Central Coast Council has started the countdown to ChromeFest – a three day event that is fast-becoming one of the biggest events on the tourism calendar for the region and nation-wide.In its 9th year, ChromeFest will see Memorial Park and the streets of The Entrance lined with hundreds of classic cars from 27-29 October and attracts over 50,000 people every year from all over Australia.With the Show ‘n’ Shine show in full swing on Sunday 29 October, a free shuttle bus service will be on offer as a number of road closures will be in place for the show.The buses will leave every hour from Darren Kennedy Oval, Evans Road Toukley and EDSACC Oval, Yakalla Street Bateau Bay, taking visitors straight to The Entrance for ChromeFest.The three day festival is more than just cars and engines, The Entrance also comes alive with market and retro stalls, rock ‘n’ roll bands, dance displays, vintage fashion parade, free live entertainment and activities as well as the Show and Shine presentation.Check out the full program online at chromefest.org

Central Coast Council has moved to assure ratepayers its investment portfolio is on track to deliver sound returns for the community.As at August 2017 43.84% of Council’s investment portfolio was held in the BBB credit rating Category compared to its own guideline of 40%.The financial institutions issuing fixed income investments and bonds are considered investment grade (IG) if its credit rating is BBB or higher by Standard and Poor (S&P).  Generally the financial institutions are assessed by the rating agency as having adequate capacity to meet financial commitments and repayment of the invested funds.There was a downgrading of some bank’s credit rating in May 2017 by S&P, which in turn has downgraded the rating of some of Council’s investments but Council has confirmed in a public report that this will be rebalanced favourably by the end of the month.  Council has reported the rebalancing of the investment portfolio in each of its monthly investment reports since the May 2017 report presented at the Ordinary Meeting held on 28 June 2017.Council intends to hold these term deposits until they mature and as such the value of these term deposits are not impacted by this rating change.Council Chief Financial Officer, Ms Vivienne Louie, said Council’s investment portfolio is in accordance with the Ministerial Order and will be within Council’s investment guidelines by October 2017.  Over 50% investments are held with AA financial institutions.“Council is not concerned the investment portfolio is currently predominantly in the BBB Category as we believe those financial institutions are safe to hold our investments,” Ms Louie said.“Our investment portfolio is structured on rolling maturity dates to ensure Council has sufficient funds to deliver the Operational Plan.“Our Operational Plan is our contract with our community and we must deliver.“At certain times of the year Council may have more cash than we require to meet our obligations so we invest the additional funds to obtain the best return for our community.“Staff always review the investment portfolio to ensure any new investments proposed are in accordance with the Ministerial Investment Order and Council’s Investment Policy.“We review credit ratings of financial institutions who are taking investments, review the interest rates offered for the maturity dates required and the amount of our investment portfolio already held with each financial institution.”Before entering into any investment transaction with a new institution there will be a diligent review of the creditworthiness of that institution.

Central Coast Council has completed more than $308,000 worth of upgrades to a range of community infrastructure, thanks to $168,000 in contributions from the second round of the Department of Family and Community Services’ (FACS) Social Housing Community Improvement Fund (SHCIF).Provided for projects that make physical improvements in social housing areas, including construction of new capital works, or refurbishment, upgrade and repairs of existing facilities and public spaces, the Fund has assisted the recent renewal of five local infrastructure upgrades.Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said the fund supports stronger and safer communities through improved amenity and enhanced community facilities.“The SHCIF has completely or partially funded a range of local infrastructure upgrades to the benefit of social housing tenants and the broader community,” said Mr Dowling.“Grants up to $50,000 have been utilised to improve community facilities including play spaces, skate parks and reserves through the installation of pathways, seating, shade shelters and playground improvements, making these facilities safer and more accommodating for all users.”Completed projects include:Woodward Avenue Reserve, Wyong – installation of new pathway and seating – 100% SHCIF fundingLake Haven Recreation Centre play space – installation of new play space and rubber softfall – 55% SHCIF fundingAvery Street play space, Killarney Vale –  installation of rubber softfall – 100% SHCIF fundingBerkeley Vale skate park Stage 2 – extension of existing skate park including a new shade shelter and seating – 30% SHCIF fundingOwen Avenue play space, Wyong –  timber edging replacement, installation of play equipment and seating –100% SHCIF fundingCouncil has been successful in securing further funding under Round Three of the SHCIF, with six successful projects set to receive upgrades in 2018.

Westbound travel lane of Georgiana Terrace between Mann Street and Baker Street in Gosford will be closed for four weeks from today (Thursday 19 October 2017) to facilitate the final stages of works on the Australian Taxation Office building.There will be no access onto Georgiana Terrace from Mann Street for the duration of the works.Traffic will not be able to turn right from Baker Street onto Georgiana Terrace.Traffic management and detour signage diverting traffic from Mann Street via Donnison Street will be in place for the duration of the works.Council apologies for the inconvenience and advises motorists to take extra care in the area.

Central Coast Council’s vision to create a state-of-the-art sporting complex is closer to reality with the laying of turf for the five of nine playing fields planned for the site.Construction is on track for the grand $23.71 million sporting complex which will boast a premier ground plus 8 playing fields, cricket pitches, public amenities including change rooms, canteen facilities, store rooms and parking.Council Manager Open Space and Recreation, Mr Brett Sherar, said the quality of the sporting experience is directly related to the quality of the playing surface and Council was leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of the perfect playing field.“Spring is the perfect time of year to lay good turf and this is the start of what will be a 12 month process to create the perfect playing field,” Mr Sherar said.“We want to attract significant sporting competitions from around Australia and we can do that by establishing our reputation as having first class surfaces.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Complex was the biggest infrastructure project to be delivered on the Coast in the 2017-18 financial year and will deliver significant economic benefits to the region.“The economic benefits that will flow to the Central Coast from hosting major sporting tournaments are huge – in tourism dollars and in creating local employment opportunities,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“We have already significantly increased our funding for tourism marketing and having world-class facilities here on the Coast will further increase our visitor appeal.“Attracting sporting talent to the region to use this facility will be a great opportunity to inspire young people and the broader community to also get involved in local sport.“We need more visionary infrastructure like this on the Coast and we will continue to look to partner with the Federal Government to deliver it for our growing region.The Tuggerah Regional Sporting Complex has been jointly funded by the Australian Government investing $10 million through the National Stronger Regions Fund, and Council contributing $13.71 million and is on track to be open by September 2018.

Central Coast Council Libraries will soon be boasting one of the largest library catalogues in the State when their streamlined system goes live this Wednesday 18 October.Thanks to the upgrade current members of Central Coast Libraries North or South will be able to access all libraries across the region with the one card, instantly doubling the amount of resources available to them.Council Mayor Jane Smith said this superior system demonstrates how far Council has come to create a more connected region for the benefit of its residents.“The launch of this bigger and better system means we are now able to deliver greater access to a wider range of services for our community,” Mayor Smith said.“Members now have access to more than 320,000 items across 11 branches, two community branches and the amazing suite of online resources.“This increase in services will greatly benefit parents, children and schools to access more great reads and educational resources, including the online tool Studiosity.“Previously not available to those from Central Coast Libraries South, this excellent online tool allows students in years 3-12 to converse with tutors in real time to gain assistance in a range of subjects – a fantastic study aid for those currently sitting their HSC and needing some last minute help.“Members will also see an increase in the eBook and eAudio collections, with over 18,000 titles now available, which can be read or listened to with the simple click of a button.“Things synonymous with our libraries haven’t changed – storytime, free internet and wifi, books, graphic novels and more are still available.“Connecting our residents through cultural, historical and community-focused hubs is what our libraries are all about and this upgrade is something to be celebrated.“I would encourage everyone in our community to become a member and rediscover what their local library can offer.”With the launch of the new system members will now be able to reserve available items for free.

Central Coast Council presented Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) with a $201,000 cheque at North Avoca Surf Club, for the first installment of a three year sponsorship funding agreement.Announced in July 2017, the funding will assist SLSCC with maintaining vital beach safety services across 15 surf clubs on the Central Coast.Council Mayor, Jane Smith, said the funding program will allow for the development and growth of Surf Life Saving on the Coast.“The sponsorship funding will assist Surf Life Saving with continuing to provide the community with essential beach patrol services, life saving equipment and educational swim between the flag messaging” said Mayor Smith.“Local surf clubs are vital to the overall services provided to our community.

The winners of the 2017 Council Environment Program were announced today at a student leadership day at Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park.Six schools from around the coast were recognised for their participation and creativity around this year’s theme Our Green Classroom, which aimed to encourage outdoor learning.Niagara Public School received the Innovation Prize for their Future Earth competition where students made boomerang bags for local supermarkets, built bird habitat boxes and conducted a school wide energy audit.Wyoming Public School displayed the most involvement in the Biggest Green Classroom, with the entire school conducting all lessons outside during international Outdoor Classroom Day.Brisbania Public School won the Most Improved School, for enthusiastically involving themselves in all activities offered.The overall Environmental School of the Year awards went to Chertsey Primary School (Small School of the Year) and Wyoming Public School (Large School of the Year).Pretty Beach Public School won Best Performance after taking on the ABC War on Waste Challenge, with a very informative and impassioned speech on our need to avoid plastic bags and single use plastics in order to reduce the amount of plastic rubbish ending up in our oceans.Mayor Jane Smith said the initiative runs parallel with school environmental educational programs.“Council’s School Environment Program aims at building an understanding, appreciation and concern for our natural environment,” said Mayor Smith.“The program is designed to integrate with the programs offered by local schools and the Department of Education.“It’s imperative that we impart this knowledge in our schools so kids are aware of their environment, how to look after it and the impact it has on their lives.“Their involvement means they are learning how to recycle better, consume less, be water wise, reduce waste and energy, and enjoy nature.“Most of all they learn that small changes can make a big difference and that they have the ability to protect the environment.”Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the program is especially important in this day and age.“In the age of technology, this year’s program encourages schools to spend more time outdoors and less time in front of the screen,” said Ms Vaughan.“Outdoor classrooms are part of a worldwide education movement aimed at increasing learning outside.

Committee formed to take action over dumping at Mangrove Mountain and Spencer An Advisory Committee has been established by Council to oversee actions and address issues relating to the Mangrove Mountain Golf Course and dumping at Spencer.The Mayor, three other Councillors, Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel, community stakeholders and independent experts will make up membership of the Committee with all minutes and resolutions to be reported publicly to an open Council meeting.Mayor Jane Smith said there was a great deal of concern in the community in relation to the serious allegations raised in the ABC Four Corners story relating to waste issues on the Central Coast.“The community want to see action on these issues,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“There are ongoing investigations by Council and external agencies relating to Mangrove Mountain landfill and alleged illegal dumping at Spencer, and these important legal processes must continue.“By establishing this Committee we are ensuring we are doing everything we possibly can to bring all the parties to the table to resolve these issues in the best interests of the community and the Central Coast.“Most importantly of all, all activities will be publicly reported to Council to ensure the community is kept up to date on the progress of this Committee.”The first meeting must be held within a month and the minutes of the Advisory Committee reported to Council.Council calls for urgent meeting with the State Government on Kangy Angy rail maintenance facility Council has called for an urgent meeting with Transport NSW, within the next fortnight, on its plans for a rail maintenance facility at Kangy Angy.The call is in response to landowner concerns relating to the environmental sensitivity of the site at Kangy Angy and the need to explore other options for the rail maintenance facility.Mayor Jane Smith said Council had acted quickly and would progress community concerns relating to the location of the facility directly with the State Government.“Landowners feel they have been railroaded in this whole process and their voices remain unheard,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“If a meeting cannot be held within a fortnight than we will be calling on all work relating to facility to cease until a meeting can take place.”“We are asking Transport NSW to come to the table with Council to hear firsthand community concerns and to discuss the future of the proposed railyards, particularly in other locations.”Council is looking to Transport NSW to revisit other site options outlined in previous consultant reports.Fees set and changes to expenses deferred for new Central Coast CouncillorsCouncil has now set the annual fee to be paid to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors based on a determination of the NSW Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.All Councillors will be paid $28,950 a year with the Mayor to receive $104,847 and the Deputy Mayor $37,383.  The recommendation is consistent with the resolutions of other Councils of a similar size including Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown and Northern Beaches Councils.Mayor Jane Smith said the fees were a matter of public interest and that further expenses suggested for the Mayor and Councillors would be deferred for further consideration and review by staff and Councillors.“We are all pleased and honoured to have been elected to serve the people of the Central Coast,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“The fees have been set to reflect the high demands placed on us in the execution of our civic duty and the fact that I will be a full time Mayor serving the needs of the community every day.”“Additional expenses have been suggested to help fulfil Mayoral duties as the head of what is now a major regional Council, with a diverse and growing population.”“I want the public to have confidence their elected officials are claiming reasonable expenses directly related to their role in the service of the community.”Additional expenses being considered include a prestige vehicle for the Mayor to undertake civic duties and business class travel when representing the Council at state and national forums.

Legendary Choirboys lead singer and Beyond Blue Ambassador Mark Gable is sharing his experiences with mental health at Kincumber Library this week as part of Mental Health Awareness month.Mr Gable will be at Kincumber Library this Wednesday, 11 October, for an up close and intimate discussion on the impacts of depression and the importance of mental health.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the libraries are pleased to be welcoming such a Coast legend who is willing to open up about his struggles with mental health.“The personal and intimate setting for the evening will be a meaningful way to have a real and honest discussion about mental health,” Ms Vaughan said.“Kincumber Library is pleased to be hosting such an event, which will really connect the community here on the Coast to an issue that affects many people in many ways.”Choirboys lead singer Mark Gable said he had experienced depression through his career and talking openly about it leads to better understanding in the community.“I hope what I have to say will somehow help those who have experienced similar issues with mental health as me,” Mr Gable said.“It is not an easy road, but it can be made easier by the simple process of talking about it.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the announcement by Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, of $250,000 to help Clean4Shore continue their Central Coast waterways cleaning program.This program, which aims to protect, enhance, rehabilitate or restore ecosystems and natural habitats, control or eradicate weeds and invasive species and conserve biological diversity, has been successful in helping maintain the overall health of local waterways, including our lagoons, Brisbane Waters and the Lower Hawkesbury River.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was pleased with the announcement and welcomed the opportunity to continue its working relationship with Clean4Shore for the next three years.“Our environment is a unique and delicate biological infrastructure requiring ongoing care and maintenance to ensure it long term health and prosperity,” Mayor Smith said.“This program, with its focus on involving the community, including school students and local volunteers, not only helps deliver cleaner waterways but also provides ongoing education and training for locals invested in preserving our wonderful natural environment.”In addition to the program focus on preserving the coastal waterways habitats, Clean4Shore actively promotes and recognises the role of indigenous people in conserving biological diversity, promotes and encourages ecologically sustainable practices and facilitates adaptation to climate change.“Central Coast Council is committed to delivering a vibrant and sustainable community for all its residents and this funding announcement for the Clean4Shore program supports this vision,” Mayor Smith said.

Central Coast Council is bringing Australia’s only major film festival for kids to the Central Coast over two nights this October.Little Big Shots is Australia’s largest and longest running film festival with Australian made and International films, documentaries and animations made by kids for kids.The film festival will be held in Wyong on Saturday 14 October and in Gosford on 21 October.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said this is just one of the unique ways Council is working to activate open areas across the Central Coast.“We are always looking for new and exciting events to bring to the Central Coast, and Little Big Shots definitely ticks all the boxes,” Ms Vaughan said.“It’s great to have something this big come to the Central Coast and inspire any future filmmakers and entertain their young minds.“It’s going to be an awesome evening out with the family, so bring along your picnic rug, sit back and relax and enjoy the best local and international short films made by kids for kids.”The first Central Coast Kids Film Festival will be held from 4pm on Saturday 14 October on Chapman Lawn, Hely Street, Wyong and on Saturday 21 October, Kibble Park, Gosford – with each venue showcasing different films.The Kids Film Festival will be more than a series of short films, there will also be a number of free activities and live entertainment including puppet shows, face painting, juggling, giant Jenga, hoola hoops and a DJ – just to name a few.For more details visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or littlebigshots.com.au

Local students entering their first or second year of university are invited to apply for Central Coast Council’s 2018 scholarship program.The annual program provides an outstanding opportunity to combine study with paid employment with one of the Coast’s largest organisations.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was looking for bright, talented and enthusiastic students to be part of its scholarship program.“The program is designed to encourage participation in undergraduate studies by offering scholarship opportunities exclusively to our local students looking for a step up into their career,” Mayor Smith said.“Currently, the number of Central Coast residents with university qualifications sits at just 11% compared to 24% for Greater Sydney and 19% per cent across Australia.

Central Coast Council is advising against swimming at five Lakes’ beaches after testing has found elevated levels of bacteria in the water.Council discover the bacteria in Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Canton Beach, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park, following routine testing this week.Signs have been erected at each location, warning against swimming until further testing can be completed.The unusually long dry spell and increased bird activity particularly in the shallows at the moment, coupled with the fact that there has also been little wind in these areas, which would normally whip up wave movement and water churn, has resulted in a higher concentration.Given the Coast is not expecting to see any significant rain in the short term, residents and visitors alike need to be mindful of where they can swim.All coastal beaches have been tested and have been declared fine for swimming.Residents and visitors are advised to swim between the flags at one of the patrolled beaches.

Nominations for the annual Central Coast Council 2018 Australia Day Awards are now open.The awards are open to anyone from across the Central Coast and spans seven categories designed to recognise locals who have shown outstanding dedication to their community, workplace, arts, culture or sport.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, is encouraging the community to get involved.“We all know someone who is at the local sports ground rain, hail or shine, or a leading local business entrepreneur, or volunteers in their local area;

Central Coast Council is opening the doors to three of their leisure and recreation centres, at an open day this Saturday 30 September.Visitors to Lake Haven Recreation Centre will receive free gym entry to try select classes such as Ab Blast, Body Balance, Smash Fitness and Boot Camp.

Councillor Jane Smith has been elected as the first Mayor of Central Coast Council, with Councillor Chris Holstein as the Deputy Mayor.Mayor Smith, has lived on the Coast for over 28 years, and is a first time Councillor, elected from the Gosford East ward.Councillor Chris Holstein, former Gosford City Councillor and State Member for Gosford was elected Deputy Mayor.Mayor Smith said it was an honour to be elected as the first Mayor and she is looking forward to the council working together with the whole of the community and in the best interests of the Central Coast.“We will listen to the community and together we will deliver better roads, footpaths, drainage, recreational facilities and protect our waterways – this is our contract with the community,” Mayor Smith said.“The services and infrastructure Council deliver is an essential part of maintaining our fantastic way of life here on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“We need to find the right balance between delivering the infrastructure our growing community needs as well as protecting our quality of life and our local communities - I believe we are up for that challenge.

Winners of the prestigious Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize have been announced, with ten talented artists from around Australia recognised.Now in its 18th year, a total of 519 entries were received from all over Australia, with 66 percent of entries from the Central Coast.The winners were selected from 161 finalists, with artworks to be displayed in the 2017 Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramics Prize exhibition held at Gosford Regional Gallery until 26 November 2017.Central Coast Council’s Connected Communities Group Leader, Julie Vaughan, has applauded all artists selected.“Congratulations to all the winners, as well as the finalists featuring in the exhibition.

Central Coast Council has a number free events planned at The Entrance next week to keep the children entertained in the school holidays.The Entrance Waterfront will come alive these school holidays with a range of fun free activities each day, from Monday 25 September – Friday 6 October.From 10am-1pm each weekday, there will be different activities to keep the little ones amused from giant bubbles to Lego, science shows to petting zoos, a roving magician and more.DreamWorks Trolls will be a highlight of the 10 day program on Thursday 28 September with a stage show in Memorial Park at 11am and 1pm, as well as an opportunity to meet and greet the Trolls at 12pm.But wait… there’s even more to do across the Coast these school holidays for kids of all ages.Council’s Youth Services also have an active and artistic program for the Coast’s young people, and Central Coast libraries will also play host to a range of exciting free activities.

The fifteen newly elected Central Coast Councillors will formally take an oath or give an affirmation to undertake their civic duties in the best interests of the people of the Central Coast at a special ceremony on Thursday 21 September 2017.The ceremony will be hosted by new CEO Mr Brian Bell and Administrator Ian Reynolds.