Central Coast Council in consultation with Umina Community Group and the Geographic Names Board have officially approved a name change of Woy Woy’s Trafalgar Avenue Park to The Runway. Community advocacy for the name change was led by Umina Community Group and the new name has been adopted to recognise the historic significance of this location for the local community.

Central Coast Council in consultation with Umina Community Group and the Geographic Names Board have officially approved a name change of Woy Woy’s Trafalgar Avenue Park to The Runway. Community advocacy for the name change was led by Umina Community Group and the new name has been adopted to recognise the historic significance of this location for the local community.

Central Coast Council encourages budding artists aged 50 or over to enter its popular Grandma Moses Art Competition.Now in its 37th year, this renowned art competition and exhibition is inspired by Anna Mary Robertson – dubbed ‘Grandma Moses’ – who earnt fame for her evocative depictions of American rural life.

Central Coast community members with unique and innovative ideas for events and projects are encouraged to apply for funding under Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.

Central Coast Council has completed a new section of the shared pathway around Tuggerah Lake foreshore.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the new section of pathway in Tuggerawong was a significant amenity and would enhance the appeal of the Tuggerah Lake loop for locals and tourists.“We are focussed on footpath, bike path and shared path projects that complete missing links, loop around our scenic waterways and improve transport connections – this project ticks all of the boxes,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The new pathway connects an existing pathway at Friday Street through to Tuesday Street, which improves access to local shops, a play space and the public school.“This is a three-metre-wide shared pathway, which can be used by walkers, cyclists, parents with prams and community members who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.“Minimising environmental impact was a key priority for the project – we achieved this through keeping tree removal to an absolute minimum and by raising the pathway in some locations to avoid disrupting tree roots.”The $995,000 project was proudly funded by the NSW Government with $542,269 from the Stronger Country Communities Fund and $452,731 from Council.Mayor Jane Smith said the Tuggerah Lake loop was becoming an iconic resource for the Central Coast.“Walking and cycling around our beautiful Tuggerah Lake is a big part of many community members lives and an experience that never fails to impress visitors to our region,” Mayor Smith said.“This is a project that has been strongly supported by the ward Councillors, in particular Councillor Kyle MacGregor, so it is pleasing to see it come to fruition.“Expanding and maintaining our pathways network enhances the liveability and sustainability of the Central Coast by facilitating alternative transport modes and better connecting local communities.”Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the Stronger Country Communities Fund was created to deliver infrastructure that improves the lives of local residents and the new section of shared pathway around Tuggerah Lake foreshore is just one of the hundreds of projects being built and delivered across regional NSW.“I congratulate the Central Coast Council on its funding win and completion of this amazing project which will boost connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians of all abilities,” Mr Barilaro said.“Not only will the new section of shared pathway benefit locals, but it will also help visitors discover the beauty of Tuggerah Lake.”Mr Barilaro said work is underway on more than 1,000 Stronger Country Communities Fund projects right across regional NSW, with hundreds now close to completion.The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $1.7billion Regional Growth Fund, which together with the $4.2billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering once-in-a-generation infrastructure that generates opportunities, investment and jobs, on top of the NSW Government’s $1.8billion in drought support measures.For further information and program guidelines, go to nsw.gov.au/SCCFThe recently completed section of the Tuggerah Lake loop was the first stage of a five-stage project at Tuggerawong.Community consultation for the remaining stages of the project – which will extend the shared pathway for a further three kilometres to connect Tuesday Street, Tuggerawong through to Don Small Oval, Tacoma – is planned to start in late August.

