The recently upgraded Lemon Grove Netball Courts at Ettalong has been well received by the local netball playing community as the 2019 season kicks off. Central Coast Council completed the $1.12million redevelopment works which included full court resurfacing, ‘Fast5’ game line markings on eight of the 14 courts and adjustable goal posts for junior competitions.  Upgrade works also included the installation of new floodlighting, carpark resurfacing, installation of a drink bottle refill station and new park furniture.  The project was jointly funded with a $905,620 investment by Council, $200,000 contribution from the Woy Woy Peninsula Netball Association, plus a $50,000 grant received from NSW Government’s Community Building Partnerships Program for the upgrade to drainage system to support court upgrade. Netball is the most popular social sport in the world for women and has been played in Australia since 1897!   On the Central Coast, netball continues to be a leading participation sport for all ages. Woy Woy Peninsula Netball Association President Lisa Coakley said the netball court upgrades have come at the right time as the popularity of the sport continues on the Peninsula. “Our association was first founded in 1974 and we continue to have members of all ages, with many of our adult players first stepping onto a netball court as a junior with our association,” Ms Coakley said. “The club is also introducing netball to the next generation of netball players on the Coast with the NetSetGo Junior program developing the skills of children aged 5 to 12.  “These recent upgrades are fantastic and were much needed.

Central Coast Council is working with Sweeney Interpreting to improve the accessibility of productions held at Laycock Street Community Theatre for the deaf community.This new initiative brings three Auslan interpreted stage productions, plus a number of Auslan interpreted backstage tours to Laycock Street Community Theatre, making the productions more inclusive for visitors and the community.Council Unit Manager, Leisure and Lifestyle Phil Cantillon said the Central Coast is home to a diverse and growing community and Council is committed to continuous improvement of accessibility, inclusivity and liveability within the community.“Council has developed a Disability Inclusion Action Plan which sets out strategies to achieve positive outcomes for people with disability to fully participate in mainstream community life,” Mr Cantillon said.“We are committed to increasing inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life including through this new initiative at Laycock Street Community Theatre, which provides accessibility for all who visit and enjoy the performing arts.“Not only do we have three upcoming performances that are Auslan interpreted, but on Sunday 19 May the Theatre will be hosting Auslan interpreted backstage tours where visitors can experience areas such as the mainstage, backstage, dressing rooms and bio box, providing a unique ‘behind the scenes’ insight of Laycock Theatre.”Mayor Jane Smith said inclusion and active participation are key to building a strong community.“We are committed to creating a society where everyone belongs and everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of community life, that is why belonging is at the heart of Council’s Community Strategic Plan,” Mayor Smith said.“We will continue to create opportunities, for people with a disability in our community to enjoy the range of experiences and quality of life on offer on the Central Coast.”Upcoming Auslan interpreted productions include:Sydney Comedy Festival, Saturday 8 June 8pmThe Sapphires, Sunday 23 June 2pmPossum Magic, Saturday 31 August, 12pmFree back stage tours for all ages will also commence on Sunday 19 May at 10am, 11am and 12pm and run for approximately 45 minutes each, providing a sneak peek into the performing arts.Bookings are essential.

Central Coast Council Library Service will be ‘Connecting People, Places and the Past’ as part of the 2019 Australian Heritage Month celebrations, on now until 19 May.Two major exhibitions paying homage to local history and beloved children’s author May Gibbs will be on display during the Festival, with Libraries also relaunching their new platform Central Coast Memories.Council Section Manager Library Futures and Planning, Benjamin Hartley said this online resource showcases historic photographs, postcards, and other memorabilia held in the Library's Local History collection.“The site delves into the region’s rich history and illustrates the transformation of the region from simple beginnings as a timber getting, and agricultural area to more recent times,” Mr Hartley said.“We will be commemorating the early timber industry through the ‘Broad Axes and Bullock Bells’ photographic exhibition, which illustrates the working lives of the bullockies, sawyers and saw-millers, with images dating as far back as the early 1900’s.”The display is on exhibition at Tuggerah Library now until Friday 24 May, then Kincumber Library from Monday 3 June to Thursday 4 July.“Sure to be a family favourite, the ‘May Gibbs:

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to have their say on the revitalisation of the heritage of Gosford CBD. The Draft Gosford CBD Heritage Interpretation Strategy aims to bring the heritage of Gosford to life and change the perception of the CBD by repositioning the area as an attractive destination for tourists and visitors.

