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.

First Integrated Operational Plan and Budget adopted by CouncilCentral Coast Council has adopted its first ever integrated Operational Plan with $551  million in essential services and a record $207.9 million on capital works set to roll out across the Central Coast from July 1.Capital works spending has been increased by $400,000 on the draft exhibited Plan thanks to additional grant funding received by Council.

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 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 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.