Temporary traffic control measures will be in place along a section of West Street, Umina, on Friday 2 June, while Central Coast Council completes asphalting works.The project will be undertaken between 7pm – 5am to minimise the impact on local traffic and nearby residents.Works will be carried out between Barrenjoey Road and Morris Street and be finalised on Saturday 3 June.Crews will manage the project schedule to ensure there is minimal impact on nearby residents as a result of these works.Warning signs will be in place for the duration of the project to notify motorists of the changed conditions and traffic will be detoured around The Esplanade.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.

Central Coast Council has awarded the tender for CCTV installation works in Terrigal and Copacabana thanks to funding from the Federal Government’s Safer Streets Programme.Announced in late-2016, the $550,000 grant will see the installation of 16 new CCTV cameras across a range of locations in Terrigal and Copacabana in addition to the upgrade of four existing cameras.Installation locations include the Haven, Copacabana Skate Park, the Captain Cook Lookout and shopping strips in both suburbs.The successful tender, from ECS Services Pty Ltd will see works begin in June, with the new cameras set to be fully operational in November 2017.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he was looking forward to seeing the positive benefits the Safer Streets funding would bring to these beachside communities.“The installation of additional CCTV is a great result for residents in both Terrigal and Copacabana,” said Mr Reynolds.“We’ve already seen the impact this funding has had in suburbs across the Central Coast thanks to first round funding received in September 2014.“The installation of CCTV is a strong deterrent for anti-social behaviour and ensures that residents can feel safer in their neighbourhood.“This is a great initiative and once again, I’d like to thank the Federal Government and Lucy Wicks for this latest round of funding.”Safer Streets funding has already been rolled out through Kariong, Kincumber, Gosford and the Peninsula following first round funding received in September 2014.

Central Coast Council has paid tribute to former local Member for Gosford and local cancer activist, Mrs Kathy Smith, who lost her own battle with cancer yesterday.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said Kathy Smith was renowned for her commitment to the local community, particularly her campaigning for the Central Coast Cancer Centre which includes public radiotherapy services.“Kathy was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to serving her community,” Mr Reynolds said.“From her passion and commitment to improving the lives of local cancer survivors as the Chairwoman of NSW Cancer Voices to her service to the people of Gosford and the Peninsula as an elected representative, her drive and tenacity were beyond question.”“On behalf of Central Coast Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Kathy’s family and friends at this time.”The flag at Central Coast Council will fly at half-mast today in acknowledgement of Kathy’s passing.

As the weather turns cooler and the winter woollies come out, it’s a great time to enjoy some of the many arts and cultural activities here on the Central Coast.Grant Molony, based in Long Jetty, is a local indigenous painter and photographer and is also a proud ambassador of the ‘This is the life’ campaign promoting the Central Coast.“The arts scene on the Coast is really starting to flourish,” he says.

Council welcomes the local tourism industry’s decision to continue with an industry body to input into the direction of the coast’s tourism, following an industry group meeting convened by Central Coast Tourism last night.CEO Rob Noble 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.“The passion and commitment of the local tourism industry is great,” Mr Noble said.“Combined with Council’s increased investment, a new Destination Network with a purpose to capitalise on increased visitor growth opportunity, a new Destination Management Plan and the advent of a new marketing approach to implement it – we are all hopeful that we can all head in the same direction to deliver more for our region.“The local tourism industry told us over 18 months ago that they wanted improvements on how tourism is approached with a clear message to create the environment for tourism to flourish. That is what we are doing.”Council will work with Central Coast Tourism on the type of industry body and how it fits together with Council’s new service provider who will be contracted to deliver a marketing strategy and associated program for the local tourism industry to promote economic development and enhance tourism opportunities on the Coast.Council is continuing discussions with the first ranked tenderer to enter into a two year contract commencing on 1 July 2017.

When Central Coast Council was established in May 2016, the State Government decreed that the four planning instruments currently applying across the Coast should remain in place until a new Local Environmental Plan (LEP) is adopted.  As a result, development continues to be assessed under the planning controls which were in place prior to the merger.In order to move towards a uniform set of planning controls across the Coast, Council has developed a draft consolidated LEP.

