Central Coast Council tonight adopted its Operational Plan for the 2019-20 financial year which will deliver $792.0million worth of investment in essential services and capital works.The Plan forms the second year of Council's Delivery Program 2018-21 and will deliver $556.4million in essential services and $235.6million in capital works in the priority areas of roads;

A selection of Australia’s leading blues and jazz musicians will delight audiences with performances at nine Central Coast venues across five suburbs this July.The ninth annual Winter Blues and Jazz Festival will feature headliners Russell Morris and Emma Pask and a jam-packed program over two days – Saturday 13 July and Sunday 14 July.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the Central Coast’s most popular free music event catered to all music lovers.“We have a great and varied line-up that will make it almost impossible not to move your feet,” Mr Cannard said.“Blues and jazz fans love the event but non-fans often walk away with a new understanding and appreciation of what modern blues and jazz is all about.“Great music with our beautiful Central Coast as the backdrop is a combination that is not be missed.“The Entrance is the flagship venue for the event but locals and visitors can enjoy the music and soak up the atmosphere at venues in Bateau Bay, Tumbi Umbi, Wamberal and Avoca Beach.The Winter Blues and Jazz Festival 2019 features headliners Russell Morris and Emma Pask, along with Caiti Baker, 19-Twenty, Chase The Sun, Geoff Achinson, Muma Janes Blues Band and much more.Mayor Jane Smith said the Winter Blues and Jazz Festival was about bringing people together to celebrate music and have a great time.“Locals and visitors love this event – it’s all about fun with family and friends and experiencing some incredible free entertainment,” Mayor Smith said.“The Winter Blues and Jazz Festival attracts between 6,000 and 9,000 families, friends and visitors to our region, which provides a welcome boost to the local economy during the quieter winter months.” Event venues are:

Australia’s foremost prestigious and controversial portraiture prize – the ‘Archibald Prize’ – is among a number of exhibitions announced for the Central Coast community as part of Gosford Regional Gallery’s new Winter/Spring Program.The new program also sees the return of the hotly contested ‘Gosford Art Prize’, which this year has been expanded to include an Aboriginal Art prize for the first time.Central Coast Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture, Tim Braham said the Gallery prides itself on securing prestigious exhibitions for our community and it is because of this that the venue has recently been ranked as TripAdvisor’s number one destination to visit in the southern area of the Coast, among 17 other local attractions.“We are delighted to continue bringing fantastic exhibitions to the Central Coast and saving locals a trip to Sydney or Newcastle,” Mr Braham said.“The most exciting exhibition in our new program is the 2019 Archibald Prize, choosing to return to the Gallery for just the third time in its 98 years of exhibition – telling us that the experience we offer here on the Central Coast is world-class, which is reflected in our recent TripAdvisor ranking of number one.“The Gallery is also a platform for local artists to professionally display their works and we have some great local exhibitions including ‘Short Stories’ by Miriam Cullen, ‘PARADIGM/SHIFT’ by Natalie Verriest, ‘Heads above water’ by Peter Baka and ‘Tales of a modern Blackfulla’ by Garry Purchase.“The Gallery is recognised as a ‘hidden gem’ of the Central Coast and we invite locals and visitors to check out our new Winter/Spring Program and drop by to view the exhibitions, take a stroll through the Gardens and enjoy a coffee at the café.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Gallery is an important cultural and educational resource that attracts outstanding exhibitions for locals and visitors to the region to enjoy.“Our Gosford Regional Gallery hosts a variety of local, national and international exhibitions from both established and emerging artists and its recent ranking on TripAdvisor shows just how valued the facility is,” Mayor Smith said.“Tourism is a significant industry on the Central Coast and the visitor economy makes a positive contribution to the community through building local pride, youth employment, and supporting local events and community infrastructure.“Council is committed to investment in tourism for the region and this achievement brings us one step closer to being the natural choice for leisure, business and major events in regional NSW.”Gosford Regional Gallery’s new Winter/Spring Program can be viewed online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/galleries

Central Coast Council understands community concern over the use of herbicides in light of recent news coverage around USA civil law suits connected to ‘RoundUp’ a commonly used herbicide.The health and safety of Council workers and the community are taken very seriously and Council ensure responsible practices are in place for the safe use of herbicides whilst protecting the environment.Council applies herbicides containing glyphosate for the purpose of weed control within the Central Coast Local Government Area.

