Council confirms support to end commercial and scientific whalingCouncil has confirmed its support for the Australian’s Government’s advocacy at the International Whaling Commission for an end to all commercial and scientific whaling.Council will write to the Central Coast Federal Members of Parliament and the Federal Minister for the Environment adding its voice and concern to the international condemnation of the death of 330 minke whales reported by the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee.Council further recognised the outstanding success of the recent 2018 Whale Dreamers Festival held at the Norah Head Lighthouse attended by thousands.Mayor Jane Smith said there was widespread community concern about the reports of the deaths of minke whales, due to the increasing popularity of the annual Whale Dreamers Festival and annual whale migration, but the Edogawa sister-city relationship was not the place to raise it.“We don’t want to see this important sister-city relationship politicised in this way – the relationship is about cultural respect, understanding, cultural exchange and friendship,” Mayor Smith said.“It is a friendship that has delivered many benefits for the Central Coast including the establishment of the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens, Mayoral and dignitary visits, staff exchange and the youth exchange program.“A number of students are here this week from Edogawa, staying with local families and enjoying all the cultural and other natural experiences we are fortunate to enjoy here on the Central Coast.”“I look forward to our community continuing to enjoy the benefits of that relationship for many years to come.“The Federal Government is already advocating, on behalf of Australia, at the International Whaling Commission to end the practice of scientific whaling and they have Council’s full support.”Council submission supports revitalisation of Gosford City Centre with Council remaining as the consent authorityCouncil will continue to collaborate with the Department of Planning and Environment and the Central Coast Regional Corporation on the revitalisation of Gosford City Centre but has raised some concerns about the process and proposed planning controls in a submission on Phase 2 of the NSW Government Architects Urban Design Implementation Framework (UDIF).The UDIF Phase 2 Report details the NSW Government Architect’s decision making framework,  changes to land use zones in the Gosford City Centre, car parking requirements,  solar access, view corridors, street wall heights and character, bonus provisions, place making, development contributions and provision for infrastructure.Mayor Jane Smith said whilst Council agreed that the revitalisation of Gosford was a priority for the economic development of the Central Coast, there were some areas of the Phase 2 Report that were concerning and required further investigation and clarification for the community.“Council must remain the consent authority for all development applications for the Gosford City Centre, except of course those currently determined by the Joint Regional Planning Panel,” Mayor Smith said.“Any proposed changes to planning controls in Gosford should not be implemented until a traffic and parking strategy has been developed and adopted by Council – we need a holistic and well thought through solution to the issue of parking in the CBD.”“Variations to development controls could stretch as far as Point Frederick which are clearly outside the boundaries of the Gosford CBD – which is where the focus needs to be.“Overshadowing is a real concern we have identified with new solar access control to replace the current controls which may reduce the level of solar access to Kibble Park – the public heart of the CBD.”“No further reduction in the development contribution with the City Centre should be allowed and that the entire levy needs to be allocated to the local contribution plan developed by Council so we can have a direct say in prioritising infrastructure and public open space in the CBD.”“Since January 2015, there have been Council has already approved $1.79 billion worth of developments approved in the Gosford CBD, so we are not standing in the way of development - we need to ensure the Phase 2 Report recommendations build on this strong foundation and reflect community expectations and aspirations.”The submission will now be finalised and forwarded to Ms Lee Shearer, Coordinator General of the Central Coast.Council requests the CEO proactively release further information to the publicCouncil resolved to request the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gary Murphy, proactively release further documents.

Central Coast Council is encouraging budding artists over 50 years of age to pick up their paintbrushes, with entries for the prestigious Grandma Moses Art Competition now open.Now in its 36th year, this popular art competition and exhibition is inspired by the life and work of Anna Mary Robertson, better known as Grandma Moses, who became widely famous for her evocative paintings depicting American rural life, after taking up painting in her seventies.Council’s Director Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said the essence of the competition is that it’s never too late to learn new skills.“The Grandma Moses program is more than just a popular art exhibition – it is a celebration of the talents and contributions seniors make to the cultural fabric of our community and highlights continual learning and achievement for people of all ages,” she said.With over $3000 in prize money on offer, the competition offers avenues for every artistic palette, including:

