Media Releases

Central Coast Council held an Extraordinary Meeting tonight to update the full Council and community members about the damage caused by coastal beach erosion at Wamberal and The Entrance North.Council has called on the State Government to declare a natural disaster after last week’s severe weather created severe coastal erosion damage and damaged properties at Wamberal.

Council proudly invests in and manages 260 playspaces across the Central Coast, delivering on our communities’ vision for activated spaces and places for communities to build social networks. Effectively designed playgrounds and parks encourage play at all levels and offer a place for children to learn, exercise, reflect, run, explore and take safe risks;

Central Coast Council is continuing to work with the NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Police and local residents in response to coastal erosion affecting a number of properties at Wamberal. Ocean View Drive at Wamberal is currently closed to general traffic to allow emergency vehicles, residents and essential services access to the area.

Central Coast Council has continued to work overnight with NSW State Emergency Service and other essential services who are leading the emergency recovery as part of the State Emergency Rescue Management Act.While strong winds and hazardous surf conditions have impacted the whole Coastline from Budgewoi right down to Pearl Beach, current areas of focus for emergency services are Wamberal, North Entrance, Terrigal and Avoca.

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews has called an Extraordinary Council Meeting for Monday 20 July 2020 to receive a thorough public update around the unfolding coastal crisis at Wamberal and The North Entrance.

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews is encouraging all levels of government to work together after inspecting severe damage to infrastructure and homes at Wamberal and the North Entrance this morning.An east coast low was predicted to hit the NSW North Coast earlier in the week, bringing with it damaging winds, surf and heavy rainfall.

Tourists and locals alike rightfully celebrate the 29 glorious beaches that pepper the length of the Central Coast, but there is much fun to be had in the region during the winter months – no swimsuits required.From breathtaking vantage points to watch the whales migrate, stunning bushwalks and incredible outdoor adventures, to unique experiences and some of Australian’s finest local produce, not to mention a world of culinary delight and bespoke retail therapy opportunities, there is something for everyone.Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews said the region has so much to offer during the winter months it was a difficult task to narrow down a list of highlights.“The Central Coast is obviously fantastic in the summer but it’s also a special place to be during the cooler months, there are so many options for short or long trips or for locals embracing the staycation in our beautiful region,” Mayor Matthews said.“‘Visit Central Coast’ have pulled together a list of just some of the Coast’s winter highlights, but this is by no means exhaustive – there is so much on offer!“We’re often blessed with beautiful winter weather, which makes our incredible bushwalks, stunning hinterland region and outdoor adventure experiences very appealing, but there are also lots of opportunities to get comfortable in a cozy spot with your drink of choice and mouth-watering food made with locally grown produce.“Winter is not the time for hibernation on the Coast – I encourage visitors to explore all that’s on offer and for locals to rediscover their own backyard.”Here is a snapshot of some of the winter highlights from ‘Visit Central Coast’:Breathtaking vantage points to watch the whales migrate - There is nothing quite like the majesty and beauty of seeing a whale in the wild.

Kids across the coast will be squealing with delight with an abundance of new playspaces to visit across the Central Coast and more in the works.The past twelve months has seen the design, construction and delivery of 18 new or renewed local playspaces across the region, five playspace upgrades with the best and biggest soon to come.

Council are calling on the community to dream big and share their ideas to shape the future of The Entrance Town Centre with consultation running online until 2 August 2020.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said The Entrance Town Centre has the foundations to be a thriving and engaging destination all year round - not just during the holiday season.“To help this vital Town Centre live up to its full potential we are looking to the community to provide their input as we develop a Place Plan to create a revitalised and activated area for work, play and social connection," Ms Vaughan said. This Place Plan will identify a series of future initiatives and projects that will improve the visitor experience and transform how the community interacts with this area whilst providing an ongoing boost to local businesses.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the importance of effective Place Plans is now more important than ever for our local economy.“Local businesses are still feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s important for recovery and ongoing resilience that this Town Centre is bustling with activity and draws the community and visitors to the area,” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage the community, and especially the local business operators, to jump online and share their thoughts on what is and isn’t currently working and their vision for future of The Entrance Town Centre.“Together we can create an engaging, safe and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy and be proud of.”Go to www.yourvoiceourcoast.com before 2 August to share your ideas and aspirations.

