Central Coast Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for up to six positions on its newly created Urban Design Panel.Council is looking for members from the fields of architecture, urban design or landscape architecture to provide independent design review of significant private and public developments across the region.Council Group Leader of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, said having this Panel provides an opportunity to utilise high calibre and relevant expertise to assist in achieving better design quality of buildings and public domains.“Council’s vision is to create a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast and having high quality design of major buildings and town centres will really help drive that,” Mr Cox said.“Having an independent panel be focused on ensuring that buildings are of high quality will put devleopers on notice that this is what Council are looking for and ensure that as our region grows so will the quality of our built form.”“We are really interested in getting candidates that are committed to delivering an improved design legacy for the Central Coast that we can all be proud of.”The Panel will be tasked with reviewing all DAs lodged with Council that are four storeys or more.Interested parties should view the Terms of Reference for the panel which can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.comEOIs should detail the experience and qualifications of the candidate, include a current CV and outline the ways in which the candidate would contribute to deliver high quality infrastructure, planning and urban projects on the Central Coast.Applications close on 28 July 2017 and should be sent to ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to get in before Friday to have their say in shaping the future of the Central Coast by contributing to the Community Strategic Plan.The Plan, the first ever developed for the entire region, will capture the community’s vision for the Coast and identify key social, economic and environmental priorities as well as long-term strategies for the Coast for the next 10 years.Over the past three months, Council staff have spoken directly to thousands of residents at 44 pop up stalls, schools, shopping centres and community events, delivered 2000 surveys to train commuters and engaged online with over 2000 residents.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the quality and quantity of feedback from residents so far was fantastic and highlighted the great passion residents have for the Central Coast.“We have been asking residents five simple questions around what they love about their suburb and the coast, what would make these better and what they imagine the coast to be in 10 years’ time,” he said.“The information we have been gathering will guide all of Council’s long term planning and decision making, so what residents are telling us will have a significant impact – together we can make the coast the very best it can be.”Once the initial phase of community consultation closes on Friday 30 June, Council will spend the next month collating and analysing the information collected to identify key themes and priorities for the region.“A Community Reference Group, comprising members of the local community, will work with Council and its partners between August and December to assist with shaping objectives and strategies for these key theme areas,” Mr Reynolds said.“The new Council, to be elected in September, will play a key role reviewing the community engagement outcomes, shaping the major themes and issues and developing the draft Community Strategic Plan.”“The Draft Plan will be placed on public exhibition from March to April 2018, and staff will then incorporate any feedback and suggestions from community to finalise the plan in preparation for adoption by Council in June 2018.If you haven’t had a chance to share your thoughts on the future of the Coast - where you live, work and play – jump online and have your say at yourvoiceourcoast.com before this Friday.

Central Coast Council will temporarily close the Ettalong Ferry Wharf from Thursday 22 June until Monday 3 July, as crews undertake a range of improvement works.The project – part of Council’s 2016/17 Capital Works Program – will include alterations and additions to the existing wharf walkway as well as the installation of a new gangway and pontoonValued at more than $240,000, the upgrade works will significantly improve accessibility on the popular wharf located on Ferry Road, Ettalong Beach.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the upgrade would support commercial maritime services and recreational fishers and boaters.“This project will assist with the ongoing operation of the Ettalong Ferry Wharf, benefiting a wide range of users,” said Mr Reynolds.“The Ettalong Ferry Wharf will be closed to ensure the safety of crews and the community as these important works are carried out.”As a result of the project, the Palm Beach Ferry Service will operate from the Booker Bay Public Wharf (Guyra St, Booker Bay) – for more information or a revised timetable, visit fantasea.com.au/palmbeachferriesCouncil would like to thank the community for their patience while these important upgrades are carried out.For any further information on the project, please contact Central Coast Council on 4325 8222.