Central Coast Councils’ installation of a new stormwater gross pollutant trap (GPT) at Trafalgar Ave, Umina Beach has been delayed after the discovery of asbestos containing material at the site.Council has commenced asbestos remediation works and engaged licensed asbestos removal contractors to ensure public safety is maintained whilst contaminated soil is removed to a licenced facility, with work expected to be completed by Friday, 9 August.Council Unit Manager of Natural and Environmental Assets, Luke Sulkowski, said the works would allow safe removal of the asbestos and for the gross pollutant trap to be installed safely.“Work on the GPT installation was stopped immediately after bonded pieces of asbestos were discovered during excavation,” said Mr Sulkowski.“Expert advice was sought to test the soil to determine the amount of contamination and if any small fibres were present.“Our licenced contractors are now removing the contaminated soil, as per legislative requirements, and have been conducting on-going air monitoring throughout the removal process.“The first two days of air quality monitoring reported that concentrations were consistent with normal background levels and normal construction processes will resume once the asbestos contaminated material is removed from site.”The installation of the new GPT will reduce litter entering the beach and waterway downstream and will then be cleaned by a large suction truck on a recurrent schedule.Sulkowski reminded community members that they too can play a role in reducing the impact of litter on local beaches and waterways.“It’s up to all of us to ensure less litter makes it to the stormwater in the first place, putting rubbish in the bin or taking it with you is the best way to keep our waterways clear.“Remember If it’s on the ground it’s in our waterways.”

Central Coast Council Library Service is set to benefit from a record boost in funding, with the State Government delivering $36.5 million in funding to NSW public libraries in 2019/20.NSW State Librarian John Vallance welcomed this significant increase announced as part of the NSW State Budget in 2019, which will see a total of $60 million in additional Government funding going to public libraries over four years.“Public libraries offer so much to the people of NSW including quality collections, comfortable and safe public spaces, high speed internet, as well as events and programs.

Council adopts Flying Fox Management StrategyCouncil has adopted the Central Coast Flying Fox Management Strategy following exhibition of a draft and consideration of feedback from the community.The strategy establishes a framework for the consistent management of all flying-fox camps and their habitat in the Central Coast region.Key initiatives of the strategy include education/awareness, subsidies for property modification, incident management, supporting research, appropriate land-use and the creation of vegetation buffers;

At this stage there is no change to Councils approach to the use of herbicides containing glyphosate for the purpose of weed control within the Central Coast Local Government Area.The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) are the appropriate statutory body regulating chemicals registered for use in Australia.

Locals and visitors travelling through Terrigal CBD are enjoying significantly reduced peak hour travel times following a $2.2million Central Coast Council project.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said average queue lengths on Terrigal Drive have been reduced by over 220 metres, saving motorists more than 12 minutes when travelling the 1.1 kilometres from Terrigal Drive to Terrigal Haven during peak hour.“Since completing Stage one of our Terrigal CBD traffic flow improvement project we’ve received excellent feedback from community members and business owners in the area,” Mr Bolgoff said.“We’ve been monitoring traffic flow carefully and we’ve seen marked improvements.“When we compare data captured since completion of our project to 2016 data, queue lengths and travel times have been significantly reduced, and this is despite an increase in traffic volume over the last three years.The project has reduced traffic ‘looping’ and unregulated pedestrian activities by creating two-way routes on Campbell Crescent, Church Street and Kurrawyba Avenue, and restricting right-hand turns to and from Terrigal Esplanade.The installation of parking sensors also allows locals and visitors to check on parking availability through the ParkSpot app. Mayor Jane Smith said one of the Central Coast’s most iconic locations was now even more appealing.“Terrigal is increasingly popular with locals and tourists alike and this project has made this beautiful location significantly easier to access,” Mayor Smith said.“We involved and listened to our community through every step of this project and have delivered benefits for community members, businesses and tourists.”Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was proud to have fully funded the project.“Terrigal is the jewel in the crown of the Central Coast and I’m thrilled to have secured the funding for this project through the Stronger Communities Fund,” Mr Crouch said.“The traffic flow improvements have exceeded the expectations of locals, business owners and visitors and is a vital step in making Terrigal more accessible.”Key project features include: new/modified pedestrian crossings throughout the CBDtraffic control signals at Terrigal Esplanade and Campbell Crescent intersectionmid-block pedestrian traffic control signals on Terrigal Esplanadeno right turn from Campbell Crescent into Terrigal Esplanadeno right turn from Terrigal Esplanade into Kurrawyba Avenue (emergency vehicles and vehicles over six metres excepted)two-way traffic on Campbell Crescent, Church Street and Kurrawyba Avenuemountable roundabout at Church Street, Pine Tree Lane and Kurrawyba Avenue intersectionmodified kerb and guttering and new road pavementparking sensors.The project was one of ten local projects made possible through the Stronger Communities Fund, established by the NSW Government to provide merged Council’s with funding to kick-start the delivery of projects that improve community infrastructure and services.Stage 1 of the Terrigal CBD traffic flow improvements were completed in October 2018 ahead of the busy summer period.

