A diverse mix of young people have been appointed as members of Y4Y (Youth for Youth), the Coast’s first regional youth action team.

As part of its aim to deliver $2.08million worth of upgrades to Central Coast Council’s leisure centres this financial year, $476k worth of upgrades are now complete.These works include $110,000 worth of solar pool heating installed at Peninsula Leisure Centre and Toukley Aquatic Centre, and $66,000 worth of ventilation improvements at Peninsula Leisure Centre and Lake Haven Recreation Centre – where large fans have been installed in the sports halls.Additionally, $200,000 worth of brand new, cardio gym equipment has been delivered and installed at Lake Haven Recreation Centre, with an additional $100,000 spent on upgrading the surrounding infrastructure to support this new equipment – including flooring, power and internet to allow the users to live stream entertainment on the cardio equipment while they exercise.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that Council is committed to providing outstanding leisure facilities.“Our aim is to ensure sport, leisure, recreation and aquatic facilities are high-quality open spaces that are well maintained and activated,” Ms Vaughan said.“With the goal to continually improve the physical and social wellbeing of the Central Coast community, investing $2.08million over the next year across our six leisure centres will further provide residents and visitors of the Coast with terrific facilities and classes.”Work still to commence this financial year includes an upgrade to the outdoor seating and grandstand area at Wyong Olympic Pool and a $1.29million upgrade to the Lake Haven Recreation Centre building.

Central Coast Council has announced the winners of their Library Service’s first Poetry Writing Competition.The competition is one of the many ways Council is delivering on the Community Strategic Plan by celebrating and continuing to create opportunities for inclusion where all people feel welcome and participate in community life.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess said she was pleased with the positive response from the community and it was fantastic to see all ages getting involved.“I would like to thank everyone who was brave enough to submit an entry and tell their tale in verse,” Mrs Burgess said.“I hope the competition acts as a springboard for our local talent to go on and gain recognition at a national and possibly internationally levels.“Thank you also to our judges, Meg Gatland-Veness, Cherry Beckett and Marilyn Campbell, who have volunteered their time towards this worthwhile cause, helping to strengthen the sense of belonging in the community.“I am incredibly proud of the role we play in nurturing and inspiring our amazing local talent, while helping to create a sense of connection within the community.“This is just one of the many ways our libraries help meet education, learning and recreation needs, while encouraging development of literacy and reading skills.“I would encourage everyone to rediscover their local library and take advantage of the amazing free resources and services available.”Winner of the open category, Shelley Stocken from the Peninsula, who discovered her love of poetry while at school, was thrilled when she received the call saying she had received first place.“Even though I studied poetry at university I have never considered myself a poet,” Ms Stocken said.“I have entered a few competitions in the past, but this is the first time I have ever placed, let alone won – I’m surprised, but also incredibly proud of this achievement.“My poem was a self-reflection of sorts, contemplating the theme of ‘Peace’ on an individual level rather than a collective or worldwide concept.“I really enjoyed the process of writing my piece ‘Vessel’, contemplating peace of mind and being comfortable within myself and of my own choices and I hope others can relate.“We have such home grown talent right here on the Coast and we are great at celebrating ourselves – it is fantastic to see Council taking an active role supporting our creative community.”To support writers in their poetry, Council will gift prizes of $200, $100 and $50 gift cards to first, second and third places respectively for every category, as well as a writing gift pack, which will also be awarded to Highly Commended entries at a formal celebratory afternoon tea will be held on Wednesday 20 March 2019.An additional $600 worth of prizes was donated thanks to the 2018 sponsors of the Poetry Competition, Book Bazaar, Book Face, Musicians Making a Difference, QBD Tuggerah and Writing NSW.Winning entries will also be on display in the Central Coast community on World Poetry Day 21 March, 2019.To view the winning poems and find out more about the free resources and services on offer visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/librariesThe winners of the Library Service Poetry Writing Competition for 2018 are:Junior:First place - Finlay Smith for ‘Lady Ocean’Second place - Ellen Leahy for ‘Matcham “Peace’Third place - Cooper Jamieson for ‘Peace’Highly commended - May Russell for ‘The Peace of Winter’Youth:First place - Caitlyn Dixon for ‘How I wish’Second place - Willow Robinson for ‘Music to my Ears’Third place - Indiana Ginglo for ‘Indiana’s Peace Poem’Highly commended - Isabel Wann for ‘Evening’Adult:First place - Shelley Stocken for ‘Vessel’Second place - Catherine Dunk for ‘Rainbow Buddha’Third place - Gail Beard for ‘Nightwatch’Highly commended - Brian Purcell for ‘Full Moon over Avoca Beach’

Central Coast Council will commence further safety improvement works at Willoughby Road, Wamberal in January 2019. Works include the installation of traffic calming devices at two intersections either side of the causeway (dip), a section of kerb and gutter, and footpath and bus stop upgrades.

