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.

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.

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.

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.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to have their say to help define future objectives and waste diversion targets that will shape the first Council Waste Management Strategy for the region.Currently around 45 per cent of waste generated by Central Coast households is recycled through the use of yellow and green lidded bins, and this Strategy aims to greatly reduce the other 55 per cent that is sent to landfill.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said there were a number of options available to process waste for other uses instead of sending it to landfill.“There are a variety of methods for different waste streams that we can look at implementing into future practice to help reduce our waste,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Solutions to help divert waste from landfill will be considered from many perspectives including cost, carbon emissions, community acceptance, contribution towards diversion of waste and local markets that can purchase recycled products.“This is why it is critical the community have their say, as their responses will help us put together an action plan with recommendations of solutions to investigate.“So make sure to give us your trashy ideas and don’t let your say go to waste!”Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to working with the community to find innovative solutions to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.“Reducing waste to landfill is one of the key challenges we face as government and community on a global and local scale,” Mayor Smith said.“We are already doing our bit by using recycled material in our road works, reducing single use plastics at events and installing renewable energy in our buildings, but there is always more we can do, particularly in our household domestic waste.“What I am interested in is what the community will think will help them reduce their waste to landfill.

Central Coast Council’s biggest youth employment forum ‘Thinking Out Loud:

Central Coast Council are inviting the community to celebrate Library and Information Week, from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 May, with a number of special events running across their library branches.This year’s theme, ‘Truth, Integrity and Knowledge’ highlights the vital role libraries play in research and education by providing free access to information and services.Council Section Manager Library Futures and Planning, Benjamin Hartley said Council was proud to be able to bring such a variety of authors to the Coast, which provides the community with different insights and perspectives that continue to inspire a love of learning.“We provide unique life experiences and I would encourage everyone to come along to one of our free events and discover what our Library Service offers,” Mr Hartley said.“To celebrate Library and Information Week, bestselling crime writing author Candice Fox will return to Erina Library with her latest instalment of the ‘Crimson’ series, ‘Gone by Midnight’.“Seasoned author Amanda Hampson will also join us at Umina Library to talk about her latest release, ‘Sixty Summers’, the story of three friends about to turn sixty embarking on a journey to retrace their footprints by backpacking around Europe.”“Places are limited at these sought after author talks, so make sure you book your spot today to avoid disappointment by contacting your local branch or online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents.”Mayor Jane Smith said libraries are an integral part of the cultural fabric of the local community and help improve the quality of life for residents.“Our Library Service ensures all members of our community have equal access to the latest in technology, resources and information they need – all for free,” Mayor Smith said.“All of our libraries are great places to meet up with friends, catch an event or just be inspired by the dynamic learning spaces we have created.“Library Week is a great opportunity to reconnect with your local library and discover the amazing resources and opportunities on offer.”In addition to Council’s Library Services’ regular free programming, this exciting week will also include:Be Connected:

Residents are encouraged to meet with their local Councillors and discuss what matters to them in their Ward, suburb or street at the Councillor Listening Posts.

Everyone is invited to witness the rise of Esports as a spectator phenomenon at Central Coast Council’s first ever ‘Ultimate Gamer’ tournament.For young people aged 12 to 24, the semi-final event will be held at Tuggerah Westfield on 25 May with the grand final at Erina Fair on 22 June.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the events will also feature a side of giant games, DJ workshops and chillout zones.“This is Council’s first Ultimate Gamer tournament and altogether 60 young people have made it through to the semi-finals from heats at six shopping centres across the Coast,” Mr Cannard said.“It’s been really rewarding to see so many gamers connect with each other, and a privilege to create opportunities where all young people feel welcome to participate in community life.“Because it is our first Ultimate Gamer tournament, we are welcoming any feedback from the community to help us shape next year’s event and feedback can be provided via iPads at the final tournament events.”Esports has had a meteoric rise since 1972 when the first known video game competition took place at Stanford University in the US.