After carrying out substantial and complex works, involving a re-design and rebuild of its water quality management infrastructure, Vera’s Watergarden at The Entrance is now open again for kids to enjoy – and this time it comes with added improvements which are sure to excite the young users.Central Coast Council Connected Communities Director, Julie Vaughan, said that while Vera’s Watergarden was closed to replace the water quality management infrastructure, Council took the opportunity to make some exciting upgrades to the playground.“In addition to repainting the deck and sculptures with a robust fade and slip resistant paint, we also replaced the soft-fall ground surface, making it a safer environment for kids to play.“New and exciting features were also installed, including coloured lighting, and the ability to provide various water spouting-patterns – adding more value to this fun-filled playground at The Entrance.”Mayor Jane Smith said that this upgrade is another way Council is activating spaces for Central Coast families, the community and visitors, and in turn boosting the local economy.“The upgrades to Vera’s Watergarden positively contribute to the economic prosperity of The Entrance and the ongoing sustainability of the local businesses.”“By continually investing in our public spaces, Council are able to create and maintain useable, sustainable and vibrant public spaces for visitors and residents to enjoy.”

Council is maintaining temporary restricted access to the rock platform at The Haven, Terrigal, following a natural rock fall event on Wednesday 11 July.

Laycock Street Community Theatre is celebrating a significant milestone in its history and will be taking centre stage to celebrate its 30th birthday with the community on Sunday 29 July.Council Unit Manager Leisure & Lifestyle, Phil Cantillon, said Laycock Street Community Theatre will open its doors to anyone who wants to join the party and share in this special celebration.“Laycock Street Community Theatre holds a special place in the hearts of many people on the Coast as well as performing arts lovers across the state.” Mr Cantillon said.“It was a theatre built for the community, by the community and today remains a valued, strong and supportive base for local performers, and a venue of choice for many national and international shows, bands and touring productions.“The Theatre was built in 1988 as a collaborative project between the former Gosford Council, the NSW Government, the NSW Bicentennial Council and our long-standing friends, the Gosford Musical Society.“As the project developed, the community recognised that this was Gosford City’s opportunity to create a quality performing arts facility, so community members and groups came together to support the construction in any way they could.“In honour of this strong history we are opening our doors and inviting anyone who wants to share in this significant milestone to join us – the community is the heart of Laycock Street Theatre and it wouldn’t be a celebration without you!”Laycock Street Community Theatre’s 30th anniversary Open Day will be on Sunday 29 July from 11am to 3pm with an official cake cutting ceremony at 1pm.There will be a sausage sizzle, a variety of free performances by Gosford Musical Society and Youth In Performing Arts and the opportunity to get a sneak peek of the My Fair Lady stage setup with free behind-the-scenes tours of the Theatre.

Thanks to a new coordinated approach to metal recovery, Central Coast Council collected a record amount of scrap metal from across its operations last financial year.Council’s Acting Senior Manager Business and Economic Development, Andrew Pearce, said around 6,000 tonnes of scrap metal was recovered for recycling.“We achieved this milestone as a result of staff coordinating new initiatives, improved practices across our operations and the implementation of new contract arrangements,” Mr Pearce said.“The majority of the metal has come from our waste management facilities where there has been a concerted effort to sort through and recover scrap metal.“This has included encouraging customers to sort metal at the facility, using specialist equipment to recover metals at the tipping face, and shredding items to recover metals where feasible.“Last financial year we shredded an estimated 12,000 mattresses at our waste management facilities and recovered the metal springs for recycling.“We are also recovering the lead from lead acid car batteries and brass from water meters.”Council’s focus on resource recovery has helped reduce the amount of waste diverted to landfill and also provided an additional $1 million in revenue to help deliver community assets and services.Council Mayor Jane Smith said this was positive outcome for Council and an excellent example of improved efficiencies.“I would like to congratulate staff for their innovative thinking to create income to help provide essential services to our community,” Mayor Smith said.“This is an excellent initiative we can all get behind to reduce our environmental footprint by ensuring scrap metal is recycled.“Residents can also play their part by dropping off scrap metal free of charge at any one of our waste management facilities.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au for more information on where you can drop off scrap metal and other recycling options.

What are the Financial Assistance Grants?Local government Financial Assistance Grants are general purpose grants that are paid to local councils under the provisions of the Commonwealth Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995.

