Central Coast Council is helping local households reduce food waste and save money thanks to $20,000 of funding received from NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver the Food Smart Program.Council has already engaged with local childcare centres and primary schools to educate young families with children, who usually throw out more than the national average of $3,800 worth of food every year.Council Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess is encouraging locals who would like to learn effective and easy techniques to reduce food waste, while helping the environment and their hip pocket to register for the program.“Food waste still accounts for over a third of the rubbish in the average Australian household bin and is estimated to cost the Australian economy $20 billion each year,” Mrs Burgess said.“We can all play our part to help minimise the problem through simple techniques and habits, which our residents can learn by signing up to this very worthwhile program.“After completing the Food Smart Program 91 per cent of families reported being more aware of food waste, 89 per cent reduced their food waste, and 78 per cent saved money on groceries.“Those who register will receive a free pack that includes a reusable shopping bag, tea towel, bag clips, reusable food covers and planning tools, after completion of an initial survey.”Those interested can register their interest by emailing foodsmart@centralcoast.nsw.gov.auMayor Jane Smith emphasised food waste had become a critical environmental issue on a global scale, which Council is addressing on a local level through the Green theme of the Community Strategic Plan (CSP).“If food waste were a country it would be the third biggest source of carbon pollution, accounting for eight per cent of the world’s greenhouse gases,” Mayor Smith added.“Additionally, when we waste food we are also wasting all the energy and resources it took to grow, raise, store, package and transport that food.“Through our consultation to develop the first ever Community Strategic Plan, our community told us maintaining our natural assets and environmental resources for the future must be a priority and education is a crucial component of this goal.“This program further helps us meet our objective of increasing community awareness and instilling behaviour change around sustainable living, including waste avoidance.“Change on these massive issues often starts at grass roots level with everyday people like you and me - if you don’t know how to make a change I would encourage you to register for this very worthwhile program.”Visit lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au for more information and tips to reduce food waste.Funding is provided through Love Food, Hate Waste, a component of the NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded by the waste levy.

Niagara Park and Chertsey Public School have been named Environmental Schools of the Year in Central Coast Council’s 2018 Schools Environment Program.The win is a double celebration for Chertsey Public School, with the school winning the same Small School of the Year award last year.Niagara Park Public School was named the winning Large School of the Year.Three other schools also received awards at this week’s awards ceremony:Innovation:

Central Coast Council has completed the first stage of the $2.8million coastal foreshore works at the southern end of Avoca Beach in preparation for a bumper summer beach season.The works, funded by the NSW State Government as part of the Stronger Communities Fund, will improve the infrastructure and amenity of the area as well as deliver important coastal protection and rehabilitation works to stabilise the foreshore.Council Acting Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff, said the upgrades will deliver a more attractive, safer and more accessible foreshore area for the local community and visitors to the area.“Council is very pleased that this first stage of works has been finished on time and we thank the community for their patience during the construction period,” Mr Bolgoff said.“This first stage of works was designed to deliver an engineered and purpose built rock sea wall next to the rock pool in order to stabilise the foreshore area and we are really pleased to have achieved that.“As part of these works, we also relocated the drainage outlet to the eastern end of the rock pool, renewed the existing walkway between the surf club and eastern rock shelf and incorporated some landscaping.“In April next year, we will start the second stage of works which will involve rebuilding the smaller rock wall, improving the ramp near the surf club, upgrading the beachfront walkway and providing additional landscaping.”Mayor Jane Smith said the project was a great example of Council investing in our community through collaboration with the NSW State Government to deliver projects the community have identified as a priority.“These works were originally identified in the Avoca Beach Masterplan in 2012 and we are really pleased that with the help of funding from the NSW State Government, we will be able to deliver a revitalised foreshore area for the community,” Mayor Smith said.“Avoca Beach is a very popular area for residents and visitors alike and these works will ensure the foreshore area will be more resilient to weather events and continue to deliver for the community as one of the Coast’s most iconic and historic hamlets.Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the State Liberal Government was proud to fully fund the project through the Stronger Communities Fund.“This funding is a direct result of the successful amalgamation and creation of Central Coast Council,” Mr Crouch said.“Avoca Beach already plays host to the annual Central Coast Pro and is recognised internationally as the home beach of many world-class surfers.“I’m pleased the Avoca community has embraced this infrastructure upgrade, and I look forward to Council continuing with stage two of the foreshore upgrade after the busy summer season.”This project is one of ten local projects made possible through the Stronger Communities Fund, established by the NSW Government to provide merged Councils with funding to kick-start the delivery of projects that improve community infrastructure and services.Details about this project can be found at:

