Locals and tourists alike can now explore the beautiful Tuggerah Lakes Estuary in stunning detail, thanks to a new app launched by Central Coast Council.

An action-packed and eclectic line up of exhibitors has been secured for this year’s SportsFest, with the event showcasing a variety of Central Coast sport and recreational opportunities.The free all ages, all-inclusive event being held this weekend (21-22 September from 9am-5pm at EDSACC Bateau Bay), encourages community members to get active, improve quality of life and engage with the local community through participation or volunteering in sport and recreational activities.Central Coast Council Unit Manager, Open Space and Recreation, Brett Sherar said there will be something to cater for everyone’s interest – from the water to the court, on foot or horse, from traditional ball sports to the more unusual and everything in between.  “This year SportsFest will exhibit over 30 sport and recreational activities over the weekend with an exciting range of demonstrations including skydiving, motocross, equestrian and wheelchair sports to name a few.“For those who like to get some hands-on experience, they can participate in the ‘come ‘n try’ sessions, such as squash, golf, fitness classes and boot camps, AFL, soccer, gymnastics, and there’s even a chance to learn some circus skills,” Mr Sherar said.A designated Kids Zone will be set up with a mini Ninja Warrior course, Mini Goal-Kicking, Putt-Putt, Totem Tennis, Hockey, Basketball and more.

More American classic cars, an explosion of rock ‘n’ roll and the ultimate in vintage glamour will deliver a weekend of head-turning, twist and shake fun this October.Central Coast Council’s annual ChromeFest event is expected to attract more than 50,000 locals and visitors for a three-day tribute to hot-rods and everything 1950s and 60s.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said festival attendees can bask in the beauty of more than 400 show cars on display.“When you combine classic chrome with rock ‘n’ roll, vintage glamour and the beauty of The Entrance, you have quite a weekend on your hands,” Mr Cannard said.“Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, you won’t be able to resist lining the streets to watch the classic cars cruise through The Entrance. “We invite locals and visitors to partake in a fun weekend that offers something for everyone – a vintage glamour fashion parade, retro market stalls, three outdoor dance floors and new to the event this year, The Old Tin Shed.”Mayor Jane Smith said ChromeFest has become one of the Central Coast’s most successful events.“Not only does ChromeFest inject a great deal of money into our local economy – $13.9million last year – it reintroduces tourists to The Entrance and Long Jetty, which both have so much to offer,” Mayor Smith said. “The event keeps getting bigger and better each year and we are looking forward to a big crowd this year. ChromeFest 2019 highlights include:iconic car displays – over 400 show cars to beholdlowriders displayretro market stallsthree outdoor stages boasting undercover dancefloorsvintage glamour fashion parade‘Set and Brush Out Workshop’ – an opportunity to master the perfect 50s or 60s ‘updo’soaking up the atmosphere of this nostalgic event at outstanding cafes, restaurants and bars throughout The Entrance and Long Jetty. ChromeFest is a free three-day event – Friday 25 October to Sunday 27 October – held at The Entrance and presented by Central Coast Council and Californian Cruisin Incorporated.  Road closures will be in place during the event.

The winners of one of the Central Coast’s most prestigious art awards have been announced at a formal ceremony at Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery.Now 50 years after its inception in 1970, the Gosford Art Prize attracts entrants from all over Australia drawn by both its reputation in the art world, and the chance to compete for a $25,000 prize pool.Taking out the top prize this year was Jocelyn Maughan with her work ‘Ken in Grisaille’, oil on paper (Patonga) which received excellent reviews from the judging panel.

Central Coast Council has announced the winners for the 2019 Grandma Moses Art Competition, with Bruce Illingworth taking out the top prize of $1,000 for his painting titled ‘Woy Woy Light’.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the competition is an opportunity for residents to tune into their creative sides.

Conserving the unique flora and fauna of the Central Coast for future generations is at the core of Central Coast Council’s draft Biodiversity Strategy which goes on public exhibition today.