An Eastern Osprey nest has been upgraded to VIP status at Central Coast Stadium just in time for this year’s breeding season. The nest, which originally sat on top of a lighting tower for the stadium, has been relocated to a purpose built nest platform a few metres away. Central Coast Stadium Manager, Kath Casey said the nest relocation was necessary for the comfort and safety of both the birds and stadium goers. “Unfortunately, since the birds first moved in and started nesting on the light tower in 2014, they have been creating many challenges, as well as some real safety issues,” Mrs Casey said. “With the nest sitting so close to the lights, maintenance of the tower was becoming difficult and we’ve also had to close the seats in the bay below as sticks and debris continually fall from the nest.” Mayor Jane Smith said Council had considered a number of options for the nest. “Council has been working closely with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage since 2015 to find the best possible option to manage this crucial threatened species,” Mayor Smith said.

Central Coast Council is calling on all mountain bike (MTB) riders, environmentalists, users of our natural reserves, visitors, and the general Coast community to assist us with our first Mountain Biking Feasibility Study.With participation in mountain bike riding as both a sport and nature-based recreation increasing, and demand for suitable areas to ride also growing, Council is looking to hear from all interested members of the community to help better understand the demand, potential issues and management options for mountain biking in Council reserves across the region.Director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox said the feasibility study will assist in planning for recreation that will meet the needs of the community as well as protect biodiversity, heritage and the nature conservation values of Council’s natural reserves.“This study will provide us with an opportunity to accommodate and manage the competing demands of natural reserve users and mountain bike enthusiasts in a way that protects sensitive areas and provides new opportunities to enjoy nature-based activities in the region,” Cox said.“Additionally, it will assist in providing opportunities to enjoy the cherished and protected natural beauty of the Coast that is compatible with the values of the natural reserves, including the Coastal Open Space System.”Council currently provides for mountain bike riding on fire and management trail systems in its natural reserves however a number of unauthorised trails have recently been constructed in some reserves which may pose risks to both riders and the environment.Community members can provide their views to Council via a survey until 2 July 2019.At the completion of the Mountain Biking Feasibility Study, Council will seek further community input via public exhibition of a discussion paper.

Car parking in Gosford just got easier, with the rollout of over 260 parking sensors in the CBD – following on from the successful implementation of car parking sensors in The Haven and Surf Club in Terrigal last year. The installation of sensors helps residents and visitors of these areas identify available parking through the ParkSpot (Central Coast NSW) app.

Erina Library, the busiest of Central Coast Council’s library branches, will be temporarily closed for refurbishment works from the Queen’s Birthday public holiday on Monday 10 June until Tuesday 25 June, inclusive.The project, which will bring a new lease of life to the branch, represents a $98,500 investment by Council and has been made possible thanks to $145,244 from NSW State Government Stronger Country Communities Fund.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess said the renovations will help create more flexibility in the layout of the branch, which has had minimal updates since it first opened its doors in 2003.“We are really excited about this transformation that will create a more contemporary and welcoming feel,” Mrs Burgess said.“When we reopen, customers will notice the change instantly with the construction and installation of two new dual level customer service points,” Mrs Burgess said.“Other works to be completed include repainting the interior of library, new carpet, public internet and mobile device enabled furniture, mobile shelving units, replacement of soft furnishings and study furniture as well as upgrades of the staff workroom area.“With 180,570 visits last year, we understand the importance of keeping a presence at Erina for the community and have taken every measure to reduce any inconvenience during the works.“All regular programs and planned events will continue to be held in the meeting rooms of the Erina Centre adjacent to the branch, and Customer Service will operate from the foyer opposite the library doors Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm, accepting cheque and card payments only.”Items cannot be borrowed or collected from Erina Library during the closure, however, the after-hours returns chute will remain open for customers.The closest branches for those wishing to borrow or collect items during this time are:Bateau Bay Library – Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm | Sat 9am-3pmGosford Library – Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm | Sat 9.30am-12.30pmKincumber Library – Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pmthank the community for their understanding and patience while we carry out these upgrades that will enable us to deliver a more inclusive customer experience for all visitors to the library,” Mrs Burgess added."As always our extensive range of free online resources and services, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, homework help, music streaming and more will continue to be available anywhere, anytime.”Mayor Jane Smith said the works deliver on the Community Strategic Plan objective to create more flexible, welcoming and accessible spaces for the community to enjoy.“This significant investment in library services will deliver a flexible, modern and welcoming space for our community,” Mayor Smith said.“I look forward to the new and vibrant energy this will bring to Erina Library.“This is made possible thanks to the funding for the State Government and highlights what can be achieved when different levels of government work together.”To access online services, become a member or for regular programming and event details visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/librariesENDS

