Community consultation to be extended for Peat Island Planning ProposalA Planning Proposal for Peat Island and surrounds, seeking to rezone the land to permit a mix of residential, community, environmental recreation and employment land, uses will be referred to the Department of Planning for a gateway determination, allowing it to come back to council for community consultation.The community consultation period, will be extended to at least three months and a decision ultimately made by the newly elected Council.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, assured the community this is just the start of what may be a very long process with a great deal of community consultation before there is any rezoning at or in the vicinity of Peat Island.“This is just the first step – the beginning of a potential rezoning,” Mr Reynolds said.“The planning proposal will go to the Department of Planning & Environment for what the legislation calls a “gateway determination”, and if there is a gateway determination then the proposal goes out for formal public exhibition – and this is when the community has the formal opportunity to comment on the proposal.“In my view, any such exhibition should be at least three times as long as the normal period to ensure there is sufficient time for public assessment and input.  I have indicated that community information sessions need to be in the local area during the exhibition period.“I have also made it clear, in the resolution that any final decision will be made by a future elected Council rather than by me as Administrator.”The site is owned by the State Government with the first proposal for a rezoning lodged with the former Gosford City Council in August 2014.Key changes which have been incorporated in the new proposal include the following:Residential dwelling numbers have been reduced from 400-500 to 268 dwellings.Building heights have been reduced from 17 metres to 12 metres.The amount of land dedicated to national park has increased from 2.6 Ha to 11.3 Ha.Publicly accessible open space has also been increased from 2 Ha to 10 Ha.The revised proposal will provide opportunities for public access to new areas of the foreshore and Peat Island, are not currently available.The proposal will now be referred to the Department of Planning requesting a gateway determination.Housing Development Controls to be aligned across the Coast Council is seeking community feedback on a plan to align housing development controls across the Central Coast.Currently two different sets of planning controls apply to dwellings across the two former Local Government Areas.

With youth unemployment on the Coast at 14.9 per cent, Council is continuing to invest in workshops and courses designed to help young people succeed in HSC exams and in securing employment.Central Coast Library Service is hosting a series of workshops designed to help young people learn the writing and study skills needed to gain job interviews and do well in HSC examinations and secure job opportunities afterwards.The workshops are in April and include a session on writing resumes and cover letters and four HSC workshops.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Council was keen to help young people gain the skills and develop the persistence needed to succeed in exams and in gaining employment.“We are keen to help young people increase their chances of success by equipping them with the tools needed to write a good cover letter and resume, and study techniques to help them do well in their exams,” Ms Vaughan said.“These free workshops are a great opportunity for young people to learn the skill of presenting themselves well in writing to potential employers and in HSC examinations as well as time management and study techniques.”In a two-hour workshop at Tuggerah Library on 8 April, Training and Coaching Solutions will share tips for teens on how to analyse job advertisements and what they should include in a resume to increase their chances of gaining employment.Mr Rowan Kunz, author of Secrets of HSC Success Revealed is running a session called HSC Max Your Marks on 18 April at Lake Haven Library, and will share his insights into effective exam preparation.Mr Kunz has come across many intelligent students who were not doing well, and believes intelligence only leads to success if certain study techniques are applied.Pam Northcotte’s session, HSC Ready, Set, Go, on 19 April at Tuggerah Library will include tips for managing physical and mental health during this final year at school.Bernie Howitt has many years of experience in teaching Society and Culture at high school and university level and will run a session on this topic on 21 April at Lake Haven Library.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council was committed to helping young people succeed.“Developing good writing and study skills is imperative to doing well in life and council libraries are investing in these workshops in order to equip young people with the skills they need,” Mr Reynolds said.“We want our young people to live, work and thrive here – so I encourage them to take advantage of these opportunities.”“Students are encouraged to take advantage of these free workshops, and society and culture students are encouraged to bring their personal interest projects (PIPs) to the session with Bernie Howitt.”Bookings essential.