Central Coast Council is helping lead the way for the next generation to be involved in protecting the Coast’s waterways by launching its first ever free Multi-Touch Books.Two digital books have been developed for pre-schoolers, primary school students and educators.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the focus on regional infrastructure in the NSW Budget 2017-18 delivering major road and health service upgrades to the Coast.$188.3 million has been allocated for Coast roads including:completing the upgrades at the Wyong Road intersections with the Pacific Highway and Tumbi Roadcommencing construction of the M1 Pacific Motorway widening between the Kariong interchange and the Somersby interchangecontinuing construction on the M1 between the Tuggerah and Doyalson interchanges and on the Pacific Highway widening between Lisarow and Ourimbah$1.5 million in improvements to the Empire Bay Drive, The Scenic Road and Cochrone Street intersection upgradeWarnervale Link Road - Albert Warner Drive to Pacific Highway (Planning)Pacific Highway in Wyong Town Centre (planning)Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said as a growing region, Council was particularly pleased with the promise to allocate 30 percent of infrastructure spending to the regions.“The $6 billion injection is significant and recognises that regions like the Coast are attracting more people who are looking for a better lifestyle away from the big cities and require improved infrastructure to meet their growing needs,” Mr Reynolds.‘Roads are a key priority for Council because our community wants better roads and it is pleasing to see such a significant injection by the State Government into roads here on the Coast.‘Council will be spending over $189 million of our own budget on local roads next year which will complement this funding and provide a better road network for our community.’The Budget details a $1 billion Regional Growth Roads Program to build new infrastructure in regional growth areas, targeting roads in the lower Hunter, Central Coast and the Illawarra.  $500 million has also been allocated to the Fixing Country Roads program to improve local and regional roads managed by local government.‘Council will also be looking to get a slice of this $1 billion Regional Growth Roads Program to improve the Central Coast network even further,’ said Mr Reynolds.‘The NSW Budget’s projected surplus of $4.5 billion is six times Council’s own budget and we will certainly be hoping and looking to see some of that funding flowing to the Central Coast particularly in even more funding for roads as well as our waterways and local environment.’A further $2 million has also been allocated in the budget to repair the Coastal Wall at The Entrance, with Council currently working with the Department of Lands on delivering the project.A full list of projects for the Central Coast can be found at myinfrastructure.planning.nsw.gov.au

The first ever Harvest Festival for the Central Coast has been hailed as a success by Council with over 10,000 people attending the two day festival.The Festival celebrated local produce on the Coast with 23 events planned for the Long Weekend across the Calga, Somersby, Peats Ridge, Mangrove Mountain, Kulnura and Yarramalong areas.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the wet weather did not deter the crowds and only four events needed to be cancelled.“It was pleasing to see so many locals and visitors embrace the opportunity to see another side of what the Central Coast has to offer – which is great local produce on a stunning mountain backdrop,” Ms Vaughan said.“It showed there is more to the Coast than just our beaches and waterways.

Central Coast Council has welcomed $3 million in funding for Tuggerah Lakes Estuary and Catchment Improvement as part of the Federal Government’s Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Program.These funds will add to the $7 million Council has already invested in Tuggerah Lakes this financial year resulting in significant improvements in the water quality across the lakes system.Council Group Leader, Mr Mike Dowling said the funds would be dedicated to whole of catchment issues in an effort to reduce the effects of pollutants, litter and environmental vandalism making their way into the lakes.“This funding will support the ongoing implementation of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan through stormwater upgrades, foreshore enhancement and a range of streambank, wetland and saltmarsh rehabilitation activities in the estuary catchment,” Mr Dowling said.“The project will continue to improve water quality, enhance nearshore areas for recreational use, reduce pollutant loads to the estuary, control invasive species in ecologically sensitive areas, encourage sustainable use and educate the local community about the estuary.

Central Coast Council has today reconfirmed funding is allocated in next financial year’s budget for amenity upgrades to Central Coast Stadium.Council committed some time ago to upgrade facilities to support attracting women’s sport to the stadium.  In particular, in the true spirit of partnership, to support the Mariners bid to secure a Women’s A League Team for the Central Coast, Council promised it would deliver the necessary amenities to support the team.Council’s commitment is further confirmed by the fact that funding for the additions are in the Draft 2017-18 Operational Plan currently on public exhibition.Council CEO, Mr Rob Noble, said Council is currently in discussions with designers to finalise the layout for the change rooms to ensure they would be ready in time for the start of the A League season.“We have allocated the funds, put designers in place and are confident the change rooms will be ready for action in just a few months,” Mr Noble said.“We are not sure what has occurred with the Mariners’ bid to have a women’s A League team for the Central Coast, and we are extremely disappointed that is has been unsuccessful.“Council is certainly happy to accommodate their needs or indeed any other code who wishes to use the Stadium.”Council is in discussions and final contract arrangements with two NRL teams to host more games at the Stadium for the next football season, as well as a host of other events.Preparations are also well underway to host one of the biggest acts ever to hit the Central Coast – Lionel Richie.

Central Coast Council advises there will be changed traffic conditions on McDonagh Rd/Wolseley Ave, Tacoma this Friday 16 June, 2017.One lane of the road, between Lewis Ave and Hillcrest Ave, will be closed from 7am – 1pm to allow for upgrades to a sewer pump station.Traffic control will be in place for the duration of the closure.Council thanks the local Tacoma community for their patience while the work is undertaken. 