Council finances on track and delivering for the communityCouncil adopted the audited financial statements for the 2017-18 Central Coast Council consolidated financial statements.The reports and financial statements for 2017-18 confirm a total income from continuing operations of $651.2million, a surplus including capital income of $66.2million and an asset base worth $7.0billion.Mayor Jane Smith said it is important for Council to demonstrate sound financial management for the community and provide accountability and transparency in reporting.“We’re here to deliver the best possible services to our growing community, and having thorough financial management is essential,” Mayor Smith said.Council accounts are governed by a strict Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting, and by legally binding Accounting Standards.Community events and projects receive $823,000 boostSixty-nine projects will share more than $823,000 in funding to hold community events and programs after Central Coast Council last night voted to allocate funds from its annual Sponsorship and Grants Program.See separate media release.Winney Bay Clifftop Walk to proceed with amended designCouncil has considered the feedback from the community and recommended changes to Stage 2 of the Winney Bay Clifftop walk.The results of the community consultation showed the majority of our community supported the walk with some modifications to the concept design.Council will now proceed to detailed design with the path width reduced to a maximum of 2 metres and without the bridge and market stall spaces.Mayor Smith said the next stage of the project is a detailed design and that the removal of the market stalls and bridge could be accommodated into this phase of the project.“We understand that there has been some community concern on this issue, however the results of the consultation show support for the formalised walk with some modifications,” Mayor Smith said.“Council has decided to remove the market stalls and bridge from the design.“We have also asked that the design reduce the path width to a maximum of 2m and to include a fully accessible viewing platform in the area where the bridge would have started.“The remainder of the path past this section will be built from materials sympathetic to the natural environment.“We are also ensuring the environment will be protected, with a Review of Environmental Factors to be undertaken, removal of native species to be minimised and local native species to be propagated and used for revegetation.“The result will be a walkway that respects the local environment while allowing walkers access to the beautiful scenery of Winney Bay.”Making our towns the centre of attentionCouncil has moved to adopt recommendations that will see a strategic and regional approach to town centre management on the Central Coast.The new approach will provide a regional model that will give the best value for the community and ensure services, infrastructure, events and activations are delivered effectively whilst also addressing local place based issues.Mayor Jane Smith said Council resolved to undertake this review last year and the review has been shaped by relevant internal business units and external stakeholders.“Our town centres are important, vibrant spaces that help attract more people to the Central Coast, drive business and economic development and create new experiences for visitors and residents to enjoy,” Mayor Smith said.“This review identifies town centres as key places that not only serve their localised residential community, but also play a pivotal role in the wider region.“It highlights ways we can continue to invest in improving our town centres to ensure we remain a vibrant, sustainable, growing and competitive region and we will continue working closely with businesses and the community to develop a model that will achieve both localised and regional objectives.”Council will continue to work with local business stakeholders including business chambers, Gosford Business Improvement District organisation, Greater Toukley Vision, Wyong Business Chamber and the NSW Business Chamber to develop a regional approach to specifically support local economic and business development initiatives.

Sixty-nine projects will share more than $823,000 in funding to hold community events and programs after Central Coast Council last night voted to allocate funds from its annual Sponsorship and Grants Program.Basketball, bowls and surfing competitions, along with equine and comedy festivals are just some of the programs which will receive a total of $142,000 through the sponsorship budget, which supports activities which bring economic benefits to the region.Meanwhile, Council approved a diverse range of applications submitted through the following grant programs:Community Events and Place Activation ($158,697.23)Community Development ($187,959.70)Community Infrastructure ($107,367)Social and Creative Enterprise ($114,675.58)Heritage ($102,779.65)Community Support ($15,000).Council budgeted $1.78million for its 2018-19 Sponsorship and Grant Program.