Central Coast Council is continuing to roll out its fully funded operational plan as work begins on a popular reserve in Toowoon Bay.Swadling Reserve, at the top of Toowoon Bay Beach, is undergoing a makeover to cater for more visitors that frequent the park for summer BBQs, family gatherings and small events.Council Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the $300,000 upgrade will complement the existing facilities in the area.“Not only are we replacing the ageing shelters, but we are adding more and making them accessible so more people can enjoy the reserve,” Mr Dowling said.“Visitors to the reserve will be in for a surprise when works are finished, as the new shelters will be able to cater for larger gatherings.“The reserve is also a popular spot for weddings and photo shoots, so to formalise this we are building a viewing platform overlooking the beach.”Work is expected to be finished at the end of April and includes removing the six small shelters, including the two barbecues, and replacing them with eight larger ones – three of them with barbecues.

The Central Coast Series is a skate, scoot, BMX and WCMX wheelchair competition that's held in three heats:1.

Central Coast Council has today confirmed the Administrator is in a townhouse at Magenta at a cost of $550 a week.Under the Council Policy on Facilities and Expenses, the Administrator is to be provided with accommodation within the Central Coast Local Government Area that is convenient to the Gosford and Wyong offices.   This is due to the requirement for the Administrator in this role to attend early morning briefings and meetings as well as evening and weekend commitments.Living locally ensures the Administrator can fulfil his duties more effectively, be more accessible to the community and understand the issues affecting the region and the Central Coast community much better.The Policy was adopted at the August 10, 2016 Council meeting, following a public exhibition period where no comments were received.View the Policy or the Minutes of the August 10 Council Meeting.

Sharpen your fangs, the critically acclaimed production Dracula is swooping into Laycock Street.Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece will be at the Laycock Street Community Theatre on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 March for a strictly limited season.Created and adapted by one of Australia’s leading contemporary theatre companies shake & stir theatre co, this adaptation has already garnered stellar 5-star reviews and attracted five Matilda Award (Queensland Theatre) nominations including Best Mainstage Production.Group Leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 horror-classic promised to be every bit as tortured and charismatic as the novel.“This is a great opportunity to sink your teeth into what is an amazing story,” said Ms Vaughn.“shake & stir theatre co are one of the country’s leading theatre companies and we have proudly presented their previous touring productions of 1984, Wuthering Heights and Animal Farm.“It’s wonderful to host them once again at the Laycock Street Community Theatre in what will no doubt be a fantastic adaptation of this classic story.”Dracula tells the story of young lawyer Jonathan Harker as he visits Castle Dracula in the Carpathian Mountains.

In a first for Harmony Day celebrations on the Coast, Central Coast Council will be hosting their annual event from dusk so the Harmonic Forest can come to life on Saturday 25 March.Memorial Park, in the heart of The Entrance, will be lit up with 12 large trees that will glow in a variety of colours to reflect the diversity of cultures on the Central Coast highlighting that ‘Diversity is our Strength’.Council Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Harmony Day is a celebration of the many cultures that make up Australia and the Coast and is a time to reflect on the importance of inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.“The highlight of our event will be the Harmonic Forest which symbolises the cohesion, community and harmony we have here on the Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“More and more we are seeing different groups being established to share their cultures and traditions with the rest of our community.“Harmony Day is all about encouraging people to participate in their community, to respect different cultures and religions, and to show that everyone belongs in our community.“Our annual event does just that and I would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the cultural activities, performances and cuisine from around the world.”Visitors will have the chance to create lanterns such as birds, fruits and flowers that will hang in the trees of the Harmonic Forest and light up the night as part of the cultural celebrations.

