Central Coast Council is continuing to progress with developing a Masterplan to upgrade and redesign Mt Ettalong Reserve to make it more accessible, functional and safe for the community.Between February and March 2020 Council conducted an initial survey to understand how the community uses Mount Ettalong Reserve and what changes they would like to see incorporated into the Masterplan for its redesign.Due to the restrictions on public gatherings Council was unable to deliver a planned community engagement workshop, however public submissions are still welcomed on the project online.Phase two of consultation with the public involves Council seeking feedback on the draft concept designs, which have been informed by the results of the initial surveys.Our community can explore the concept plans for Mount Ettalong Reserve Masterplan and fill out the feedback form by Thursday 4 June to have their say:

A new district level playspace is coming to Tunkuwallin Oval Gwandalan and Central Coast Council is calling on the community to have their say to help shape the new precinct plan.Council is undertaking a series of community engagement opportunities to understand how Tunkuwallin Oval is currently being used and to ensure the local community’s vision and future needs are met.The first round of consultation is running until 4 June 2020, and the community is invited to jump online and share their opinions to help design the draft Precinct Plan.This draft Plan will be presented to the community for further input.

Council to engage with community on Lake Munmorah Skate ParkCouncil has resolved to start additional online community engagement for a proposed skate part at Lake Munmorah.The skate park and regional playspace will be located opposite Lake Munmorah shopping centre on Tall Timbers Road and it is anticipated that the creation of this facility will provide an inclusive recreational space for a range of ages, abilities and skills, provide a safe and accessible venue for community activities and attract regional and significant skate events.  Dependant on final community feedback it is also anticipated to include fitness equipment, shared pathways, picnic areas, area for multi-generational enjoyment, outdoor activities and social gatherings.

This week we celebrate Library and Information Week - the theme for 2020 is Create.

Central Coast Council is ready to once again welcome visitors to the region when regional travel restrictions are eased from 1 June 2020.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council is rolling out a staged approach to the reopening of eligible facilities to ensure the safety of community members and visitors.“We look forward to welcoming visitors back to our beautiful region from 1 June,” Ms Vaughan said.“From our stunning beaches to our picturesque bush and rural settings to our diverse town centres, the Coast is hard to beat as a travel destination.“If you’re planning a trip, please book accommodation well in advance and follow physical distancing requirements at all times during your stay.“Some of our eligible facilities have already reopened, including Gosford Pool, play spaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skateparks.“From 1 June we will start to reopen additional eligible facilities but please note that each facility is different and the timing and nature of reopening will vary from venue to venue as we ensure public safety can be met in accordance with the regulations.“We are committed to the continued growth of the Central Coast as a tourism destination of choice – we work closely with our industry partners like Destination NSW and in the coming weeks we will be launching a new destination brand campaign.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the new easing of restrictions would provide a welcome economic boost to the Central Coast.“Like many regions across NSW, the Coast relies heavily on tourism and we are thrilled that the management of COVID-19 has reached a point where travel restrictions can be eased,” Mayor Matthews said.“COVID-19 came hot on the heels of major floods and bushfires and it will be wonderful to once again see smiling visitors enjoying the beautiful Central Coast.“We ask that our visitors remember to always follow physical distancing requirements and to be aware that some venues will remain closed or have strict requirements in place.”Council thanks the Central Coast community, and any visitors from 1 June 2020, for taking the COVID-19 situation seriously and asks that everyone continue to follow State and Federal Government directions including:practise physical distancing, which includes maintaining a distance of 1.5metres from others at all times.public gatherings must not be more than 10 peoplecontinue to practise good hygiene, including washing your hands before and after using any equipment.For further information about COVID-19 related closures and re-openings, please visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19.

The challenge of searching for suitable grants for local businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals will be easier than ever with a new addition to the Central Coast Council website.‘Central Coast Grant Finder’ is a one stop shop to easily find all relevant grant funding opportunities.

Central Coast Council Library Service has seen a significant increase in the use of online resources since providing expanded collections, unique items and new opportunities for the community to continue learning and recreational activities during COVID-19.Council recognised a need to support the community during this difficult time following the closure of libraries in accordance with Government regulations.In April, Council saw a 59% increase in loans of eResources including;

Central Coast Council have confirmed that Central Coast Stadium has been selected by the NRL to host games during the 2020 premiership season.NRL teams that will play at the venue include the New Zealand Warriors, Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles.

For almost two months now the community has had to adapt and accept the new way of living life during COVID-19, now we find ourselves stepping out of that comfort zone and back into somewhat normality.Some of you will relish it and enjoy visiting with loved ones, catching up with more than 1 friend, dining out in your favourite local restaurant or simply sitting and enjoying your morning coffee in a public space.

In line with the most recent NSW Government announcement easing restrictions on the use of play spaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks, Central Coast Council will reopen these assets for public use from Friday 15 May.Gosford Olympic Pool will also reopen for lap swimming with restrictions in place, including requirements to pre-book, time-limited sessions and one-person lane limit.The outdoor spaces and pool have been closed recently in response to COVID-19 shutdowns.

Central Coast Council is now offering online delivery of a range of highly valued community programs with the launch of a new YouTube Channel – Coast Connect.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council recognised the importance of adaptation to continue offering services that improve the lives and wellbeing of residents on the Coast and looking for opportunities to remain connected.“Whilst our community are unable to visit their local theatre, library, gallery or leisure centre or attend face-to-face programs or events right now in response to COVID-19, Council will be bringing some popular programs directly into resident’s homes,“ Ms Vaughan said. “A range of entertaining, informative, and engaging videos are being created from our ‘TV studio’ set up at Laycock St theatre and will be available for everyone to view at their own convenience.”The health and wellness of our community is certainly in the spotlight at the moment and the series of ‘Live Well’ videos will help to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

Central Coast Council are inviting community members to have their say on the first draft Waste Resource Management Strategy, now available online for final public review until 21 June.Developed after extensive community consultation last year, the draft Strategy assesses current waste initiatives and seeks to encourage change to help minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill and its impact on the environment.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said with the constantly evolving challenges around waste, there has been a massive push both from our community and at a global level to find solutions that close the loop.“Thank you to everyone who took the time to let us know your ideas on waste reduction, which alongside our report information, has helped us formulate our first draft Strategy,” Mr Pearce said.“This information has underpinned the strategy’s key objectives - to drive waste avoidance, divert waste from landfill by increasing local recycling and reuse options, explore funding and collaborative opportunities over the next 10 years, and keep our streets and public spaces clean and clear.“We also want to change the view that what is traditionally known as ‘waste’ is actually a valuable resource to be managed.“As technology is advancing so rapidly in this field, our planning for waste management must consider both well-established principles and emerging trends.”The vision of this 10-year plan is on promoting our region as a creative environment for developing a local circular economy that values the recovery of resources and advocates prevention of waste.Council Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Strategy outlines key objectives and actions that will ensure Council provides waste services that are safe, secure and cost-effective.“Waste is everyone’s issue – we all have a role to play in reducing the amount of waste generated and its impacts on our community and the environment” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage everyone to go online and provide feedback on our draft Strategy so we can ensure we deliver the future waste resource recovery outcomes the community want and expect.”Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/our-coast-our-waste for further information and to have your say.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Coast Council has temporarily moved all community consultations online to obtain feedback about upcoming projects and strategies.Council usually encourages community members to have a say about major projects which will shape the future of our region by combining online promotion with face-to-face workshops, community events and other opportunities to physically view proposals.However, the need to maintain social distancing and restrictions on travel and public gatherings have prevented many of the usual ways Council consults with the community.During the COVID-19 shutdown, Council has continued to undertake and plan important projects.

