Lake Haven Library will be closed for refurbishments from 17 - 31 May.During this time returns can be made via the returns chute and items can be renewed and reserved online.The library will reopen on Thursday 1 June.The refurbishments include a new service desk, self service reservations, a new popular reads section and new public catalogues.The smaller service desk will make more space available for the community in the library.The existing 12 public internet stations will be moved to a different part of the library and will be housed in purpose-built computer furnishings.

Draft Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan to be sent to the Minister for the EnvironmentA Plan to manage the coastline of the former Gosford City Local Government Area (LGA) was considered by the Council, and will now be sent to the NSW Minister for the Environment for certification.The Draft Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan will not take effect until it is certified by the Minister.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Plan provides the foundation for the development of appropriate planning controls that will protect the coastline now and into the future.“This will be welcome news for those who live along the coast as it will provide firm guidelines on what can and cannot be built on privately owned or public land,” Mr Reynolds said.“The Plan sets out clear roles and responsibilities of private landowners, Council and other public authorities to plan and manage the coastline as well as respond to coastal hazards as the need arises.“Our beaches are one of our greatest natural assets and we need to ensure there is a proper framework in place that balances the need for sustainable development where it can happen while ensuring our coastal environment is protected and enhanced now and well into the future.”The Draft Plan was originally prepared by the former Gosford Council and submitted to the then Minister for Planning and Environment, who returned it requesting revision in consultation with a NSW Government Agency concerning the management of land at Patonga and Pearl Beach.

Central Coast residents may begin to notice in-depth road analysis taking place in a street near them, with Council commencing a comprehensive road condition assessment across its entire sealed road network.Comprising more than 2200 kilometres of sealed road pavement, the project will provide a road condition assessment that will underpin the future allocation of funds and resources.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the data collected will be used to develop future road renewal programs and determine the most effective way to treat and manage Council’s road assets.“Our road network if joined would stretch from the Central Coast to the Cape York Peninsula,” said Mr Reynolds.“The condition assessment is an extensive undertaking, but once completed we will have data on every road, to assist in programming future works effectively and efficiently.“In the meantime, we will continue our works to maintain and improve our road assets, with more than 500 road renewal or upgrade works this financial year, and an even greater number expected to be carried out in the year ahead.”Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the project will result in high definition video imagery for all Council roads and ensure accurate measurement of road defects using advanced laser technology.“Council has engaged data collection specialists to undertake this comprehensive assessment by using the latest technologies to provide an accurate overview of our entire road network,” said Mr Dowling.“This information will enable us to effectively allocate funds and resources to support our future Capital Works programs.“This approach is considered industry best practice and it’s the first time work of this detail has been undertaken on the Central Coast — with the results feeding into a comprehensive roads program for next year and beyond.“In addition, we will be taking the opportunity to catalogue, map and assess all regulatory signage, line marking and raised pavement markers to provide a comprehensive picture of all road-related assets.”Council continues to encourage residents to support the maintenance and development of our road network by reporting any potholes.

Work is underway to reconstruct a fire trail in the Glenning Valley/Fountaindale area, for improved and safer access to fire fighters for hazard reduction work and emergency fire fighting.The Pleasant Valley Fire Trail is currently inaccessible to emergency service vehicles and land management crews, due to poor surface conditions and erosion.The trail was identified by the Bush Fire Management Committee as an extreme risk area, and the upgrade will complement the trail network in the area.The work involves the reconstruction of approximately one kilometre of fire trail to link to the existing trails, and will see concrete pavement, two coat bitumen seal and gravel surfaces installed, as well the construction of turning bays and passing areas to comply with Council’s Fire and Land Management Trail Construction Guidelines.Work is expected to be finished at the end of July.With the official Bush Fire Danger Period declared over, there’s still the chance for potential fires to threaten property and lives.Even though a fire permit is no longer required, residents are encouraged to notify their neighbours and local fire authority 24 hours before lighting a fire, and check whether a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate or other approvals are needed.