The Central Coast community can enjoy a powerful new exhibition over the Summer holidays thanks to Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery.‘Express Yourself’ is drawn from the National Portrait Gallery’s contemporary collection and it is the first time these portraits have toured the country together.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture, Tim Braham said he was honoured to have secured such a prestigious National exhibition, free for our community to enjoy.“Express Yourself celebrates portraits of Australians whose unique life experiences symbolise social and cultural themes,” Mr Braham said.“The individuals displayed in the exhibition come from a variety of professions and each subjects’ strength of conviction and uncompromising individuality has lead them to excel in their chosen field, and contribute meaningful change to the social and cultural environment in Australia.“Portraits of Marcia Langton, Jack Charles, Jeff Fenech, Alex Wodak, Carol Ruff, Jim Conway and Gary Foley are among more than thirty photographs, drawings and digital works on display including a newly acquired work, the commissioned portrait of campaigner Rosie Batty by photographer Nikki Toole.“Art plays an important role in our lives, in telling our story and in bringing people together.

Central Coast Council will install a new water main on The Round Drive, Avoca Beach from 3 January 2019.Council Director Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said the project would minimise the risk of future water main breaks.“We apologise for the inconvenience caused by water main breaks on The Round Drive and would like to assure residents that Council is addressing this matter.“1600 metres of new water main will be installed, adding to the 575 metres of new pipework recently installed.“The new main will be constructed in the roadway, which will preserve trees and minimise water supply disruptions to customers during construction.“The new location selected also means unexpected releases of water will be directed away from properties, which will significantly reduce the risk of damage to property.“We will also be able to keep the existing water main in operation during works, which will mean there will be minimal disruption to water supply for residents.Council will complete the project in approximately six months and will provide residents with advance notice of construction activities.The start date for this project has been rescheduled from October 2018 to January 2019 in order to finalise a design and source materials that will deliver the best outcome for The Round Drive.Ms Nel said Council began rolling out a region-wide water mains renewal program in July.“We have prioritised our renewal program based on areas that have experienced higher numbers of water main breaks in recent times.“Traffic control will be in place throughout the works to direct road users and ensure their safety.”Water main breaks will periodically occur across all water systems and are typically caused by ground and weather conditions, tree roots and third party damage. Central Coast residents who experience water or sewerage concerns in their area should call Council immediately on 1300 463 954.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the Coast community to get active this summer by offering a free day pass to every Central Coast resident, 18-years or older, to its six leisure centres from December 2018 through to March 2019.Anyone who uses their free pass will also go in the draw to win one of five annual memberships to a Council leisure centre of their choice, valued at up to $1,092.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that this great initiative is being implemented this summer to help promote healthy living.

Central Coast Council Library Service has won the annual NSW Public Libraries Association Multicultural Excellence Award, presented to staff at the annual SWITCH conference last week.Council’s Library Service took out the award for their demonstrated excellence in services and programs that add meaningful value to the Central Coast’s culturally and linguistically diverse community.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said staff feel incredibly privileged to be able to create spaces that provide connection, inclusion and support for the community.“I am so proud of the work my team achieves and it is fantastic to see them publicly acknowledged for their efforts,” Ms Vaughan said.“As part of the award we have received $1000, which will go towards building more equitable, affordable and flexible multicultural lifelong learning initiatives.“A special thank you to all the volunteers and external agencies that have provided time and support, without whom these programs would not be possible.”Providing multicultural learning opportunities is one of the many ways libraries help create spaces where all people feel welcome and can participate in community life, Ms Vaughan said.“With more than 14 per cent of the population born overseas, we have developed numerous programs for our increasingly diverse community,” Ms Vaughan added.“Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program has been running at Gosford Library since 2015, using conversation based learning to increase participants’ confidence in everyday situations we take for granted, such as going to the doctor or travelling by public transport.“Members are very grateful for the learning outcomes, as well as the friendships and support networks they have established, without which they would have been more isolated.“Our Read Around the World Storytime sessions at Erina, have been popular with young families as a way to celebrate our culturally diverse community through stories, songs and craft.“These sessions are beneficial for the whole community, helping provide children with greater cultural awareness from an early age, while also offering a safe space for families from similar multicultural backgrounds to connect.“Due to their success, we are looking at expanding the ESL Meet and Greet and Read Around the World Storytime programs in 2019 and would encourage those interested to get in contact with their local branch.”The Library Service offers a ‘Reading Hotspot’ collection that includes beginner reading books and literacy workbooks to assist those developing their English skills at home.Library members can also take advantage of the ‘Box of books’ service, where books in 42 different languages can be borrowed from NSW State Library collections – up to 20 items can be borrowed at once and can include fiction, non-fiction, children’s, bilingual, large print or audiobooks.Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries for details on these multicultural programs and services.