Central Coast Council currently has opportunities for apprentices and trainees to build their career in a range of areas.

Central Coast Council will warmly welcome high school students and teachers from one of our Sister Cities on Friday 26 July.Twenty students from Edogawa City High School, in Tokyo, along with 20 students from our local Narara Valley High School, will meet Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith and the Gosford Sister City Association for morning tea at the Council Chamber in Wyong.Mayor Smith said she was delighted to welcome the visiting party of students and teachers.“Our sister city relationship stretches back 30 years, providing wonderful opportunities for friendship and cultural exchange for current and future generations on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“It is mutually beneficial for both regions, creating awareness between the two cultures.

NSW Touch Football and Central Coast Council are pleased to announce the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreational Complex has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2020 and 2022 NSW Junior Regional Championship.Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith said the Complex was living up to its promise of delivering major sporting events for the region.“This is great news for our region.

Central Coast Council’s Launch Pad program drew more than 30 potential investors, community leaders and business owners to its inaugural public ‘pitching’ night held in late June at Gosford Smart Work Hub.Launch Pad, a three-month training program to support the development of social enterprises, culminated in a ‘Shark Tank’ style pitching night which gave its televised contemporaries a run for their money.Council’s Acting Director Connected Communities, Phil Cantillon said Launch Pad graduates pitched their ideas for financially sustainable enterprises which benefit the community.“One financial institution has already entered into negotiations to back two of the enterprises, while another communications business has offered to support the enterprises in terms of marketing their ideas,” Mr Cantillon said.“The night brought the community together, with inspiration, ideas and people who care about the Coast.”Enterprise ideas included a commercial kitchen incorporating TAFE training, recycling pre-loved prams and baby furniture to low-income families, and creating inclusive community events.More than 35 commercial and community leaders attended the evening at Gosford Smart Work Hub.Mayor Jane Smith said Launch Pad built strong relationships within the community.“Launch Pad connects people, builds capacity and creates local solutions and initiatives.

Central Coast Council is once again encouraging residents to clear any unwanted hazardous chemicals in homes, garages and sheds to be correctly disposed of at the next bi-annual Chemical CleanOut events.Hosted in conjunction with NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the upcoming events will be held 9am-3.30pm at Council’s Charmhaven Depot (corner Chelmsford and Depot Roads) on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August, and Mount Penang Event Park, Kariong (off Kangoo Road) on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said it was fantastic to be able to host the southern event at Mount Penang Event Park, Kariong for the second time.“Our last two consecutive CleanOut events have broken records for the amount of chemicals dropped off, so it is great we have been able to secure this larger location,” Mr Bolgoff said.“This consistent response to Chemical CleanOut events shows our residents are truly committed to disposing of waste responsibly.“I would urge everyone to use this opportunity to have a good search around their property to ensure safe disposal of any potentially hazardous chemicals, including any unknown or unidentified items as they will be accepted for identification and correct disposal.”Items accepted as part of the Chemical CleanOut include paints, car and household batteries, smoke detectors, pesticides, gas bottles, fire extinguishers as well as fluorescent globes and tubes.Only household quantities are accepted.

From Monday 15 July, Central Coast Council will be undertaking smoke testing at Wamberal as part of its ‘Save Our Sewers’ campaign.Non-toxic smoke will be used to investigate possible stormwater and groundwater infiltration into the sewerage system, identifying any possible cracks or breaks, minimising risk and ensuring sewage is not able to leak into the environment.Council Acting Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council actively takes measures to ensure the continued high performance of the Coast’s essential infrastructure.“Smoke testing is an efficient and innovative way to identify any potential leaks in our sewer networks which could put us and the environment at risk,” Mr Loader said.“A non-toxic smoke is pumped into the network and then the area is monitored above ground for smoke discharge which could indicate a possible leak.“Residents and visitors may see Council’s non-toxic smoke discharging from manholes and sewer vent pipes around Wamberal.

