Central Coast Council has won the Environmental Leadership and Sustainability award at the 2018 NSW Local Government Awards for its Tuggerah Lakes Digital Resource and Communication Program.The Council was also named Highly Commended in the Creative Communities category for its work with the community on the Maliga Indigenous Arts and Cultural Showcase.The NSW Local Government Awards are hosted by Local Government Professionals Australia, NSW and are hotly contended.

Council receives report on water and sewerage performanceCouncil has noted a report on the 2015-2016 performance for water and sewer operations, which has been used to help prioritise an ongoing program of work and to identify focus areas for major projects.Mayor Jane Smith said performance reports informed the Water and Sewer Strategic Business Plan, which was recently endorsed by Council and will be submitted to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.“Central Coast Council operates as a water utility and we implement a range of measures to ensure our community receives quality drinking water and effective sewer services,” Mayor Smith said.“We operate in a highly regulated environment and this report demonstrates how closely we monitor our water and sewer systems.”Performance indicators in the 2015-16 report highlight areas where Council is tracking well and areas where improvement is needed.“This report shows the average Central Coast water bill is lower than both the NSW and National averages, which will be welcome news for our community,” said Mayor Smith.“Council’s operating costs were also significantly below the NSW and National average.“We acknowledge there are clear areas where improvements are necessary, including the number of water main breaks.“A number of measures are being implemented and proposed to reduce the number of water main breaks, including over $4.7million flagged for the water main renewal program which is expected to commence in the 2018-19 financial year.”“We are also planning a $10 million sewer main rehabilitation program over the next four years, which involves the installation of a synthetic pipe liner that reinforces the existing pipe structure, seals any leaks and prevents future tree root intrusion.“The technology used minimises disruption to sewer services and generally avoids the need for any ground excavation.”A number of performance indicators have improved in data captured for the 2016-17 report, which is due to be published soon. Salary increase confirmed for Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CouncillorsCouncil has now fixed the annual fees to be paid to each Councillor at $29,970, a 2.5 percent increase, with additional fees to be paid to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor in accordance with recommendations by the NSW Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (NSWLGRT).Central Coast Council has been classified as a Regional Strategic Area by NSWLGRT, along with Lake Macquarie Council in recognition of the large population and because of the range of urban and rural settlements.

Council has awarded more than $420,000 to 33 community organisations to help them deliver activities and events which build the community’s capacity and create stronger local connections.The most recent allocations bring Council’s investment in community grants to over $1 million this financial year.Mayor Jane Smith said it is great to see community organisations taking advantage of the funding opportunities available to help make their big ideas happen.“Our grants programs give our community more opportunities to build on ideas which enhance the quality of life on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“Council cannot do everything ourselves and these grants build community capacity and give local groups the funding to deliver services and quality opportunities for our growing community.”Four organisations will share in $14,834 through the Community Support Grant Program to deliver community activities which require a small amount of funding and/or in-kind support including Compass Housing for a community hub ($3810), 5 Lands Walk opening celebration ($5000), Mannering Park Precinct Committee ($1024) and $5000 for the Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre.$98,141.50 has been allocated to 12 organisations to deliver innovative activities that celebrate the region’s character and diversity under the Community Partnership Grant Program:Rocky Trail Entertainment – Lakes Festival Scavenger Hunt $9000Police Citizens Youth Clubs – 2018 sunrise boxing event $15,500Eastcoast Foods & Beverages – day on the farm $9475Gosford District Garden Competition – 2018 garden competition $11,180Peninsula Environment Group – Woytopia Sustainable Living Festival $7512Country Junior Rugby Union of NSW – Country junior rugby carnivals $5100Art Studios Cooperative – Australian Spirit finale event $6782Australian Boutique markets – Park Feast, Gosford waterfront $2307Central Coast Bombers – 9’s tournament $3920Davistown Putt Putt Regatta and Wooden Boat Festival – 2018 festival $14,165Central Coast Kids Day Out – 2018 event $7700Central Coast Hockey Association – U15 boys/girls Hockey NSW indoor state titles $5500.The Community Development Grant Program will deliver $311,265.75 to 17 organisations to deliver activities that foster a sense of community, build capacity within community groups, strengthen the economic base, enhance quality of life and protect and enhance the Coast’s natural qualities:Take 3 –sustainability hub $30,000NSW ARM (Central Coast Mentoring Network) – secondary school mentoring $15,000Mangrove Mountain and Districts Community Group –hall kitchen upgrade $10,183The Rhythm Hut – Queendom $14,505Miracle Babies Foundation – neonatal intensive care survival packs $6,000Empower Golf Australia – permanent disabled golfer facility $19,050Avoca Kayak Club – kayak community inclusions program $34,000Musicians Making a Difference –career impact days $45,000St Vincent de Paul Society – Tasty Talk Tuesday $11,328Mingaletta Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation – documentary film $20,542.50Peninsula Environment Group – ‘Can I wheelie learn to walk in your shoes’ $11,650Long Jetty Locals- Long jetty Street Festival 2018 $20,562.25Central Coast Scots – 2018 Scottish Spectacular $9,823Water Circle – Creative enterprise start up $7000NAISDA Dance College – public performance and community engagement program $16,000Central Coast Outrigger Canoe Club – canoe purchase – $20,000Live Life Get Active – camp $19,992Council’s staff will contact the organisers of the Long Jetty Street Festival seeking clarification if they wish to withdraw their funding application and report back to the 25 June 2018 meeting to reallocate funding if required.Information about Council’s Community Grants Program can be found at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/grants including upcoming grant writing workshops.