Council endorses plans to significantly invest in Coast’s pathwaysCouncil has adopted its first Central Coast Bike Plan and Central Coast Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP).The plans are focussed on the development of a regional network of interconnected pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure to maximise safe access to key destinations and facilities.The plans outline a significant investment in the Central Coast’s pathway infrastructure network over the next 10 years with more than 300 projects currently identified in the Bike Plan and over 1,000 projects in the PAMP.Mayor Jane Smith said the Bike Plan and PAMP were created following an extensive community consultation process.“Our community made it clear to us that improving and expanding our pathway network is a top priority for them and we’ve listened,” Mayor Smith said.“To develop these critical plans, we addressed community feedback from a specific consultation process and from the development of The One Central Coast Community Strategic Plan 2018-2028.“The plans outline our commitment to deliver accessible footpaths, bike paths and shared pathways that complete missing links, loop around our scenic waterways and improve connections that offer a healthy and environmentally friendly transport option. “Creating safe and accessible pathways is a priority – wherever possible we will construct pathways that can be used and enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, parents and carers with prams, and people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.“The Bike Plan and PAMP will also assist us in applying for grant funding to deliver important projects that have been identified.”Council recognises advances in lake managementCentral Coast Council tonight recognised the work undertaken as part of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan in restoring the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.Council noted that the water quality of the Lakes is generally rated excellent to good despite public perception.Council also acknowledged the Catchment and Coast Committee – Tuggerah Lakes provides a key link between Council, the community, State and Federal Governments, and other key stakeholders in the development and implementation of coastal, estuarine, catchment and floodplain management studies and plans.Council will continue to work with the community, key stakeholders and all levels of government to implement the Estuary Management Plan and maintain the high-water quality of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.Mayoral election to be held on 23 SeptemberCentral Coast Council last night voted to hold the scheduled  Mayoral election as a separate meeting from Council’s usual business meeting.The Mayoral election will be held on Monday, 23 September 2019, with the Ordinary business meeting on Wednesday, 25 September.Have your say about sportsfield feesCouncil’s proposed changes to sportsfield fees for the 2019/20 financial year will go on public exhibition for 28 days with community members encouraged to have their say.The proposed changes to the fee schedule will mean that Davistown Oval, Eve Williams Oval, Terry Oval, Fred Pinkstone, Kitchener Oval, Patrick Croke and Saratoga Oval, Eastern Road Top Oval, Harry Moore Oval 3, Sir Joseph Banks Passive, Lakehaven 1 and 2, Mannering Park Oval, Norah Head Hockey Oval, Sohier Park 4, Tunkuwallin Oval 1 and 2, Tuggerah Oval 1 and Wadalba High School 3 will be classified as level 3 grounds and charged at a lower rate of $858.87 per ground per day.Grounds classified as level 2 will continue to be charged at $1,260.75 and grounds classified as level 1 will continue to be charged at $1,363.25 this financial year with charge being per day.The adoption of the new fee will reduce Council’s sportsfield income by an estimated $7,000 in 2019-20 financial year but this will vary dependant on the requests for ground usage.Community members can have their say on the proposed changes by visiting the Your Voice Our Coast engagement hub from 13 September.

Fun and informative cycling focussed activities are on offer for the Central Coast community as part of Bike Week 2019.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Bike Week is a fantastic NSW Government initiative and Council is thrilled to be offering the Central Coast community a great line-up of activities for all age and ability levels.“Bike Week is the perfect opportunity to learn or refine essential skills to ride safely and to maintain your bike,” Ms Vaughan said.“Cycling is a practical transport mode to access work, study and services and a great way to get active and to enjoy our beautiful region using our cycleways and shared pathways – there’s nothing quite like taking in our scenic waterways whilst riding a bike.”Mayor Jane Smith said cycling is a great way to improve community health and wellbeing and is an environmentally friendly transport mode that enhances the liveability and sustainability of the Central Coast.“If you’re keen to use cycling for fun, to get active or to get around, Bike Week is a way to get started,” Mayor Smith said.“Council will continue to invest in new shared pathways and upgrade current ones to ensure our community can cycle safely right around the Coast.”Bike Week runs from 21-29 September and includes a series of activities to promote safe cycling on the Central Coast:Learn to Ride Workshop – Saturday 21 September, 9.30-10am or 10.15-10.45am, PalmdaleCycling Skills Workshop – Saturday 21 September, 11am-12.30pm, PalmdaleBicycle Maintenance Workshop – Saturday 21 September, 1-2.30pm, PalmdaleStorytime at our libraries – Monday 23 September – Friday 27 SeptemberPaddle to Pedal Tour – Friday 27 September, 9am-3pm, Woy WoyCentral Coast Council’s Bike Week activities will provide an opportunity for the community to participate in organised bicycle events in a safe and supported environment.Community members can find out more information about Bike Week activities by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

Council is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Entrance Community Centre by hosting an open day on Tuesday 10 September.The community is invited to attend the special event which will include market and food stalls, an art exhibition, Men’s Shed BBQ, Aboriginal smoking ceremony, performances by The Entrance Public School and music.