Central Coast Council has today confirmed five executive appointments to its Leadership Team.An interim leadership was appointed at the time of the formation of the Council to lead the organisation through the initial stages of amalgamation.Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said these appointments can now be confirmed following an exhaustive external recruitment process attracting candidates from across Australia.“The calibre of candidates we attracted is particularly pleasing and highlights the strong interest in working for a new local government area that is now a major region in its own right with so many opportunities to really make a difference,” Mr Noble said.“I have chosen leaders who are customer-focused, collaborative, passionate and professional and truly committed to transforming our organisation and making the Central Coast the very best it can be.”“These leaders have an established track record and have ably risen to the challenges of our first year as one Council and I am pleased to continue to serve the Central Coast community with them.”The confirmed appointments are:Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business – Mike DowlingGroup Leader Environment and Planning – Scott CoxChief Financial Officer – Stephen NavenExecutive Manager People and Culture – Kellie ReevesExecutive Manager Governance – Brian GlendenningThey join Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan and Chief Information Officer, David Kennedy who were appointed to their positions last year with Executive Manager Transformation and Business Performance, Sally Ingram, rounding out the Leadership Team.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, welcomed the appointments which will provide the stable leadership the organisation needs to continue to support the outlook and vision of the new Central Coast Council.“I have worked with these leaders from the start of my time here and I rate them as some of the best Executives I have come across in my long career,” Mr Reynolds said.“They have been here from the start and will continue to lead the organisation as it goes from strength to strength.”The Leadership Team are employed under contracts in accordance with the form of contract for senior staff under the Local Government Act.

Central Coast Council are undertaking a review of Alcohol-Free Zones across the region, with proposed locations on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.Alcohol-Free Zones aim to reduce alcohol related crime, violence and anti-social behaviour in identified locations in order to help create a safer environment for the whole community.An Alcohol-Free Zone relates to public roads, car parks and footpaths, however, these zones will not restrict outdoor dining licences where Council approval has been granted.The zones will be in place for a four (4) year period and Council is currently seeking feedback from the community regarding the establishment of Alcohol-Free Zones in the following suburbs:Avoca Beach;

Tourism experts to deliver best services for the industry and the CoastCouncil will continue to deliver tourism marketing and industry services for the Central Coast with the assistance of expert external providers.See Separate ReleaseNew Central Coast Urban Design Panel established and consent periods confirmedExpressions of interest will soon be called for a newly created Central Coast Urban Design Panel to assist Council deliver high quality infrastructure, planning and urban projects.See Separate ReleaseBuilding a solid foundation for the newly elected CouncilCouncil is finalising preparations for the upcoming local government elections, with the exhibition of a draft Code of Conduct, Code of Meeting Practice and Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.Council will also be concluding the operation of the Local Representation Committee (LRC) – consisting of 18 former Councillors from the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the LRC had proven to be a valuable resource over the last 12 months.“The LRC have provided invaluable advice on key issues around the environment, the economy and community issues unique to the Central Coast,” said Mr Reynolds.“The conclusion of the LRC next month will allow some clear air between the operations of the committee and the election process – with the opportunity to nominate as a candidate commencing on 31 July.“Irrespective of who may stand for election, this will allow an equal playing field to all of those proposing to stand for election in September.“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the LRC for their ongoing commitment and contribution to Central Coast Council and I wish them the very best in their future endeavours.”Exhibiting the draft Codes and Policies will provide potential candidates with a greater understanding of meeting processes and the expectations of Councillors.The draft Code of Conduct is an integral part of Council’s governance framework and provides guidance on public comment, gifts and benefits and confidentiality;

Council will continue to deliver tourism marketing and industry services for the Central Coast with the assistance of expert external providers.Council recently called for requests for proposals for suitably qualified organisations to deliver these services, receiving fourteen proposals.