Central Coast Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from the aviation, aerospace and supporting industry operators to establish at Central Coast Airport, Warnervale.Council’s Group Leader, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the timing was right for Council to determine the level of interest in a General Aviation Industry Hub from aviation and associated industries.“General aviation can operate from Central Coast Airport with its current zoning, and we believe it presents an opportunity for job creation on the Coast,” Mr Dowling said.“So it is time we went out and tested the market and that’s what this EOI is all about.“We have already received enquiries from a number of aviation businesses keen to locate at the Airport.“This EOI will formally determine the level of industry interest by asking aviation businesses to put their best proposals forward for long-term industry development and jobs growth.“General aviation is a significant industry representing 65 percent of all aircraft hours in Australia and we are aware there is currently a high demand for airside general aviation leaseholds close to Sydney.“This is due to general aviation being squeezed out of the Sydney basin due to macro conditions.”General aviation includes pilot training, corporate aviation, emergency services and search and rescue, charter, aerial work, survey and monitoring, private flying, commercial operators and tourism related charter operations.The vast majority of general aviation is conducted in small aircraft and does not include airline or airfreight operations.“The responses will inform a Central Coast Airport Master Plan that brings together businesses in aviation education and training, logistics, technology, consulting and service industries to create the best outcome for residents, ratepayers and industry,” Mr Dowling said.Once a draft Master Plan is developed it will be exhibited for community feedback.The Expression of Interest is open to any business looking for airside land leases or purpose built aviation facilities and applicants will be required to demonstrate how they will invest in long term development of their business and create jobs on the Central Coast.Applications close at 2:00pm on Tuesday 16 May 2017.  Registration for the EOI is now open at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ccairport

Central Coast Council is hosting a free talk at The Entrance Library today on current scams and ways in which the community can protect themselves and their loved ones.Most members of the community are contacted by scammers at some point in their lives, whether in person, online, by phone or by text message.Council is committed to investing in educating the community so they can learn to recognise scams and avoid being a victim to them.Council Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said education was key in protecting the community from scammers.“Scammers can be very savvy and often target vulnerable members of our community, so we need to ensure we arm them with the tools they need to protect themselves,” Ms Vaughn said.“Phishing, where scammers harvest personal information, is another problem – so residents should avoid filling out forms online that ask for personal information.”Presented by the NSW Department of Fair Trading, the session will look at some common myths about scams, including where people believe websites that use an Australian phone number, website or email address are not scams.The fact is scammers deliberately set up Australian telephone numbers, websites and email addresses as a front so they can channel money overseas.The session will also include information on where to go for help if you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council was committed to investing in the community and making sure they had the knowledge and skills to protect themselves.“Scams are designed to trick people into giving money away and/or personal details – they succeed because they look like the real thing,” Mr Reynolds said.“The frail, elderly and the young are particularly vulnerable to scammers, and we urge them to learn how to protect themselves.“Don’t respond to suspicious emails or letters, and never respond to emails that ask for your banking details.

A popular road in San Remo has been given a multi-million dollar makeover.The finishing touches are being put on major road and drainage works in Goorama Avenue with the conclusion of the fifth and final stage of the $6 million project getting close.Dating back to 2012, the five-stage upgrade has seen a new road surface, intersection upgrades, and the installation of traffic calming devices – significantly improving community safety on this important local thoroughfare.The final stage, valued at more than $1.1 million, involved significant road reconstruction work including street drainage, kerb and guttering, and footpath improvement works.The upgraded drainage system will alleviate previous flooding issues, while the new road surface will provide a smooth drive for motorists in this popular area.With two schools also located on Goorama Avenue, the upgrade will reduce congestion and provide better access for motorists during busy school pick-up and drop-off times.The investment and overall scope of the project signifies Council’s commitment to delivering a sustainable, high-quality road network through upgrade and improvement works.Crews will also continue to carry out road maintenance through ongoing resealing and renewal programs – with almost 59 kilometres of road identified for resealing this year – valued at more than $5 million.We would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience while these important works were carried out.