Council is currently consolidating its planning controls for the Central Coast to deliver significant efficiencies and simplify planning for the whole community and is calling for public input.The Central Coast is currently operating under four different planning instruments each with different planning controls.

Residents are running out of time to comment on a ground-breaking draft Strategy which addresses the Coast’s housing affordability crisis. Central Coast Council’s draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy has been on public exhibition since early September and closes for community comment on Friday, 21 December.

Central Coast Council is successfully reducing its carbon footprint by generating electricity through the extraction and combustion of landfill gas at its waste management facilities.This advanced approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from escaping into the atmosphere produced enough renewable energy to power more than 4500 local homes last financial year.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said there were four electricity generation plants operated under contract helping turn methane emissions into renewable energy.“Landfill gas is a natural consequence of organic waste decomposing at any solid waste management site,” Mr Pearce said.“Half the gas generated is carbon dioxide with the other half methane, which is around 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.“The generators at our waste management facilities produced approximately 28,000 megawatt-hours of electricity last financial year, and prevented around 154,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (greenhouse emissions) from escaping into the atmosphere.”Mayor Jane Smith said the gas extraction was an excellent example of Council implementing real actions to reduce climate change.“I am proud to see Council’s commitment to more sustainable waste practices by turning waste to renewable energy,” Mayor Smith.“With methane a major contributing factor to global warming, this venture will continue to provide a major contribution to reducing Council’s carbon footprint.“It is important Council takes a leading role in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change and this is just the start of more innovative initiatives we will implement.”Council endorsed a Draft Climate Change Policy in August 2018, a framework of key actions to contribute to meeting the Green theme of the Community Strategic Plan and NSW State Climate Change Policy direction to achieve a net-zero emissions by 2050.“We need real actions and I am looking forward to seeing how the community respond to and engage with this Policy as we work together to find the best way to tackle the effects of climate change and make positive change here on the Coast, “ Mayor Smith said.“As part of the consultation we want to hear what concerns our community have about climate change so we can address them together.“I strongly encourage residents to complete our online survey on climate change before it closes on Friday 7 December, and register interest in our upcoming series of workshops to be held early next year.”Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/climatechange to complete the short online survey, register for future workshops, and sign up to stay informed.

Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith has welcomed the State Government’s announcement of a northern high speed rail route which could reduce travel times between Sydney and the Central Coast to around 30 mins.Mayor Jane Smith said this would make a significant difference to thousands of Central Coast residents who commute to Sydney every day often spending up to four hours a day on a return train journey between the coast and their destination.“We know commuting is a major issue for our community with many Coasties having to travel off the coast every day for work or study,” Mayor Smith said.“Reducing the commute to Sydney from around 90 minutes to 30 minutes would allow the community to have an additional two hours per day or as much as ten hours per week for other activities at home or in their community, like spending time with their family, rather than sitting on a train,” Mayor Smith said.“This could also have a flow on effect of encouraging those who drive to Sydney each day to leave their cars at home and hop on a train, which would also reduce traffic on our major roads and deliver benefits to the environment.“The devil will be in the detail too in terms of where the route will go, costings and car parking for commuters.”“The State Government will need to prioritise and significantly increase investment in commuter parking stations along multiple stations on northern rail route so that commuters can have a choice of where they can park to access the fast train service.“Major investment in infrastructure, such as this proposal by the State Government, has the potential to bring jobs and drive economic development on the coast and this is something Council is committed to delivering for our community.Council is currently consulting with the community on parking on the Central Coast.