Central Coast Council is helping undergraduates build their careers and work alongside professionals in a range of fields, from Engineering to Social Sciences.

Central Coast Council is calling on residents to be water-wise by “living to 150L” and has launched new online tools to help them do just that.“Love water:

NSW’s largest indigenous sporting event is coming to the Central Coast over the October long weekend - bringing an abundance of sports entertainment and tourists to our region.

Resident pet owners on the Central Coast are encouraged to have their furry friends microchipped for free at Central Coast Council’s microchipping day on 14 September.

Local businesses and groups have an opportunity to be part of Harvest Festival – one of the Central Coast’s largest and most successful events.Central Coast Council is inviting Expressions of Interest for new event hub partners for the festival, which this year attracted 32,000 locals and visitors and injected over $8million into the local economy.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the continued growth and success of the event was largely thanks to the new ideas and contributions of local businesses, companies, organisations and community groups.“Attendance numbers for this year’s Harvest Festival were up by 100 percent, which reaffirms that this event really resonates with both locals and visitors,” Mr Cannard said.“The event is a celebration of farm, friends, food and fun in our picturesque hinterland region and it’s made possible through the contribution of a range of unique event hub partners.“On Saturday and Sunday of the June long weekend we seek to offer event attendees a range of experiences, activities and fantastic local produce and food across our event trail which spans Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby and Calga. “We’re always seeking new ideas and contributions to make Harvest Festival even better and we’d love to hear how you’d like to be involved.”Mayor Jane Smith said Council invites local businesses and groups to contribute to a unique celebration of quality local produce and sustainability.“Harvest Festival gives both locals and tourists an insiders experience of our incredibly beautiful and fertile hinterland, which is home to wonderful farming communities and unique businesses,” Mayor Smith said.“It is a great opportunity to showcase our great local produce to the world and I encourage our local producers to get involved.”Council is seeking a range of Expression of Interest ideas including but not limited to:open farm gate salesticketed farm tours/talkspick your own producetours and talksindigenous cultural experiences/bush tucker tourscinema under the starsart events/installationslive music eventsfamily fun eventscooking demonstrationsfood experiences with local produceobstacle course races/fun runs.Interested businesses, companies, organisations or community groups should complete an Expression of Interest by 5pm, Monday 23 September 2019.Find out more information and complete the Expression of Interest by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/council/news/harvest-festival-event-hub-expression-interest