Central Coast Council is continuing its in-depth road condition assessment across the region, as it compiles a comprehensive analysis of the entire sealed road network.The network – comprising of more than 2200 kilometres of road pavement – if joined would stretch from the Central Coast to the Cape York Peninsula!The results of the project will be used to develop future road renewal programs, providing data that will underpin the allocation of funds and resources – ensuring works are programmed effectively and efficiently.The information will also inform decision making around Council’s Capital Works programming for years to come.Considered industry best-practice, the detailed road condition assessment utilises advanced laser technology and will provide high-definition video imagery to ensure the accurate measure of road conditions.In addition, Council will also be cataloguing, mapping and assessing all regulatory signage, line marking and raised pavement markers to provide a comprehensive picture of all of the region’s road-related assets.As part of an ongoing commitment to improving transport infrastructure, Council has undertaken around 500 road and drainage renewal or upgrade works this financial year – with an even greater number anticipated for the year ahead.

Central Coast Council is bringing back the popular outdoor ice skating rink to Kibble Park again this winter school holidays.Suitable for the young, and young at heart, the 19m x 12m rink will return daily from 7-15 July between 10am to 7pm, with 45 minute skating sessions starting every hour.

Central Coast Council would like to congratulate Gosford’s Mr David Magro, who took out first place in the 2017 annual Exposure Photographic Prize for his show-stopping image Field of stars.The winners were announced at a crowded ceremony at The Art House - which is now showcasing the most outstanding images from amateur and emerging photographers, including the exceptional moment David captured in the sky.Council Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the judges definitely had a difficult task selecting a winner, but all agree First Prize is the most remarkable.“The quality of images just keeps getting better and better as well as being more contemporary and creative – especially from our local photographic community,” Ms Vaughan said.“We received entries from all over Australia, but this year photographers from the Coast have really shown the judges they have what it takes to stand out in an open competition, dominating the 2017 awards.”The entries from young emerging photographers are also outstanding and highlight the depth of talent on the Central Coast, and are showcased along with the other finalists.“Exposure has always been popular with young people, so this year we introduced a new award for an Emerging Young Talent (aged under 24 years) to show our support for the future generation of Central Coast photographers,” Ms Vaughan said.“From the 675 entries received, the top scoring 145 images are now on display, and I encourage everyone to get along to The Art House and check out the amazing images.”The winners of this year’s competition include:First prize overall – David Magro (Gosford)Second prize overall – Rosie Wood (Berkeley Vale)Third prize overall – Ainsley Martlew (Ettalong)Emerging young talent – Faith Cass (Umina Beach)Highly Commended in Postcards of the Coast – Nicole Wells (Point Claire)Highly Commended in Through the generations – Ann Evans (Hamlyn Terrace)Highly Commended in The natural world – Matthew Bendt (Long Jetty)Highly Commended in A picture tells a thousand words – Raimee Carroll (Hamilton)The exhibition is now open to the public until Sunday 25 June at The Art House Wyong.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the State Government's commitment of $150,000 for an emergency dredge of the Ettalong Channel.Council raised the issue of the need for State Government funding for dredging of the Channel at the Community Cabinet Meeting held on the Coast in February and was involved in the recent roundtable discussion with all stakeholders on the issue.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the emergency funding was welcomed but a long term solution was needed to ensure the channel remained navigable."This is a good interim solution while a more permanent solution and funding model to maintain the Channel are developed."We need to continue the conversation with the State Government and stakeholders about how this will be funded in the longer term.

Central Coast Council is helping you rid the winter blues with a free music festival at The Entrance in July.The popular Winter Blues and Jazz Festival is returning to Memorial Park, The Entrance with a fantastic line up of artists performing across two stages on Sunday 9 July.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Memorial Park is one of the Coast’s most popular entertainment venues attracting some major events to the area – just like this one.“The annual festival is a great way to see some of the country’s best musicians in our backyard for free,” Ms Vaughan said.“So bring along your chair or blanket and sit back and enjoy free live jazz and blues music along the water.”Headlining the Festival this year is blues singer, Jeff Laing and jazz singer, Emma Pask.Jeff is world renowned as a prolific artist and has yielded the rewards of many a hard-working musician's dreams - widespread acclaim, a devoted fan base, an exemplary back catalogue, an ARIA Award in addition to countless nominations, invitations to the world's most prestigious festivals, and coveted tours with such icons as Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan.Emma is an award winning vocalist who has firmly established herself as one ofAustralia’s favourite voices in Jazz.