Many Central Coast Council facilities and services will be closed to the public on Friday 7 December for a Local Government State Award approved Union Picnic Day.This includes the Gosford and Wyong Administration Buildings, Library branches, works depots, all Council run child care centres and Laycock Street Community Theatre.The following facilities and services will be open and operating as usual on the day:Lifeguard services on all 15 patrolled beaches and The Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, 9am-5pmButtonderry (Jilliby) and Woy Woy Waste Management Facilities, 7am-5pm and Kincumber Transfer Station, 8am-4pmCouncil Leisure Centres including Peninsula Leisure Centre, Gosford Olympic Pool, Niagara Park Stadium, Lake Haven Recreation Centre, Wyong Pool and Toukley Aquatic CentreGosford Regional GalleryCall 1300 463 954 for on-call and emergency services or visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/reportaproblem to lodge any non-urgent requests and enquiries.

Central Coast Council has released their latest Annual Report, which provides a comprehensive account of Council’s performance from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018.

The auditor’s reports for the 2017-18 Central Coast Council consolidated financial statements are available for public inspection at Council’s Offices in Gosford and Wyong, and are also online at yourvoiceourcoast.comThe reports and financial statements for 2017-18 confirm a total income from continuing operations of $651.2million, a surplus including capital income of $66.2million and an asset base worth $7.0billion.Any person is able to make a written submission to Council on the audited financial statements until Tuesday 11 December 2018.The audited financial statements will be presented to the Ordinary Meeting of Council to be held in the Wyong Chamber on Monday 10 December 2018 from 6.30pm.

Central Coast Council has successfully moved 45,000 cubic meters of sand from The Entrance Channel as part of the biennial dredging program.The program, which is partially funded by the NSW Government’s Rescuing Our Waterways program, has seen North Entrance, Karagi Point and The Entrance beaches benefit from sand nourishment as a result of the dredging program.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said Council has been undertaking the dredging program on behalf of the NSW Government for the past 25 years.“The program helps maintain the exchange of water between the estuary and the ocean, preserves the existing ecological values of the estuary and reduces the impact of flood risks to life and property in low-lying areas around the estuary,” Mr Cox said.“Dredging was expected to continue for a few more weeks, however due to some equipment repairs and a prevention notice issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the dredging program will now cease for the remainder of the year.“Council has a number of strict licence conditions in place which ensures the local environment and the community are protected and we are confident that we have fully complied with these conditions.“We take our obligations under the licence seriously and will work with the NSW Government to assess the allegations made in the Prevention Notice.“We understand there may be some community concern about the program not finishing this year.

Central Coast Council is running community consultation to guide a concept design for the redevelopment of Umina Skate Park and adjacent recreational zones to assist in securing funding to deliver a revitalised Peninsula Recreation Precinct.

Independent financial audit and performance review into all matters relating to Central Coast airportThrough an endorsed Mayoral Minute, Council will request that the NSW Auditor General conduct an independent financial audit and performance review into all matters relating to Central Coast airport.Council will request that the review consider all relevant information related to the development of a Regional Airport including proposals for Kiar Ridge and for the development of an Aviation Hub at Central Coast Airport.Mayor Jane Smith said the future of Central Coast airport needed to be resolved.“This report will ensure transparency and openness and will equip Council with all the necessary information to move forward with decisions related to the airport,” Mayor Smith said.Council will request that relevant proposals, financial records, development applications and potential conflicts of interest be considered.It will also be requested that any review will invite and consider public submissions, including confidential submissions if necessary.Council will request that the Auditor General provide specific advice on:Processes and decision-making relating to the Airport and Wyong Employment Zone including anomalies in the process and proposals and any areas that may not meet community expectations.Any improvements needed in Council processes.Any declared or undeclared conflicts of interest.Any matters requiring referral to external agencies for further investigations.The CEO will provide Council with a quarterly report on the progress of the review and the Auditor-General will be requested to provide an interim report by the end of June 2019.Multiple measures to manage weeds in Springfield and HolgateTo manage the infestation of a weed known as Salvinia molesta in Springfield and Holgate, Central Coast Council will utilise bio-controls sourced from the Department of Primary Industries.Council will undertake the mechanical removal of some weed in the first instance to allow for the best results from the bio-controls.Mayor Jane Smith said Salvinia molesta was known to exist at numerous sites across the Central Coast, but was hopeful the biological controls could help reduce the infestation at the Springfield and Holgate sites.“Introducing a weevil that naturally feeds on the Salvinia weed will be Council’s primary line of defence in combating this infestation,” Mayor Smith said.“Our staff will monitor and report back to Council on the success of the weevils in the coming months.