Council continues its investment driving tourism for the Central CoastCouncil’s integrated approach to tourism marketing and destination planning was endorsed by Council with commitment to a new three-year action plan.

There are exciting projects underway across the Coast, and I’ve recently been able to get out and witness the progress of work being undertaken by our hard-working Council staff.

Central Coast Council have welcomed the New Zealand Warriors NRL team to Central Coast Stadium to train while they are in Australia.

Central Coast Council has marked an exciting moment for the future of the Central Coast’s water supply, as the first pipes are laid to mark the start of construction of the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline.Mayor Matthews said the 9km pipeline project is incredibly significant for our Coast as it will provide water to the expanding northern growth corridor and enhance the water supply network for the entire region.“Council is investing over $61million in this pipeline project, making it one of the largest single investments in the future security of our region’s water supply and a project we can be very proud of," Mayor Matthews said.Council Director of Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said managing our valuable water supply is a key priority for Council and this project is a prime example of how we are delivering essential infrastructure for the people of the Central Coast.“Recent conditions including extreme weather events and water restrictions that have faced our community and indeed communities across our state and nation, bring into sharp focus how important water security and water resilience is for everyone,” Mr Loader said.“The Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline will ensure a stable long-term water supply to new and growing areas in the north of the region to support anticipated levels of growth and development we need to deliver as part of the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036.“In addition, we will see an enhancement in bulk water transfers between ourselves and the Hunter which enables better planning for future water resourcing for both regions."The complex project has been developed over the past six years including close and ongoing consultation with the community to ensure we understand and manage the impacts of this project during the construction and commissioning phases.“Extensive investigations, design and planning have been undertaken to ensure the construction is delivered using the best technology available, including innovative trenchless construction techniques that will ensure sensitive environmental areas are protected,” Mr Loader said.“During the current COVID-19 crisis, our construction and field services crews continue to deliver essential services to the community.

Central Coast Council’s first draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), which will play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future, is now on public exhibition for the community to have their say.The LSPS explains how state and regional plans such as the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 will be implemented in the Central Coast region.

Central Coast Council is continuing to deliver for the region during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic with a Water Play Park at the Peninsula Leisure Centre (PLC) - one of the exciting new projects now underway.Over $1 million will be invested to deliver the interactive water-based play and education space, which is proudly funded by the NSW Government with $850,000 from the Stronger Country Communities fund and over $200,000 from Council.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the water park would be accessible to all Central Coast Community members.“Our community has told us they would like to see the outdoor space within the PLC better utilised and we’ve listened,” Ms Vaughan said.“This new Water Play Park can be enjoyed upon entry to the PLC – we expect it to attract community members from the Peninsula and across the Coast, and of course visitors to our beautiful region.“The design selected is focused on creating a safe, water-based play space that can be accessed by people of all ages and abilities for fun and education.”The nautical themed Water Play Park includes a tipping bucket, interactive (cause and effect) features, shade sail, in-built filtration system and zero depth (for safety and accessibility).Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro congratulated Central Coast Council on getting shovels in the ground and said the water park would become a treasured asset for people living in or visiting the region.“The NSW Government knows how important it is to support our regional communities with new facilities and better infrastructure and that’s why we funded this important project under the Stronger Country Communities Fund,” Mr Barilaro said.The $400 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local programs and infrastructure that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Water Play Park is one of many projects Council will deliver during the current difficult situation.“COVID-19 has changed all our lives in unimaginable ways but Council is getting on with the job of delivering essential services and important projects whilst adhering to State and Federal legislation and physical distancing requirements,” Mayor Matthews said.“We’ve listened to our community and will deliver an exciting new Water Play Park that will contribute to several of the objectives outlined in our Strategic Plan ‘One – Central Coast’ including creating liveable cities and healthy lifestyles for our growing community.”Construction of the Water Play park commenced in April 2020 and is expected to be completed by the end June 2020.