Central Coast Council has started a major road project on Louisiana Road, Hamlyn Terrace to better connect two recently completed subdivisions.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the $1.58million project would deliver an important piece of infrastructure for this booming suburb.“This 110 metre section of Louisiana Road in Hamlyn Terrace will provide an improved connection between two new communities in Hamlyn Terrace,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The topography of this site presents drainage challenges and we have developed a solution that will make the road meet the one in 100-year flood free standard.“Our drainage solution includes a substantial section of culverts – 20 metres long, 22 metres wide and 1.2 metres high.”Mr Bolgoff said the project would also improve pedestrian access and safety.“We will be constructing a shared pathway as part of the project, which will allow locals and visitors to walk, run and cycle around the area.“Pedestrian and cyclist safety will be further increased through the installation of road safety barriers and pedestrian fencing.Mayor Jane Smith said the project was a prime example of delivering infrastructure for major growth areas.“Hamlyn Terrace is a growth hot spot for the Coast and this section of road and shared pathway will be well utilised by this growing community.“This project will also make it easier for locals and visitors to explore the area through completing a ‘missing link’ of a shared pathway.”Project works will also include kerb and gutter, driveway and water main adjustments, road pavement works and line marking.Landscaping will be completed towards the end of the project to ensure the works are aesthetically pleasing for locals and visitors.During works Louisiana Road will be closed to through traffic at Clinton Way and Rushmore Place from Monday 6 May 2019 and the project is expected to take approximately 14 weeks to complete, weather permitting. Detours are in place with access available via Sparks Road and Warnervale Road (if travelling to Louisiana Road from the North) and via Warnervale Road and Minnesota Road (if travelling to Louisiana Road from the South).

Small businesses owners and social enterprise start-ups on the Central Coast are invited to join in the conversation with like minds and create future connections and collaborations for their enterprise. The second session of the ‘The Power Hour’ series, run by Central Coast Council in partnership with The Business Centre at The Smart Work Hub in Gosford, on Thursday 2 May, will allow local business owners to hear from: Stephanie Moscovis, Communication and Marketing Manager at The Business Centre and founder of Idea Bombing Newcastle.

Highlights of the 29 April 2019 Council MeetingCouncil commits to improving housing affordability and finalising an Affordable and Alternative Housing StrategyCentral Coast Council last night committed to addressing affordable housing in a bid to provide more housing choice for households earning less than $100,000 per year.Councillors authorised the Chief Executive Officer to finalise an Affordable Housing Strategy which draws heavily on the draft strategy which was on public exhibition for 103 days last year.During that time, 441 submissions were received, along with supportive petitions containing 1,718 signatures.Following the public consultation period, councillors worked together to develop a united approach to housing affordability.

Central Coast Council and NSW Police are joining forces this May in a bid to save lives and reduce the incidence and severity of speed-related road crashes on 50km/h local roads.According to NSW Police, speeding continues to be a serious concern on the Central Coast, with over 22 percent of all crashes having speed as a contributing factor, which is almost six percent higher than the state average.Large speed warning signs will be placed on strategic roads while Police will target drivers who speed on built-up streets zoned 50/km per hour.Highway Patrol Sergeant Matt Rees said it was important drivers observed speed limits, as even a small increase in speed significantly increased the likelihood of being involved in a serious-injury collision or worse.“All urban roads are zoned at 50km/h unless otherwise signposted,” Sergeant Rees said.“Highway Patrol officers from Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes are committed to reducing road trauma on Central Coast roads.“This is why we are happy to work with Central Coast Council on such a vital project.”Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith said education can have a big impact on reducing speeding and ultimately saving lives on the Central Coast.“We have a higher than average incidence of speed-related crashes on the Central Coast, that needs to change and that is why we have joined forces with the NSW Police,” Mayor Smith said.“We need people to understand speed limits on roads are there for a reason and sticking to them is important for the safety of the community. “By slowing down, you can be a part of saving lives on the Central Coast.”The campaign will include 50km/h educational messages and police enforcement.