Council moves forward with short-term parking solutions for GosfordIn response to the increasing demands for commuter parking and heightened economic activity in Gosford City Centre, Council has approved the allocation of $1.4million to fund the design and construction of a short-term car park at 10 Racecourse Road, West Gosford.Council has identified car parking as an emerging issue across the region and recognises the need for a consistent integrated approach to the issue of parking to meet the community’s current and future needs.The report confirmed the significant demand for all day parking for the Gosford CBD, with current publicly available supply at capacity due to demand driven by Gosford Train Station, the CBD Commercial Core and the Central Coast Heath District.Parking capacity in the CBD could experience further strain through the potential future loss of the privately owned Kibbleplex car parking spaces.Gosford CBD parking will also be impacted by the large number of approved development applications in recent years including commercial office developments such as the ATO building and the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation building.In addition to the construction of the new short-term car park in West Gosford, the report detailed a series of short-term parking solutions including:Utilising spare capacity at Baker Street Car ParkUtilising spare capacity at Central Coast Leagues Club car parkingImplement a park and ride (bus) scheme on the fringe of the CBDCouncil will also seek funding from the State Government to undertake investigations, civil design and construction of a short-term car park at Faunce Street, West Gosford.Mayor Jane Smith said the issue of car parking in Gosford is both a critical and complex one.“Gosford is growing rapidly and emerging as the commercial heart of the Central Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“Part of this transition will involve really looking at how we can accommodate the needs of everyone who need to come into the city centre.“Parking is certainly at a critical point and we need to investigate and implement practical parking solutions for the community who need to travel to and park in the city for work, to conduct business or for leisure and recreation.“We also need to look to the medium and longer term needs of the Gosford City Centre and find solutions for people commuting here every day including options for leaving the car at home and using public transport to and from Gosford City Centre.“Council will continue to work with the Department of Planning and Environment, Roads and Maritime Services and Transport for NSW to ensure a co-ordinated and considered approach to these issues for our growing community.”Council rejects proposed Ourimbah drug and alcohol facilityCouncil has rejected an application for a transitional group home for drug and alcohol rehabilitation at 74 Glen Road, Ourimbah.The supplementary report to Council stated that there has been insufficient information supplied to satisfy Council that the development will have adequate sewer servicing and that the site is suitable for the proposed on-site sewage management system having regard for site topography, soil characteristics and potential impacts on adjoining properties, the endangered ecological community and the watercourse.Mayor Jane Smith said Council had considered this proposed development carefully including attending a site visit with seven Councillors in June to inspect the location and understand the concerns of neighbours and the local community.“There has been considerable community interest in the development and Council received 166 submissions on the application”.“This is clearly a sensitive matter for everyone in the community and despite the merits of this service being provided within the community, Council does not believe adequate sewer servicing has been provided for the facility nor have the potential impacts of the proposed on-site sewage system been adequately demonstrated.

Central Coast Council has turned on new pedestrian traffic lights in the Terrigal CBD, marking completion of Stage 1 of a $2.2million project to improve traffic flow.Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said the project had been completed on schedule ahead of the busy summer period.“Local businesses, residents and visitors will now benefit from measures to restrict traffic ‘looping’ and unregulated pedestrian activities, which will significantly reduce traffic queuing in the Terrigal CBD and along Terrigal Drive and Ocean View Drive,” Mr Bolgoff said.“We have installed new traffic control signals, created two-way routes on Campbell Crescent, Church Street and Kurrawyba Avenue, and restricted right-hand turns to and from Terrigal Esplanade.”Mayor Jane Smith said that the project will deliver significant traffic flow improvements for both motorists and pedestrians during peak times.“Activating town centres as key destinations and attractors is a high priority for our community and this project will make Terrigal even more appealing,” Mayor Smith said.“Council recognises that it will take time for motorists and pedestrians to adjust to the changes and we will monitor the site carefully.“Completing this project before the summer holiday period was a high priority for Council and the support of local businesses and residents helped to make this happen.”Key project features include:New/ modified pedestrian crossings throughout the CBDTraffic control signals at Terrigal Esplanade and Campbell Crescent intersectionMid-block pedestrian traffic control signals on Terrigal EsplanadeNo right turn from Campbell Crescent into Terrigal EsplanadeNo right turn from Terrigal Esplanade into Kurrawyba Avenue (emergency vehicles and vehicles over six metres excepted)Two-way traffic on Campbell Crescent, Church Street and Kurrawyba AvenueMountable roundabout at Church Street, Pine Tree Lane and Kurrawyba Avenue intersectionModified kerb and guttering and new road pavementMember for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the State Liberal Government was proud to fully fund the project through the Stronger Communities Fund.“This funding is a direct result of the successful amalgamation and creation of Central Coast Council,” Mr Crouch said.“The Terrigal traffic flow improvements are an example of effective consultation with residents and local businesses to achieve the best possible result.“Terrigal is one of the jewels in the crown of the Central Coast, which is why it is so vital that it exceeds the expectations of visitors and locals alike.