Council is moving forward to deliver a new sporting and recreation complex for the north to meet the needs of this growing community and to promote healthy and active lifestyles.The Colongra Sporting Complex site spans across 2 hectares on Scenic Drive and is surrounded by an abundance of bushland whilst still being conveniently located for the neighbouring residents of San Remo, Blue Haven, Halekulani and Budgewoi.This exciting new facility will include two new turfed sporting fields, three netball courts, sporting amenities building with accessible toilets, playspace, carpark, pathways and access road.This project was initiated prior to the amalgamation of Council, following community consultation that led to detailed design plans being developed.  During the planning stage, two viable sites were identified for this project with the Scenic Drive site being most suitable with the least environmental impact.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the Urban Spatial Plan which establishes a 20 year strategic framework to tackle the challenges of our growing population.The framework, called the Urban Spatial Plan, aims to deliver the housing diversity, transport improvements, infrastructure upgrades and economic and social vitality required by our community, whilst protecting the Coast’s natural attributes and our quality of life.Council Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said development of the Urban Spatial Plan was an important step in setting a clear direction for growth across the coast in order to support the region’s forecast population growth.“The population of the Central Coast is expected to grow to 415,000 by 2036, with as many as 75,000 new residents living in the region,” Mr Cox said.“The Urban Spatial Plan establishes a framework for how we manage this growth in a balanced and sustainable way, enabling urban growth within existing centres, planned precincts and corridors whilst preserving the coastal lifestyle and environment we value so much.“Our direction for growth promotes Gosford Regional Centre as the central connection point of the many coastal and hinterland centres with a networked transport system that connects the community to the services they need.“It addresses six key initiatives across the region including housing, transport and infrastructure, planning for open space and community and creating a sustainable environment with resilient communities.“It also outlines how we will work with the NSW Government to activate Gosford as the capital of the Central Coast with supporting strategic centres at Woy Woy, Erina, Tuggerah, Wyong and Warnervale and how we will drive the coastal economy through planning for new and innovative industries to choose the coast to be their home and grow regionally competitive tourism destinations across the entire Central Coast,” Mr Cox said.The Urban Spatial Plan represents the first step towards defining a Local Strategic Planning Statement for the region and aligns with what our community have already told us they want through the Community Strategic Plan.Mayor Jane Smith said the Plan is the blueprint of what the Coast will look like in the future and it is crucial the community is involved.“This is Council’s vision for sustainable development on the Coast – meeting the needs of our current residents whilst planning for the future,” Mayor Smith said.“We need to accommodate growth whilst enhancing the local character of neighbourhoods and protecting the natural environment that the community has told us are important to them.“We want our community to be a part of that vision.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Community Participation Plan (CPP) now on exhibition.The draft CPP will work alongside the Central Coast Engagement Framework, adopted by Council in January 2017, to ensure the community continues to be informed about planning matters and development proposals that affect them, as well as have meaningful and considered opportunities to participate in strategic planning.Council Director Scott Cox said the draft Plan had been designed to make participation in planning clearer for the Central Coast community by identifying opportunities and timeframes available for community input on strategy development, plan making and proposed development decisions.“It also details our community participation objectives including utilising the knowledge, ideas and expertise of our community, improving the processes that generate two-way engagement and creating a shared sense of purpose, direction and understanding to manage growth and change, while preserving local character,” Mr Cox said.Mayor Jane Smith said by participating in the planning process, the community can be a part of helping manage growth and change in the region, while also ensuring the character of local neighbourhoods and values that are important are protected.“As a large and growing region we need to ensure that the decisions we make and the development we deliver is sustainable now and in the future,” Mayor Smith said. “That is why it is important the community is part of the planning process and have a say on how their neighbourhoods and how our region will develop.“We are listening to you and your opinions.

Central Coast Council is urging community members to be vigilant in their preparation for bush fires with the official bush fire season set to start one month early on the Central Coast.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said ongoing warm and dry conditions had prompted the NSW Rural Fire Service to start the Central Coast bush fire season on 1 September instead of 1 October.“We have over 128,500 hectares of bushland on the Central Coast, we are in drought and we are moving into the warmer months – all cues that we need to be on high alert for bush fires,” Mr Cox said.“At Council, we’ve completed our largest bush fire preparation program to date and we encourage each household on the Coast to be as bush fire ready as possible.“We have been working hard to enhance our fire trail network, constructing new fire trails, upgrading a significant number of existing strategic fire trails and protecting our bushland assets through fencing and security measures”.To help the Central Coast community be better prepared for emergencies, Council has joined the NSW Government’s ‘Get Ready’ initiative and is delivering targeted resilience workshops.Mayor Jane Smith said the Central Coast’s unique characteristics make emergency preparedness particularly important for the region.“We are all aware of how dry it has been not just here on the Coast but across NSW and this move by the NSW Rural Fire Service to get ready earlier is welcome,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is doing our part in providing crucial infrastructure and in ensuring our community is resilient too through education and community workshops.“Now is the time to ‘Get Ready’ for the long bushfire season ahead.”The five ‘Get Ready’ steps to prepare for any emergency are:Know your riskPlan now for what you will doGet your home readyBe awareLook out for each otherCommunity members can find more useful emergency preparation information by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/emergencies.The NSW Rural Fire Service provides the latest information on fires currently burning and outlines simple steps to prepare for bush fires, including how to develop a bush fire survival plan.

Due to the need to carry out urgent maintenance works the bridge on the Pacific Highway at Kangy Angy, between Old Tuggerah Road and Dalgety Road, will be reduced to one lane from 27 August 2019.Traffic will still be able to pass through the area under traffic control signals but may experience delays.Community members are reminded to follow the directions of traffic control carefully to ensure their safety and the safety of others.Works will take place between 6am and 7pm and will take approximately six months to complete.

Contributions Plan to fund cycleways across the CoastContributions levied by Council on development applications will be used to fund future cycleway works across the Central Coast valued at over $32million.Cycleway projects to be funded from the Plan include Bungary Road, Norah Head;