With summer now behind us and as winter draws nearer, Central Coast beaches will cease lifeguard patrol operational hours for the 2018-19 season.The last day of patrol for Central Coast Council’s lifeguards at 15 beach locations will be Monday 29 April 2019.Mayor Jane Smith said Council lifeguards have had another busy yet successful patrol season.“Since October 2018, more than 2.4 million people have visited our beaches, with Council lifeguards performing 1,122 rescues, attending to 5,496 first aid incidents and responding to 34,775 preventative actions across the Central Coast,"  Mayor Smith said.“Our lifeguards have certainly worked hard and done an amazing job during another busy season.“I thank them for the work they do in keeping our beaches safe for our community and visitors to our region.”Lifeguards will remain on patrol at The Grant McBride Baths, The Entrance, throughout the winter season with reduced hours from 8am until 1pm, Monday to Sunday.Beach patrol services for the 2019-20 season will commence on Saturday 28 September 2019 at all Central Coast beaches and The Grant McBride Baths from 9am until 5pm.

Central Coast Council will be hosting a Mother’s Day memorial service to remember mum’s who are no longer with us.The special service and morning tea will be held at Noraville Cemetery on Saturday 11 May 2019 at 11am.Mayor Jane Smith said the event is an opportunity for people to connect and share their stories.“Mother’s Day can be a day of mixed emotions for many people, so this service provides a supportive environment for the community to come together, to remember and share stories about their dearly departed,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is pleased to be once again putting on this special service in partnership with White Lady Funerals.”Attendees are encouraged to bring a framed photo of their mother or loved one to display during the service.Please RSVP for catering purposes by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events and searching ‘Mother’s Day’.

Central Coast Council can confirm that a proposal has been submitted to host the NSW Waratahs Rugby at Central Coast Stadium in 2020.If the bid is successful, the Stadium will see elite level rugby return to the Coast.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was excited at the opportunity and is open to hosting more sporting events at Central Coast Stadium.“Council is committed to bring high level sporting events to the Coast and is always interested in talking to any teams and promoters seeking a venue,” Mayor Smith said.“The Stadium has recently undergone a range of upgrades, including new change rooms, corporate facilities, accessible amenities, big screens and sound systems, which has further strengthened the reputation and longevity of this great venue.“If the Waratahs bid is successful, the high calibre games will be delivered on the back of a range of successful world-wide events held at the Stadium including the Lionel Richie concert in 2018, Nitro Circus in 2011 and 2017, international Rugby World Cup in 2003, Asian Champions League and National Rugby League games.”

Central Coast Council has closed a section of the informal track along the Winney Bay clifftop due to community safety concerns.Council undertook geotechnical surveys as part of the design phase of Stage 2 of the walk.

The Central Coast Series Champions for 2019 have been named at Bato Yard during National Youth Week, claiming a total prize pool of $10,000.Three heats were held at Wadalba Skate Park, Umina Skate Park and Bato Yard where more than 140 young riders of all ages and abilities showed off their skills on BMX, skate, scooter or WCMX (wheelchair) for their chance to claim the Central Coast Series Champion title.As well as competing young people were also involved in judging and MCing throughout the seriesFor the first time, rather than competing in a final, the winners were determined by an accumulative tally across all three heats.Congratulations to this year’s Champions:SkateSponsored – Callan DixonRunner-up - Joel WhittonOpens – Cody ReidRunner-up - Ocean TurnerWomen’s – Lexi RussellRunner-up - Ashlee ValleUnder 16s – Duke CooperRunner-up - Ky O’ReillyUnder 12s – Harvey CampbellRunner-up - Kohen ScottScooterOpens – Jayden WrayRunner-up - Cooper RobertsWomen’s – Faith FinlayRunner-up - Deanna VulcaniUnder 16s – Brock MooreRunner-up - Maximus LeaitnaUnder 12s – Regan LakeRunner-up - Caleb Di FrancoBMXSponsored – Christian PowellRunner-up - Josh EvansOpens – John SimpsonRunner-up - Rhyan LeeUnder 16s – Jonny ValentaRunner-up - Lucas BowersCouncil would also like to thank their sponsors who helped make the event a success – 360 Pro Scooters, Bateau Bay Square, Active Outthere and Central Coast Credit Union.National Youth Week celebrations will continue across the Central Coast this week.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan now on public exhibition.Council Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the draft Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan was developed through significant analysis and stakeholder engagement, and once finalised will deliver the first cohesive long term vision for land use in this important growth area of the Coast.“This draft Plan sets out a long-term vision for the Greater Lake Munmorah study area, ensuring the area is designed for sustainable growth, liveability and employment opportunities whilst protecting the area’s unique character and sensitive natural settings,” Mr Cox said.“With a coherent framework for the development, facilitation of future growth and prosperity of the area, the plan identifies appropriate development footprints for new residential and employment land, relevant staging requirements, plus appropriate transport, environmental and open space networks.”The study area is a collection of ten precincts connected by the Central Coast Highway – a biodiversity corridor;

