Central Coast Council has welcomed plans released today by the Government Architect to activate the Gosford CBD.Mayor Jane Smith said Council would be looking very closely at the proposed activation of the area including the benefits of locating the heart of the CBD around Kibble Park.“Council is pleased that the Government Architect has released the plans for the public to see and I can assure you that our staff will be looking closely at these over the coming weeks and preparing a report for Council,” Mayor Smith said.

Community members to provide advice and expertise to six Central Coast Advisory GroupsCouncil have appointed over three dozen community members to positions across six Advisory Groups providing them the opportunity to offer their advice and expertise to Council across key strategic areas of focus.Community members appointed to the Catchment and Coast Committee – Brisbane Water and Gosford Lagoon, and the Catchment and Coast Committee – Tuggerah Lakes, will now have a voice on all matters relating to Council’s responsibilities surrounding sustainable management of its coastal, estuarine, waterways, catchment and flood-liable areas.Mayor Jane Smith said these Groups are a chance for community members to be actively involved in finding solutions to the key strategic areas Council is currently focused on progressing.“This is a great opportunity for these community members to bring to the table their passion, interest and expertise in our environment, waterways, economic development and heritage and directly feed into Council decision-making,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“We are a large Council area, representing over 330,000 residents and we need to ensure we are providing as many avenues as possible for community voice and representation and these Groups are one part of that.”The Heritage Advisory Committee appointed ten members of the public as a voice for all matters relating to Heritage on the Central Coast.Other Advisory Groups that have appointed community membership include the Coastal Open Space System Committee, the Employment and Economic Development Committee and the Gosford CBD and Waterfront Committee.Councillor membership for each of the six Advisory Groups has also been determined.Council declares land as a public road to relocate and replace Sohier Park Bridge Council has declared part of the Council-owned land – located at 4 Brownlee Street, Ourimbah – as a public road for the purpose of road widening to accommodate a proposed new bridge in Ourimbah.This dedication of land as a public road is a necessary step towards the successful relocation and replacement of Sohier Park Bridge, situated over Bangalow Creek in Ourimbah.Mayor Jane Smith said that the works will replace the existing wooden bridge.“The proposal will enable the existing bridge to remain in use during construction.”“Council is committed to delivering better and safer roads and this proposal delivers on that promise.”New policy adopted for consistency in donating and naming public facilities across the Coast Central Coast Council has created a new policy to ensure the naming and donation of public facilities are dealt with consistently across the Central Coast.This new policy will apply to all applications around the donation of park furniture and trees in public reserves, the naming or re-naming of Council owned facilities and the placement of memorials in areas under the care, control and management of Council.Mayor Jane Smith said there is always considerable community interest in how public facilities are named and are a key way the contribution of community members can be honoured.“This new policy will provide Council with a clear way forward to deal with these issues consistently and ensure they are a fitting tribute to those who have contributed to the Central Coast community,” Mayor Smith said.“Most importantly, it will provide clarity, transparency and consistency in the decision-making processes as all requests must come to Council for consideration.”Community members will also be able to donate to the Gosford Foundation Trust for the former Gosford Local Government Area in order to receive a tax deduction.The former Wyong Shire Council had developed the Policy for Naming of Public Facilities and the former Gosford City Council had developed the Memorial and Donation of Park Furniture and Trees Policy.

Central Coast Council will hold an Extraordinary Council meeting on Wednesday 11 April 2018 to confirm a site for the Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre (RPACC) and consider community consultation on two options for the new Gosford Regional Library.The meeting will be held at the Central Coast Council Chambers in Hely Street, Wyong at 8pm.The meeting will be open to the public to attend and can be viewed live on Council’s YouTube Channel.The reports will be available on Council’s website shortly and there will be confidential attachments to the RPACC report.