Central Coast Council is undertaking an overland flood study for each of the contributing catchments that flow into the coastal lagoons of Wamberal, Terrigal, Avoca and Cockrone.The study, which is concurrent with a study already underway in Green Point, West Gosford, Point Clare, Koolewong and Woy Woy Bay will identify flash flooding ‘trouble spots’ and assess what measures are required to reduce the risk of flooding during significant storm events.Council Acting Director – Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff, said Council was seeking the community’s help to collect information on past flooding experiences and local flood knowledge to help with the selection of flood reduction measures.“These suburbs have been identified as priority areas and this study will focus on stormwater that overwhelms the drainage network causing flash flooding and inundation from elevated water levels,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Local knowledge and experience in times of flash flooding is critical to the success of this study.“We would really like as many residents in these affected areas as possible to contribute to this study by completing the questionnaire, sharing their stories, photos or videos of flood events so we can gain a complete understanding of flooding in these local areas.”Residents in areas covered by the study will receive a letter from Council containing a paper based survey and a reply paid envelope.

Central Coast Council has temporarily restricted access to the rock platform at The Haven, Terrigal following a rock fall on Wednesday 11 July.Members of the public alerted Council staff that a small amount of rocks had fallen from the rock face.

Central Coast Council is giving the community a chance to sit in the planner’s seat and consider how they might manage the Central Coast water supply into the future with four community workshops to be held in July.Over the past 20 years the Central Coast has faced the worst drought on record and seen water supply levels rise to record highs – so what does the future hold for the Central Coast water supply?Council’s Senior Manager, Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said the workshops would give Council the opportunity to seek further ideas and feedback on key issues raised in a recent survey about water, sewerage and stormwater services.“Earlier this year, we asked the community to tell us what they valued about their water, sewerage and stormwater services,” Ms Nel said.“More than 1,300 people responded and provided some great insights.“The community told us the key to ensuring our future water supply was to continue to protect our water supply catchments and provide education on water conservation.“We are listening and want our community to help us plan for future water needs and protect our precious water catchments.”The workshops will look at the Central Coast's long, medium and short term water demand;

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) recently released an Issues Paper outlining key topics to be considered as part of the current review of Central Coast water, sewerage and stormwater prices.

The local community joined Mayor Jane Smith today at Chittaway Bay Lions Park to officially open the new play space that was built in partnership with the Jimmy Jurd Fund, Centra Projects and community volunteers.The play space was built with a generous $40,000 contribution from the fund set up for Jimmy Jurd, who at the age of one was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour, then inoperable in Australia.  Funds were raised for his treatment but Jimmy sadly passed before the treatment could start.  At the request of the Jurd family, a portion of these funds was used to upgrade the local play space in honour of Jimmy’s memory.Mayor Jane Smith said this project is a positive example of the community, private industry and Council working together.  In addition to the Jimmy Jurd Fund’s contribution, the building contractor, Centra Projects provided project construction at cost, and many community members volunteered their labour.“Play spaces and parks play an important role in the lives of the people within our community and visitors to the area.  They are places in which we socialise, keep active and engage in community activities.  They are valuable spaces and places where the community builds social networks.” Mayor Smith said.“The community have asked for more playgrounds and recreational opportunities and we have listened.   Council continues to invest in the delivery of quality playgrounds and activation of public spaces to create an active and connected community.“This commitment is evident in Council’s 2018-19 capital works budget which includes a $19.4 million budget on 61 open space and recreation projects.” Mayor Smith said.The $110,000 upgrade included the construction of the new Pirate themed climbing unit, swings, spinner and a nature play space for children of all ages.  The upgrade also includes a concrete path connecting to the shared pathway and seating area, and partial rubber flooring, creating an accessible and inclusive play space for the whole community.

Central Coast Council has installed a new swing at Shaun Brinklow Park in Copacabana following the theft of an all abilities swing used by the local community.Mayor Jane Smith said she was pleased Council had moved quickly to restore the swing following the theft three weeks ago.“The theft of this swing was devastating to the local community and Council has moved quickly to replace it so the community can use it once again,” Mayor Smith said.“We are committed to providing modern and accessible play spaces for our growing community and investment in these facilities is a key priority of our Operational Plan now rolling out across the Coast.“We have modified our capital works budget to deliver a $250,000 upgrade to Shaun Brinklow Park so the community can expect an even better playground in the near future.“I am pleased this project will now move forward, and that community consultation on the design of the new park will soon be undertaken.”