While there have been changes to some Central Coast Council services, essential works continue to be delivered, helping keep locals employed and the Central Coast economy going.Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy said essential services will continue as the situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves.“Council is focused on the continued delivery of the essential services needed to support our community now, but we are also continuing with essential works to cater for the future needs of our community when life returns to normal,” Mr Murphy said.“Important maintenance work and projects continue including upgrades to open space and recreation infrastructure, road maintenance and construction, and water and sewer maintenance and upgrades.“Council is also continuing with established projects including the construction of Terrigal Boardwalk, upgrade of the Rock Pool and the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline, with adjustments made to comply with the latest NSW Health and Government requirements around social distancing and keeping our staff and community safe.”Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews said continuing these essential works is important for people and for the local economy.“As Council, we are committed to bettering the lives of our community and creating a smart, green and liveable region with a shared sense of belonging and responsibility,” Mayor Matthews said“We know many people are doing it tough during this time and this is one-way Council is able to help keep locals, Council workers and contractors employed, as well as positively contribute to our economy.”Some current works which continue across the Coast include:Open Space and Recreation InfrastructureProjectLocationAmenities building constructionEDSACC South, Bateau BayAmenities building constructionDon Small Oval, TacomaAmenities building upgradeDuffy's Reserve, TerrigalAmenities building constructionGarnet Adcock Memorial Park, West GosfordLocal playspace softfall renewalPeninsula Recreation Precinct, Umina BeachDistrict Playspace upgradeEmpire Bay Tennis CourtsDistrict Playspace upgradeSusan Fahey Park, CopacabanaDistrict Playspace upgradeWallarah Point Peace Park, GorokanLocal Playspace upgradeLentara Ave, Umina BeachLocal Playspace upgradePinyari Park, KincumberLocal Playspace upgradeGoonak Pde, NararaLocal Playspace upgradeGavenlock Oval, NararaLocal Playspace upgradeTreeline Cl, NararaLocal Playspace upgradeBrisbane Ave, UminaLocal Playspace upgradeWalder Cres, AvocaLocal Playspace upgradeFagan Park, Point ClareReserve upgradeHeazlett Park, AvocaFencing upgradeBlue Haven OvalBoat ramp, jetty and carpark upgradeSouth Tacoma Boat RampBoat ramp upgradeCorrea Bay, Woy WoyCarpark upgradeKoolewong Boat RampAmenities building constructionAdcock Park, West GosfordIrrigation, Drainage and FloodlightingSir Joseph Banks Oval, Bateau BayAncillary Facilities upgradeBerkeley Vale Skate ParkTennis Court upgradeAdelaide Street Tennis Courts, Tumbi UmbiTennis Court upgradeSohier Park, OurimbahTennis Court upgradeEmpire BayDog Park upgradeTuggerah Dog ParkRoad maintenance and constructionProjectLocationRoad stabilising and paving maintenanceWisemans Ferry Road, Kulnura and Chain Valley Bay Road, Chain Valley BayWatermain Relocation and stormwater drainage construction.Davistown Road, SaratogaDavistown Wharf replacement and upgradeDavistownKerb ramps and footpathPark Road, Woy WoyFootpath reconstruction and associated worksOcean Beach Road, Woy WoyFootpath construction and associated worksSurfers Road, James Sea DriveTerrigal / WamberalShared Path ReconstructionSite restoration and asphaltAnzac Parade, WyongFootpath Replacement Community Centrewithin the reserveDebra Anne Avenue, Bateau BayRetaining wall worksWisemans Ferry Road, SomersbyStormwater drainage worksOceano Street, CopacabanaWater and sewer maintenance and upgradesProjectLocationSewer Pump Station upgradeClarke Road, NoravilleWater Treatment Plant major upgradeMardiMardi to Warnervale PipelineVarious suburbs from Mardi to Warnervale (via Watanobbi)Water Mains renewal programCoast-wideSewer Main rehabilitation