Gosford will be abuzz with wintery activity this July school holidays as Central Coast Council brings ‘Winter in the Park’ to Gosford.An igloo village, ice carvings and ice sculptures are just a taste of the winter family fun on offer at this event. Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said Gosford’s Kibble Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland from Saturday 6 July to Saturday 20 July.“This year’s Winter in the Park will inspire even the most determined hibernators to get out and about and enjoy the fun,” Mr Cannard said. “The live ice carving display by international ice sculptor Kenji Ogawa will amaze you and the kids will love exploring the igloo village – which is also a fantastic spot to capture some fun photos. “STAR 104.5 will deliver a live broadcast from the Star Chalet, so there will be no shortage of laughs and great music.” Mayor Jane Smith said Council invited locals and visitors to head to Gosford this July school holidays and experience the fun on offer.“Community members often tell me how much they value this type of Council event, with a focus on family entertainment, creating memories, building a stronger community and supporting our local businesses,” Mayor Smith said. “Winter in the Park brings families together for a whole lot of fun in a month when it can be tempting to stay inside. “Who wants to stay indoors when you can explore an igloo village and watch an Ice Age show – the Central Coast is the place to be this July.”Additional Winter in the Park activities include:

Central Coast Council, Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre and Cleanaway have joined forces to help local schools reduce their landfill and increase their resource recovery.Eight schools have come on board the Wiping Out Waste (WOW) pilot program to review their current waste management and contract costs before setting new goals and action plans for waste reduction.Principal of the Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre (RECC), Christine Freeman said effective recycling, reusing and waste reduction must be a whole-of-community effort with communities, government and the private sector working together.“The WOW model sends a clear message of shared responsibility,” said Ms Freeman.“We’re delighted so many schools are taking this opportunity to support students in playing a practical role in creating a sustainable future – their future.”Each school in the program will establish a WOW committee, which comprises of staff, parents and students, who will be supported through the program to complete waste audits.To further increase their knowledge and skills Cleanaway will provide additional support through their existing education program in order to help schools create practical solutions to reduce waste.“We’re expecting the program won’t only reduce schools’ waste and maximise resource recovery for the good of the planet, but also reduce waste management costs for the schools involved,” Ms Freeman added.Mayor Jane Smith said this pilot program was one of many innovative ways Council was actively working with the community to increase educational programs while diverting waste from landfill.“As a teacher, it is fantastic to see so many schools actively engaged in trying to reduce their ecological footprint,” Mayor Smith said.“With the second round of audits set to start this week, I am looking forward to seeing what changes in behaviour they uncover as well as the original ideas each of the schools come up with to reduce their waste.“Council is committed to reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, which is why we are in the process of developing a Waste Management Strategy for the Central Coast.“I would encourage all residents to have their say via yourvoiceourcoast.com and help us shape the way waste and resource recovery is delivered and managed across the Central Coast region.”Schools taking part are Wamberal Public School, Terrigal High School, Holy Cross Kincumber, Holgate Public School, Chertsey Public School, Tuggerawong Public School, Woodport Public School and Terrigal Public School.All Central Coast schools were invited to participate via an Expression of Interest process last October.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to join in a festival of photography as part of the Exposure 2019 Central Coast Photographic Program.

Central Coast residents currently recycle around 45 percent of their total household waste – not bad, but more can be done.This is why Central Coast Council is developing their first Waste Management Strategy for the region, which will assess current practices in order to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said already there were a number of systems in place to help residents recycle beyond their yellow and green household bins.“Our residents are keen recyclers, however, many don’t realise there is more they can do to actively stop waste being sent to landfill,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Last September thirteen ‘Problem Waste Units’ were made available at our administration buildings and library branches for common household items that cannot be put in the red bin.“Since they were introduced there has been seven tonnes of batteries, half a tonne of light globes and a tonne of mobile phones responsibly disposed of to be recycled.“We also have an incredible e-waste program, where residents can drop off up to 15 electronic items to our Waste Management Facilities for free.”Those after a better understanding of what recycling options are already available are encouraged to book into bus tours of Council’s Buttonderry or Woy Woy Waste Management Facilities via 1coast.com.au/education/tours/Council Mayor Jane Smith said the Strategy aims to go beyond drop off points and will rethink waste processes as we know them.“In order to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill we have to think big, long-term, and beyond our current three-bin system,” Mayor Smith said.“What we hope to achieve from this Strategy, is to repurpose many of the waste streams that are currently sent to landfill, striving to move from linear to circular economies.“This Strategy we are developing will affect the future of waste practices for our whole community, so if you haven’t already, I would strongly encourage you to have your say before Wednesday 5 June.”Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com for more information, details on pop-up events and to have your say on the future of waste.ENDS

Central Coast residents are being urged to use water wisely, as storage in the region’s primary dam continues to fall from its peak in July 2017.The water in Mangrove Creek Dam now sits at 54.46 per cent.