Central Coast Council’s war on waste now includes a road construction product made from recycled soft plastic, glass and toner cartridges. Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the first Coast roads made using ‘Reconophalt’ are now under construction.“We are now using a road surfacing product that will help save thousands of tonnes of waste from ending up in landfill,” Mr Bolgoff said.“To give you an idea of the quantity of waste that can be saved, a 600 metre section of road can be made using 631,000 plastic bags, 117,000 glass bottles, toner from 14,400 used printer cartridges, and 160 tonnes of reclaimed road asphalt.“The product is added to bitumen and the end result is equal or superior to traditional asphalt with data showing improved strength and resistance to deformation, which makes roads last longer and better handle heavy vehicle traffic.“We are currently working with Downer to use this innovative product on our roads and to create new avenues for recycling waste materials into new streams of use.“The other great news is that soft plastic waste generated here on the Coast will increasingly end up as part of local roads – we’ve just sent our first shipment of soft plastic waste for processing and use in Reconophalt. “Council has partnered with the Plastic Police Program to establish the local collection of soft plastics for recycling into ‘Reconophalt’ and opportunities for the public to drop off their soft plastics for reuse into local roads will be announced soon.” Council’s first major projects to be delivered using Reconophalt are:Wards Hill Road, Empire Bay – $296,000 project to stabilise and seal a 260 metre section of road.

The Central Coast is known for stunning beaches but the region’s exceptionally beautiful and fertile hinterland is set to shine at the unique Harvest Festival.Central Coast Council will host the region’s third Harvest Festival across the June long weekend and the event promises to be bigger and better than ever with its trademark focus on farm, friends, food and fun.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said Harvest Festival celebrates exceptional fresh and seasonal local produce amidst a backdrop of stunning views.“Harvest Festival is all about sharing one of the Central Coast’s best kept secrets – our stunning hinterland region,” Mr Cannard said.“This event gives us a unique glimpse behind the farm gate and an opportunity to explore eight rural farming communities and their picturesque heritage villages.“We invite locals and visitors to explore our lively event hubs and follow the event trail through Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby and Calga.“Be treated to fantastic food and wine experiences, soak up the live music and free entertainment or wander through our orchards and pick your own produce – there is something for everyone.”Mayor Jane Smith said Harvest Festival offered a unique opportunity for locals and tourists to explore some of the Central Coast’s rural pockets.“We are blessed to have such a beautiful and fertile hinterland on our doorstep and I’d encourage locals and tourists alike to enjoy the full program of events on offer at Harvest Festival, including eating your fill of delicious locally grown food,” Mayor Smith said. “Harvest Festival brings a great deal to the Central Coast – it builds local pride, celebrates sustainability and boosts the economy.“This much-loved event is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, and contributes to the continued growth and development of the Central Coast.” Harvest Festival Central Coast is supported by Destination NSW’s Regional Flagship Events Program.Event attendees can experience working farm tours, bush tucker and fruit factory tours, eco warrior and edible flower workshops, or follow the Wyong River from Kulnura to Wyong and learn about the environment and waterways before enjoying a delicious lunch. The 2018 event attracted over 16,000 people, up 60 percent from the inaugural event, and provided the Central Coast economy with a $3.7million boost. Harvest Festival 2019 will run from 8 to 9 June and a free shuttle bus service will be in operation.For more information, or to view the full program and shuttle bus schedule visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/harvestfestival.

Individuals or community groups interested in undertaking environmentally based projects are encouraged to apply for funding under the Protection of the Environment Trust (POET).The POET, established in 2006, promotes the protection and enhancement of the natural environment, in particular, the conservation of indigenous flora and fauna, and only applies to land or projects in the former Gosford City Council Local Government Area.Mayor Jane Smith, who chairs the POET management committee, said a key purpose of the Trust was to directly fund initiatives that make a positive difference to the natural environment.“Our community value the natural environment of the Central Coast, it was a key finding when we were developing the first Community Strategic Plan,” Mayor Smith said.“Thanks to the POET Trust, $60,000 is now available to directly fund projects that will help us deliver on our promise in the Community Strategic Plan to protect and enhance our natural environment.“Individuals and groups who have great ideas or projects that have an environmental focus and can demonstrate outcomes that promote and enhance the natural environment or provide information, education or research about a significant aspect of the natural environment are encouraged to apply,” Mayor Smith said.“Some of the projects that have received funding in the past include foreshore and fish habitat restorations and an education program to protect the Yellow Bellied Glider.”Applications close on Friday, 7 June and will be assessed by the POET committee at their next meeting.

Highlights of the 13 May 2019 Council MeetingSurprise firefighting levy burns Council’s budgetCentral Coast Council is calling on the NSW Government to fund the first 12 months of an unexpected emergency services levy designed to provide improved workers compensation to career and volunteer firefighters.NSW councils have only just been informed of the increased levy to fund the workers compensation insurance, which resulted from legislation passed last November.Revenue NSW has sent Central Coast Council an emergency services levy invoice for $4,825,320, which is an increase of $624,977 (14.9%) on last year’s levy.Local Government NSW has called on all NSW councils to protest the unexpected levy increase, which comes at a time when they are finalising their 2019-2020 budgets.Mayor Jane Smith said while Council supports improved workers compensation for emergency services staff and volunteers, the unexpected levy would impact Council’s ability to deliver services to the community.“Many of our own staff members are also volunteers and we want them to have adequate workers compensation if they or any other emergency worker is unfortunate enough to need it,” Mayor Smith said.“However, the implementation of this increase has been poorly planned and goes against the NSW Government’s commitment to work in partnership with the Local Government sector.“I will be writing to the Premer and NSW Opposition Leader, key Ministers and our local State Members requesting that the State Government pay the first 12 months of this extra cost, and that it work with local government to redesign the future implementation of the scheme to ensure it is fairer for councils and their communities.”Council to fund business support program for Central Coast town centresSix business groups across the Central Coast will share in $180,000 in funding through Council’s Business Development Support Program for Town Centres.The program is part of Council’s recently adopted Town Centre Management Operational Model and aims to develop small business in town centres by supporting local initiatives.Funding will be provided in the 2019-20 financial year with $30,000 to be provided to the following groups:The Gosford Business Improvement DistrictThe Wyong Regional Chamber of CommerceGreater Toukley VisionThe Peninsular Chamber of CommerceGosford, Erina and Coastal Chamber of CommerceThe Entrance and Districts Chamber of CommerceCouncil is committed to a collaborative approach whilst changes to the Town Centre Management Model take effect and the regional Economic Development Strategy is developed.Mayor Jane Smith said creating vibrant and active town centres is important for the future of the Central Coast.“Strong town centres are important elements in attracting visitors to the Coast and will also provide economic opportunities for local businesses which in turn, leads to jobs for Central Coast residents,” Mayor Smith said.Community projects to share $5.6million in grants and sponsorshipThirty-nine community projects and events will share in more than $5.6million after the second round of Council’s 2018-19 Grant and Sponsorship Program.Mayor Jane Smith said Council received 111 applications for funds from the Community Grants Program and 10 applications for funds from the Sponsorship Program.“Our Community Grants and Sponsorship Program offers fantastic opportunities to not only improve the lifestyle of Coast residents but to promote the region as a great place to visit.“I am pleased to see so many diverse organisations accessing grant funding to run events and programs or to improve or preserve equipment and buildings,” Mayor Smith said.The grants and sponsorship funding will be allocated to:Community Events and Place Activation Program – 23 applications will share $227,243.74 from the 2018-19 budgetCommunity Infrastructure Grant Program – 5 applications will share $190,359.53 from the 2018-19 budgetSocial and Creative Enterprise Program – 5 applications will share $34,850 from the 2018-19 budgetSponsorship Program – six projects will share $111,200 of funding, to be paid over three years until 2020-21.Terrigal Catchment Audit remains high priority for CouncilCentral Coast Council has confirmed that no sewage entered the stormwater system at Terrigal Beach in April and maintains the ongoing Terrigal Catchment Audit is a high priority project for the area.A report to last night’s Council meeting said that over the Easter long weekend, Council received reports by community members of unpleasant smelling and discoloured water being discharged at the southern end of Terrigal Beach.