Council committed to consulting on development to move the Coast forwardCouncil is committed to creating a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast with Gosford as the regional capital and consultation with all stakeholders as a core principle.Council is currently reviewing its section 94 contribution plans, preparing a consolidated Local Environment Plan for exhibition including a developer and community forum and is set to consult on an adjustment of the threshold for referral of a development application to Council to 15 objections.Read separate release in full here.Council proactively releases documents relating to the Wyong Employment Zone and defers budget allocation to Airport On 23 October 2017 Council resolved to request that its CEO authorise proactive release of information relating to the future development of the Wyong Employment Zone (including the Central Coast Airport) on Council’s website and for public viewing at Council’s chambers.

At tonight’s Council Meeting, Council awarded more than $30,000 to 13 community groups as part of the 2017/18 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.The successful applicants received funding under the Community Support Grant Program and the Heritage Grant Program for a range of programs, events and projects, including:Brentwood Residents Activities Group – Story of Sheila HallGosford Regional Community Services – improve learning facility for the groupErina Baptist Community Care Ltd – Clean Up SurroundsDisabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc Central Coast – Summer equipment renewal projectCWA of NSW Mannering Park Branch – purchase of Defibrillator for all hall users/rates rebateDavistown Progress Association Inc – rate assistance Davistown Progress HallAnglican parish of Wyong – new chairs for church hallMusicians Making a Difference (MMAD) – Access All Areas Community Festival on Mann StreetGosford Regional Community Services – Place Making Project SupportEttalong Baptist Church – Ettalong community eventHistoric Boatshed, Mangrove Walk, Hardys Bay – conservation of valuable heritage building‘Lerida’, Narara – research history on property, people and history of the areaWesleyan Chapel, Gunderman – repairs to help conserve the historical building.Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to supporting the community through its Community Grants and Sponsorship Funding program.“We are receiving a wide range of great applications from our community that are all aimed at putting the Coast on the map and making it a better place to live, work and visit,” Mayor Smith said.“Our grant program helps our community deliver quality programs, projects or events that build connections, celebrate our local community and build capacity across the entire Central Coast community.“Round two of our Grants and Sponsorship Funding program is now open and I encourage everyone with a big idea to have a look into how Council can help make your project become a reality.”Come along to the final information session on Thursday 15 February from 5.30-7pm at the Erina Centre (next to the Library) and find out how the 2017/18 Community Grants and Sponsorship Funding program can get that next big idea off the ground.Drop-in sessions will also be held from 2-4pm on Thursday 22 February at Blue Haven Community Centre and on Friday 23 February at Kincumber Library, where applicants can get last minute advice from staff with their proposed application.Applications close Wednesday 28 February, find out more by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/makeithappen

Council is committed to creating a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast with Gosford as the regional capital and consultation with all stakeholders as a core principle.Council is currently reviewing its section 94 contribution plans, preparing a consolidated Local Environment Plan for exhibition including a developer and community forum and is set to consult on an adjustment of the threshold for referral of a development application to Council to 15 objections.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was committed to facilitating development that will meet the needs of the growing population of the Coast while maintaining the lifestyle and sense of community that people love about living on the Coast.“Council’s priority is sustainable development that delivers liveable and vibrant communities, jobs for now and the future and protection of our environment,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“We can get there through a shared and collaborative process between the development sector, the State Government, Council and the community.“There is a need for the development industry to start looking forward and delivering real and sustainable development, particularly in the Gosford CBD, where there are developments that have been approved which are not being built.”“Gosford CBD can and must realise its potential as a true liveable city and the capital of the Central Coast.“I will be inviting innovative leaders in the development industry with a clear vision for sustainability to join me at a round table to discuss what sustainable development looks like for our region and how we can achieve it.“Our community must have a say in how development in their local areas is shaped.

  Building Pathways to the FutureCentral Coast Council has launched the ‘Our Coast, Our Pathways’ project, which will see the development of a Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) and Central Coast Bike Plan for the Central Coast.Together, the Plans will guide Council’s ongoing provision of an active transport network for footpaths, bike paths and shared paths across the Central Coast.Central Coast Council’s Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff, said that the Plans accord with Council’s vision of creating a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast and will deliver on previous consultation outcomes, which reinforced the importance of transport and movement around the Central Coast.“The feedback from the first phase of our engagement was loud and clear;

The Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival is returning to Wyong, following its huge success last year to transform the historic town into a hub of music, history and entertainment this Saturday 17 February.Central Coast Council is working with local businesses to activate three laneways and have visitors immerse themselves in an abundance of colour, sounds and smells, while enjoying all the free activities and entertainment the Festival has to offer.Guests and stallholders will celebrate the fantastic food and entertainment from around the region with beautifully designed stalls and dining under the stars precinct created to soak up free live music across multiple stages, roving entertainment, aerial circus precinct and art installations on local buildings.To accommodate the festival a number of road closures will be in place early on Saturday:Alison Road, Wyong (between Pacific Hwy and Hely St) from 6.00am – 11.30pmBakers Lane, Wyong (between Pacific Hwy & Rankins Court) from 11am – 11.30pmRobleys Lane, Wyong (between Pacific Hwy and Hely St) from 11am – 11.30pmPeters Lane Wyong from 11am – 11.30pmThe festivities themselves kick off at 4pm and go until 10pm.Follow the Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival Facebook page for more information or go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

BATO Yard, the region’s biggest and best Skate Park, will play host to the first ever Australian Skateboarding Federation (ASF) sanctioned Australian Championships of Street Skateboarding on April 28.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will take on the Canberra Raiders at Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium in April, just over 110 years to the day since the Rabbitohs first match played back in 1908.The Rabbitohs will take on the Raiders on Saturday 21 April at the family-friendly time of 3pm at the picturesque stadium on the NSW Central Coast.The Club will also celebrate South Sydney’s first match which took place just over 110 years prior, against North Sydney at Birchgrove Oval on Easter Monday April 20, 1908.Tickets for the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ return to Central Coast Stadium go on sale today from 2pm AEDST to Club Members with tickets to the general public going on sale tomorrow, Wednesday 7 February from 2pm AEDST, with a huge crowd expected in Gosford for the Rabbitohs’ clash with the Raiders.In previous seasons the Rabbitohs have regularly sold out home games at Central Coast Stadium and a big crowd is expected again for the first game of NRL football at the stadium in 2018.International stars such as Greg Inglis, Sam Burgess, Dane Gagai, Elliott Whitehead and Jordan Rapana are expected to play in this match, so it is one not to be missed in Rugby League heartland on the Central Coast.Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly says the Club is looking forward to bringing the Rabbitohs back to Gosford.“I’m originally from the Central Coast and I understand how much the community in and around the Central Coast region love Rugby League.“It’s this passion for the game from the local people that has me and the rest of our Club really excited about bringing the NRL back to Gosford in 2018,” Solly said.“Central Coast Stadium is one of the best stadiums in the State and we’re expecting to see a lot red and green support in the stands in April.“We have a strong Membership base in and around the Central Coast with about 10% of our Members coming from this region.“Central Coast Stadium is an important part of Rabbitohs history.

Whether your child has just started ‘big school’ or doing their HSC, Central Coast Council Library Service has the resources to help students excel in 2018.Council Unit Manager Libraries, Ms Michelle Swan-Beardmore, is encouraging parents of young children to take advantage of the range of electronic educational resources available.“We have a suite of online programs available to introduce children to learning in an interactive and enjoyable way,” Ms Swan-Beardmore said.“With coding so prevalent these days we have introduced Rainforest Coding, where children as young as five are introduced to the programming language ‘Scratch’.“Those six to 10 years struggling with their maths will benefit from 10 Monkeys, our new learning tool where they will learn basic skills in a fun game like environment.“To assist with literacy development children can enter the vibrant and interactive online ‘reading room’ of Story Box Library.“Here children can connect, engage and be inspired by a diverse range of Australian storytellers, with access to activity ideas to help make reading fun.“All you need to access any of these great resources is your membership number!”Ms Swan-Beardmore added there was also an array of in house and online resources to assist older students.“Our most popular homework help tool for students in years 3-12 would have to be the amazing online resource Studiosity,” Ms Swan-Beardmore said.“With just a click of a button, students are connected to professional tutors who offer real-time assistance with homework, assignments, essays, study skills and more.“The best thing about it is students aren’t given the answer, but rather the tools to figure out the answer themselves, developing their problem solving skills and helping to reinforce what they have learnt.“Studiosity also provide a free writing feedback service where students can upload draft essays and reports to obtain expert advice to help maximise their marks.“To help users get the most out of this fantastic program, Erina Library will be hosting a live demonstration for parents, carers, teachers and students Thursday 22 February, 5.30 until 6.30pm.”Bookings are essential and can be made via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryeventsStudiosity guarantees a safe online learning environment for all students.

Central Coast Council will shortly commence consultation with the community on a series of projects in and around the Terrigal commercial precinct.

Excitement is building on the Central Coast for the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay this Saturday, 3 February.The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Commonwealth Games tradition that celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class event of sports and culture to come.To celebrate the arrival of the Baton, Central Coast Council will be hosting a free Family Fun Day at Central Coast Stadium.The Stadium will be a hive of free activities and live entertainment, including headline acts The Ruiins and the Sea Gypsies, from 10am-2pm.The Relay will start at Laycock Theatre at 11am and make its way through Gosford towards the Stadium for a special ceremony, before leaving and making its way along the waterfront towards the historic Gosford Pool.Seventeen local heroes have been nominated to carry the baton as part of this historic occasion for the Central Coast.To keep them safe on the trip, road closures will be in place throughout the Gosford CBD.