Central Coast Council will run two Community Information Sessions to discuss the impact of the NSW Government’s proposal to revitalise Gosford City Centre.The Department of Planning and Environment and the NSW Government Architect have released proposals to revitalise Gosford City Centre.

In a show of support from Central Coast Council, Central Coast Stadium will be the finishing line for the fourth year in a row for the annual Bay to Bay Running Festival.The festival – being held this year on Sunday 17 June – is a 12km fun run and a 21km half-marathon, both starting from the Woy Woy waterfront and finishing at the Stadium in Gosford.

Central Coast Council is saddened to learn of the decision by Long Jetty Street Festival organisers to cancel this year’s event.At next Tuesday night’s meeting Council will consider a recommendation to fund the 2018 Long Jetty Street Festival $20,562.25 from its Community Grants Program.

More of the Central Coast’s young theatre talent will be honoured in a special presentation on stage at Laycock Street Community Theatre on Friday 15 June.The 2018 Youth In Performing Arts (YIPA) series saw more auditions than ever before with more schools, dance studios and music studios taking part.

Central Coast Council has started a $1.7million project to minimise the risk of flooding on Chain Valley Bay Road, Chain Valley Bay.The project involves raising 300 metres of Chain Valley Bay Road and replacing an older drainage system with 15 large concrete culverts to transport water under the road rather than over it.Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said the project would significantly reduce the risk of flooding and overtopping on this important access road.“The solution we are delivering will dramatically reduce flood incidents and prevent water from sitting on the road, which will be welcome news for the Chain Valley Bay community,” said Mr Bolgoff.The 2.4 m high by almost 2 m wide culverts will be placed three wide and five deep to form a significant drainage channel.Mayor Jane Smith said the size and diversity of the Central Coast region called for a range of innovative infrastructure solutions.“Chain Valley Bay is a beautiful part of the Coast that is unfortunately prone to flooding at this location,” said Mayor Smith.“The culvert system and new road we are installing will mean Chain Valley Bay residents of this close knit community can breathe a little easier during periods of heavy rain.”Chain Valley Bay Road will be raised using 2,000 tonnes of material and a new road pavement surface will be installed.One lane of Chain Valley Bay Road will be closed during works;