Central Coast Council has committed a further $1.75million to the final stage of works in the overall road upgrade project for Tumbi Creek Road at a total cost of $3.9million. The final stage of the project is focused on the 600 metre section of Tumbi Creek Road from the Wyong Road intersection through to the Gregory Street roundabout and will provide traffic calming and improved access for motorists and pedestrians. Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said the multifaceted project includes a drainage upgrade, kerb and guttering, a roundabout, two raised intersections, new road pavement, and a new footpath and shared path. “This project will not only calm traffic but make it much easier for motorists to get into and out of businesses and homes on Tumbi Creek Road,” Mr Bolgoff said. “The new 600 metre footpath on the western side of Tumbi Creek Road and the shared path on the eastern side will make the area safer and more appealing for pedestrians and cyclists.” Mayor Jane Smith said the project would deliver significant benefits to motorists and pedestrians who use this busy Central Coast road. “This major upgrade will make this section of Tumbi Creek Road safer and much easier to navigate,” Mayor Smith said. “The new footpath and shared path will be most welcome to residents and visitors to the area. “Our community want to see better roads, footpaths, bike paths and shared paths and we are committed to delivering this important infrastructure, which includes a vibrant active transport network.” The project will be completed by late 2018, weather permitting.

New Chief Executive Officer presides over first Council meeting New CEO Gary Murphy was officially welcomed to the Central Coast by a unanimous vote at tonight’s Council meeting.Mr Murphy has been in the role for just over a week taking over from Acting CEO Brian Glendenning.Mayor Jane Smith said Mr Murphy’s had the full support of the Council and leadership and his extensive experience and passion for community made him the ideal choice to lead the Central Coast.“We need an experienced CEO who will deliver stability and certainty for the Coast and we have found that.“I look forward to working with Gary and delivering our first ever Community Strategic Plan for the Central Coast.“I think Brian and the entire leadership team for their outstanding leadership as we have transitioned to this period of the elected Council and a new CEO.”Mr Murphy is in the process of relocating to the Central Coast and has signed a five year contract.Rescission motion lost again in respect to the Aviation Hub Masterplan for Central Coast AirportA motion to rescind the 27 November 2017 Council resolution to suspend works at Central Coast Airport and divert funds to other employment generating projects has been lost for the second time.The original resolution, which still stands, reallocates $6 million from the Airport to an employment generating strategy for the north of the Coast.Mayor Jane Smith said Council remain steadfast in its view that better value for money for residents would be found beyond the airport.“Council must take the lead in advocating for its residents and making the right investment that will create the jobs the Coast needs now and as it continues to grow,” Mayor Smith said.‘There are other options for employment generation projects beyond the Airport that can and must be explored.”“The time for debate on the airport is over.“We now have our first ever Community Strategic Plan and the Operational Plan for the Coast and it is those Plans we must focus on delivering.

Music lovers are set for some great entertainment this weekend and early August as two of the Coast’s biggest free music festivals return with more locals and visitors expected to attend.Central Coast Council’s popular Winter Blues and Jazz Festival will be back on 13-15 July with its equally popular Country Music Festival to be held on 10-12 August.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said even more locals and visitors were expected to visit the Coast to enjoy the outstanding line-up of modern musicians who will challenge preconceived ideas about Blues, Jazz and Country music.“The Winter Blues and Jazz Festival and the Country Music Festival are popular free events run by Council which bring people together to celebrate music.” Mr Cannard said.“The Festivals both run for three days with many local venues featuring live entertainment in their establishments on the Friday, buskers and The Entrance Markets operating on the Saturday, and the main events taking to the stage on the Sunday.“Memorial Park will also come alive with food stalls, rides and activities this year, and Country Music Festival will give the community a sneak-peak of our talented artists who will be involved in Council’s free four-day pavement art event – ‘Chalk the Walk’ – to be held on 4-7 October 2018.“There will be a lot for families, music and art lovers on the Coast over the next few months so keep an eye out on our webpage and Facebook for event updates.”The Winter Blues and Jazz Festival is held annually in July and is a celebration of Blues and Jazz music on the Coast.