Central Coast Council offices and a number of services will be closed over the Easter Long Weekend and ANZAC Day from Friday 19 to Monday 22 April and Thursday 25 April, respectively, including Gosford and Wyong Offices, libraries, works depots, Niagara Park Stadium, Laycock Street Community Theatre and childcare centres.Residential waste collection and water treatment are considered to be essential services, and will continue to be delivered over the public holidays.Surf Life Saving volunteers will provide service at all 15 patrolled beaches across the Coast with Council lifeguards providing patrols at The Grant McBride Baths and extra patrols at Budgewoi Beach for the Easter long weekend only.

Central Coast Youth Week activities are continuing through the school holidays, so why not head to the annual GOATS Family Festival this Sunday, 14 April proudly presented by the Epicentre San RemoCelebrating its 21st year, San Remo’s Koala Park will come alive with free live entertainment, market stalls, bands and performers, an animal farm, family rides, pony rides, show bags and much more from 9am-5pm.Central Coast Council is a proud supporter of the annual festival that attracts thousands of young people from across the Coast who are either showcasing their talents or enjoying the festivities.Check out what else is on during National Youth Week at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events or the school holidays at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays

Central Coast Council will start the second stage of the $2.8million coastal foreshore and rehabilitation works at the southern end of Avoca Beach next month.The second stage, which will be carried out from May-October 2019 (weather permitting), will involve redeveloping the seawall to include stairs, two concrete ramps and a disability access ramp, as well as upgrading the beachfront walkway and general landscaping.This $2,807,000 foreshore redevelopment has been enabled through funding from the NSW State Government under Stronger Communities Funding made available to all newly merged Councils.Mayor Jane Smith said Council had listened to the community and has made changes to the design of the second stage of this priority project for the area.“This upgrade will continue the improvement to the infrastructure and amenity of the area, as well as deliver vital coastal protection and rehabilitation works to stabilise the foreshore,” Mayor Smith said.“As a result of community feedback, the two small beach access ramps will now remain in place and be upgraded with new materials for increased accessibility.“Overall, this upgrade will provide both the Coast community and visitors with a safer and more accessible foreshore area, activating the area for all to enjoy.

A pocket of the Gosford Foreshore is now revitalised due to the completion of recent redevelopment works at Gosford Lions Park and is already becoming a popular place for our community and visitors to walk, ride, picnic, connect and play.The improvement works at the Masons Parade site are now complete and include the re-establishment of the Lions Club monument to commemorate the centenary of Lions Clubs International, replacement of the existing play space resulting in an enhanced, inclusive play experience for a variety of ages and abilities, provision of a new path way creating a formalised link to the park furniture and BBQ area, upgrades to park furniture including shelter shed and inclusion of an accessible picnic table, along with landscaping works across the site.The $196,000 upgrade project was jointly funded by Central Coast Council, the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program, and Gosford City-East Gosford Lions Club who secured the State Government grant of $45,000.Council Mayor Jane Smith said that open space recreational areas are highly valued by our community and the revitalisation of Gosford Lions Park has provided an attractive recreational space that brings the community together and promotes healthy lifestyles.“The project has truly been a collaborative effort that demonstrates how great things can be achieved when Council work with other levels of government and community groups that actively dedicate themselves to serving their local community,” Mayor Smith said.“Council thanks Gosford City-East Gosford Lions Club for securing funding from the State Government for this project and is appreciative of this group’s passion and commitment to seeing it delivered for our community”.Gosford City-East Gosford Lions Club President Mr Tony Seitam said that Gosford Lions Park was first established in the late 1960s with the last major renovations occurring in the mid 70’s, so the recent refurbishment was long overdue.“We thank the NSW Government for allocating grant funding under the Community Building Partnership Program and the support of Local Member of Parliament Liesl Tesch, which has allowed our vision for Gosford Lions Park to become a reality,” Mr Seitam said.This project demonstrates how Council is delivering on our Community’s vision for well maintained and activated open space areas and facilities that bring the community together and promote healthy living and activity in natural settings.