Council is calling on residents and business owners within the Ourimbah Creek catchment area to attend a public meeting where a floodplain risk management study and plan for the area will be discussed.The meeting will take place tonight at 6.30pm at The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus, Canteen Area.The Ourimbah Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan aims to build community resilience for flooding events and will include options such as flood mitigation works, emergency management plans, flood warning processes, land use planning, and sensible design of infrastructure and buildings.Council Group Leader, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said residents could provide valuable information and feedback on flooding in the Ourimbah Creek catchment.“The community has already provided vital input into the development of the floodplain risk management plan - at the meeting council will present information on work that has been carried out so far and provide feedback on ideas we have already received from residents since we started consulting in November 2015,” Mr Dowling said.“We also need to ensure any new developments are compatible with flood hazards and don’t create any additional flooding problems in the area.”Community feedback will be considered in the preparation draft of the management study and plan, which will be placed on public exhibition in April 2017.This $150,000 project is a combined investment by Council and the NSW Government.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the project was a great collaboration between Council, the State Government and the community with the ultimate aim of helping to alleviate the effects of flooding in the Ourimbah Creek catchment area.“We have experts right here in Council who are working hard on this plan and they will be on hand at the meeting to answer any resident questions and more importantly to seek feedback so we can continue towards finding the right solution to flooding issues in this area,” Mr Reynolds said.The last significant flood in the Ourimbah Creek catchment took place in 2007 and the worst flood in living memory in the area took place in 1992.The Ourimbah Creek catchment area includes the suburbs of  Berkeley Vale, Chittaway Bay, Chittaway Point, Fountaindale, Kangy Angy, Lisarow, Ourimbah, Palm Grove, Palmgrove and Tuggerah.

The financial reports for the former Gosford City Council, for the period 1 July 2015 to 12 May 2016, have been referred to external audit following tonight’s Extraordinary Central Coast Council meeting.A residents’ forum was held prior to the Extraordinary Meeting to allow community members to present their views on the reports which were made public on Thursday March 9 2017.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council was following due process and had been required under the proclamation to prepare financial reports for the two former Councils, including the former Gosford City Council.“My task as Administrator is to ensure proper process has been followed and that these reports have been prepared under relevant legislation and accounting standards and I am satisfied they have been,” Mr Reynolds said.“The reports will now be referred for external audit and we will await their advice.”“The community can be assured it is business as usual for the new Central Coast Council.“We will continue to deliver the services they need, want and value.”View the Financial Reports and Minutes of the MeetingFor more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions

Central Coast Council will hold a Residents Forum at the Gosford Office from 4pm on Monday 13 March 2017 for interested members of the public to address Council before the Extraordinary Meeting.Residents who wish to address the forum need to call 4325 8361 to register and must do so before 12 noon on Monday 13 March 2017.View the Agenda and Business Paper for the Extraordinary Meeting

Central Coast Council has started planning for The Lakes Festival 2017 and is looking for new ideas to build on last year’s success.The Festival has been bumped up to a massive 10 days providing more opportunities for additional activities and events on and around the Lakes from 10-19 November.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Council is looking to expand the events and activities that residents and tourists alike can get involved in at the ever growing annual Festival.“We are looking for new, innovative and different ideas to build on the success of our annual Festival which is becoming bigger and better every year,” Ms Vaughan said.“There are plenty of ways to be involved – we want new event ideas that can attract visitors from outside the region and in turn attract interest for those who may want to sponsor an event as well.“Straight after last year’s successful event, ideas are already starting to come in from those interested in becoming part of this year’s Festival – we have a lot of innovative, creative and passionate people here on the Coast and we want to harness that to make the Festival even better than ever.”Last year The Lakes Festival attracted over 45,000 people from the Coast and beyond, with more days and event hubs, the Festival is bound to attract even more to the area.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the popularity of this Festival is growing each year and showcases one of the Coast’s best assets.“Our waterways are the centre piece of this Festival and makes you realise just how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place,” Mr Reynolds said.“This Festival is aimed at everyone – locals and visitors, the young and old, the active and artistic – and even has the bonus of adding that extra financial boost to our local economy and tourism that we can all benefit from.“I’m excited to hear about the new innovative ideas and events the Festival will attract this year.”Innovation Funding applications close Friday 31 March 2017.