Central Coast Council will hold a drop in community information session at the Copacabana Surf Club on Thursday 12 April to update the community on work underway to formalise a new segment of the 5 Lands Walk route.Council has secured Federal funding to construct 660 metres of stairs and pathways that will ultimately connect the lower Winney Bay Reserve area to the top of the sea cliff near Captain Cook Lookout.Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith said there had been some concerns in the community about the works and the meeting was a chance to better understand and address the community’s concerns.“The new section of path will improve safety along an already well used trail through the Winney Bay reserve, and better discourage access through areas of greater environmental sensitivity,” said Mayor Smith.“It will also better integrate our natural and built environments creating a great recreational opportunity to really get out and enjoy what makes the Coast a great place to be.”“Some vegetation, mostly weeds, has been cleared, but as well as the new pathway the area will be regenerated to protect the natural environment well into the future.”Funding for this project was provided by the Federal Government through the Improving Your Local Parks and Environment program.Federal Member for Robertson Mrs Lucy Wicks said the upgrade is fantastic news for the local community and the many tourists who visit the location every year.“It’s great to see the next step in upgrading the Five Lands Walk track, which is fast becoming one of the Central Coast’s most iconic destinations,” Ms Wicks said.“This inspiring project is part of our $2.2 million Environment Plan for the Robertson electorate, which the Coalition is delivering in partnership with the Central Coast Council, the NSW Government and community groups who make the Five Lands Walk possible.“I’m proud that this Government is helping the Five Lands Walk connect people to people, and people to place, for generations to come.”The 5 Lands Walk is a day-long community event along the Central Coast coastline from Macmasters Beach through to Copacabana, North Avoca and Terrigal.

Woy Woy Library will be undergoing a mini refurbishment with reduced services from Monday 9 April until mid-May to honour Spike Milligan and his family as well as create a more active and flexible learning space for the community.The refurbishment has been made possible thanks a State Library of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grant, where Council received a total of $188,492 to deliver this project.The works will provide an exhibition space and media room celebrating not only the entertainer Spike Milligan, but the entire Milligan family and Woy Woy area.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, assured the community that every measure will be taken to minimise disruption to customers while this exciting project comes to fruition.“There will be some noise disruptions and reduced collections over the next five to six weeks while construction crews are on site,” Mrs Burgess said.“Unfortunately customers will not be able to reserve items located at Woy Woy Library during this time, however, books can still be returned and internet computers will still be available for use.“Crews will be setting up barricades, similar to what you would see in shopping centres while stores are being refurbished, so the biggest disruption during this time will be noise.“All other services will still be available and scheduled programming will continue to run.“Spike Milligan and his family had a special connection to Woy Woy and we are pleased to be able to honour their memory with this special new exhibition space.Beyond the Spike Milligan exhibition space and media room the grant has provided an opportunity to further improve the amenity and functionality of the Library.“There will a new staircase to improve safety, the staff counter at the back of the library will be reloaded to improve visibility and security,” Mrs Burgess added.“Mobile shelving has been incorporated into the changes, providing an opportunity for us to deliver a greater variety of events and higher quality learning programs.“The breezeway and the back half of the Library will also get a bit of a facelift, including the current Spike Milligan meeting room which will still host regular events and allow for quiet study.“Even though sections of the library will be out of action for a short while, this refurbishment will allow us to better serve our customers and community’s needs as well as create a space unlike any other in the world, celebrating the legend Spike Milligan.“I am really excited these works are about to get underway and cannot wait to launch this amazing new space to the community.”Services at other branches remain unchanged and all online services and eLibrary facilities will continue to be available anywhere, anytime with WIFI.To keep up to date with the project sign up to the Library e-newsletter via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/library or use #ccclibraries on social media.