The Legends of League tournament, with a show of support from Central Coast Council, will be back at Central Coast Stadium again in November for six hours of action-packed, old school rugby league.The tournament will see six teams battle it out for the Legends of League title and $100,000 worth of prize money.

The Lakes Festival is back with over 25 events to celebrate our local waterways including ‘Norah Head Moonlight Cinema’, an interactive communal art project, ‘Lakeside Unity’, and the ‘Brisbane Water Eco Explorer’ – all new to the program this year.Central Coast Council also revealed that X Factor Australia winner, Reece Mastin and Band will headline the popular ‘Budgewoi Festival’, and The Delta Riggs will headline this year’s ‘Light up the Lake’ event, which will also feature ARC with band members from Jet, Spiderbait, Powder Finger and You Am I.Over 60,000 people attended The Lakes Festival 2017 with more than $6.7 million generated for the local economy.Council Section Manager Place Activation, Ashlee Abbott, said attendance at this year’s Festival was again expected to be strong as the event, and the love of our natural areas by locals and visitors alike, grows.“The popular free 10-day Lakes Festival is a celebration of what makes the Central Coast and our community so special – our waterways.” Ms Abbott said.“The program includes sporting, cultural, educational, art and live music events for the whole family to enjoy, and we are also bringing back our popular ‘Lakes Festival Scavenger Hunt’ to encourage people to explore our beautiful shoreline with the chance to win two major prizes brought to you by Rocky Trail Entertainment.“As we head into Summer, the Festival is the perfect opportunity to get out and about, rediscover places right on our doorstep and celebrate our natural environment with family and friends – with something for everyone, we hope to see you on and around our beautiful waterways.”The Lakes Festival will run from 9-18 November and is proudly presented by Central Coast Council.Events will be held at seven key hubs across the Coast including McKenzie’s Reserve Budgewoi, Long Jetty Foreshore, Gosford Waterfront, Toukley, Norah Head, The Entrance and Picnic Point.

Central Coast Council has welcomed today’s funding of $207,500 to investigate options to address erosion issues at Wamberal Beach.The funding under the State Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants Program will be provided for design and costings for a seawall and beach nourishment.

Central Coast Council presented Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) with a $207,100 cheque yesterday at Toowoon Bay Surf Life Saving Club, the second instalment of a three year sponsorship funding agreement from Central Coast Council.This funding will assist SLSCC with maintaining vital beach safety services across 15 surf clubs on the Central Coast during the 2018-19 summer season.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was pleased to support Surf Life Saving on the Central Coast.“Local surf clubs are vital to our community.

Central Coast Council has topped local workplaces and is a national leader in donating lifesaving blood to the Red Cross’ appeal for urgently required blood and plasma.Council headed a list of more than 30 local workplaces which donated blood in the Red Cross’ Red25 group donation program between January and August.

Young people are being asked to get involved and be part of developing the first-ever Central Coast Youth Strategy.Central Coast Council wants to hear from young people and local youth services about what they see as important for young people who live, work or study on the Coast.Throughout October and November, all young people aged 12-24 can complete an online survey which explores their views about life on the Central Coast and what they would like to see for young people, now and in the future.The online survey will be complemented by face-to-face interviews at popular youth venues, events and schools, including focus groups with youth service providers.Mayor Jane Smith said it is important that Council listens to young people to hear about their challenges, issues and opportunities.

Central Coast Council have completed $760,800 redevelopment works on the BMX facilities at San Remo to create a highly active sporting hub for the north of the Central Coast.Mayor Jane Smith said this quality sporting precinct delivers on what the community has asked for, whilst providing a facility that promotes an active lifestyle and new attraction for visitors to our region.“Our community voted for the BMX track redevelopment as a top 10 priority project and we have fast tracked the project to deliver a state of the art BMX sporting facility suitable for recreational usage and to run local and regional competitions - during the day and night,” Mayor Smith said.The redevelopment works have created a high quality facility and included construction of an amenities building (that included a commercial grade kitchen and canteen, scorer’s room, accessible amenities and storerooms), redevelopment of the BMX track with installation of polymer coating to prevent erosion of the track surface, installation of start hill shelter, installation of competition track floodlighting and landscaping works.This project was made possible with thanks to a $710,000 grant from the NSW State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund, made available to amalgamated Councils, plus the investment from the NSW Government grants secured by San Remo BMX Club - $31,849 Family and Community Services Community Building Partnership grant and $11,165 from the NSW Office of Sports , local sports grant.The community are encouraged to visit the new facilities and try BMX riding at the official opening and San Remo BMX Club’s Ridein2BMX ‘come and try’ day on Saturday 27 October.

