Central Coast Council’s popular Green Living Workshops have moved online, allowing even more people than ever before to enjoy them.Kicking off in honour of this week’s National Organic Week, our first two interactive online workshops will be held this Saturday.This year’s Green Living workshop series will be delivered in two formats, allowing people with differing time commitments to learn how to Live Green:Short one-hour lunchtime workshops on weekdaysLonger workshops on weekends or evenings.Four workshops will be held during September:Composting, Saturday 12 September, 9.30am-11amWorm farming, Saturday 12 September, 11.30-1pmSustainable eating, Monday 21 September, 12-1pmPropagating your herb garden, Wednesday 30 September, 12-1pm.Council’s Acting Director Connected Communities, Phil Cantillon said the new format for the workshops means even more Coast residents can learn how to live sustainably.“Our Green Living workshops can benefit anyone, whether they live in a house with a large backyard or in a unit,” Mr Cantillon said.Mayor Lisa Matthews praised Central Coast residents for their ongoing commitment to reducing waste and living in a sustainable way.“We can all do little things which not only are healthier and greener, but also reduce our personal costs and benefit the environment around us,” Mayor Matthews said.Book in now for one of our Green Living Online workshops.

The weather is warming up, spring has sprung and the red and yellow flags are set to go up from 26 September 2020 on the 15 Central Coast beaches to be patrolled this season.This year Council is getting in early to help prepare beachgoers for the season ahead with new measures and message related to COVID-safe behaviour and requirements for visitors and locals who engage in rock fishing.Acting Council Director Connected Communities, Phil Cantillon said it is vital that community members and tourists follow simple safety steps whilst enjoying quality time on the region’s spectacular beaches.“Our lifesavers and lifeguards do an incredible job keeping us safe across beach season but we also need to do our bit,” Mr Cantillon said.“Heading to the beach means relaxing, recharging, keeping fit and active, and it also means switching on a beach safety mind-set.“Beach safety practices we always need to follow stand true – like only swimming at patrolled beaches and always swimming between the flags – but this season COVID-safe behaviour at the beach is also incredibly important.“Please maintain 1.5 metre social distance from people who are not from your household and keep group gatherings to a maximum of 20 people, as mandated by NSW Health.“Many of our beaches are extremely popular and crowd management measures may be in place to keep our community and visitors safe.“We’ll be making regular COVID-safe reminder announcements over the loud speakers at our patrolled sites and NSW Police will also be regularly monitoring beaches.“Should it be necessary to close any Central Coast beaches this season, clear signage will be displayed.“Council has also introduced a requirement that anyone engaging in rock fishing must wear a life jacket – this requirement extends to anyone who accompanies someone who is rock fishing.“We are installing signs at various locations that clearly outline what is required for anyone engaging in rock fishing on the Coast.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said enjoying the beach season and the importance of safety always need to go hand-in-hand.“With the weather warming up and increased visitors to the Coast, it’s important we all follow basic steps to keep ourselves and others safe when enjoying the beach,” Mayor Matthews said.“Measures in place to keep us COVID-safe extend to the beach and everyone must vigilantly follow these requirements whilst soaking up the sun and surf at one of the many stunning beaches along our coastline.”Key beach safety messagesAlways swim or surf at patrolled beaches.No flags means no swimming.Swim between the red and yellow flags.If we can’t see you, we can’t sIf you get into difficulty, raise your arm, stay calm, and yell for assistance.If you are unsure of conditions, ask the lifeguard or lifesaver in attendance.Read and obey the signs and directions from the lifeguard or lifesaver.Never run and dive into water, as the depth can change regularly.Children should be supervised by an adult at all times.Always ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide’.Board riders are asked to keep outside the black and white flags on each side of the red and yellow flags, as these indicate the surf craft exclusion zone. Key COVID-safe messages for the beachMaintain a 1.5 metre social distance from anyone who does not live in your household.Keep groups to fewer than 20 people. Key rock fishing messagesAnyone rock fishing in a declared location must wear an appropriate life jacket, this includes people helping you to rock fish and children.If you’re going rock fishing, plan ahead – let others know where you are going and carry a phone.Council’s Lifeguards patrol our shorelines from Monday to Friday, and Surf Life Saving volunteers keep everyone safe on weekends and public holidays.Non-peak holiday times – 26 September 2020 – 18 December 2020 and 30 January 2021 – 25 April 2021, 9am to 5pm patrols across all 15 beach locations and The Grant McBride Baths.Peak holiday period – 19 December 2020 - 29 January 2021 at all locations (including Budgewoi) will operate from 9am to 6pm.