Central Coast Council is driving a road safety campaign aimed at reducing serious injury and fatalities to pedestrians on the Coast.More than 1500 pedestrians are struck by vehicles on NSW roads each year with 129 pedestrians impacted on Central Coast roads in the last three years.The ‘Look Out Before You Step Out’ campaign, promotes safer road user behaviour through urging pedestrians to take an extra moment to look out before stepping out, and choosing the safest place and time to cross.Mayor Jane Smith said community safety is a priority for Council and the high incidence of pedestrian injury on the Coast highlights the clear need for more education, to make drivers and pedestrians more aware of their surroundings.“Many of the incidents occur in 50 km/hr zones, and in our local CBDs,” Mayor Smith said.“As drivers, we need to consciously slow down and watch out for pedestrians in these high traffic urban areas.“With the increase in technology use, we are becoming less aware of our surroundings, as drivers and pedestrians we are more distracted.“This can be fatal for pedestrians who need to be aware that it can take some time for a car to stop even at fifty kilometres an hour.“We all must work together and be more conscious of our actions on the roads to reduce this toll in our community.”Pedestrians are reminded of and encouraged to follow these important safety tips on our roads:Look before you cross.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry’s recommendation of an independent inquiry to the Mangrove Mountain Landfill.Council has established its own Advisory Committee which includes staff and community members to advise Council on actions to address issues relating to the Mangrove Mountain Golf Course and illegal dumping at Spencer.The NSW Parliament today released its report from the ‘Energy from waste’ technology inquiry which was established on 6 April 2017 and then extended on 10 August 2017 to include the prevalence and scale of illegal dumping across New South Wales, the transportation of waste outside of the state, and the sustainability of the current waste and landfill regime in NSW.There are 36 recommendations in the Report including establishing an independent inquiry to investigate the operation, regulation and approval of the Mangrove Mountain Landfill site.Council is always looking at positive ways to reduce illegal dumping and improve waste management and particularly welcomes the recommendation of the inquiry that 100% of waste levy funds collected on the Central Coast on behalf of the State Government will be given back to Council.

Central Coast residents will have plenty of opportunities to keep the kids entertained these Autumn school holidays at Council’s libraries.Children from three to 18 years have been catered for with an exciting mix of imaginative and educational free events from 16 to 27 April.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said there was a real focus on unleashing the creative talent of the Coast’s youngsters in a fun and engaging way.“We have some amazing artistic events on offer that will no doubt inspire children to be involved and learn something new,” Mrs Burgess said.“Students will have the opportunity to discover more about the film making process, creative writing, ceramic design, skateboard deck art and lego technics.“We have also brought back some favourites including lego fun, tabletop gaming, special storytime sessions and science fun.“The event I am most excited about has to be the Zombie Escape Room, where participants will have to work together to solve clues before the clock runs out.“With the rise in popularity of escape rooms over the last few years I would strongly encourage parents to book a spot for their child as soon as possible, ensuring friendship groups can be booked in the same session.”Six sessions are available for bookings, for children aged 12 to 17 years, hosted by Lake Haven Library on Tuesday 17 April or Erina Library on 18 April.“Our last event of the holidays will be at Kariong Library on Friday 27 April.

Central Coast Council’s very own Kincumber Library will be featured as one of the work places in the three-part factual series Employable Me that premieres Tuesday 3 April, 8.30pm on ABC and ABC iview.Produced by Northern Pictures (Changing Minds, Ice Wars), Employable Me follows people with neuro diverse conditions to draw attention to barriers they have gaining meaningful employment.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said it was a privilege to be involved in such an incredible series that brings to light the benefit of hiring someone with a disability.“Last year our Libraries were approached by Breakthru to organise work placement for Krystyna, who is studying to be a Library Technician through TAFE and was keen for experience in a local library,” Mrs Burgess said.“During filming Krystyna embraced the opportunity to learn new skills and work as part of the team.“Our staff enjoyed working alongside Krystyna to help her develop new skills and gain experience to support her career aspirations.“Staff found it an incredibly uplifting experience being able to help someone harness their strengths and skills.“Due to the success of Krystyna’s placement she has since returned for additional work experience back in February to assist with further development of her workplace skills.“I am eager to watch the series and see how each of the nine participants featured job search unfolds.”Employable Me, premieres on Tuesday 3 April at 8.30pm on ABC & ABC iview with Kincumber Library set to be on screens the following week, Tuesday 10 April at 8.30pm.Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Council will continue working with other government agencies, community groups, service providers and businesses to help community members with a disability gain meaningful employment.“Supporting access to meaningful employment is a key outcome of our Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which aims to create an inclusive and accessible community for everyone on the Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“People with disabilities are a vital part of our community – this plan will allow individuals and their families to participate in all aspects of community life by providing improved access to Council services and facilities.”There are 58 actions listed in the Plan for Council to implement over a four year period.The Disability Inclusion Action Plan can be found in accessible and Easy English formats on Council’s Website and in hard copies at Council libraries.

