With the summer holiday season upon us, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to dispose of their litter in bins provided and make sure they only camp in designated camping areas.Council Manager, Environment and Certification, Mr Jamie Loader, said that whilst Christmas is a time of good cheer, the incidences of dumped rubbish and illegal camping increase during this time, and we want everyone to avoid the fines that apply to those who don’t do the right thing.“The festive season means more parties, more family get-togethers, more food than you’d usually eat … and, sadly, more waste dumped than at any other time of the year,” said Mr Loader.“If you are getting together with your family and friends at one of the Coast’s great locations, like our parks, reserves, beaches, or rock platforms, make sure you clean up after you leave and if bins are full or unavailable, take your rubbish with you.“Council is also reminding the camping community to make sure they only set up camp in areas designated for overnight camping.“Illegal camping can be disruptive to the use of public spaces by the community and in some cases, potentially dangerous.“Specific camping areas are set up with amenities, provision of bins for rubbish and lighting – that way campers are safe and the community retain full access to public space throughout the holiday period.”Council rangers will be out in force this holiday period targeting littering and illegal camping hotspots including Picnic Point at The Entrance, Karagi Reserve at North Entrance, Jenny Dixon Reserve at Norah Head, Avoca Rock Platform and Gosford and Woy Woy Waterfronts.

Council is seeking community input in how Council meetings should run with a revised Code of Meeting Practice now on exhibition.

The financial reports for Central Coast Council from amalgamation until 30 June 2017 have been referred to external audit following tonight’s Extraordinary Central Coast Council meeting.Council’s total income for the 13.5 month statutory reporting period is $723.7 million, including $90.3 million of capital grants and contributions and operating expenses of $568.0 million.

Central Coast Council Library Service is creating Christmas magic this December, giving joy to young children and working to provide hope to those less fortunate in our community.Council Libraries have partnered with Coast Shelter for the fourth annual book drive, a welcome reminder to give to those less fortunate Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said.“We are putting the call out to the community to donate items or their time to help us spread cheer to those in our community who may feel alone this holiday season,” Ms Vaughan said.“The book drive is an amazing opportunity to bring beautiful books into the lives of families and those spending time in temporary accommodation on the Central Coast.“New books ranging from lifestyle to young adult, children’s picture books to adult fiction are all welcome.“We are also collecting new store-bought food items and new toys on behalf of Central Coast Community Shed, who will distribute to members of our community who need a little extra support this time of year.“They have also requested donations of pet foods, play toys, leads, collars and even flea and tick treatments to help companion animals over the holiday season when pets often find parties, fireworks and absence of owners a little stressful.“If you are not able to purchase new items, we are also encouraging members of the community to donate their time to create holiday messages for residents of local nursing homes.“Makerspace tables or events have been set up across our library branches for all ages to come in and make a card or two with the materials provided over the next couple of weeks.“If you are not able to pop in we are more than happy to accept cards from individuals, schools or community groups.”New books and Christmas cards will be accepted at any one of Council’s Library branches until Monday 11 December, with items for Central Coast Community Shed being accepted until Monday 18 December.The jolly man himself will also be stopping off at the Libraries for special Christmas storytime sessions, which kicked off this week.“Our Christmas storytime sessions are one of the highlights of our yearly calendar of events,” Council Unit Manager Libraries, Michelle Swan-Beardmore said.“Children absolutely love the Christmas stories, songs and carols, and their faces light up with sheer excitement when Santa arrives with his sack of presents.“At the conclusion of storytime, every child is invited to meet Santa to receive their gift of a new book to encourage a love of reading.“It is an utter privilege for us to be able to bring such pure happiness into the hearts of the children in our community.“Our Libraries are so much more than books – we are a centrepiece of the community, supporting the young, young at heart and everyone in between through our events, services and initiatives.“I would invite everyone to become a member of our Library to discover what we can offer.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries for dates, times and details of the above events or to become a member.ENDS Christmas storytime sessions:Thursday 7 DecemberUmina Library, 10.30amTuggerah Library, 11amMonday 11 DecemberGosford Library, 10.30amTuesday 12 DecemberErina Library, 10.30amWednesday 13 DecemberKincumber Library, 10.30amBateau Bay Library, 11amThursday 14 DecemberThe Entrance Library, 11am