Expressions of interest will soon be called for a newly created Central Coast Urban Design Panel to assist Council deliver high quality infrastructure, planning and urban projects.The Panel will consist of up to 6 members in the fields of architecture and urban design to provide independent design review of significant project for both private and public developments across the region.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Council’s population is projected to reach over 415,000 by 2036 so the time was right to establish an independent panel that would help promote a range of quality housing options for the growing community.“Due to the expected growth in development on the Coast and the need for consistency in quality and design, it is the right time to re-establish an Urban Design Panel on the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“Having this Panel provides an opportunity to utilise high calibre and relevant expertise that will assist in achieving better design quality of buildings and public domain areas.”“It sends a clear message to the development industry that what we are interested here on the Coast is not just development for development’s sake but quality development for our growing community.”All Development Applications lodged with Council that are 4 storeys or more will be referred to a member of the Panel for review.Council currently charges a fee to developers for external referrals in relation to design and this will be used to pay for the panel’s expertise.Council will also now apply a lapsing period of five years for all development consents on the Coast with the exception of those applications subject to the Gosford Local Environment Plan 2014 bonus provisions.“The former Gosford and Wyong Councils had different default periods for the lapsing of consents, and this new policy ensures consistency across the Coast  - which is definitely what we need as a community and what the development sector needs to proceed,” Mr Reynolds said.“This 5 year period is applied by nearly all councils, as it gives developers of substantial projects time to secure finance and buyers and arrange builders and contractors and to work through the often complex conditions of consent.”“There is an exception to this and it is in respect to the Gosford CBD – where Council will impose a 2 year consent lapsing period to get development moving faster in what is now the regional capital of the Central Coast.”

National Reconciliation Week celebrations will be launched on the Coast this week with the official opening of the Maliga Indigenous Art Showcase at The Art House, Wyong, on Friday 26 May.Maliga, which means ‘shine’ in Darkinjung, is a Youth Based Art Showcase promoting local Indigenous young people’s multimedia art and craft that reflects their identity and cultural connection to the Central Coast.The fourth annual showcase will be launched at the Art House on Friday 26 May at 10am and includes the presentation of Awards and morning tea.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the popularity of the showcase continues to grow each year.“In just four years, Maliga now has more schools involved, giving more Indigenous students a chance to showcase their work,” Ms Vaughan said.“The quality of work the students produce is also increasing and is just amazing.“It’s not just paintings;

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) in conjunction with Central Coast Council recently completed hazard reduction works in bushland off Hue Hue Road, Jilliby.The work consisted of the prescribed burning of vegetation, minimising bushfire fuel and assisting in reducing the intensity and adverse impact of bushfires in extreme weather conditions.It marks the final stage of Council’s $50,000 upgrade to the Jilliby South Fire Trail and the surrounding area.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the investment was part of a concerted effort to improve access and safety in bushfire prone locations.“A number of issues were raised by residents in regards to the Jilliby South Fire Trail.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to get involved in Second Hand Saturday – one of the biggest days of garage sales the Central Coast has seen – being held on Saturday 3 June.Second Hand Saturday encourages residents on the Central Coast to hold a garage sale to sell, swap or give away their pre-loved goods.Council is encouraging residents to get involved and register their garage sale, with free promotion on Council’s website for households participating in Second Hand Saturday.Acting Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Boris Bolgoff, said that Second Hand Saturday was a great way to minimise our impact on the environment.“Reusing and recycling goods is great for the environment and can significantly reduce the number of items that end up in landfill,” said Mr Bolgoff.“There’s no better time than Second Hand Saturday to register your garage sale, help the environment, and find a bargain or two."Second Hand Saturday is open to residents of the Central Coast Council LGA.Residents are encouraged to register using the online booking form located at gosford.nsw.gov.au/secondhandsaturdayFor further information please contact Council on 4325 8222 or 4350 5555 during business hours or email waste@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council libraries is hosting a free event that explores the incredible true story of Penguin Bloom – The odd little bird who saved a family on Saturday 10 June at The Art House.Join Linda Mottram in a conversation with husband and wife Cameron and Sam Bloom about their bestselling book and how an unlikely feathered friend ‘Penguin’ the magpie became a family saviour and global sensation.This heart-warming story and stunning collection of photographs provides a remarkable insight to a family’s unique journey to recovery following a tragic event that left Sam paralysed and depressed.Cameron Bloom said Penguin's wild spirit and cheeky personality became a symbol of hope transforming Sam and our family onto a brighter path."Photographing Penguin taught me so much about nature and how important it is to our own wellbeing,” Mr Bloom said.“Penguin’s rescue and the incredible joy and strength she gives Sam and all those who helped her survive demonstrates that, however bleak things seem, compassion, friendship and support can come from unexpected quarters, ensuring there are always better days ahead.“This plucky little magpie reminds us all that, no matter how lost, fragile or damaged we feel, accepting the love of others and loving them in return will help to make us whole.”Penguin Bloom is an extraordinary true story full of hope and courage, featuring Cameron Bloom’s beautiful photography and a captivating narrative by New York Times bestselling author Bradley Trevor Greive.Penguin Bloom has been nominated for an ABIA award, is an international best seller published in 12 countries and is also set to become a major Hollywood film with Reese Witherspoon producing and Naomi Watts starring as Sam."This universal story about the amazing Sam Bloom and her family’s unique friendship with an Australian bird, will touch everyone who reads it.” - Naomi WattsSam and Cameron will be holding a book signing session following the event and a complimentary afternoon tea will be provided.Tickets to this free one off event on Saturday 10 June are available online at www.thearthousewyong.com.au or by calling 02 4335 1485.