Central Coast Council invites you to hop on down to The Entrance this Easter long weekend for four days of free activities and live entertainment.The Entrance will be alive with a wide range of activities to keep the children entertained over the weekend from Friday 30 March to Monday 2 April.Free music in the Waterfront Plaza will have the whole family entertained with live performances every day from 11am to 3pm.On Easter Saturday and Sunday, kids will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny in Memorial Park and receive a free Easter egg.

Despite sweltering heat one day and heavy rainfall the next, Central Coast residents still took the opportunity to rid their homes of unwanted chemical products, thanks to the Household Chemical CleanOut events hosted by Central Coast Council.More than 100 tonnes of chemicals were dropped off at CleanOut drop-off locations at the Gosford Showground and the Council Long Jetty Depot on the last weekend of February and first weekend of March, respectively.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce, said the results showed the community’s commitment to disposing of problem wastes responsibly.“In total, 2988 vehicles drove through the gates of both locations, dropping off more than 104 tonnes of chemicals over the two weekends,” Mr Pearce said.“Thanks to the co-operation of residents both events ran smoothly with no chemical spills and the average time on site for motorists was under five minutes.“Chemicals collected will be reprocessed where possible and disposed of safely where they cannot.”Household Chemical CleanOuts are held bi-annually.

Central Coast Council Offices and a number of services will close from 5pm Thursday 29 March for the Easter Long Weekend and reopen on Tuesday 3 April 2018, while other essential services and facilities will continue to operate.

The NSW Auditor-General has confirmed Council’s financial statements present fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of Central Coast Council as at 30 June 2017, and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the period 13 May 2016 to 30 June 2017 in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and Australian Accounting Standards.

Council’s strong financial position backed by Independent AuditThe NSW Auditor-General has confirmed Central Coast Council’s financial statements present fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of Council as at 30 June 2017, and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the period 13 May 2016 to 30 June 2017 in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and Australian Accounting Standards.Read separate media release here.Council confirms Ettalong Channel dredging is a State Government responsibility after considering external legal advice Council has maintained its long held view that it is under no statutory obligation to dredge the Brisbane Water Entrance Channel.The bed below mean high water level is NSW Crown Land, and NSW Roads and Maritime Services is responsible for the safety of navigational waterways and channel.

Central Coast Council will shortly commence stabilisation work on the $2,807,000 Avoca Beach Southern Foreshore RedevelopmentThe works, funded by the NSW State Government as part of the Stronger Communities Funding made available to all newly merged Councils, will improve the infrastructure and amenity of the area as well as to deliver important coastal protection and rehabilitation works to stabilise the foreshore.Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said that the upgrades will provide the community and visitors with a safer and more accessible foreshore and will take place in two stages.