Central Coast Council has ramped up its inspections of Wamberal beach with material fragments that potentially contain asbestos significantly increasing since the recent storms.Council has retrieved more material fragments from Wamberal Beach in the past month than all of 2019, leading to daily inspections of the beach.Council’s Manager of Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski said Council would inspect the beach daily to improve chances of removing all fragments that may deposit on the beach.“In 2019 our beach inspection team removed just over 400 fragments that may contain asbestos from Wamberal Beach.

Central Coast residents looking to take their recycling to the next level are invited to participate in a new soft plastics recycling trial by Central Coast Council in partnership with recycler iQ Renew, and their partner Nestlé.The new trial aims to reduce the amount of soft plastics going to landfill and its impact on the environment by enabling residents to recycle soft plastics using their yellow recycling bins.

Council is leading the way in innovative thinking and bringing new ideas to fruition, further cementing our commitment to exploring innovative solutions. Council is rolling out a number of projects that provide significant benefits to our community, from reducing our environmental footprint to implementing cost-effective approaches.

Central Coast Council has commenced work to redevelop Susan Fahey Park, Copacabana and construct an innovative district sized playspace which was designed from community consultation.Council’s Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said this new inclusive playspace and redeveloped park will have something for everyone.“These improvement works and new playspace will enhance the features of the existing park creating an engaging hub for the community to meet, socialise and undertake play and recreational activities,” Mr Cox said.“The redeveloped community space will provide a wide variety of opportunities for a range of ages and abilities for both the local community and the high volume of seasonal visitors to the area.”The design includes:a concrete outdoor ping pong tablean outdoor chess tableadult fitness equipmentdrink bottle refill stationconnecting wheelchair accessible pathwaysaccessible BBQ’snew picnic shelter and tablesan inclusive play unitaccessible spinner, accessible see saw and unique rope swingthe existing basket swing which will be made more accessible for all to use with rubber softfall.

In the lead up to the coming bushfire and storm season, Central Coast Council is urging all residents to take proactive steps to better prepare themselves, their families and their homes for emergencies.Council are promoting Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Week, and the ‘Get Prepared’ app, as part of their ongoing emergency preparation and community resilience building ‘Get Ready Central Coast’ program.Council’s Acting Director of Connected Communities, Phil Cantillon said that the ‘Get Prepared’ app is an important tool that can help build community resilience to emergencies.“The Red Cross Get Prepared app has the ability to help build community capacity to prepare for disasters through the development of individual emergency plans,” Mr Cantillon said.“It will help residents understand what resilience means to them by providing small step by step actions to enable each household to develop a plan tailored to their needs, leading to a stronger community better able to respond to and adapt more readily to shocks and stresses.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said that Council encourages residents to download the ‘Get Prepared’ app and engage in their own emergency plan preparation.“With Covid-19 restrictions, it is going to be more important than ever that individual households understand their vulnerability to emergencies and are best prepared for them,” Mayor Matthews said.“The Red Cross Get Prepared app is not specific to any hazard, whether your property is vulnerable to fire, flood or storm, this app helps to guide in emergency planning and preparing, leading to faster responses to an emergency and quicker recovery.”Download the Red Cross Get Prepared app at getprepared.app.link/central-coast

Council is reopening The Entrance Visitor Information Centre on Tuesdays – Saturdays from 11am – 3pm.