Central Coast Council has installed water tanks in strategic rural locations across the region to help better serve the community during the fire season.Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling said that the installation of the water tanks would reduce turnaround times for fire trucks during an emergency.“Council is working closely with the Rural Fire Service to identify high risk locations without access to the town water supply, so that we can help better serve these communities during an emergency,” said Mr Dowling.“Residents in Dooralong and Holgate can now be confident that the local Rural Fire Brigades have better access to water for firefighting purposes with two 35,000 litre tanks in operation in both of these communities.“We often take for granted access to water during emergencies, however for the fire fighters in these communities it can take more than 30 minutes to leave a fire, refill and return before continuing the fight.“These tanks provide enough water for 23 firefighting tanker loads of water and will reduce the turnaround time significantly.”Council will also be commissioning water tanks at Mount Elliot and the northern end of Holgate before the end of the season.

A number of Central Coast Council’s facilities and services will be closed to the public on Friday 8 December for an award approved Union Picnic Day.This includes the Gosford and Wyong Offices, Libraries, works depots and all Council run child care centres.Kincumber Transfer Station and Woy Woy and Buttonderry Waste Management Facilities will operate as normal.The following facilities and services will be open and operating on the day:Lifeguards services on patrolled beaches from 9am to 5pm and The Entrance Ocean BathsCouncil Leisure Centres including Peninsula Leisure Centre, Gosford Olympic Pool, Niagara Park Stadium, Lake Haven Recreation Centre, Wyong Pool and Toukley Aquatic CentreGosford Regional GalleryLaycock Street Community Theatre’s box office will be closed but the theatre will be open for rehearsals and performances.Council will have its on-call and essential services available as required.

An Extraordinary Meeting of Council is being held this Thursday 7 December to present the Draft Financial Reports for the period from the date of amalgamation to 30 June 2017.The draft Financial Reports are available on Council’s website and comply with the Local Government Act 1993, Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, Local Government (Council Amalgamations) Proclamation 2016, the Office of Local Government prescribed Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting and relevant accounting standards.  The draft Financial Reports can be found under Council meeting at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.The draft Financial Reports for the 13.5 month statutory reporting period reflect a total income from Continuing Operations of $723.7 million, including $90.3 million of capital grants and contributions, operating expenses of $568.0 million and a net operating surplus of $65.4 million before grants and contributions provided for capital purposes and gain on local government amalgamation.  Council received a total of $11 million in one off operational grants being $10 million as part of the New Council Implementation Fund and $1 million from the Stronger Communities Fund for a community grant program.  Council also received in June 2017 $12.5 million in Financial Assistance Grants for the 2017-18 financial year.  Accounting standards require Council to recognise this income in the year received.  Council’s operating surplus before grants and contributions provided for capital purposes, gain on local government amalgamation and additional income received in the 2016-17 statutory reporting period is $41.9 million.The $6.7 billion gain on local government amalgamation reflects the net value of assets and liabilities transferred from the former Councils to Central Coast Council at the date of amalgamation.

Central Coast Council’s $15 million upgrade to the Wyong South Sewage Treatment Plant is complete.Council’s Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said the upgrades to this essential service would benefit residents now and into the future.“Wyong South Treatment Plant receives the equivalent of around four and a half Olympic size swimming pools of sewage every day, and this will increase as our community grows,” said Mr Dowling.“Undertaking this upgrade ensures the treatment plant will be able to handle this growth without compromising the quality of water returned to the environment.“The plant uses organic materials to remove the majority of odours from the inlet works in a newly constructed hybrid bio trickling filter system.

Sightings of the American corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus), on the Central Coast are on the rise.Classified as a serious invasive species, these snakes have the potential to cause serious damage to the Central Coast’s natural environment and native species.Central Coast Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling is calling on the community to be vigilant and report any sightings of the snake.“We are seeing more corn snakes as the weather warms up, with four being spotted on the Coast so far.

With summer upon us, Central Coast residents and visitors are reminded of the importance of beach safety and swimming between the flags.As holidaymakers flock to the region, Central Coast Council is encouraging beachgoers to be safe and take care, by following these simple safety tips:Only swim at a patrolled beachesOnly swim between the red and yellow flagsRemember - if the lifeguards can’t see you, they can’t save youIf you get into difficulty, remain calm, float, and raise your arm to signal for help.Never swim if you’re feeling unwell or have been drinking alcoholMayor Jane Smith said it was important for beachgoers to swim between the flags and to understand the two main types of flags used on our beaches.“With an anticipated 1.3 million visitors using our patrolled beach locations throughout the busy Christmas holiday period, it’s necessary that people are advised about the importance of beach safety,” said Mayor Smith.“The red and yellow flags indicate supervised areas patrolled by Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving members that are safe for swimming.“To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, surfers and board riders are asked to remain outside of the black and white flags that are located next to the red and yellow flags.“These black and white flags are used to ensure board riders don’t impact safe swimming areas and will now be used consistently at all beach locations by Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving.”Council lifeguards patrol 15 locations from Monday to Friday, while Surf Life Saving members patrol on weekends and public holidays.“We also have a lot of visitors to the coast who may not be aware of our patrol locations and times, so we have to work together to spread the word,” explained Mayor Smith.“Having streamlined hours to align with Surf Life Saving across all 15 locations makes this easier and safer for all.”Beach patrol hours during non-peak holiday times (23 September 2017 until 15 December 2017 and 1 February 2017 until 30 April 2018) are 9am to 5pm.During the summer peak holiday period, between 16 December 2017 and 28 January 2018, all locations will operate from 9am to 6pm with Terrigal, Avoca and Umina beaches operating from 8am until 6pm.There will be additional patrols at Budgewoi Beach and Ficus Avenue (Avoca Beach Lifeguard Tower) during the holiday periods, and Entrance Ocean Baths will be patrolled from Monday until Sunday.All locations will align with the peak and non-peak patrol hours.“As we head into the busy patrol season, I’d like to remind beach goers about the vital work Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving members do to keep us safe,” said Mayor Smith.“In addition to providing vital search and rescue services, and emergency medical care when required, they also play an important role in educating the public in beach and water safety.“I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the fantastic work they do each and every day.”

The Central Coast is set to showcase its unique culture and landscape on a world stage as Gosford plays host to the 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay on Saturday 3 February.A Commonwealth Games tradition celebrating diversity and community spirit, this year’s Relay started on 13 March at Buckingham Palace in United Kingdom and will travel for 288 days and 230,000 kilometres before making its way to the opening ceremony of the Games on 4 April 2018 at the Gold Coast.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said 17 outstanding locals have been selected to proudly carry the baton when it comes to the Central Coast in February.“Council is honoured to host this event that gives our outstanding Coasties a chance to represent their community and get into the spirit of the Commonwealth Games,” Ms Vaughan said.“This is a huge international event and gives the Central Coast a chance to shine on the world stage.”The relay will start at 11.30am from Laycock Street Theatre, with baton bearers travelling down Mann Street through to the free ‘Family Fun Day’ event at Central Coast Stadium before completing the final leg along Gosford waterfront to the historic pool.Mayor Jane Smith said the event is a remarkable opportunity to showcase the wonderful natural assets the Central Coast has to offer along with our world-class sporting facility at Central Coast Stadium.“This is the first time the Central Coast has been a part of this international event and it is a real honour to be chosen,” Mayor Smith said.“I encourage our community to get behind this event and come along with friends and family to show their support.”Coinciding with the Baton entering Central Coast Stadium, a formal ceremony will take place to welcome the baton as part of the Family Fun day that includes free live music and interactive activities for all ages.Find out more about the Queen’s Baton Relay, including local batonbearers and the free Family Fun day event, by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/QBR2018

Gosford Regional Gallery is offering a rare glimpse into the lives of two of Australia’s most famous artists – Sir Russell Drysdale and Brett Whiteley - over summer.Central Coast residents will get an opportunity to see paintings by Russell Drysdale developed right here on the Coast, and paintings of Brett Whiteley’s never seen here before.Council Mayor, Jane Smith, described the two iconic exhibitions as a major event for the Central Coast.“We’re very honoured to host both exhibitions at the Gosford Regional Gallery,” said Mayor Smith.“They celebrate the talents and lives of the late Brett Whiteley and Sir Russell Drysdale.“These iconic artists had distinguished careers in Australia and internationally, and have each won many prizes and awards.

The winners of the 2017 Central Coast Council Library Service annual Short Story Competition were announced at a well-attended awards ceremony yesterday.This is the second consecutive year the competition has been held across the Coast, creating a platform for hopeful local authors to be discovered and recognized whilst developing literacy skills in the community.Council Unit Manager Libraries, Michelle Swan-Beardmore was at the ceremony yesterday to present the winners with their Apple iPad to help cultivate their creative writing.“Congratulations to all those who took out an award at yesterday’s presentations,” Ms Swan-Beardmore said.“With a record number of 234 entries, receiving an award is a noteworthy accomplishment.“We are incredibly proud of the Library’s role in nurturing and inspiring our amazing local talent to help not only boost the profile of creative writing across the Coast, but also encourage the development of literacy skills within our community.“We would like to thank everyone who was brave enough to submit their original stories.”The winners in each category are:Junior 5-8 – Chase McGarvey for Don’t Judge a Book by its CoverChild 9-12 – Isabella Pex for Destiny’s QuestYouth 13-17 – Sophie Miller for Rising SkyAdult 18+ – Ryan Carson for The SculptorCouncil Director Connected Communities Julie Vaughan, said the talent displayed this year was absolutely outstanding, making the judges decisions significantly challenging.“This is such an incredible program and I commend our libraries for their part in cultivating creative writing in our local community,” Ms Vaughan said.“With only 40 per cent of our population having completed year 12 or equivalent, our Libraries play an important role in encouraging education and learning, so it is fantastic to see all ages getting involved in this competition.“This is only one of the many ways our libraries are helping improve literacy and reading levels in our community – I would encourage everyone to join our library service and discover what other amazing initiatives they offer to help develop these skills.”To read the winning entries and rediscover what your local library has to offer visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries

The Lakes Festival left ripples across the Central Coast this month, attracting more than 60,000 people to events and activities over the 10 days.Central Coast Council recorded a massive jump in numbers from last year’s event, with a predicted benefit of more than $6.7 million (Source:

Laycock Street Community Theatre has launched their exciting line-up of performances to light up the stage in 2018.Audiences of all ages will have the opportunity to “see with emotion, feel in colour” with high quality professional touring shows throughout the year.

Highlights of the 27 November 2017 Council MeetingCouncil asks the State Government to change the location of rail maintenance facilityCouncil has resolved to write to Transport for NSW to request that the site of the rail maintenance facility for the Central Coast be changed from Kangy Angy to Warnervale.In 2014 a Transport NSW consultant report recommended land adjacent to the Link Road at Warnervale was the ideal site for the facility instead of the current location at Kangy Angy.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was supportive of a rail maintenance facility for the local jobs it would create but wanted to ensure it was in the right location on the Central Coast.“Warnervale is where the growth on the Coast will be, where there is the space and industrial land to accommodate a facility of this size and scale,” Mayor Jane Smith said.‘The State Government have changed their minds on other key issues for the State, and we are asking for them to make the right decision for the Central Coast.”Council will now write to Transport NSW requesting that they reconsider the Kangy Angy site for the proposed Rail Maintenance Facility and instead move to the Warnervale site adjacent to the Link Road.Community members on Mangrove Mountain and Spencer Advisory Committee confirmed All eleven community members who put in an Expression of Interest have been appointed to the Committee to advise Council on actions and to address issues relating to the Mangrove Mountain Golf Course and alleged dumping at Spencer.Mr Mr John Asquith, Mr Gary Chestnut, Mr Stephen Goodwin, Mr Wolfgang Koerner, Ms Margaret Pontifex, Ms Marilyn Steiner, Mr Danny Willmott, Mr Stephen Rickards, Ms Pam O’Sullivan, Ms Joy Cooper and Ms Lillias Bovell are the appointed community members.The community members will round out the committee made up of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors Marquart, MacGregor and Mehrtens as well as the Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel, other relevant staff and independent experts.Mayor Jane Smith said with the confirmation of the community appointments the Committee can now get on with the job of helping to resolve issues relating to waste management in the best interests of the community and the Central Coast.“We want to ensure we have everyone at the table with the expertise, knowledge and interest to ensure these issues are investigated thoroughly and the appropriate action taken as that is what our community want to see.”“I look forward to the first meeting of this Committee and in continuing to keep the community updated on the progress of these important matters.”Aviation Hub Masterplan for Central Coast airport on holdCouncil confirmed its support for the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act and resolved that the current 1196 metre runway not be extended, removed or altered.Council further resolved that all works at the Central Coast Airport will be suspended, unless required by law or that suspension would expose Council to liability.Council also resolved to reallocate budget allocated to the development of Central Coast airport to employment generating projects in the former Wyong local government area, with a report to be put to the 12 February 2018 Council Meeting.Mayor Jane Smith said the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act provides safeguards for the community and that any future development of the airport must have that in mind.“There is a view there are better employment generating options out there, other than developing the airport, and we want to explore those options,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“It is crucial for the progress of the Coast that we find the right balance between the built and natural environment.“The airport is near the Porters Creek wetlands and we need to ensure any development is sensitive to the biodiversity of the area protects the water quality in the Tuggerah Lakes estuary now and into the future.”Council will also prepare a report to protect the biodiversity of the Porters Creek wetlands and report back to meeting on 26 February, 2018.Council has resolved not to move forward as originally proposed by the former Wyong Council.Council looking to move to a fortnightly meeting scheduleProposed amendments to Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, including fortnightly meetings, a community forum and a simplified order of business, will be put out on public exhibition.Council is required to meet at least ten times a year, under the Local Government Act.  Council will easily meet this obligation by seeking to hold meeting on the second and fourth Monday of every month from February to November inclusive, with one further meeting on the second Monday in December.Meetings will continue to alternate between Gosford and Wyong and will be livestreamed.Mayor Jane Smith said with the workload of the new Council it was important to hold fortnightly meeting for openness and transparency and to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of the Central Coast community.“We have a big job to do, and an important one and it is important we all come together regularly to make the important decisions that will move the Coast forward,” Mayor Jane Smith.“Openness and transparency is the key which is why we will continue to live stream all Council meetings so everyone can see what is going on.”“Residents will be able to address Council on items on the agenda or seek to speak at a community forum to raise a specific item of concern to them with all Councillors there.”Community Forums will be held once a month between 5 and 5.30pm on a rotational basis between Gosford and Wyong with a maximum of two presentations.The amended Code of Meeting Practice will be publicly exhibited for 42 days and will be available on yourvoiceourcoast.comMerger funding delivering a stronger Central Coast community Twelve not-for-profit groups on the Coast will share in just under $250,000 in funding, following the announcement of round 3 of the Stronger Communities Fund program.The Stronger Communities Fund was established by the NSW Government for merged Councils, including the Central Coast to provide grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 to local groups.

New starting blocks and an electronic timing system have been installed at Peninsula Leisure Centre making it the only aquatic centre on the Central Coast or Newcastle to have Olympic standard timing equipment available to our swimmers every day they are in the pool.The $135,000 funding for the purchase and installation of the equipment was made possible through Stronger Communities Funding, established by the NSW Government to provide merged Councils with funding to kick-start the delivery of projects that improve community infrastructure and services.Council Mayor Jane Smith, said she was delighted to see this investment in the Peninsula Leisure Centre, one of Council’s busiest leisure and recreation facilities.“The Centre attracts over 440,000 patrons per year and the new equipment will make it an even more attractive option to the competitive swimmers in our community,” Mayor Smith said.The funding has enabled the installation of new starting blocks including a starting ledge for backstroke, a new electronic timing system and boards for both swimming and water polo competitions.“Access to this Olympic standard timing equipment and new starting blocks means our swimmers will be doing their daily training under the same conditions as they will be competing at representative swim meets at venues like the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre,” Mayor Smith said.“This will allow them to be better prepared, comfortable and confident in how to use the equipment and could potentially lead to improved times and greater representation at State and National meets from Central Coast swimmers.”Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said $10 million has been provided to Central Coast Council under the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund to help deliver key infrastructure for the rapidly growing region.“The State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund has enabled us to invest in projects that will benefit our growing community for many years to come,” Mr Crouch said.“The grassroots projects selected are the types of community improvements that will make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.”Local MLC Taylor Martin said he was pleased the Council and Government were delivering a range of projects, which have been community priorities for some time.“The community has been very involved in identifying these important projects and working with Council to provide feedback and finalise the designs,” Mr Martin said.“We are really excited to fund these important projects for locals and visitors to enjoy.”Peninsula Leisure Centre offers a range of modern facilities and services including the Aquatic Centre featuring an indoor heated 50 metre pool and program pool, 24 hour Health and Fitness Centre, Learn to Swim Program, squad programs, indoor sports and children’s facilities and first aid and lifeguard training courses.The Centre also has a children’s party room, crèche, café, barbeque and picnic facilities, therapy pool, as well as spa, sauna and steam rooms.

Christmas is just around the corner and Central Coast Council has planned a number of celebrations to see in the popular holiday for residents and visitors alike.Celebrations will kick off on Friday 24 November at The Entrance with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree from 6.30-8.30pm.Headlining the entertainment will be the popular, historical Tuggerah Lakes Showband playing all your Christmas classics on the Waterfront Plaza.Friday will also start the 30 days of Christmas activations at The Entrance with Santa’s Magical Garden open daily from 9am-7pm.

Central Coast Council is supporting a 16 day global campaign to help raise awareness on domestic violence and stop violence against women.White Ribbon Day encourages the community to stand up and speak out against violence and the impact it has on the community.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Council is supporting the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee who is leading the region in speaking out against this issue.“Violence against women is a significant issue on the Central Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“It is a myth that domestic violence only occurs in marginalised communities;

Central Coast Council has set up fencing around a nesting site at The Entrance North for rare sea birds that have returned to the area.The endangered birds, Little Terns, have migrated from eastern Asia and are now calling the Karagi Reserve home.Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, is calling on the community to help Council protect the habitat while the birds raise their young.“It’s important to protect the shore while the Little Terns are breeding so they can increase their population,” Mr Dowling said.“The adult birds are known to abandon their chicks if they’re disturbed by people which leaves the babies vulnerable to predators such as dogs, cats and foxes.“Council is acting to protect the birds and is calling on the community’s help as the eggs are so small it’s easy to accidentally step on them or be eaten by other animals.”Council has set up temporary fencing and signs around the nesting site at Karagi Reserve to keep out pedestrian traffic and potential predators.Council Mayor, Jane Smith, said Council is committed to integrating the natural and urban environments to ensure wildlife can continue to call the Central Coast home.“It’s great to hear these birds are back on the Coast and using our shore to raise their young – it is a positive sign that the work Council is doing around our waterways is really beginning to pay off.