Council has released the findings of the second round of engagement to develop the Coast’s first ever Community Strategic Plan with 91% of survey respondents saying they had ‘good’, ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ quality of life.Connected Communities Director, Julie Vaughan said Phase Two of the  project drilled down into the findings of the initial community engagement where Council received over 33,000 ideas and opinions from residents about what would make the Central Coast an even better place to live.“Phase Two was about going back to the community to unpack the key themes we defined in Phase One, looking at community priorities, community values and how the community feels about their quality of life here on the Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“The community was asked to rate their overall quality of life living on the Central Coast with 91% of survey respondents saying they had ‘good’, ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ quality of life, which is fantastic for the Coast.”“Quality of life appears to trend marginally upwards with age and be impacted by certain socio-economic factors, such as location of residence, employment status, level of education and home ownership – all important factors when looking at how we shape the future of the Central Coast.“Lifestyle and community, including attributes such as safety, sense of community and opportunities to participate in community life were the key drivers of quality of life.”“Transport and movement around the Central Coast were two of the top issues identified by residents as a priority issue over the next 10 years with natural environment, infrastructure, population growth, employment opportunities and housing also rating highly.“A key focus of the CSP will be to consider and balance the importance of both key priority issues as well as the key drivers of quality of life,” she said.During Phase Two, Council engaged with over 1200 local community members and key stakeholders via a comprehensive telephone survey, a series of six community workshops and meetings with the Community Reference Group.Mayor Jane Smith said the process to develop the Coast’s first ever Community Strategic Plan had engaged many thousands of people in the local community and, once completed, will be a true representation of what our community think, feel, want and value.“The central focus for the CSP engagement has been on genuine and meaningful dialogue” Mayor Smith said.“Council have strived to work together across organisations, groups and the broader community to understand community values, issues and aspirations for the future.“The Community Strategic Plan is the most important plan we have at Council as it defines and prioritises exactly what our community want.

Oh, what a feeling!

Discover the stories that inspired the acclaimed play A Town Named War Boy, when NSW State Library World War I curator, Elise Edmonds, visits Tuggerah Library on Wednesday 28 March.The talk will delve into personal accounts from ANZAC soldiers that served our nation and a small selection of diaries and original material will be on display.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said the Libraries were very pleased to secure this event offered in conjunction with the national tour of A Town Named War Boy.“This talk and display provides a rare opportunity to get a glimpse into how individual troops felt and lived while deployed on the front,” Ms Burgess said.“It really encapsulates the ANZAC spirit and looks at just how scared and vulnerable these men were, an aspect which is not often discussed.“We are incredibly lucky to have Elise present here as she is the mastermind behind one of the State Library’s most successful exhibitions.“Elise will also give insight into the origin of the pieces and how her work lead to the State Library’s collaboration to help create an incredibly moving experience for theatre goers.”In 2014 the State Library and the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) commissioned playwright Ross Mueller to create a new play based on the extensive World War I diary collection.A Town Named War Boy brings to life the private thoughts of young Aussie men that were sent off to war on the other side of the world and how those that made it back home dealt with the traumas of conflict, described by The Australian as “The most moving ANZAC tribute of all”.Tickets for performances on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 April are on sale now and can be purchased via thearthousewyong.com.au“As we head towards ANZAC Day in the last year of the centenary of World War I, there is no better time to learn more about our nation’s heroes,” Ms Burgess added.“This is a unique opportunity to hear these authentic stories that helped create the Australian identity.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents or call 4350 1560 to reserve a spot.To be one of the first to know about events, new releases as well as discover what resources and services are available sign up to Central Coast Council Library Service e-newsletter at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/enews and search #ccclibraries on Council’s social media pages.

A joint partnership between Central Coast Council, The Jimmy Jurd Fund and Centra Projects will see the delivery of a new play space to Chittaway Bay Lions Park, paying tribute to a special local resident.The play space will be upgraded in part from a 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. A portion of the funds raised will now be used to upgrade this play space in his honour at the request of his family.Director of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, confirmed Council has awarded a contract for upgrades to the park.

Central Coast residents are being urged to prepare their homes and take care on Coast roads with heavy rain to hit the region from 8pm tonight.The Bureau of Meterology (BOM) has advised rainfall is expected to start from 8pm tonight and continue for the next twenty-four hours with the heaviest rain expected pre-dawn.BoM have advised 150mm to 200mm is expected to fall within the 24 hour period along with 4 metre swells on Coast beaches over the coming days.Residents are being urged to prepare their homes and gardens by clearing gutters and drains.