State-of-the-art integrated arts and culture precinct on the horizon for GosfordCentral Coast Council has requested a detailed design of an integrated arts and culture precinct for Gosford CBD following an intensive design workshop.Councillors were presented with a number of design options for the regional library and the Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre (RPACC) at the workshop held on 9 May.Mayor Jane Smith said that the outcome of this design workshop was a state-of-the-art integrated arts and culture precinct, right in the heart of Gosford.“This is an excellent result for the community, as both the regional library and the RPACC are priority projects for Council to deliver,” said Mayor Smith.“Delivering both of these facilities as one integrated arts and culture precinct will be a catalyst for the revitalisation of the Gosford CBD.“The development of the library and the RPACC is essential as we work towards establishing a true capital for the Central Coast and creating the vibrant and sustainable region our community want and deserve.“We will be creating an outstanding arts and cultural precinct that the Central Coast can be proud of, and will appeal to all ages, abilities and backgrounds.Schematic designs and an indicative cost estimate will be reported back to Council on the ordinary Council meeting of 27 August 2018. Council notes proactive release of information and the establishment of a working group relating to erosion at Wamberal beachCouncil resolved to note the proactive release by the Acting CEO of two documents, in redacted form, relating to Wamberal Beach erosion.The ‘Wamberal Beach NSW Storm Erosion Remediation Report’ and the cost benefit analysis report from the Office of Environment and Heritage will be available on Council’s website in the very near future.Full Media Release available on the Central Coast Council website. Uptake of free residential Bulk Kerbside Rubbish Collections increases and Council calls for investigation on additional waste servicesCentral Coast residents are booking in more kerbside collections than ever before according to a report presented to Council.Consultation showed the current service of six on-call bulk 2m3 kerbside collections per annum was the most optimal provision for the removal of garden organic or general bulk household waste that is not appropriate for residential bins.Council has called for an investigation on the feasibility of an after-hours number for booking kerbside collections, and increased education around sorting of waste placed on the kerbside and any associated penalties.

Council resolved to note the proactive release by the Acting CEO of two documents, in redacted form, relating to Wamberal Beach erosion.The ‘Wamberal Beach NSW Storm Erosion Remediation Report’ and the cost benefit analysis report from the Office of Environment and Heritage will be available on Council’s website in the very near future.Mayor Jane Smith said the release of the documents aligned with Council’s new Proactive Release Program confirming Council’s commitment to transparency and accountability.“We want the community to have faith that we are making informed decisions in their best interests,” said Mayor Jane Smith.“We support proactive release of information that will inform our residents.“There is a great deal of community interest and concern in how Council is addressing issues of erosion at Wamberal Beach and the release of this information will help better inform the community.”Council has also established a project working group to support the implementation of the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) options related to the immediate and future erosion of Wamberal Beach and particularly to consider a Wamberal Protective Wall.The Wamberal Working Group is comprised of local community representatives and stakeholders from Office of Environment and Heritage, NSW Department of Industry, and Central Coast Council.

Central Coast Council has re-signed the sister city agreement with Edogawa City Council which will see a stronger cultural exchange and continued benefits for the Coast community.The sister city agreement was a long-standing arrangement with the former Gosford City Council and was re-signed during a recent Mayoral and dignitary visit to Japan.Mayor Jane Smith said that it was an honour to meet with Mayor Masami Tada, Edogawa City Council and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the relationship by re-signing the sister city agreement.“The sister city relationship with Edogawa City during the last thirty years 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,” said Mayor Smith.“The youth wing exchange program has provided an invaluable opportunity for local students and their families to participate in a variety of academic, social, cultural and sporting activities with students from Edogawa City.“Earlier this year, there was also a generous donation from the Urasenke Foundation to build a traditional Japanese Tea House as part of the Edogawa Gardens at the Gosford Regional Gallery.“For many years, there have been strong connections between our communities and it is pleasing that this will continue with our Central Coast Council.

In accordance with Clause 9(1) of the Local Government Act 1993 and Part D Clause 6 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Central Coast Council hereby gives notice that the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 28 May 2018 has been adjourned to allow the completion of business.  The meeting has been adjourned to Monday 4 June 2018 commencing at 7.30pm, at the Civic Centre, Hely Street, Wyong.All enquiries relating to this matter can be directed to Brian Glendenning, Acting Chief Executive Officer on 02 4350 5555 during normal business hours.