Central Coast Council has recently completed the second stage of a major project to upgrade Everglades Catchment Drainage in Umina Beach.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the project is significantly reducing the risk of nuisance flooding in the area.“The topography of this part of Umina Beach is very flat and has been prone to flooding which can limit access to properties,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Flooding is often caused by a build-up of sediment in the drainage system that causes blockages.“Our solution to resolve this problem is to install specially designed sediment pits to contain the sediment and stop blockages from building up.“We monitor the pits regularly but we encourage residents in the area to notify Council if they see sediment levels getting higher.Mr Bolgoff said Stage 2 works have focussed on the section of the Everglades Catchment Drainage that stretches from Carpenter Street to Glenn Street.“The current stage of works represents a $490,000 investment by Council and has focussed on the installation of the sediment pits.“Stage one of the project represented a $500,000 investment and involved blockage removal from the open channel along Carpenter Street and an upgrade of the drainage pipeline between the open channels to Carpenter Street.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Everglades Catchment Drainage project is delivering significant benefits for Umina Beach residents.“This project is a great example of Council delivering an innovative solution that makes a real difference to the lives of our community,” Mayor Smith said.“Roads, drainage and transport projects make up the largest component of our capital works program and we are committed to making every effort to secure more funding to deliver for our region.”Council determines areas that require major drainage through a multi-criteria system that assesses frequency, extent and potential damage of flooding.Futures stages of the Everglades Catchment Drainage project are currently in the design phase.

A bold new approach taken by Central Coast Council to help tackle roadside litter has seen a 97 per cent reduction in total litter volume across three litter hotspots at Blue Haven Link Road, Somersby Industrial Park and Kariong M1 on ramp.The Central Coast Roadside Litter Project was effectively delivered after securing $36,000 in round four of NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Litter Grants last year.Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said the success of the project was a result of a multi-pronged approach to litter prevention including education, enforcement and infrastructure at each target site.“This project has focused on encouraging behaviour change and educating the community on how to report littering from vehicles,” Mrs Burgess added.“With the main source of litter identified being single use takeaway and drink containers, we provided 4000 reusable tidy bags for motorists and passengers to keep their rubbish with them until they were able to dispose of it responsibly without worry of spills.“Of the participants in the initiative surveyed, 72% made changes to the way they disposed of their litter, with 68% advising they had learned about the reporting process.“In direct correlation to this we saw the number of registered reporters increase by 37% between July and December 2018 when compared to the same time the previous year.”Grant funding also went towards clean-ups of target areas, roadside signs at each site reminding motorists how to report littering from vehicles to the EPA as well as installation of 20 dash cams in Rangers vehicles increasing the chances of being caught littering.Council Mayor Jane Smith said it was fantastic to see the community taking pride in the region and coming on board to help ‘Keep the Coast Clean’.“The results demonstrate our community really want to do the right thing and can when given practical solutions to dispose of rubbish,” Mayor Smith said.“By working together with our community we can continue to ensure the natural environment of the Coast is preserved and protected for the future.”Littering from vehicles can be reported to the EPA online at epa.nsw.gov.au/reporttoepa or via the Report to EPA mobile App - it is unlawful for drivers to use a mobile phone to record this information unless the car is parked ignition turned off.This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.