Like all of Australia the Central Coast has taken a hit due to COVID-19 but the region is also showing remarkable resilience.Key tourism measures have shown significant year-on-year spikes for the Central Coast in June and July and a number of new businesses have also emerged across the region.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the Coast had achieved impressive tourism numbers across winter.“Our region has moved from one emergency to the next in recent months so it is very heartening to see that the Coast continues to grow as a tourist destination of choice,” Ms Vaughan said.“Indicators for June and July show very positive signs for the Coast – for example AirBnB occupancies were up by approximately 20 percent compared to the same time period last year*.“Occupancy rates for our Holiday Parks were also up, along with retail and restaurant spending in our key tourist destinations.“Despite COVID we’ve also seen some exciting new businesses pop up across the Coast and a number of established businesses have undertaken makeovers.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the appeal of the Coast and the resilience of the community are unparalleled.“It is wonderful to see tourism growing on the Coast despite incredibly challenging circumstances,” Mayor Matthews said.“Our region is hard to beat as a place to live, work and visit – stunning beaches, incredible bushwalks, picturesque hinterland, adventure activities, great locally produced food and cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants, bespoke shopping experiences – there’s something for everyone.“We’re encouraging all Central Coast businesses to ensure they have COVID-safe plans in place and for local community members to get out and about to discover some of the new gems our region has to offer and to rediscover old favourites.”‘Visit Central Coast’ have identified a number of exciting new places to explore across the region including:The Pecan Lady, Somersby – farmstay accommodationSlowwell, Ettalong – café and wellbeing practiceDaily Dough Co.

Our Central Coast region is a hive of activity and lends itself to an array of opportunities for a healthy and active lifestyle for our residents of all ages.From pristine beaches to bushland walking and bike trails, parks and reserves, where the whole family from young and old can enjoy the outdoors.Council is committed to creating quality spaces for the benefit of our community and to attract visitors to our region.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the ongoing management of Central Coast Stadium.The Draft Central Coast Stadium Strategy will be placed on public exhibition until Monday 28 September for the community to provide feedback on the facility’s vision, purpose and strategic objectives as well as the value of a naming rights sponsor.Central Coast Stadium Manager, Kath Casey said the strategy aims to drive the future of the venue.“This important business strategy seeks to build on the economic, social, sporting and financial value of the Stadium, by providing a framework to enhance the Stadium as the major sporting and entertainment facility on the Central Coast,” Ms Casey said.“Council has developed a business strategy to ensure that the Stadium remains a significant and highly valued community asset and for it to continue to offer significant economic benefits to the region.“Our ambition is for the Stadium to continue to be an asset that our community are proud of and build on its current strengths to promote it as a premier venue across Australia and on an international level.“The Stadium offers many opportunities and has potential to attract and expand the events calendar to include new sporting and a wider scope of entertainment and events.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said Central Coast Stadium is an important community asset that delivers significant benefits for the region.“The Stadium is in one the best locations on the coast and is one of our most important and valuable community assets,” Mayor Matthews said.“For the past 20 years, it continues to be a focal point of community pride in our region and has hosted an impressive range of events.

The endangered eastern ospreys, who have taken up residence in a purpose-built home at Central Coast Stadium, are proud new parents with three chicks hatching overnight.The chicks were spotted by staff this morning and from all accounts are healthy and happy.The eastern ospreys have been living at Central Coast Stadium since 2014, but this is the second year they have been living in a platform built especially for them by Council staff.Stadium Manager, Kath Casey, said staff were thrilled to see the new chicks hatch showing they have taken to their new home.“They have really settled in now, and with their family growing, it is a real tick of approval for what we have done to help protect this threatened species,” Ms Casey said.“We love having them at the stadium and are thrilled to welcome these new additions to the osprey family.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said she was pleased to see that positive Council action had led to an increase in osprey numbers on the Central Coast.“We are actively helping increase the numbers of a threatened species which is not only great news for the osprey but for biodiversity in our region,” Mayor Matthews said.“We know the challenges of urbanisation and development are placing on our natural environment and this shows that we can be proactive and live side by side with our most precious of species.”We can all play our part in looking after our Ospreys by keeping the Central Coast’s waterways healthy.

Our Town Centres are important places for our community.

Over $111.373million in additional funding for the Central CoastCouncil’s proactive approach to sourcing additional revenue opportunities through grant funding, as well as the advocacy for State and Federal election commitments, has secured a total of $111,373,070 for the Central Coast community during the financial year 2019/20.These funds help support the delivery of Council services across numerous areas, with the below major categories to receive funding:Urban infrastructure - roads - $76.9MSport and recreation – sporting facilities - $8.63MUrban infrastructure - water & sewer - $6.85MEnvironment – coastal $6.02MEnvironment – emergency management - $5.02MUrban infrastructure – footpaths - $ 4.5MUrban infrastructure – other $ 2.77MMayor Lisa Matthews said Council has received grant funding from both the Australian ($92.02M) and NSW ($19.36M) Governments.“With the impacts of the bushfires and COVID-19, many grant programs have been postponed, however Council has continued advocacy for future funding on projects that are ‘shovel ready’ and could support our community’s recovery,” Mayor Matthews said.“There has also been a new Grant Finder tool that has already proved to be a valuable resource to support local businesses and community groups with more than 1,300 unique visitors and 272 registered users to the site since the launch in May.“Council is thankful to both the NSW and Australian Government for their support in funding which has enabled us to deliver vital projects in our region.

Central Coast Council has released a summary report on the implementation of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan (EMP), and the actions and achievements to date.The report reflects on the Estuary Management Plan in the lead up to a new Coastal Management Program for Tuggerah Lakes.Council Unit Manager of Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski said that implementing the EMP has been an ongoing partnership between all levels of government, estuary and coastal management experts, and the community.“Since 2008 Council has spent $26.5 million in grants, with 86 of the 100 actions identified by the EMP completed or ongoing,” Mr Sulkowski said.“The EMP outlines a holistic and scientific approach to managing the estuary, with primary objectives focusing on protecting the estuaries’ water quality, plants and biodiversity, as well as meeting the social and economic needs of the community.“This summary report outlines the frameworks and objectives underlying Council’s management of Tuggerah Lakes, and goes into detail about how funding has been spent, and the key outcomes and achievements that have been delivered.“Looking forward, we will continue this work, and expand into the catchments of Budgewoi Lake and Lake Munmorah to achieve good outcomes there,” said Mr Sulkowski.The summary report provides an overview of the characteristics of Tuggerah Lakes estuary, the issues impacting it, and the actions Council has taken to protect the health of the lakes ecosystem and the immeasurable value it has to the Central Coast Community.The information in the report is also available via video on Council’s YouTube channel, offering an easy and accessible way to learn more about the Tuggerah Lakes system, key challenges and how Council is managing these challenges.View the summary report at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/tuggerahlakesestuary

Individuals or community groups interested in undertaking environmentally based projects are encouraged to apply for funding under the Protection of the Environment Trust (POET).The POET, established in 2006, promotes the protection and enhancement of the natural environment, and provides funding for environmental projects in the former Gosford City Council Local Government Area.Central Coast Council Mayor Lisa Matthews said a key purpose of the Trust was the conservation of Indigenous flora and fauna.“Our community values the natural environment of the Central Coast – it is what we are renowned for and a key priority for Council is ensuring the preservation of our environmental resources for future generations,” Mayor Matthews said.“Funding is now available through the Trust for individuals, community groups and organisations for the delivery of projects that enhance our natural environment.“If your project has an environmental focus and can demonstrate outcomes that promote and enhance the natural environment or provide information, education or research about a significant aspect of the natural environment then I encourage you to apply.”Projects that have previously received funding include bush regeneration to support the work of environmental volunteers working in the Coastal Open Space System and Natural Reserves, and an education program to develop and install Local Species Interpretive Signs for the Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre.Applications can be made until Friday, 31 May 2021 and will be assessed by the POET Committee when they meet during the next 12 months.