Council to support Wallarah 2 Coal Mine legal challengeCouncil will provide $200,000 of funding to the Australian Coal Alliance, to engage experts in the Alliance’s legal challenge in the Land and Environment Court against the Planning Assessment Commission’s consent to the Wallarah 2 mine.The funding will be given on strict conditions, to ensure proper and transparent accounting for those funds.Mayor Jane Smith said Council would continue to stand with the community in opposing the mine due to the significant threat to the region’s water supply.“We have said we oppose the mine, we do oppose the mine and we have decided to assist the Australian Coal Alliance by providing it with support for the experts they may need to properly present their case in the proceedings,” Mayor Smith said.“This Council promised to serve our community and listen to and respond to their needs – this action lives up to that promise.“We must protect the water supply of our growing community now and into the future and we will stand with the Australian Coal Alliance to continue to fight the mine.The Australian Coal Alliance is seeking declarations that the Wallarah 2 Consent is invalid, orders restraining Wyong Coal from undertaking development in reliance of the Wallarah 2 Consent and other administrative orders.Proceedings in the Land and Environment Court of NSW against Wyong Coal Pty Ltd Limited, Kores Australia Pty Ltd and the NSW Minister for Planning.Council’s housing approvals ahead of State Government targets Council’s quarterly report into the activities of the Development Assessment and Environment and Certification Units reveals a major boost for new housing with approved development for the Coast at over $242million.767 development applications were determined in the January to March 2018 quarter including 212 additional lots and 440 dwellings including secondary dwellings, detached dwellings, dual-occupancies, multi dwelling housing and units within residential flat buildings.Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to facilitating development that provides a variety of housing to suit the needs and lifestyles of the community, support local jobs and services while appreciating and protecting environmental assets as the Coast grows.“We know from the Central Coast Regional Plan that the region will require 41,500 new homes by 2036, an average of 2075 new homes per year over the 20 years life span of the plan,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“So far, Council has approved 6,621 additional dwellings which is more than 1,952 ahead of the target of 4,669 in the Central Coast Regional Plan.“These approvals are valued at over $242million and span across residential, commercial, retail, office, tourist, community, industrial and infrastructure developments.“Whilst this represents significant economic stimulus for the region, we also need to make sure we maintain the Coastal lifestyle we enjoy and value, and Council is committed to doing this through a shared and collaborative process between the development sector, the State Government, Council and the community.”Council defers decision on Ourimbah drug and alcohol facility to allow time for a site inspectionCouncil deferred a decision for a transitional group home for the purposes of drug and alcohol rehabilitation at Glen Road, Ourimbah to allow time for a Councillor site inspection.A report will come to back to Council for consideration following the site inspection.Mayor Jane Smith said there had 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 Council needs to balance its responsibility not only to those living in the immediate vicinity of this proposed facility but also its overall social responsibility to those in the community who need help with addiction,” said Mayor Smith.“Councillors want to better understand the proposed site before making this important decision.”Armistice Day War Memorial moves to TerrigalCouncil has granted consent for the erection of the Armistice Day War Memorial at the existing Terrigal War Memorial site and to relocate the Terrigal War Memorial in preparation for the Centenary of Armistice Day on 11 November 2018.The Armistice Day War Memorial, originally located at the intersection of Terrigal Drive and the Central Coast Highway, Erina is currently situated at the Salvation Army Nursing Home at The Entrance Road, Erina.Mayor Jane Smith said the relocation of the Armistice Day War Memorial to Terrigal Beach would allow increased public access to this significant monument of remembrance.“Moving this important monument is particularly significant as we approach the centenary of Armistice Day on 11 November 2018,” said Mayor Smith.“Terrigal is well established as a site for honouring our fallen and is a fitting location for the Armistice Day War Memorial.“The public reserve at Terrigal Beach will provide higher visibility and improve accessibility to the monument.“This memorial is an iconic structure and its relocation allows for the continued remembrance of Australian history in a local context.”Council will investigate providing traffic control measures during the relocation process.Council’s Operational Plan tracking well Council’s current Operational Plan is on track for the 2017-18 financial year.Mayor Jane Smith said the report shows Council is in a sound financial position and the objectives of the Operational Plan are tracking well.“Our community expect us to spend our funding wisely on the services they need, want and value and that is what we are doing,” Mayor Smith said.“We have been particularly successful in our roads capital works program, with 481 of the 573 projects for this financial year already complete and are tracking well for the rest.$117.2 million has been spent on capital works to April this year including the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex and 481 roads, transport and drainage projects.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts of a $52million funding injection for infrastructure and public space in Gosford.Mayor Jane Smith said that investment in the Gosford City Centre was welcomed, however Council would be calling for an extension to the public exhibition period to the end of July on the planning changes proposed.“Whilst the promise of $52 million is certainly welcome, we need to ensure the proposed changes to planning controls serve the community’s best interests,” Mayor Smith said.“Proposed changes to planning controls can significantly impact the direction and timing of development.