Central Coast Council is continuing to support the local economy with a range of measures to help local businesses experiencing hardship in the current economic climate.The initiatives follow an earlier support package for businesses during the recent COVID-19 closures.The phase two support package takes a multi-pronged approach to assisting business owners.

Council remains committed to sustainable water supply management The Central Coast will remain on Level 1 Water Restrictions until at least November 2020.

Residents may have already spotted the first of a series of artworks popping up on the side of local roads recently as a number of nbn™ network nodes have been wrapped in striking indigenous designs.Council’s Director of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the designs were created under the Maliga program in collaboration with local schools across the Coast - Kincumber Public, Kincumber HS, Wyong HS, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College (both The Entrance and Berkeley Vale Campuses) and Wadalba Community School.“This inclusive project brings together the rich tapestry of our community and supports reconciliation through the celebration of Aboriginal arts and culture,” Ms Vaughan said.“These designs truly display the meaning of Maliga which is to ‘shine’ in Darkinjung language and they certainly take pride of place in our neighbourhoods.

Despite the interruption COVID-19 has had on our every day lives, Council has been able to continue delivering essential services for our community and play our part in keeping the economy going and keeping locals in jobs.The latest milestone is Council’s progression with important water and sewerage infrastructure for Gosford CBD and Warnervale Town Centre.These projects are part of the NSW Government’s Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 - the ‘blueprint’ for growing our regional economy, accelerating housing supply and protecting and enhancing the natural environment on the Central Coast.Supported by a combined $21million in NSW Government funding under the Housing Acceleration Fund, this important next step will assist Council’s delivery of water and sewage infrastructure in two key growth areas of the Central Coast.In Gosford CBD it will help meet the needs of an increased level of high-rise residential dwellings, the ongoing redevelopment of Gosford Hospital, the completion of the ATO and NSW Financial Services developments and other developments planned for the Gosford CBD area.In Warnervale Town Centre it will help accelerate housing and commercial development in line with the Government’s plans for the region.

Central Coast Council is helping young people 'help a mate' with a series of online workshops and video-based sessions exploring youth mental health and providing practical tips on coping with stressful life events.Kicking off this Wednesday with an online session from the Black Dog Institute, the series explores typical life events such as school or work transitions and exam pressures, along with the added crisis of living through a global pandemic.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said when Council asked for young people’s input into the Coast’s Youth Strategy, they identified their own and friends’ mental health as being one of their top priorities.“With the help of Council’s Youth Action Team Y4Y, we’re providing ways young people can identify when they or a friend are at risk of experiencing poor mental health and giving practical tools to cope with stressful circumstances and build resilience,” Ms Vaughan said.“We’ve enlisted the expertise of one of Australia’s most respected mental health organisations, the Black Dog Institute, to talk about teens and young people and their mental health.”Suitable for young people, carers, parents and teachers, the full series of Help A Mate events is:Black Dog Institute online session, 15 July, 12pmVideo release – yoga, 29 July, 12pmAction Education online session - 12 August, 6pmVideo Release – meditation, 26 August, 12pmVideo Release – Y4Y - R U OK video tips & tricks, 9 September, 12pmMayor Lisa Matthews said helping young people learn how to be resilient through stressful times is an important investment society can make in creating a better future.“Our young people matter to us all, and we want them to move forward into their futures with the attitude and tools which will help them to find success and happiness in life.Register now for Wednesday’s online session at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/help-a-mate