An advertising campaign urging men to call out friends’ abusive behaviour towards women launches across the Central Coast this week.The campaign – called Enough Already – will roll out across billboards, bus shelters, bins and social media with a call to action to stop domestic violence.

Council are encouraging the community to participate in an online survey, online forum or attend a workshop to help guide the first Central Coast Council Skate Strategy.Council are developing a Skate Strategy that will provide a high level action plan with priorities to inform future development, upgrade and maintenance of skate facilities on the Central Coast to meet the needs of our community – now and in the future.Council has engaged a specialist consultant to develop the evidence-based skate strategy incorporating investigation and analysis of existing skateparks, current trends, relevant demographic data, existing and related strategies and the feedback and opinions gathered from community and stakeholders during these engagement activities.Council are committed to creating inclusive and accessible facilities which can be enjoyed by the whole community, and as such this skatepark strategy will include application of Universal Design principles to create an inclusive and welcoming facilities.Mayor Jane Smith said the community, as a whole, will benefit from skate facilities, not just the riders.“In addition to promoting healthy and active lifestyles, skateparks also activate and connect outdoor spaces and provide a safe purpose-built environment for riders,” Mayor Smith said“Skateparks also provide a boost to tourism as an attraction and through the hosting of regional and national skate events, as has been demonstrated with BATO Yard.“I encourage the community to have your say to ensure we develop a skate strategy that meets the needs of our community now and into the future.”The community can get involved in a number of ways!1) Attend one of the workshops being run across the Coast17 July, 10am-12 noon – Halekulani Community Hall18 July, 3pm-5pm – Tuggerah Library19 July, 2pm-4pm – PCYC Bateau Bay31 July, 6pm-8pm – Umina Surf Life Saving Club1 August, 6pm-8pm – Erina Centre2) Complete the online survey before 9 August – click here3) Join the conversation and participate in our online forum between 10 July and 9 AugustFor more information visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/skate-strategy

Following two weeks of improvement works, Erina Library has reopened its doors and unveiling its transformation to thousands of visitors.Mayor Jane Smith and Adam Crouch MP will be at Erina Library this Friday 12 July at 11am to celebrate the new look Erina Library and thank the community for their patience during the works.Central Coast Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries Learning and Education, Danielle Hargreaves said library staff have been overwhelmed with positive feedback on the mini makeover.“Customers will notice the change instantly, most notably, the two new dual level customer service points at the front of house,” Mrs Hargreaves said.“Like the recent upgrades at Toukley Library, the new counters deliver on Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) to remove barriers to access to make our facilities and services inclusive for the whole community.“This is a prime example of how Council is incorporating the principles of Universal Design in its upgrades to facilities, which has made Erina Library more inviting and user friendly for all residents.“I would also like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while the Library was temporarily closed to make these improvement works possible.”Other improvements include new and increased number of public internet stations, more space for people to bring and charge their own devices, mobile shelving units, replacement of soft furnishing and study furniture, repainting the interior of the library and new carpet.Mayor Jane Smith said the refurbishment is a great example of what can be achieved when different levels of Government work together.“This considerable investment by Council and the State Government has brought a refreshed and exciting momentum to what is already Council’s most popular Library,” Mayor Smith said.“These improvements will help further cultivate a love of learning in our community.Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch MP said Erina Library is the busiest of all Central Coast libraries.“This funding has refreshed and modernised Erina Library’s facilities to continue to provide the very best for our community.

The temporary detour currently in place for the $1.36million Sohier Park bridge replacement project at Shirley Street, Ourimbah will be changed on Saturday 13 July 2019, 9am-5pm.The current detour via The Boulevard (through the University of Newcastle, Central Coast campus) will not be available on this day due to a scheduled athletics carnival at the University site.Only authorised traffic – buses, emergency vehicles and carnival participants – will be able to use The Boulevard during this time.The Shirley Street Bridge will be temporarily opened to traffic on Saturday 13 July, 9am-5pm with traffic control provided on site to manage a one lane traffic flow across the bridge.Coastal Rural Traders (CRT) at 8-10 Ourimbah Street, Ourimbah will be open on Saturday 13 July from 7.30am-1pm and will be accessible via Shirley Street Bridge.