Council plans to align fees for a number of library services across all 11 Central Coast Council libraries from 4 April.As part of the process of streamlining all fees and services, a document outlining the first stage in fee alignment for the libraries went on public exhibition this week.Fees being aligned at this stage of the process are for overdue items, reservations, inter-library loans, lost library resources, damaged library items and reapplication of item identification.When all council libraries move to one Library Management System in the new financial year, residents will be able to check the catalogue, borrow, reserve and return at any of the 11 council libraries and access a greater range of e-resources, using one card. 

As required by the Local Government Act, Central Coast Council has prepared financial reports for the former Gosford City Council for its final reporting period.Council will consider those financial reports at an Extraordinary Meeting in Gosford at 5pm on Monday 13 March 2017.Council CEO, Mr Rob Noble, said the financial reports confirm Central Coast Council remains financially and structurally stable, with its program of work for the community fully funded and rolling out.“The preparation of the financial reports has not only ensured that the new Central Coast Council meets its statutory obligation, but that on 12 May 2016 it also inherited an operating surplus from the former Gosford City Council,” Mr Noble said.“This, with the operating surplus inherited from the former Wyong Shire Council, gives Council a great head start for our works program for the next financial year.”In the course of preparing the financial reports a number of issues were identified that warranted further analysis.

In the lead up to International Women’s Day, one of Central Coast Council’s Group Leaders has been awarded the NSW Local Government Minister’s Award for Women in Local Government.The Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government celebrate the contribution of women to local government in NSW.

Andy Griffiths, author of the hugely successful Treehouse series, is just one of many Aussie authors and comedians who read stories on one of three programs recently acquired by Central Coast Libraries.Council is hosting several free workshops to help children learn how to use the new e-resources and the online catalogue.Story Box Library is an educational program for kids, offering a selection of Australian children’s stories read out loud and on film.The two other programs are Rainforest Coding and Ten Monkeys.Council Group Leader, Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said one of Council’s priorities for Coast libraries was ensuring the community had access to the latest technologies.“As we move further into the digital age these platforms are another great way to empower kids to learn, and are just a couple of the many learning tools our Council libraries have that foster digital learning and literacy in our youngsters,” Ms Vaughan said.“Council libraries are committed to investing in educational activities for children in order to make sure they are well equipped for life and ultimately the work force.”Rainforest Coding introduces the visual programing language ‘Scratch’ to children from five years of age, and is a collection of adventures including Return to Crystal Rainforest and Echo Island.Ten Monkeys is a mathematical resource suitable for children aged 6-10 years.It offers mathematics learning content for primary school students in a fun and game-like environment.The new e-resources are free and are currently available at wyong.nsw.gov.au/library for library members.In order to gain access to these resources you must be a member of Central Coast Libraries.The first workshop is on Monday 20 March from 10am to 11am at Tuggerah Library, and the second workshop is on Monday 3 April from 10am to 11am at Lake Haven Library.Bookings are essential.Call Tuggerah Library on 02 4350 1560 and Lake Haven Library on 02 4350 1570.

Central Coast Council will hold an Extraordinary Council meeting on Monday 13 March 2017 to present the financial reports of the former Gosford Council for the period from 1 July 2015 to 12 May 2016.The meeting will be held at the Central Coast Council Chambers, Level 1, 49 Mann Street, Gosford at 5pm.The Meeting will be open to the public to attend and can be viewed live on Council’s YouTube Channel.

Temporary traffic control measures will be in place along a section of Brisbane Water Drive, Woy Woy, until Friday 10 March, while Central Coast Council completes water main upgrade works.The works, being carried out in the vicinity of the Spike Milligan Bridge, 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 8pm – 5am to enhance community safety.Additionally, important pavement stabilisation works will be undertaken on the Scenic Rd, Kincumber, until Friday 10 March.The works will take place from 7am – 5pm, with traffic controllers on site – 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.