Berkeley Vale will be a hub of activity when Central Coast Council finishes upgrading recreational facilities to meet the growing needs of the community.Works from Council’s Play Space Strategy and Skate Strategy at Berkeley Vale are on track.

Temporary traffic control measures will be in place along a section of The Ridgeway, Lisarow from Sunday 21 May – Thursday 1 June, while Central Coast Council completes essential pavement stabilisation works.The project, being carried out between the intersection at Paroo Road and Tapley Road, will be undertaken at night to minimise the impact on local traffic.Crews will also manage the project schedule to ensure there is minimal impact on nearby residents as a result of these works.Warning signs will be in place to notify motorists of the changed conditions and traffic will be detoured to Fagans Road for the duration of the project.Works will be undertaken between 7pm – 5.30am and crews will be on hand to provide any direction or assistance to motorists or nearby residents.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.

Central Coast Council is advising water supply customers in The Entrance North of an overnight outage on Sunday 21 May 2017.Council will be carrying out upgrades to the water supply system, in conjunction with programmed road works currently underway on Hutton Road.Properties affected:

Some of the Central Coasts most experienced planners, researchers and arts practitioners will be taking part in a Regional Arts and Health Seminar on Wednesday 24 May at The Hub, Erina Fair – hosted by Central Coast Council.The seminar provides an opportunity to showcase best practice in the field of arts and health, while also establishing a strong network of professionals across the Central Coast.Group Leader of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the collection of speakers assembled for the seminar brings expertise from across the industry.“We have got a wonderful collection of planners, researchers and arts practitioners taking part in this seminar, each bringing a differing perspective on the role that art can play in a range of health settings,” said Ms Vaughan.The seminar will feature a range of presentations, including:Kevin Duncan, Aboriginal Elder – exploring how the practice of music, dance and painting gave meaning to his life, supporting an active role in the community.Fiona Wilkinson, Manager of Central Coast Local Heath District Redevelopment Team – with Tim Braham (Team leader of Regional Art Gallery Central Coast Council) presenting an overview of Gosford Hospital Redevelopment Arts Strategy.Dr Miranda Lawry, University of Newcastle – as Researcher and Senior Lecturer at the School of Creative Industries, will provide an overview of university involvement in the field of art and health.Tracey Callinan, Executive Director Arts OutWest – reflections over ten years of arts and health practice in a regional context.Tanya Field, Manager Bamboo Buddha Café – looking at how private business contributes to the ongoing dialogue of arts and health in the region.Ms Vaughan added that as part of the event, regional priorities, arts and health issues and areas of professional practice will all be widely discussed.“With a strong local focus, the seminar will be a fantastic resource for health services and professionals;

A section of foreshore at Budgewoi will be transformed with the much anticipated boardwalk set to activate the lakeside town.The new boardwalk, a key initiative of the Budgewoi Masterplan, will run along the waterfront of Budgewoi Creek near Budgewoi Circle.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the boardwalk was an exciting part of reactivating the Budgewoi Town Centre.“Budgewoi is a very important part of the Coast and much-loved for its relaxed coastal village atmosphere,” Mr Reynolds said.“Council has listened to the community and is delivering a project that will help re-activate this popular part of the Coast so it is attractive to both residents and tourists alike.Council is investing more than $600,000 on this project, expected to be finished in July.Works include a new floating pontoon with concrete decking and gangway as well as a fixed timber jetty.