Central Coast Council is calling for community members who live with a disability, family members or carers of someone living with a disability and people who work in the disability sector to submit an Expression of Interest to join its Access and Inclusion Reference Group.The Reference Group assists Council in implementing its Disability Inclusion Action Plan which sets out the actions Council will deliver to enable people with disabilities to better access mainstream services, facilities, information and support to be fully included and able to participate in community life. Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said this Reference Group will have an additional role.“The current Action Plan is in its final year, so the Reference Group will have the important task of helping us develop our new Disability Inclusion Action Plan which will help shape access and inclusion in our community from 2021-2025,” Ms Vaughan said.Mayor Lisa Matthews urged people with a lived experience of disability to get involved.“To be a truly responsive and inclusive community, our Coast needs to hear the voices of people who live with disabilities and understand the barriers they experience to full community participation,” Mayor Matthews said.Submissions are now open and close 5pm Thursday 23 July 2020.Further information available at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/EOI or by contacting Disability Inclusion Officer Jodie Frost Foster, 4325 8109 or Jodie.Frost-Foster@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Date – Thursday 16 July 2020Time – 8.30am to 10amZoom link (to participate in event) – https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-Yw64mniSHeTMtRo-lYKXgRSVP – Register via Eventbrite by 15 July 2020Central Coast Innovation Breakfast Series (online) July 2020As we move through the economic challenges from the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, it’s important for us to stay connected and focus on how we can use innovation to get us through this time and grow stronger into the future.Central Coast Council, with support from The Fifth Element incubator accelerator, are proud to bring you the online Central Coast Innovation Breakfast Series.July topic - Future of EducationIf we suddenly lost our memories and had no concept of education, what would the learning journey look like?

Parthenium weed has recently been found in a Ravensdale chicken yard on the Central Coast.The weed causes health problems in humans and livestock, reduces carrying capacity of farmland, and contaminates grain.Central Coast Council Unit Manager of Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski said that although the weed is uncommon in NSW, we need to be vigilant.“This finding of parthenium at Ravensdale, and at Engadine in southern Sydney earlier in the year have both been linked to contaminated, organic wholegrain chicken feed produced in Queensland,” Mr Sulkowski said.“This is a devastating weed, and the community plays a vital role in preventing it take hold in NSW.“If you think you have seen this weed on the Coast please contact Council immediately, or the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244, and our weed officers will help identify if it is parthenium and if so, help eradicate it.”NSW DPI State Priority Weeds coordinator, Nicola Dixon said with 20 infestations this year, NSW has had the highest number of parthenium incursions since 1999.“The community has played an important role in finding the weed and allowing Council weeds officers to remove and manage all infestations,” Ms Dixon said.“We have been able to successfully detect and eradicate parthenium weed in NSW since 1982, thanks to the actions of the community and weeds officers across the state.”More information about parthenium weed and how to identify the plant at different growth stages is available from DPI weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/PartheniumWeedYou can also use an online form to record any weed sightings, biosecurity.transactcentral.com/Biosecurity/servlet/SmartForm.html?formCode=report-a-biosecurity

Central Coast Council are set to save around $220,000 each year on energy expenses following the installation of an additional 1.2MW of solar power on Council buildings.Council are in the process of installing 3,500 rooftop solar panels on 28 Council owned buildings with works due for completion by the end of 2020.This project will see energy consumption reduced by approximately 1.4GWh annually and reduce Council's carbon footprint by 1,100 tonnes of CO2-e per annum.

Central Coast Council has released two draft Floodplain Risk Management Plans and Studies for public consultation.The two documents, one for the Wallarah Creek catchment and the other covering the combined Killarney Vale/Long Jetty catchments, utilise information from floodplain risk management studies, offering options to mitigate the risk of overland flooding caused by excessive rainfall.Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews said that Council understands these communities have been through a lot recently, and that the consultation period has been extended to allow all voices to be heard.“The communities that these floodplain plans and studies address have been directly impacted by either bushfires or flooding in the last six months.

The quality and responsible use of water across the Central Coast remains firmly on our agenda with two new policies now on public exhibition for 28 days.Throughout July, residents will be able to have their say about both the Draft Drinking Water Quality Policy and Draft Recycled Water Quality Policy online.The Draft Drinking Water Policy consolidates the previous policies of the former Wyong Shire and Gosford City Councils and demonstrates Council’s commitment to providing continuous supply of drinking water that is consistent with the requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.Additionally, the Draft Recycled Water Quality Policy, based on the former Gosford City Council Policy, reinforces Council’s commitment to the responsible and sustainable management and use of recycled water that is consistent with the Australian Guidelines for Recycled Water.Consolidating the two policies allows us to focus on the immediate water needs of the Central Coast as well as begin to take the first tentative steps of planning for future population growth.The drought of recent years and having to constantly monitor the dam storage levels clearly reminds us that water is a precious resource and we can’t afford to waste it.Have your say online on both water policies at yourvoiceourcoast.com   Mayor Lisa MatthewsCentral Coast Council