Central Coast Council will hold an Extraordinary meeting on Monday 19 June 2017 for the presentation of the audited financial statements and the auditor’s reports for the former Gosford City Council for the period 1 July 2015 to 12 May 2016.The audited financial statements for the former Gosford City Council are available for inspection at Council’s administrative buildings in Mann Street Gosford and Hely Street Wyong, customer service centres, libraries and online at yourvoiceourcoast.com from 9am Friday 9 June.Any person may make written submissions to Council with respect to the former Gosford City Council’s audited financial statements or audit reports until 27 June 2017.Also available for inspection are the audited financial statements of the former Gosford Water Supply Authority.The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers in Mann Street Gosford at 6:30pm.Council will hold a residents’ forum before the Extraordinary Meeting at 6pm in the Gosford Chamber.  Residents are required to register to speak by calling 4325 8361 and will have a maximum of five minutes.

AFFINITY has been named by Central Coast Council as the successful organisation to deliver tourism marketing and industry services for the Central Coast for the next two years.Bringing together a consortium of three companies, AFFINITY’s expertise extends across international and domestic tourism marketing;

The Peninsula Leisure Centre (PLC) is preparing for a swag of improvement and upgrade works over the winter months, as part of a $500,000 investment into one of the region’s premier recreational facilities.Members and visitors will soon be able to enjoy a refurbished sauna, steam room and showers, while the program pool will also be fitted with a new heating system.The main pool will also be the recipient of new starting blocks and an electronic timing system valued at $135,000 – thanks to the recently announced Stronger Communities Funding from the NSW Government.Other general repairs and painting will be undertaken during the upgrade, with new lighting is also scheduled for installation in the popular sports hall.During the works, access to some areas of the PLC will be limited, with the pool hall closed between Monday 19 June to Friday 23 June 2017.The Health Club, Sports Hall and Crèche will remain open for the duration of the project.If you have any questions regarding the upcoming works, closure dates or impacts on scheduled programs or services at the PLC, please contact reception on 4325 8123.Council would like to thank members and visitors for their understanding and cooperation while these important upgrades are completed.

Berkeley Vale will be a hub of activity when we finish upgrading the recreational facilities to meet the growing needs of the area.The run-down play space at Berkeley Park, off Bundilla Parade (near the traffic lights), has been transformed into a natural play space.The new look play space is now open, and visitors to the park will enjoy trying out new equipment with more natural elements, creating a space for children to play, climb and use their imaginations.Across the other side of the road, the popular skate park next to Berkeley Vale Oval is now even bigger and better.Local riders will notice it’s been expanded with extra elements such as ramps.

Council wishes to advise that a temporary road closure will be in place along Morgans Road, Wendoree Park, on Thursday 8 June from 9am – 3pm, while essential road pavement investigation works are carried out.The project will involve the complete closure of Morgans Road, between the bushfire trail and the Neverfail Park.Residents on Morgans Road will not have vehicular access to their properties during this time and are encouraged to plan any travel around the scheduled works.Warning signs will be in place to notify motorists of the changed traffic conditions and crews will be available to provide assistance to nearby residents and access to emergency vehicles if required.Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience while these important works are carried out and apologises for any inconvenience.

Council’s plan for managing the impacts of storms and coastal erosion on its southern beaches has been formally certified by the NSW Government.Council’s Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan will now guide Council’s approach to the protection of public and private property from future coastal erosion.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the certification of the Plan was the start of the process of Council, the community, landowners and the State Government working together to protect the Coast’s unique coastline for generations to come.“The community’s right to access and enjoy our beaches is paramount and this Plan clearly outlines the responsibilities of landowners and government to ensure that can happen,” Mr Reynolds said.“Now the Plan has been gazetted, Council is the consent authority for most protection works on beaches and nearby land.  Landowners are reminded they must lodge a development application to get approval for such works before they proceed.”“This process is in place to ensure that the presence of any protection works does not adversely impact on adjoining private and public property or affect the long-term amenity of a public beach.”Now the Plan has been certified, Council is in a position to apply for State Government funding to help manage coastal hazards and other issues in a timely and cost-effective manner.The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) is currently undertaking a cost-benefit analysis for its design of a proposed revetment wall along the whole of Wamberal Beach.“Once the design, cost benefit analysis and construction cost is completed by OEH and made available to Council, Council can then have an informed and constructive conversation with local landowners, State Government, and the community about a possible permanent solution for beach erosion at Wamberal and how it might be funded,” Mr Reynolds said.“We need to ensure any permanent solution for Wamberal Beach balances the needs of private landholders to protect their properties, ensures the community can continue to access and enjoy this popular public beach, and provides an appropriate means of funding those works”.Residents are urged to contact Council if they are planning protective works on their coastal properties for further advice.