Our local senior’s creative talents will be showcased at this year’s Bazaar by the Sea – an open day hosted by the Ettalong 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre which will feature an array of market stalls selling handicrafts, artworks, raffles, trash and treasure, information stalls and live entertainment.Central Coast Senior Centres and 50 + Leisure and Learning Centres foster belonging and community connection, encourage creativeness and promote healthy lifestyles for our older residents by running a number of activities that cater to a range of interests.

When the pavement is your canvas and chalk is your brush, creating an interactive gallery of chalk art that truly honours the amazing talent of local artists becomes challenging when Mother Nature has other ideas.But don’t let the rain blues get you down!

Central Coast Council is waging a war on single use plastic bags and is looking to partner with local fruit and vegetable suppliers to provide customers with free reusable produce net bags.

Council submission raises concerns about State Government planning controls for the Gosford CBDCouncil has raised a number of key concerns regarding the Draft Gosford City Centre Development Control Plan (DCP) in a formal submission to the Department of Planning.The draft submission formalises Council’s previous communication to the Department in September raising concerns about solar access controls, protection of view corridors, built form controls including height and floor space ratio, key site controls, Gosford waterfront controls, car parking and heritage and signage in the Gosford CBD.

Central Coast Council has lodged its submission on the review of water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) and is reminding the community to have their say by 12 October.Following Council’s community consultation process all community members now have an opportunity to provide their feedback directly to IPART.Council Senior Manager Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said Council proposed to align prices across the two former local government areas.“Our submission to IPART recommends a reduction in average residential water bills across the Central Coast from 1 July 2019,” Ms Nel said.“We are also proposing changes to the way we calculate and apply the stormwater drainage charge.“The proposed changes to the stormwater drainage charges would see a decrease in the charge for all residential properties and most businesses.“However, the way businesses were charged in the two former local government areas was completely different and the alignment of prices will result in some businesses paying more for their stormwater drainage services.”Ms Nel said that most Central Coast residents and businesses already pay a stormwater drainage charge and Council is proposing that this charge be applied to all rateable properties.“Currently residents and businesses west of the M1 in the former Gosford local government area pay a stormwater drainage charge but equivalent residents and businesses in the former Wyong local government area do not.“We recently held information sessions specifically for residents and businesses west of the M1 in the former Wyong local government area and Council encourages these community members to provide feedback on the proposed changes directly to IPART.Council’s proposal to apply a consistent approach to the stormwater drainage charges reflects the regional benefit provided by the stormwater drainage network in protecting public and private property from flooding, helping to connect communities and support access to homes, schools and places of work, and enhancing our natural assets and waterways.For the proposed changes to the stormwater drainage charges to come into effect they require the endorsement of IPART and Council will then need to apply to the NSW Government for a new Drainage Area to cover all of the Central Coast local government area.Central Coast community members can provide feedback directly to IPART up until 12 October via ipart.nsw.gov.au and scrolling down to ‘Prices for Central Coast Council from 1 July 2019’.IPART’s Public Hearing on 27 November is also open to all community members.Council’s submission, details about the IPART consultation process and answers to frequently asked questions are available at yourvoiceourcoast.com/WaterPricing

There is water over the road on Wells Street East, Gosford between Springfield Road and Avalon Road and in Shepherd Street, Umina.Signs are in place so please slow down and take care on the wet roads.Rain will continue today and we will keep you updated with conditions on our roads.With heavy rain continuing some roads may have become flooded and inaccessible.

The first ever ‘Chalk the Walk’ – which will turn the Waterfront Plaza at The Entrance into one giant canvas – has been postponed, due to forecast wet weather.With heavy rain set to wash the artwork away this weekend, the event will now run from 11 October through to 14 October.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events

Central Coast Council is investing $1.47million this financial year to upgrade and improve the performance of the Central Coast’s sewerage infrastructure,Council Senior Manager Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said the work is part of an $11million multiyear project to reline targeted gravity sewerage infrastructure across the region.“The innovative technology we are using to rollout our sewerage relining project means minimal disruption to services during works and minimal environmental impact as the need to excavate is eliminated in most cases,” Ms Nel said.“We are rehabilitating damaged pipelines by firstly clearing any blockages and then inserting a liner that reinforces the existing pipe structure, seals any leaks and significantly reduces the risk of future intrusion, particularly from tree roots.”This region-wide project is targeting gravity sewerage mains, manholes and junctions that have been identified for renewal.Ms Nel said tree roots and the flushing of inappropriate items were the main causes of partial and total blockages in sewerage systems.“Tree roots certainly do impact our sewerage network, particularly in heavily wooded areas like the Central Coast.“Flushing things that should not be flushed can also cause significant damage – please never flush cooking waste, fats and oils, cigarette butts, nappies, dental floss, sanitary items, and wipes – even if they are labelled ‘flushable’.”Central Coast Council operates and maintains over 2,200 kilometres of sewerage mains.