Winney Bay Clifftop Walk to manage safety constraintsCentral Coast Council has tonight confirmed the design of Stage 2 of the Winney Bay Clifftop Walk will have flexibility in the design to allow geotechnical constraints and public safety to be managed.Council also confirmed the materials used in the design may include limited use of concrete, and materials such as fibreglass and composites as utilised in the successful Chertsey Boardwalk project.

Central Coast Council is seeking further community feedback on the revitalisation and activation of Toukley through the next phase of Let’s talk Toukley Town Centre. Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the community could have their say on draft concept plans for the Toukley Village Green developed with the help of their initial ideas and feedback.“It’s time to talk all things Toukley again as we enter the next phase of Let’s talk Toukley Town Centre,” Ms Vaughan said.

During National Reconciliation Week Central Coast Council is celebrating Indigenous arts and culture on the Coast with the annual Sean Lonergan Schools Project, Maliga 2019 Exhibition, plus a special ‘Colours of Country’ exhibition. Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to supporting reconciliation through the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. “Our annual Maliga Showcase provides a great platform for local Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to creatively express their own stories that connect country, identity and community,” Mayor Smith said.

To deliver improved personalised and inclusive services and ensure the meeting Work Health and Safety standards for employees continues, Toukley Library will be getting a small refurbishment.In order for the works to take place, Toukley Library will be temporarily closed from Monday 3 June until Sunday 16 June, inclusive.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess said a key component of the upgrades will be a new, dual height, service counter that will enable Council to deliver a more inclusive customer experience for all visitors to the library to access its services.“The installation of this new dual service counter delivers on our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) to remove barriers to access and make our facilities and services inclusive for the whole community,” Mrs Burgess said.“Other works to be completed include refurbishments to the office space to improve ergonomic design as well as ensure continual adherence to Work Health Safety standards and practices.“During this time the returns chute will also be closed, though to help reduce the impact on customers no items borrowed from Toukley Library will fall due during the works.”The closest branches for those wishing to borrow or return items during this time are:Lake Haven Library:

Central Coast Council will replace Sohier Park timber bridge at Shirley Street, Ourimbah with a larger and improved concrete bridge through a project jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government.  Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the new $1.36million bridge would provide improved access from Ourimbah to Sohier Park and the nearby residential area. “This new bridge is an important piece of infrastructure for Ourimbah residents and visitors,” Mr Bolgoff said. “The current bridge is drawing to the end of its asset life and will be replaced with a concrete bridge that is 11.2 metres long and 12.78 metres wide, with a pier depth of 20 metres. “As part of the project we will deliver a new shared pathway to connect an existing shared pathway to the Ourimbah railway station. “The timing of this project has been very carefully selected to avoid the Platypus mating season, which finishes in April, and the student exam periods for the Central Coast campus of the University of Newcastle.” Mayor Jane Smith said the replacement of the Sohier Park timber bridge was an important project for the ongoing development of Ourimbah. “Bridge projects are a big part of the capital works program delivered by Council and this often includes upgrading existing timber bridges,” Mayor Smith said. “We are always conscious on the potential impact on the local environment and I am pleased that the design and timing of this project will ensure that the mating season of the Platypus who live in Bangalow Creek will not be affected.”  Work will start on Monday 27 May 2019 and will take nine weeks to complete, weather permitting. The existing bridge will be closed to traffic and pedestrians during works and a detour will be in place via the University of Newcastle’s private road, The Boulevard.

Damage to our 2,500 kilometre network of sewer pipelines can be unpleasant and the big culprits are tree roots and the flushing of inappropriate items.Over the next four years Central Coast Council is rolling out significant upgrade and expansion works across our sewerage network including an $11million region-wide project to renew targeted gravity sewer infrastructure.Council Acting Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council is using an innovative technique to rehabilitate damaged sewer pipelines but there is more we can do together as a community to ‘Save Our Sewers’.“A lot of people don’t know that we have more than 320 sewerage pumping stations and eight sewage treatment plants which treat over 80 million litres of sewage on the Central Coast every day,” Mr Loader said.“Damage to our sewer network can be unpleasant and while tree roots are one of the primary causes of partial and total blockages, there are things we can all do to ensure everything works effectively.“Only ever flush the three Ps down your porcelain throne – that’s poo, pee and paper – everything else needs to go in the appropriate bin.

Tune your guitars – The Battle is back Central Coast Council’s ‘Battle of the Bands’ (BOB) competition for young people aged 12 to 25 returns to the stage in June. Fledgling bands are encouraged to register, with minimum band requirements being two members and two songs. Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said since starting in 2004, BOB has helped launch a number of bands, and this year resets to ground zero. “We’re calling for both beginner bands and really tight groups.