Central Coast Council is calling on local community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals with great ideas to improve the community to apply for funding as part of the 2017/18 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.Having awarded more than $600,000 to projects in Round 1, there is still more than $700,000 available for allocation to community projects and initiatives across seven funding categories in Round 2 – which opens on 1 February.Council’s Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said each of the categories have been tailored to deliver the greatest benefit to the community.“This program is all about giving the community more opportunities to apply for funding to enable their great ideas, community projects, events, programs and initiatives,” Mr Cannard said.“We want to hear all ideas, no matter how big or small, for dynamic, responsive initiatives that support and grow local community development, sporting, environmental, tourism and economic development capacity.“In this round of funding, on top of our other funding options, we also have more than $250,000 to give away with the final instalment of the Stronger Communities Funding from the NSW State Government.“Before you put your application together, come along to one of our information sessions and find out more about the program and which category best suits your needs.”To help applicants get a better understanding of each category and how to apply to make their project happen, information sessions will be held on:Thursday 1 February 1.30-3.30pm – Gosford Smart Work HubThursday 1 February, 5.30-7.30pm – Central Coast Council, Wyong officeMayor Jane Smith said this is a chance to think outside the square to deliver unique projects or events to the Coast that really makes a difference.“There’s never been a better time to help improve the lifestyle on the Coast through targeted community project funding or projects made possible through the Stronger Communities Fund,” Mayor Smith said.“We recently awarded more than $600,000 in round one to over 70 Central Coast based groups, clubs and organisations through our community grants and sponsorship program.“Looking through the list of recipients, the sheer breadth of projects they cater for in our community very comprehensive.“I really encourage anyone that needs that extra financial assistance to make their idea happen to get their application in by the end of February.”To find out more on Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program and the funding opportunities available, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/makeithappenFunding applications close 28 February 2018.

Central Coast Council have distributed 1,200 keep cups to local cafés to provide to their customers free of charge in an effort to reduce single use coffee cup litter.The initiative forms part of Council’s commitment to the Hey Tosser!

Lifeguards from Central Coast Council’s 15 beaches will take part in the annual Lifeguard Challenge on Wednesday 31 January.From 6.30pm, Council’s lifeguards will gather on Shelly Beach to demonstrate their talents, as well as sportsmanship and team camaraderie, during the friendly competition.Mayor Jane Smith said the historical event, now in its 36th year, showcases various abilities of the staff who patrol our beaches.“This long standing annual event that previously pitted lifeguards from the former Gosford and Wyong Council’s against each other, displays the competencies of our valuable lifeguards who are dedicated to keep our beaches safe.“It’s also a great opportunity to bring staff together in a social context and thank them for their efforts following the busy summer lifeguard period.“Originally held at Terrigal Beach in 1982, the fun and important Lifeguard Challenge will follow on from last year’s format whilst continuing the heritage of the event.

Council appoints Davidson to assist in the recruitment of a permanent General Manager and establishes selection panel Davidson has been appointed to assist the Council to recruit a permanent General Manager for Central Coast Council.

Central Coast Council will hold an Extraordinary Meeting (today) Monday 29 January 2018 at the Gosford Chambers of Central Coast Council starting at 6.30pm.Items for discussion will beMotion to alter part of a resolution of 18 December 2017Report to determine a preferred provider for the purpose of conducting the recruitment process for a permanent General ManagerReport to determine the process for the recruitment of a permanent General ManagerNotice of Motion – Ordinary Council Meeting 12 February 2018The meeting will be open to the public and live streamed.

 Central Coast Council has successfully secured NSW Government funding to help tackle the issue of public safety and beach erosion at Ocean and Umina Beaches.As part of the Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan, the funding, to be matched by Council, will ensure nearly $500,000 is put towards addressing the risks of erosion.Central Coast Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said that the rate of erosion was drastically exacerbated in April 2015 during a significant coastal storm.“Council has a short-term strategy in place to protect The Esplanade, as a result of the storm in April 2015,” he said.“This includes the ongoing beach monitoring program, a temporary wall covering over 100m of beach and an ongoing beach scraping program that brings available sand further up the beach.“This new funding will enable us to identify a long-term protective option for The Esplanade and the vital infrastructure located in it - including water and drainage systems and electricity and telecommunications services.“It will also investigate the feasibility of beach nourishment by understanding the complex sediment transport system within Broken Bay.”The funding received will allow the first two phases of a larger project to go ahead, this includes an analysis of:

A dedicated volunteer who developed a surf program for children with additional needs has been named the 2018 Central Coast Citizen of the Year.Kate Broadhurst has been involved with Surf Life Saving, on many levels, for more than 25 years, but the highlight would be the implementation of the Shark Nippers Program which is now being used Coast-wide.Shark Nippers is all about developing the skills of children, who would never have been given the opportunity to participate in mainstream nippers, to a point where they can integrate into the mainstream program at their local beach.Mayor Jane Smith said the judges couldn’t look past Kate’s nomination and the outstanding level of service she provides to the community.“Kate is a great example of volunteering in our community – giving up her own time to help make the Central Coast more inclusive,” Mayor Smith said.“Shark Nippers caters for children with additional needs and provides a supportive environment in surf lifesaving.“She has won many medals during her time with surf lifesaving, but her dedication to developing this program has to be one of the highlights with rewarding benefits.“I would like to congratulate Kate and all our other award winners on their contribution to our community, making the Central Coast a better place to live, work and play.”This year’s Central Coast Australia Day Award winners are:Kate Broadhurst – Citizen of the YearCrystal Russom – Winner Youth of the YearKai Darwin – Highly Commended Youth of the YearPaul Johnson – Winner Community Volunteer of the YearLeslie Smith – Highly Commended Community Volunteer of the YearColin Laing – Highly Commended Community Volunteer of the YearFred Leake - Highly Commended Community Volunteer of the YearNorman Harris – Winner Environmental AwardTracey Howie – Highly Commended Environmental AwardJohn Oates – Winner Arts, Culture and Entertainment AwardDarryl Davis – Winner Arts, Culture and Entertainment AwardRichelle Ellis – Winner Business Connecting Communities AwardShelly Luck – Highly Commended Business Connecting Communities AwardLeasha Craig – Winner Community Service and Activity AwardMargaret Smith – Highly Commended Community Service and Activity AwardJemma Smith – Winner Sportsperson of the YearCarley Chapman – Highly Commended Sportsperson of the Year 

Central Coast Council is calling on local women to step up and become part of their Status of Women Advisory Group to represent all women on the Central Coast.Members of the Group will provide advice, advocate and raise awareness of issues that affect women on the Central Coast as well as promote local networks and events that celebrate women in the community.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Council wants to empower and support women across the Coast.“We want to see the Status of Women Advisory Group develop connections and networks across the Coast as well as promote women in leadership positions,” Ms Vaughan said.“The aim of the Group is to have them identify strategies to develop social, economic and personal leadership opportunities for women.“We want the Group to comprise a diverse range of women who represent our community and can provide feedback to Council on how Council’s planning processes and actions can better support issues affecting women in our community.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Group will also engage women on the Central Coast and ensure their voices are heard.“The Status of Women Advisory Group will work to foster participation from women to establish networks, create and participate in organised women’s events and promote a regional focus,” Mayor Smith said.“In recent decades, women in Australia have made significant strides towards achieving equality.

Central Coast Council is investing more than $1.7 million in one of the Coast’s most iconic assets, Central Coast Stadium, this financial year to boost the economy and promote sport, recreation and tourism on the Central Coast.Recent enhancements include the installation of a world-class video screen and upgrade to the sound system – improvements that will support the drive to provide a world-class venue for premier sporting events along with elevating its capacity to host major recreational events and entertainment acts.Mayor Jane Smith said that Council’s continued investment in the stadium is validation of the tremendous value it brings to the local community.“In terms of bringing people together and fostering community spirit, the Stadium is an incredibly important asset”, Mayor Smith said.“By improving our infrastructure, we can better support our partners to improve the quality of experience to all who visit the Stadium”.Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said investing in the Stadium is also a key component of driving tourism and economic development across the Central Coast.“These upgrades will offer our community the ultimate in visitor experience and prove our reputation as a leading sporting and entertainment venue”, Mr Dowling said.“Continual improvement is key to the longevity of the Stadium and a demonstration of Council’s commitment to providing a quality sporting, entertainment and recreational venue for the Central Coast.”CEO of the Central Coast Mariners, Shaun Mielekamp agreed, saying that the upgrades were a timely and welcome development for the growth and development of sport on the Central Coast.“The Central Coast Mariners have been proudly representing the Central Coast since 2005, and are the only sporting franchise that represent the region on a national and international sporting stage,” Mr Mielekamp said.“As a club, we are proud to call Central Coast Stadium home and are extremely excited for our supporters who will be offered the ultimate visual and sound experience when we play against Brisbane Roar this weekend.”The Stadium will boast a busy schedule of high calibre events in the coming months, with 5 Central Coast Mariners home games still to be played in the 2017/2018 season;

Central Coast Council will celebrate Australia Day across the Central Coast with free family-friendly events at The Entrance and Woy Woy on Friday 26 January.Memorial Park at The Entrance will be a hive of free activities along the popular waterfront from 12pm including live entertainment from headline act, Ash Grunwald.