Important upgrade works will soon be underway on The Ridgeway, Lisarow, between Macdonalds Road and Tapley Road.The project will see substantial earthworks to accommodate a new road alignment and width, construction of street drainage, kerb and gutter, and a new road pavement.Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling said the project will substantially improve road safety in the area.“Crews will be undertaking a significant realignment and construction of the road surface, we’re expecting the project will take around 6 months to complete,” said Mr Dowling.“The Ridgeway is a popular road for local drivers and we’re working hard to provide the safest road surface possible as we continue to invest in our road network.“This project is part of a $62 million investment from Central Coast Council into roads and drainage Capital Works across the region.”Crews will soon be on location to begin site establishment works, with the section of road to become single lane (operated by interim traffic signals) from early May.Mr Dowling added that the project will also include guardrail and signage installation.“This project is about ensuring a safe road environment for the area as it continues to develop and grow,” Mr Dowling said.“With a single lane in place for an extended period, we would encourage motorists to allow some extra travel time – particularly during peak periods.“Warning signs will be in place to notify drivers of the changes to traffic conditions and I’d ask everyone to take care when travelling near the construction site.”Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience while these important works are carried out.

Central Coast Council in partnership with the NSW Department of Education (DET) has begun a range of upgrade works at Ernest Street, Erina primarily between Erina High and Woodport Public School.The project will see the installation of a new roundabout, intersection improvements at James Sea Drive, road reconstruction, kerb and gutter, footpath and landscaping works.Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the works would help to ensure pedestrian and motorist safety during busy school pick-up and drop-off times.“Ernest Street is a busy local thoroughfare and this project will greatly assist in improving safety and alleviating congestion,” said Mr Dowling.“In addition to the road reconstruction works, we will also be creating additional kerbside parking and providing a more substantial ‘kiss & ride’ area to meet the needs of both schools.”Works in Ernest Street have been funded through the NSW DET with a $435,000 contribution, with Council providing $215,000 through its Capital Works Program as well as in kind project support.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that the works would benefit local residents and the entire school community.“These works will provide families from Erina High and Woodport Public School with the assurance that their trip to and from school will be a smooth one,” said Mr Reynolds.“This is a great example of various levels of government working together to ensure a project meets the needs of the community.Mr Dowling also encouraged motorists to take care if travelling around Ernest Street during the construction period.“Establishment works are currently underway and we expect that crews will be working on this project until August,” Mr Dowling added.“There will be some minor delays, particularly during school hours and I’d like to thank the community for their patience during this time.“Traffic control measures and warning signs will also be in place to notify drivers of any changes to traffic conditions.”

Council is holding a number of free family history research workshops in May, including the first-ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workshop for the region.The workshops are being held due to strong interest from the community and will take place at Tuggerah and Bateau Bay Libraries.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said researching family history helps us to gain a sense of who we are and where we have come from.“Tracing ancestors and finding out about extended family enables us to build a strong sense of place and identity in the community,” Ms Vaughan said.Staff from the Indigenous Services Branch of the NSW State Library will lead the two hour session and will explain why research needs to start in the present and work backwards.They will cover resources and techniques needed to search library collections and other significant resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history.Language materials, pictures, manuscripts, missionary records and electoral rolls will be discussed at the free workshop, which will take place on 3 May from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Tuggerah Library.Martyn Killion from NSW State Archives and Records will run a workshop on The Colonial Secretary’s Records on 17 May from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Tuggerah Library.The Colonial Secretary’s records form part of the Archives Resources Kit, which contains more than 1565 items, including microfilms and immigration records.Tuggerah Library is one of a select pool of libraries across the state that holds part of the kit and Gosford Library is one of only 40 libraries in NSW to hold a full kit.A workshop for those who are new to family history research will also be held on 4 May from 10.30am to 12pm at Bateau Bay Library.Council Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said Central Coast Library Service holds a range of family history workshops throughout the year.“We encourage residents to join their local library and take advantage of these free workshops,” Mr Reynolds said.Bookings are essential for all workshops.Please call Tuggerah Library on 4350 1560 or Bateau Bay Library on 4350 1580.

As part of this year’s ANZAC Day activities, a number of road closures will occur on the Central Coast on Tuesday 25 April 2017.Terrigal road closures: From 5am, closures will be in place from the roundabout on Terrigal Drive to The Esplande, and traffic will be diverted up and over Barnhill Road.

In commemoration of ANZAC Day on Tuesday 25 April, services are being held across the Central Coast.These services provide community members the opportunity to come together to pay their respects to our fallen servicemen and women, and acknowledge those who fought to defend our country and protect our way of life.ANZAC Day event locations for 2017 include:DoyalsonThe dawn service will be held at 5am at the RSL Club Cenotaph, with breakfast served immediately afterward.

Central Coast Council is providing increased parking options for patrons attending ANZAC Day events in Terrigal on Tuesday 25 April.Changes to the construction timeline for the $2.3 million upgrade of Wilson Road Carpark have enabled the bottom two levels of the carpark to remain open on ANZAC Day, with Council also offering additional parking at The Haven that will not be subject to usual parking restrictions, and transport options from Terrigal Haven to the event.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council supports ANZAC Day events across the Central Coast and is implementing measures to ensure considerable parking spaces will be available in Terrigal this ANZAC Day.“Council works together with local law enforcement, the RSL and its sub-branches, as well as local community organisations to ensure ANZAC Day activities are successful right across the Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“In addition to the lower two levels of the Wilson Road parking station remaining open, we’ve also reconfigured parking at The Haven to provide additional parking not subject to usual parking restrictions, and will be providing a free shuttle bus from The Haven from 4am until 12noon to assist anyone planning to attend the Dawn Service.“This has resulted in considerable parking spaces becoming available in Terrigal this ANZAC Day.”The substantial upgrade of the Wilson Road Carpark will support continued growth within the Terrigal CBD, creating 110 more permanent parking spaces for residents and visitors to the area.For full project details, including maps detailing ANZAC Day parking options, visit yourvoiceourcoast.com

With the second term of the 2017 school year kicking off next week, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to slow down near schools and put the safety of children first.Monday 24 April is a gazetted school day which means 40km zones will be back in force, as will parking zones around schools.Parking zones around schools are in place for the safety of children, but also assist with traffic flow during busy drop off and pick up times.As the school term begins, Council Rangers and Parking Officers will carry out extra patrols to enforce parking restrictions around schools, helping to ensure a safe start to the school term.Council is encouraging everyone to take care when driving through school zones, stick to the speed limit, follow directions from crossing supervisors and avoid any dangerous manoeuvres.Double Demerits will also be in force from Friday 21 April to Tuesday 25 April 2017 (inclusive) and will apply if a motorist is caught speeding in a designated school zone on Monday 24 April.For more information on how to park safely around schools, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Following extensive community consultation, Stage 2 of the planned upgrade for Scenic Highway at Terrigal commenced on Monday 10 April.Inclusive of embankment lowering, footpath construction and the introduction of a pedestrian refuge island, Stage 2 is part of a comprehensive program of works designed to improve pedestrian and motorist movements.Council’s Group Leader of Business, Assets and Infrastructure, Mike Dowling, said the works will improve visibility and provide an improved pedestrian environment for people crossing the Scenic Highway near the intersection of Bellevue Crescent.“Following tree removal works carried out in Stage 1 in January, this next phase of works will dramatically increase sight distances around the location,” Mr Dowling said.“The installation of a pedestrian refuge island and footpath will also help to enhance accessibility.”Mr Dowling added that Council moved quickly on key elements of this project, while important planning and approvals were completed for the remainder of the works.“The Central Coast Traffic Committee unanimously supported the works in March this year,” said Mr Dowling.“We were able to install new 50km/h signage and pavement marking before Christmas, commencing our program of improvements and reinforcing appropriate speed limits to all drivers on this section of the Scenic Highway.”In addition, a review of the Scenic Highway, from Charles Kay Drive to The Terrigal Esplanade has also been undertaken and Council is considering the recommendations, amidst wider traffic management planning.Stage 2 is scheduled for completion in June 2017.Works will take place from 7am – 3pm, with single lane traffic during construction — traffic controllers will be on site and motorists should expect some minor delays during this time.Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience while these important works are carried out.

Residents are advised that Central Coast Council will be closed for the Easter period, from Friday 14 April until Monday 17 April (inclusive).Essential services will continue during the closure, including waste collection, water treatment and lifeguards.For any urgent council-related emergencies during the period such as water main breaks, residents can contact 4325 8222 (Gosford office) or 4350 5555 (Wyong office) 24-hours a day.Council Libraries will be closed from Friday 14 April until Monday 17 April (inclusive), however return chutes will remain open.Central Coast Council management and staff would like to wish residents a safe and happy Easter.

Central Coast Council is undertaking a $2.3 million upgrade to improve the capacity of the Wilson Road car park at Terrigal.This substantial project started in March 2017 and will include construction of an additional level, the installation of a lift within the carpark, CCTV cameras and the provision of additional disabled spaces on each floor.The project will support continued growth within the Terrigal CBD, creating 110 extra parking spaces for residents and visitors to the area.Council has now successfully negotiated a variation in the program for the additional (fourth) level of the carpark with the facility to now remain open until Wednesday 26 April, 2017.The existing level 3 of the carpark will remain closed, with levels 1 and 2 available for the community during the entire school holiday period.In addition, Council has taken steps to reconfigure parking at The Haven to provide extra untimed spaces for those attending the Terrigal ANZAC Day Dawn Service and a free shuttle bus to run from The Haven to The Esplanade from 4.30am so attendees can easily get to the Cenotaph for the service.The change in the construction program, along with altered arrangements at The Haven will ensure that 500 parking spaces will be available for ANZAC day.Council would like to thank North Construction and their associated contractors for their cooperation in delivering this essential infrastructure project.

Temporary traffic control measures will be in place along a section of Davistown Road, Yattalunga, from 9 – 11 April, while Central Coast Council completes essential road upgrade works.The project, being carried out in the vicinity of Elvys Avenue, will be undertaken at night to minimise the impact on local traffic.Warning signs will be in place for the duration of the works to notify motorists of the changed traffic conditions and traffic controllers will be on site from 7pm – 5am to enhance community safety.Single lane traffic will be in place during construction and motorists should expect some minor delays during this time.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.

National Roller Derby at Niagara Park StadiumHundreds of junior skaters from across Australia will converge on the Central Coast next month to battle for supremacy on skates at the 2017 Junior Roller Derby National Championships.Taking place at Niagara Park Stadium on Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 April, this will be the first time the national tournament has ever been held in New South Wales.Based on its performance in hosting major roller derby bouts over the past three years, Niagara Park Stadium was selected as the ideal facility to host this iconic national event.Divided into three skill divisions of Positional, Modified and Full Contact, teams will compete for trophies in their respective skill division, with winners claiming the ‘Best in Australia’ title.With games across both days and an awards ceremony following the final round on Sunday afternoon, this event is fast, exciting and action-packed, and will have crowds riding an emotional rollercoaster right up until the final whistle.Spectators are welcome to attend by gold coin donation at the door.For further information search Junior Roller Derby Nationals on Facebook.

The Central Coast community is being invited to have their say on the future of the region as Council kicks off phase one of the development of the first ever coast wide Community Strategic Plan.The Community Strategic Plan is designed to capture the community’s vision for the Coast and identify key social, economic, environmental priorities as well as long-term strategies for the Coast for the next 10 years.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this was an exciting opportunity for the community to have their say in co-creating the first ever plan for the entire Central Coast.“This is truly a landmark opportunity for everyone to tell us what they value about their local suburb and the entire Central Coast so we can plan to make it an even better place to live,” said Mr Reynolds.“It’s the community’s chance to shape the future of the Central Coast so we can understand what is important to our residents, their aspirations for the future, as well as local challenges and opportunities .”“You might have a clever solution to a local challenge or a creative and inspired idea to take the Coast to the next level.

Two Central Coast Council projects have been honoured with Highly Commended Awards at the NSW Local Government Professionals Australia Awards held in Sydney last night.The Awards recognise the excellent contributions and outstanding achievements and innovations being implemented to advance and improve the local government sector in NSW.The Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Education Program was recognised in the Excellence in Environmental Leadership and Sustainability category while The Art House was honoured as a Special Project Initiative that presents an aspiration model for NSW Local Government.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said it was pleasing to be recognised at an industry level for these two projects that are about delivering positive outcomes and opportunities for the community.“Council has been working hard to provide the community with the services it needs, wants and values so it can continue to thrive and prosper,” Mr Reynolds said.“Being recognised by the NSW Local Government Professionals Awards last night proves we are getting it right.”“The former Wyong Shire Council had a vision to deliver a state-of-the-art performing arts centre and they did just that with The Art House.“It is an absolute credit to all the staff involved, particularly current Group Leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, whose passion and commitment ensured this project could be realised for the community.”The Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Education Program aims to increase knowledge and encourage positive behaviour change around Tuggerah Lakes.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the appointment of Ms Lee Shearer to the important role of Co-ordinator General for the Central Coast.Ms Shearer will drive the delivery of the Central Coast Regional Plan and will oversee a Community Consultative Committee of which Central Coast Council will be a key member.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said her appointment was a clear recognition that the State Government is serious about the promises in the Central Coast Regional Plan.“The Regional Plan is all about delivering more jobs, more housing, more infrastructure and more opportunities for our growing community and Council is certainly committed to achieving that,” Mr Reynolds said.“We have already started.  We are moving on priority projects, including aligning our housing development controls, with more consolidated planning underway as well as putting together a priority infrastructure plan that our residents need.“Delivering a sustainable future for the Central Coast will require ongoing funding from both State and Federal Governments as well as Council – that is why this appointment is so crucial as we can start to get key projects moving.“I am keen to meet with the Coordinator-General as soon as possible to share our plans and ensure we work together in the best interests of the Coast and our community.”“This appointment is another clear indication the State Government is committed to seeing the Central Coast emerge as an economic powerhouse.“Together we can capitilise on the strong foundations we have and grow into a well-planned, well-functioning and well-connected region.”Council Group Leader Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, said Council wanted to work closely with the Coordinator-General and the Consultative Committee to ensure the right planning controls are in place so the vision of the Regional Plan is achieved.“We are consolidating our planning controls so there is consistency across the Coast as we want to ensure we can facilitate the right development we want to see here,” Mr Cox said.“The growth in housing, particularly unit style development needs to be where transport connections and opportunities are – in our town centres and tourism hubs and we want to encourage development there.“The mix needs to be right to enable a range of housing options to match household needs but also ensuring the unique environment on the Coast is enhanced and protected.”“The new Coordinator-General role and the Consultative Committee will provide Council with the opportunity to tailor state and local planning controls that will help deliver the promises of the Regional Plan.”

Central Coast Council will be constructing an additional level to the Wilson Road Carpark, Terrigal creating 110 extra parking spaces for the Terrigal CBD.The $2.3 million project will include the installation of a lift within the carpark, CCTV and the provision of additional disabled spaces on each floor – improving the facility’s overall accessibility.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the project would support continued growth within the Terrigal CBD.“We’re expanding the capacity of Wilson Road Carpark to cater for Terrigal’s ongoing growth as a premier tourist destination,” said Mr Reynolds.“With a range of commercial and residential developments underway, the availability of parking is important – this upgrade project will provide 110 additional spaces and go a long way to improving accessibility in the area.“In addition, we are developing detailed designs for a $2.2 million Terrigal CBD Traffic Flow Improvement project – voted for by the community as part of the Stronger Communities’ Fund Major Projects Program.“This is an exciting time for Terrigal as we prepare for another busy summer season ahead.”Level 3 of the carpark is currently closed.