Community members are invited to provide feedback on Central Coast Council’s Draft Graffiti Management Strategy 2021–2024, which sets out the approach Council will take in managing graffiti, in partnership with others, across the whole Central Coast.Developed by Council in partnership with local stakeholders, the draft strategy outlines five key priorities for graffiti management on the Coast:

Central Coast Council has started the main construction phase of the $5.6million redevelopment of Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf.The largest wharf project ever undertaken by Council features a floating pontoon and promises to deliver substantial benefits for Woy Woy and the wider Central Coast community.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the existing Commercial Wharf had been modified to ensure ferry services could continue as scheduled throughout construction of the new wharf.“The Commercial Wharf – which will operate as the main wharf amenity for the area as we build the new Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf – has undergone temporary modifications to ensure it is accessible for community members who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids,” Mr Bolgoff said.“It is very exciting to commence construction on this significant project which features a floating pontoon that will move with the varying tides and ensure access to ferry services and facilities in most tide and weather conditions.“Our new Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf will benefit commuters and community members who regularly use ferry services and will undoubtedly become a centre-piece and draw-card for Woy Woy Town Centre.“Accessibility for community members who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices has been a priority throughout the design process, with one of the added key features of the project being infrastructure to accommodate a wheelchair lifting facility on the pontoon for recreational boat users.”Design features of the new wharf and surrounds include:dedicated fishing area located on boardwalknew seating benches including smart benches with mobile phone charging capabilitybanner poleslandscaping including established salt water tolerant trees.Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the project received $3.99million from the NSW Government’s Regional Communities Development Fund and $1.61million  from Council.“The current jetty becomes submerged during king tides but the new pontoon wharf will rise with the tide to reduce disruption and improve disability access,” Mr Crouch said.“The new wharf is also capable of accommodating 35-metre vessels up to 250 tonnes, making it a significant asset to the Woy Woy community.“This is just one of numerous wharf upgrades – including at Davistown, Empire Bay, Spencer and South Tacoma – that the NSW Government and Central Coast Council are delivering together.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the new Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf will become an iconic amenity for the Coast.“This flagship project is a great example of different levels of government working together to deliver for our region,” Mayor Matthews said.“The new Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf and surrounds will be functional and will help to make the Coast an even better place to live, work and visit.”Council is working closely with ferry services and nearby businesses and stakeholders to minimise impact during construction of this important project.Find out more information at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/all-projects/woy-woy-town-centre-wharf-redevelopment

Community groups and not-for profit organisations can apply for up to $30,000 in funding for community projects in Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park as part of a joint initiative between Central Coast Council and Delta Coal Pty Ltd.Council’s Community Partnerships Unit Manager, Glenn Cannard said the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program aims to support organisations to deliver projects that improve community infrastructure and services in Chain Valley Bay and surrounding suburbs.“Since 2013, the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program has provided funding to a range of local groups and organisations to improve and enhance the local community,” Mr Cannard said.“Past projects to receive funding include classroom laptops for Mannering Park Public School, Northern Lakes Neighbourhood Centre Cinema Under the Stars, the Mannering Parks Tidy Towns Group ‘Keep It Clean, Keep It Green’ initiative and a 3 Phase Converter for Manno Men’s Shed, to name just a few.“Projects that deliver social, cultural, economic or environmental benefits to communities in the four suburb areas are encouraged to apply.”Grant applications open on Monday 17 August and close on Friday 25 September 2020.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council is pleased to be supporting local groups and initiatives in such a positive way.“Council is thrilled for these investments in our community.

Our youth are our future, the ‘Central Coast Youth Strategy’ highlights the importance Council places on empowering the youth of today.