Central Coast Council is celebrating fresh, seasonal local produce over the upcoming June long weekend with a special focus on a lesser known gem of our region – the hinterland.From 9-10 June, Harvest Festival Central Coast will be back with more events, more local food, more family activities and more opportunities to explore the region’s unique valleys and mountain areas.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said the event was developed to link with local farmers and businesses, to promote our region as a supplier of quality produce and attract people to a lesser known part of the Coast.“The inaugural event last year attracted over 10,000 attendees and brought together a community of food lovers and connoisseurs.” Mr Cannard said.“For the second year, we have turned eight rural farming communities and their gorgeous heritage villages into lively event hubs celebrating food, produce and culinary experiences.“The Central Coast is a special place and we invite locals and out-of-towners to visit our unique hinterland region this June long weekend and join in the fun that is Harvest Festival.”The Harvest Festival trail goes through Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby and Calga, allowing people to visit multiple local farms and be treated to fantastic rural experiences.The public can participate in the many activities and events across the two day festival including;

With 50 per cent of consumer plastics designed to be used only once, Central Coast Council are hoping to inspire and motivate residents to makes changes to create sustainable practices at their free World Environment Day events.To be held Tuesday 5 June, events will centre around this year’s theme Beat Plastic Pollution, providing the community tangible ways they can make lifestyle choices to reduce single use plastic.Mayor Jane Smith said with global plastic production projected to almost double in the next 10 to 15 years, consumers need to make long-term behaviour changes to become part of the solution.“Our obsession with plastic convenience has become a dire issue, with one million plastic bottles bought every minute across the globe,” Mayor Smith said.“It is time we exercise our buying power as consumers by refusing single-use plastics, demanding sustainable products and embracing sensible purchase habits.“From turning down plastic straws and cutlery, sitting at your local café rather than using takeaway and picking up litter along our beautiful beaches and coastlines, there is so much that can be done at an individual level to drive change.“If these changes are a little overwhelming and you are not sure where to start, I implore you to come along to the free World Environment Day events to equip yourself with knowledge to make easy lifestyle changes that make a huge impact.“At Laycock Street Theatre there will be market stalls with alternatives to single use plastic and bulk food purchase options to help you make the switch.“Stalls will include modern reusable nappies, net bags as well as reusable straws, cups and bottles as well as locally made biodegradable beeswax wraps - better still you can learn how to make your own beeswax wraps, or boomerang bags, at the free workshops.“Making these changes can be hard at first – to help keep you accountable I would challenge attendees to also sign up for Plastic Free July.

Central Coast Council acknowledges that there have been a small number of sewer blockages and overflows in Kanwal and Wyong from 1 July 2017 to 30 April 2018.Sewer blockages and overflows are typically caused by tree root damage in the pipe network or the disposal of inappropriate items down toilets and sinks such as wipes and fatty material.The sewer system in Kanwal and Wyong is of a good standard and is not experiencing an unusually high number of blockages and overflows.Kanwal and Wyong are heavily wooded in several areas and tree roots are usually the cause of sewer blockages and overflows in these suburbs.Council works to clear sewer blockages and overflows as quickly as possible and affected areas are cleaned, sanitised and returned to their previous condition.Council apologises for any inconvenience caused when blockages and overflows do occur.Council continually monitors the region’s water and sewer system and implements an ongoing renewal program for water and sewer mains.

‘Morbakka fenneri’ jellyfish found in Lake MacquarieCentral Coast Council and Lake Macquarie City are warning their communities to be alert to the possible presence of ‘Morbakka fenneri’ jellyfish in Lake Macquarie following the recent discovery of one of the species in the southern part of the waterway.The Morbakka is a species of Irukandji jellyfish that is more common to the Moreton Bay area but has been found between Port Douglas and Sydney.

Transport for New South Wales and Sydney Trains will deliver a $1.3million safety upgrade of the Donnison Street Bridge near Gosford Train Station. The project will require Donnison Street between Showground Road and Dane Drive to be closed to vehicles and pedestrians at all times from Sunday 27 May to Saturday 7 July 2018.

Central Coast Council is celebrating Indigenous Arts and Culture this weekend with a series of community events across the Coast to kick off National Reconciliation Week.With a theme of ‘Don’t Keep History a Mystery: