Council and Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd (“ACTP”) were parties to two contracts for the sale of two lots of land in Warnervale to ACTP.On 19 July 2017 Council terminated those contracts, and pursuant to provisions in those contracts, retained the deposits paid to Council by ACTP under those contracts.Any other potential sale or uses of the land will be a decision of the future elected Council.

Work on the construction of an additional level at the Wilson Road Carpark is nearing completion, with the project to provide the Terrigal CBD with 110 extra parking spaces.The $2.3 million project also includes the installation of a lift within the carpark, CCTV and the provision of additional disabled spaces on each floor – enhancing the facility’s overall accessibility.The upgrade is scheduled to be completed by Tuesday 15 August, with a staged re-opening to commence from Thursday 27 July – subject to weather conditions.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said that an efficient program of works had assisted the successful completion of this major infrastructure upgrade.“Despite the impacts of some inclement weather during the construction period, we have worked closely with our contractor to ensure the efficient completion of this project,” said Mr Reynolds.“We’re continuing to invest in Terrigal as one of the state’s premier tourist destinations and infrastructure improvements such as this redevelopment will go a long way to supporting the ongoing growth of the area.“The addition of these 110 car spaces has been carried out in conjunction with upgrade works on the Scenic Highway – improving the overall connectivity and access to the town centre,” said Mr Reynolds.Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said that the upgrade of the Wilson Road Carpark was part of wider investment into the Terrigal region.“This is an exciting time for Terrigal as it continues to grow in popularity, with significant investment in and around the area,” said Mr Dowling.“We’re continuing to work on catering for the needs of the region to complement this growth and have plans to invest almost $2.2 million through improvements to the area’s pedestrian and traffic flow – thanks to the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.“Council will also be revitalising the Terrigal Lagoon Foreshore, with $825,000 invested into the redevelopment of the play space in the Rotary Park as well as the proposed construction of a skate park.”“I would like to again extend my sincere thanks to the Terrigal community for their patience and understanding during the upgrade of the Wilson Road Carpark.”Staged re-opening commences:

The next Central Coast Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 26 July 2017 in the Wyong Chambers at 2 Hely Street.The July meeting was originally scheduled to be held in the Gosford Chambers but as renovations are currently underway to accommodate new Councillors from September, this venue is unavailable.Council apologises for any inconvenience and reminds residents all Council meetings are live streamed and can be viewed live via Council’s YouTube channel.

Two new major exhibitions are open at Gosford Regional Gallery, showcasing innovative and versatile ways to display and use glass, granite, marble and stainless steel materials.GLASS:

Central Coast Council will be running information sessions on grant funding for community organisations to deliver projects in the Coast’s northern suburbs.Chain Valley Bay Colliery Community Funding is a joint initiative between Lake Coal Pty Ltd and Council for not-for-profit organisations to improve community infrastructure and services in the suburbs of Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park.In the 2017 funding round, groups can apply for up to $30,000 for a community project.Two information sessions will be held next week giving organisations an overview on the funding options available and how they can apply.Monday 31 July, 1-3pmChain Valley Bay Community HallThursday 3 August, 5.30-7.30pmMannering Park Community HallThe first round of applications will open in August.

Central Coast Council welcomes today’s announcement by the NSW Government to base the new Tourism Destination Network office in Gosford.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said it was an exciting time for tourism on the Central Coast with more changes happening now than have happened in the last twenty years.“Combined with Council’s increased investment in tourism marketing and industry services, the recent appointment of new providers to deliver this, a new Destination Management Plan and the advent of a new marketing approach to implement it – we are working towards delivering more for the region,” Mr Reynolds said.Destination New South Wales set up a new regional tourism network structure in 2016, creating six destination networks to focus on increased visitor growth opportunity.  The Central Coast is part of the Sydney Surrounds North region including Blue Mountains, Hunter, Hawkesbury, Penrith and Lake Macquarie.Council Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said that the location of the new State tourism office on the Central Coast was a significant acknowledgement of the region’s tourism value and positioning as a visitor destination in New South Wales.“Tourism is a major industry on the Central Coast employing over 12,500 people and generating over $900 million a year for the regional economy,” Ms Vaughan said.“The passion and commitment of the Coast’s tourism industry is great.

Central Coast Council launched its Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) today at The Erina Centre - a Plan that will help create an inclusive and accessible community for everyone on the Coast.The Plan was developed in conjunction with staff, residents, local organisations and an external Disability Inclusion Reference Group.

Council crews have been busy finalising road and drainage upgrade works at Jilliby, Gwandalan and Gorokan as major infrastructure upgrades continue across the northern suburbs of the Central Coast.Stabilising, sealing and asphalting works were recently completed on a one kilometre section of Dicksons Road, Jilliby, as part of a systematic renewal program for the road.A section of Kanangra Drive, Gwandalan — from Summerland Road to Parraweena Road — also underwent asphalt renewal valued at $250,000.Drainage upgrades at Coorabin St, Gorokan, are almost complete with the installation of a new drainage line and street drainage complemented by road renewal works and kerb and guttering — an overall investment of more than $750,000.Crews will now focus their attention on upgrade works at Gascoigne Rd, Gorokan, with the installation of a new drainage system in addition to road renewal and kerb and gutter works from Leichhardt Road to Kennedy Street.Collectively, these projects equate to a $1.9 million investment in roads across Jilliby, Gwandalan and Gorokan.Council’s Operational Plan for 2017/18 also delivers more than $70 million worth of roads, transport and drainage capital works.

Central Coast Council’s Indigenous health and education program for high school students will be presented at an international conference in Canada later this month.Council’s Indigenous Community Development Worker, Matt Sonter, will present Ngura (meaning place) at the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Toronto, Ontario, from 24-28 July.Known as one of the most prestigious Indigenous education events the world has to offer, WIPCE attracts highly-regarded Indigenous education experts, practitioners and scholars from across the globe to share successes and strategies for culturally-grounded Indigenous education.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said this is an amazing feat for something that started as a program aimed at encouraging Indigenous students to develop a healthy lifestyle and live a fuller life.“The Ngura program is gaining a real sense of recognition on the Central Coast and internationally,” Ms Vaughan said.“Each year the program continues to grow in our local schools and you can see the benefits from the students attending, as well as growing recognition in the wider community.“The awesome performances by students in the dance residency program at the NAIDOC Week celebrations are another great example of how Council is working with students to reconnect with their culture.“The community were blown away by the standard of dancing from the students, but more so the pride they showed while performing.“Ngura focuses on more than the students.

Central Coast Council is calling on budding authors to be discovered and have their creative efforts recognised as the annual Short Story Competition kicks off today.The competition is one of the most anticipated library events on the calendar and last year attracted over 220 entries.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the competition offered an incredible opportunity for local writers of any age to have their creative efforts recognised and published.“Everyone has a story in them and this is your opportunity to get it out and share it with the community,” said Mr Reynolds.“Whether it be a happy or sad story, a real life event or fake news, it’s time for all aspiring authors on the Coast to let your imagination and creativity run wild and get writing.”Entries for the 2017 Short Story Competition will be accepted from Monday 10 July until 5pm Friday 31 August.Stories can be up to 1500 words and there will be four categories;

Central Coast Council has welcomed the release of Infrastructure Australia’s Corridor Protection report today which looks at the issue of preserving land for the high speed rail corridor between Melbourne and Brisbane.Council will study the report closely to assess any ramifications for planning on the Coast.The report is timely given Council is already working closely with the Coordinator-General for the Central Coast, Ms Lee Shearer on an infrastructure plan for the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council will officially open the newly renovated Berkeley Vale Skate Park on Tuesday 11 July following almost $145,000 of works to this popular district level facility.The improvements, made possible with joint funding of $95,000 from Council and $49,200 from the NSW Department of Family and Community Services through the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund, have ensured the facility can better cater for all ages, abilities and skill sets.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he was pleased to be unveiling the expanded skate place, which would add another high quality recreational facility to Council’s growing list of new or improved community infrastructure as part of its fully funded operational plan.“Since its original construction in 2007, the Berkeley Vale Skate Park has proved to be very popular, providing endless hours of fun for local skaters,” Mr Reynolds said.“Council was pleased to be able to partner with the NSW State Government to deliver these improvements including a mini ramp to encourage greater diversity of skills and end returns to the skate plaza area.“We have also included a shelter and seating to provide a place to stop and rest, enabling parents and grandparents to relax whilst the kids skate.”Investment in quality recreational infrastructure for the Coast’s growing community is a priority for Council and part of delivering on its promise to create a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast.“Council’s Operational Plan for this financial year includes $551 million in essential services and a record $207.9 million on capital works projects to roll out from the beginning of July.“Over 75% of operating and capital expenditure will be invested in the top priorities identified by the community – roads, transport and drainage, water and sewer, waste services and waterways and, of course, open space and recreation.“In fact, Council will spend $54 million on upgrading or delivering new open space facilities this financial year, facilities that our growing community want, value and need.”In addition to this skate facility at Berkeley Vale, Council will spend $185,000 to investigate and design a new district skate park at Lake Munmorah and has secured $500,000 from the Federal Government to build a new district skate park at Terrigal.The official opening of the Berkeley Vale Skate Place will be held on Tuesday 11 July from 11.30am and includes demonstrations, giveaways, BBQ and ‘The Bus’ run by Regional Youth Support Services.

Central Coast Council has today welcomed the announcement of a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into commuter car parking in NSW.The Inquiry will look at the effectiveness of the current state government policies and programs, the process for selecting the location of commuter car parks, the potential for restricted access or user pays commuter car parks and consideration of alternative modes of first mile/last mile travel, including point to point transport, active transport and on demand buses.Council Group Leader Assets Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said Council was already working with Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) and Transport NSW to improve parking in the Gosford CBD and along the rail corridor to Sydney and welcomed the broad scope of the inquiry which would look at more than simply building more car parks.“We have already working on a parking strategy as we know it is such a critical issue for not just our commuters but local businesses as well,” Mr Dowling said.“We need a comprehensive solution that is not simply about building more car parks and I am pleased to see the scope of the inquiry will also look at public transport connections.“We are certainly keen to provide our expertise and the work we have already done to the inquiry and will be putting in a submission.“I would encourage all our commuters to put in a submission as well to help ensure the inquiry comes up with recommendations that will deliver better outcomes for our community.”Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said commuting and parking were critical issues on the Coast and it was pleasing to see them getting recognition through this important Parliamentary inquiry.“With over 40,000 of our workers having to travel outside the Coast it is critical we tackle the issues of parking and local jobs head on,” Mr Reynolds said.“If we can come up with a solution that allows our residents to easily access public transport connections to get to the jobs they want, that could be a real game changer for the Central Coast.”The Inquiry’s Terms of References and submission details can be found at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au.

Central Coast Council has commenced work on facilities to complement the newly constructed BMX track at San Remo to create a highly active sporting hub for the north of the Central Coast.The NSW State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund, made available to amalgamated Councils, has enabled funding for the $640,000 project, which is part of the $9 million of infrastructure investment to roll out across the Coast over the next three years.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said he was pleased to see the commencement of this project that will deliver a vibrant recreation space for residents in the north of the Central Coast.“We knew there was a real need for this type of facility in the north of the coast which is why Council invested in the initial construction of the BMX track,” Mr Reynolds said.“The dollars provided to Council through the Stronger Communities Fund combined with strong feedback from the community to identify this project as a priority for the area have resulted in it being fast-tracked.“This is a real example of the tangible benefits of amalgamation – the community having a direct say in where funds are invested to create a brand new recreation space for our residents to enjoy.”The facilities under construction include an amenities building with changing rooms, toilets, canteen and officials room, night racing quality floodlights and shade shelters.Works have commenced on the lighting design and geotechnical reports been commissioned.

Central Coast Council is giving the foreshore of Terrigal Lagoon a makeover, opening up more recreational opportunities for the local community.The foreshore is already a popular spot with local community groups and families and provides easy access to the lagoon for aquatic activities including paddle board riding.Council is looking to build on this popularity by upgrading the Rotary Park as well as planning for Banjo’s skate park within Terrigal Lagoon Reserve – and the community is invited along to a drop-in information session on Wednesday 12 July from 10am-12noon at the 1st Terrigal Scout Hall.Council Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, is encouraging the community to come along to the information session to get an insight into the planned works.“We want the community to come along and meet the staff behind the project and check out the plans for the foreshore,” Mr Dowling said.“These works will not only add to the amenity of the area, they will also increase the recreational opportunities available along the foreshore.“The play space will be upgraded with new, modern play equipment and the skate park aims to provide a safe space for local riders.”The project has significant community support and a $500,000 Federal Government grant to build a skate park where children can learn to skate in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.The proposed location for the skate park was selected after a review of open space land in the Terrigal/Wamberal area and best meets the criteria for accessibility, visibility, proximity to public transport and suitable cleared land.Terrigal Rotary Park will also receive a significant boost with a $325,000 upgrade, thanks to in part a $100,000 grant from the NSW Metropolitan Greenspace Program and a $5000 contribution from the Rotary Club of Terrigal.Works include upgrading the play space and park furniture within the Rotary Park.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the upgrade was part of the record spend on capital works to deliver better services and infrastructure for the community.“The upgrade of the Terrigal Lagoon foreshore is one of many open space projects we have budgeted for to give our community more options to get out and be active,” Mr Reynolds said.“We are planning to spend more the $27million, this financial year, to improve our open space and recreational spaces across the Coast.”More information about the upgrade at Terrigal Lagoon Reserve, including designs and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.com

Council has taken over management of popular aquatic and recreational facilities in the northern end of the Coast — Lake Haven Recreation Centre, Toukley Aquatic Centre and Wyong Olympic Pool.These centres will be added to Council’s existing recreational network including Gosford Olympic Pool, Peninsula Leisure Centre, Niagara Park Stadium and The Entrance Ocean Baths.The decision to integrate management of these facilities allows Council to build on the existing programs available and create a Coast-wide network of sports and recreational centres to best meet the needs of our residents.Council will invest its resources and expertise in each of these centres to improve the facilities, services and programs for current users and the wider community.Council will also investigate opportunities to expand specialist programs, services and offers across its entire recreational network.Rest assured, it will be business as usual for these popular recreational assets, with fees and charges at all three locations remaining the same for the next financial year, subject to standard CPI increases.Council would like to thank YMCA NSW for the work in managing these centres to date and congratulate them on the successful operation of these facilities since 2009.For more information, email leisure@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council will kick off NAIDOC celebrations on the Coast with its annual Flag Raising Ceremony and morning tea on Monday 3 July from 10am in Wyong.NAIDOC Week runs from 2 to 9 July, celebrating Indigenous Australians’ history, culture and achievements.Indigenous flags will be raised in front of the Council Office in Hely Street, Wyong followed by an official ceremony at The Art House.The morning will include guest speakers and morning tea, with the highlight being performances by local students from the Indigenous Dance Residency program.Council has facilitated workshops for local high school students to learn contemporary dancing with traditional elements from professional dancers who have all graduated from NAISDA.Now its second year, this program will involve 50 students from Gorokan High, Northlakes High and Tuggerah Lakes Campuses (Berkeley Vale and Tumbi Umbi) – with Gorokan High creating their own music for their dance piece.Celebrations will continue across the Central Coast with morning teas, library storytimes and kids’ activities, as well as entertainment, sport and much more.The annual Community Day and Indigenous Careers Expo will be held at Gosford Racecourse on Tuesday 4 July, 10am-3pm and Darkinjung’s Family Fun Day on Wednesday 5 July at Baker Park, Wyong, 9am-3pmNAIDOC Week gives the community an opportunity to obtain a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture.This year’s theme is ‘Our Languages Matter’, aimed at raising awareness of the status and importance of Indigenous languages across the country.For more information on NAIDOC Week, see What’s On at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Stadium is preparing to play host to a top-of-the-table National Rugby League (NRL) clash on Saturday 1 July as the Sydney Roosters take on the Cronulla Sharks.The Round 17 fixture kicks off at 3pm, with gates open from 10.30am for the National Youth Competition and the Intrust Super Cup matches.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that it was pleasing to see top-flight rugby league returning to the Central Coast.“Council has enjoyed a fantastic partnership with the Sydney Roosters in recent seasons and the club has been investing in Central Coast rugby league through school programs, development initiatives and financial support,” said Mr Reynolds.“We hosted a Rooster’s trial match earlier this year and we’re excited to have them back at Central Coast Stadium.“We’re home to a passionate and well-regarded rugby league community here on the Central Coast and it’s great to have two of the best teams in the competition facing off in our own backyard.“I’ve got it on good authority that the pitch is in excellent condition, with ground staff working tirelessly to ensure a first-class surface for our visiting teams.”Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling said this NRL fixture complements the recent announcement of Lionel Ritchie’s performance at Central Coast Stadium.“We’ve been working hard to activate the stadium and this NRL game, amongst other recent announcements forms part of Council’s long term strategy for this wonderful facility,” said Mr Dowling.“We also recently hosted the home stretch of the Bay to Bay Running Festival, with in excess of 2,600 participants crossing the finish line on the stadium turf.“Council will soon be announcing a diverse program of events for Central Coast Stadium over the next 12 months, which will include a number of NRL games.“The Sydney Roosters are an integral part of our plans moving forward and I’d like to thank them for their commitment to the Central Coast.”For more information or to purchase tickets visit centralcoaststadium.com.au

The Central Coast is a great place to explore, regardless of the season – and what better way to keep the kids entertained than with some of the great activities Council has on offer these school holidays.Returning to Kibble Park will be the purpose built outdoor ice rink located in the park from 7-15 July.

Central Coast Council will be upgrading the public toilet facilities at Blue Bay Beach with a modern structure that can better withstand the marine environment.The existing structure will be demolished and replaced with a new public toilet block with two full accessible, unisex cubicles as well as showers on the outside of the building for easy access by users of the beach.Council will need to close the building from Monday 3 July with works expected to be finished in early October 2017.Visitors to the area are advised the nearest toilet block to Blue Bay Beach is at Swadling Park, Toowoon Bay.Council would like to thank the community in advance for their patience while the upgrade takes place.Council will advise the public when the new public toilet facility is opened.