many challenges with mother nature and our coastline, not just this year, but every year,” Mayor Matthews said.“Our community has had to continually be strong and resilient and I am proud of how we have pulled together and faced these challenges head on.‘We all love the natural environment on the Coast, it is a key reason we all live here and we want to be able to keep living near and enjoying our beaches and waterways into the future.“Coastal management is a priority for every Council up and down the Coast – we can learn from each other and find synergies – share what we’ve done already and find the best solutions for the future.“It can’t just be up to Local Government though.

Central Coast Council welcomes the $11million funding, from the NSW Government, towards the construction of an indoor multi-purpose sport and recreation centre at the Central Coast Regional Sporting & Recreation Complex at Tuggerah.Council’s Acting Director Environment and Planning, Andrew Roach said the Complex was always designed to be built in two stages and this funding will bring it a step closer to realising its full potential to attract mass participation events to the region. “We are very pleased to have the NSW Government commit to funding of $11million which will go a long way in helping Council progress stage two to deliver a multi-purpose indoor sporting facility for a range of activities, change rooms, amenities, storage as well as canteen and catering space to complement the existing outdoor sporting fields,” Mr Roach said.“Since opening in 2019, the current multi-use outdoor sporting and recreational facility has already attracted over 81,000 visitors to the region, injecting over $10M in our local economy. Mayor Lisa Matthews said delivering stage two would provide a significant boost to the benefits already flowing to the region from the first stage of the Complex. “We have already seen in such a short time since the opening last year that the venue is bringing in the types of events that provide a significant boost to the region’s economy with flow on effects to small business, employment and community well-being,” Mayor Matthews said.“I commend Council staff on their ongoing efforts to seek funding for the second stage of works and thank the State Government for getting on board with this exciting second stage.