New Chief Executive Officer presides over first Council meetingNew CEO Gary Murphy was officially welcomed to the Central Coast by a unanimous vote at tonight’s Council meeting.Mr Murphy has been in the role for just over a week taking over from Acting CEO Brian Glendenning.Mayor Jane Smith said Mr Murphy’s had the full support of the Council and leadership and his extensive experience and passion for community made him the ideal choice to lead the Central Coast.“We need an experienced CEO who will deliver stability and certainty for the Coast and we have found that.“I look forward to working with Gary and delivering our first ever Community Strategic Plan for the Central Coast.“I think Brian and the entire leadership team for their outstanding leadership as we have transitioned to this period of the elected Council and a new CEO.”Mr Murphy is in the process of relocating to the Central Coast and has signed a five year contract.Rescission motion lost again in respect to the Aviation Hub Masterplan for Central Coast AirportA motion to rescind the 27 November 2017 Council resolution to suspend works at Central Coast Airport and divert funds to other employment generating projects has been lost for the second time.The original resolution, which still stands, reallocates $6 million from the Airport to an employment generating strategy for the north of the Coast.Mayor Jane Smith said Council remain steadfast in its view that better value for money for residents would be found beyond the airport.“Council must take the lead in advocating for its residents and making the right investment that will create the jobs the Coast needs now and as it continues to grow,” Mayor Smith said.‘There are other options for employment generation projects beyond the Airport that can and must be explored.”“The time for debate on the airport is over.“We now have our first ever Community Strategic Plan and the Operational Plan for the Coast and it is those Plans we must focus on delivering.

Central Coast Council has committed a further $1.75million to the final stage of works in the overall road upgrade project for Tumbi Creek Road at a total cost of $3.9million.The final stage of the project is focused on the 600 metre section of Tumbi Creek Road from the Wyong Road intersection through to the Gregory Street roundabout and will provide traffic calming and improved access for motorists and pedestrians.Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said the multifaceted project includes a drainage upgrade, kerb and guttering, a roundabout, two raised intersections, new road pavement, and a new footpath and shared path.“This project will not only calm traffic but make it much easier for motorists to get into and out of businesses and homes on Tumbi Creek Road,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The new 600 metre footpath on the western side of Tumbi Creek Road and the shared path on the eastern side will make the area safer and more appealing for pedestrians and cyclists.”Mayor Jane Smith said the project would deliver significant benefits to motorists and pedestrians who use this busy Central Coast road.“This major upgrade will make this section of Tumbi Creek Road safer and much easier to navigate,” Mayor Smith said.“The new footpath and shared path will be most welcome to residents and visitors to the area.“Our community want to see better roads, footpaths, bike paths and shared paths and we are committed to delivering this important infrastructure, which includes a vibrant active transport network.”The project will be completed by late 2018, weather permitting.

Central Coast Council will kick off NAIDOC celebrations on the Coast with its annual Flag Raising Ceremony and morning tea on Monday 9 July from 10am in Wyong.NAIDOC Week runs from 8 to 15 July, celebrating Indigenous Australians’ history, culture and achievements.Indigenous flags will be raised in front of the Civic Centre in Hely St, Wyong followed by an official ceremony at The Art House.The morning will include guest speakers and morning tea, with the highlight being performances by local students from the Indigenous Dance Residency program.This year Council facilitated workshops where local high school students worked with professional dancer, Amy Minchin, a graduate of NAISDA, to mentor and teach local primary school students contemporary dancing with traditional elements.Now in its fourth year, this program involves students from Toukley, Brooke Avenue and Wyong Public Schools and Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Berkeley Vale.NAIDOC Week gives the community an opportunity to obtain a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture.This year’s theme is ‘Because of her, we can!, celebrating the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made to their communities.ENDSView all Central Coast Council’s recent media releases at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.auTo keep up to date with Council’s breaking news like/follow our Facebook and Twitter pages. 

Central Coast Council is reminding residents of the risks associated with not disposing of asbestos waste responsibly after an amount of asbestos waste was found in a green waste bin earlier this week.The contaminated green waste bin was collected by Council’s waste contractor, Cleanaway, and as a result of incorrect disposal, this has contaminated the materials in the truck, as well as exposed asbestos to staff compromising their health and safety.Council Acting Senior Manager Business and Economic Development, Andrew Pearce, reminded residents to follow the proper protocol when disposing of asbestos.“Asbestos can be disposed of at Council’s Buttonderry and Woy Woy Waste Management Facilities by residents for a cost providing strict guidelines are followed and it is less than 10 metres square,” Mr Pearce said.“This includes notification being provided 24 hours in advance and asbestos must be wrapped in manageable bundles with two layers of plastic with a thickness of at least 0.2mm (builder's plastic) and sealed using adhesive packaging tape.Transportation of  more than 10m2/100kg of asbestos waste (friable and/or bonded) is required by law to be tracked via the WasteLocate app and can only be undertaken by a licenced asbestos removalist, unless in an emergency situation.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, reminded residents that asbestos may be present in one out of every three Australian homes.