Filling up your water bottle while you’re out and about on the coast is about to get a whole lot easier, with the installation of nine new water refill stations.Central Coast Council is currently installing the water filter stations at high traffic areas including:Heazlett Park, AvocaRumbalara Reserve, SpringfieldMacKillop Oval, South KincumberHylton Moore Oval, East GosfordGreenvale Playground, Green PointThe Skillion, TerrigalTrafalgar Playground, Woy WoyHardy’s Bay ForeshoreNarara Valley Precinct Park.The project started in early November and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2017.The new fixtures will complement the 17 stations already established throughout the region at Woy Woy, Umina, Avoca Beach, Terrigal Beach, Ocean Beach, Kincumber, Copacabana, Ettalong Beach and Gosford’s Kibble Park.Each unit has multiple taps for drinking out of, with refill dispensers on each side.

Central Coast Council has agreed with auditors PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to extend the timeframe required to finalise the audit report into the finances of the former Gosford Council.As soon as the report is ready, Council if necessary, will call an Extraordinary Meeting in March to be held in the Gosford Chambers.Council CEO Rob Noble said the auditors are in the process of finalising their audit testing and Council is working closely with PWC to ensure the final accounts are transparent and understandable by the community.“As with many issues in respect of Council mergers, the alignment of Council financial management is a complex issue, so we want to ensure the community gets a clear view,” Mr Noble said.“We’re here to deliver the best possible services to our growing community, and having a thorough and consistent understanding of financial management across both former Council areas moving forward is essential.Council accounts are governed by a strict Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting, and by legally binding Accounting Standards.

Waste services on the Central Coast are provided by REMONDIS under a contract with Council.Council understands that REMONDIS and its drivers are currently negotiating a new Enterprise Agreement.Council expects that waste services will continue to be provided while these negotiations continue.Council has no role in negotiations between REMONDIS, its employees and the Transport Workers Union on this matter.An invitation for tenders for waste services across the Central Coast from beyond 31 January 2018 is in the process of being finalised.For any advice on delayed waste services, please contact REMONDIS on 1300 126 278.

A Festival highlighting the hidden gems of Wyong has renewed pride in the area.More than 4,500 people braved the heat to check out the inaugural Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival – a unique event coordinated by Central Coast Council in partnership with local businesses and community organisations.Council’s Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the Festival showcased how the revitalisation of the Wyong CBD is changing perceptions of the area for the better.“The aim of the Festival was to drive economic development and revitalise the town centre of Wyong while showing visitors the unique character it has to offer,” Ms Vaughan said.“And it certainly did just that!“There was a great vibe and atmosphere as festival-goers lined the laneways of Wyong.“Despite the weather, it was great to see so many people experiencing the good food and entertainment as well as rediscovering the historic town.“The CBD was transformed for one evening – like never before and everyone loved it!”Wyong was filled with so much colour and activity and the visitors also agreed.Some of the feedback received from attendees included:“Sensational night.

The long-awaited BMX track at San Remo will be officially opened this weekend, and it’s your chance to try the new facility, as well as watch some of Australia’s best riders in action.The Extreme Sports Park has been given a makeover to cater for the growing interest in BMX riding and will complement the existing track at Terrigal.It’s an exciting new facility for riders on the Coast and will not only suit professional and technical riders, but also cater for the young developing ones as well – attracting riders from across the region.Come and try itBring along your bike, your helmet and try the new track, or simply sit back and watch some of the top notch riders test it out.Alex Cameron, Dean Johnston, Steve Wakeham and Clare McNamara are some of the country’s top BMX riders that will be demonstrating their skills and signing autographs.The ‘Come and Try Day’ will be held on Sunday 19 February from 10am to 2pm and includes a free sausage sizzle, jumping castle and so much more.Plus, find out how you can get involved in the newly established BMX club.For more details, check out wyong.nsw.gov.au/sanremobmxWhat work was involved?We’ve been working with riders – both local and skilled – as well as the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre to reactivate the area and gain their valued input to make this a high quality facility.The track has been reshaped to BMX Australian competition standard, to enable hosting of major events and competitions.Works include an eight lane, competition-style barrel gate, four straights coated in crushed granite, asphalt on the berms, as well as a downhill starting ramp, turfing around facility and additional car parking.The skate area on site has also been upgraded with an increased plaza-style area and a quarter pipe – which can now cater for more styles of skate, scooter and blades of all abilities.Future plans to make the park more attractive include lighting, an upgrade to amenities and spectator areas, as well as a junior track, so watch this space.Increasing our recreation facilitiesThe San Remo BMX track will add to our ever-growing list of free recreational facilities on the Central Coast.The Terrigal BMX track is a competition-level facility located on Duffys Road and already holds significant regional and state events run by the local club.We also have two smaller BMX tracks located in popular recreational areas, suitable for beginner and intermediate level riders.

The NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has confirmed all 20 recently merged Councils, including the Central Coast, will continue.The idea of holding plebiscites in merged Councils has also been abandoned by the Government.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the announcement was welcome news and provided the community and Council with the certainty needed to continue working together to make the Coast and its Council the best they can be.“Our staff have been working extremely hard over the past nine months to transform the Council as well as continue great service delivery to our community.

Following the recent success of two blockbuster exhibitions during the holiday period, Gosford Regional Gallery is continuing its commitment to diverse and stimulating programing, with the opening of four new shows on Saturday 18 February.The new exhibitions include:Australian exotica:

Central Coast Council is holding a free microchipping day this weekend to help pet owners take that first step in responsible pet ownership.Residents are encouraged to come along to the Animal Care Facility, at Charmhaven on Saturday 18 February and have their pet microchipped at no cost.Council’s Group Leader Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, said becoming a pet owner reaps many rewards, but it also comes with a great responsibility.“Owning a pet can be beneficial to our health and well-being – they can keep us active and give that extra comfort around the home – but they can also become costly if certain steps aren’t followed,” Mr Cox said.“Our animal care facilities receive a number of dogs and cats each year that have been abandoned as people don’t realise the level of care needed to raise a pet.”On average more than 45 per cent of dogs and cats that come into the facilities are not microchipped and less than 60 per cent of these are reunited with their owners.“Microchipping is the first step in responsible pet ownership and helps identify your pet if they should ever go missing,” Mr Cox added.“There is always an influx of animals brought into our facilities over the festive season.“By making sure your pet is microchipped, registered and details are up to date, with current address and phone number, we can reunite your pet and family faster.“We know how important it is to have your pet microchipped and that’s why we are offering this free service.”The day is more than a free microchip, it’s also a great chance to check chip details are up to date and talk to staff on responsible pet ownership, including lifetime registration.Everyone that comes to the Charmhaven facility to have their four-legged friend microchipped, registered or check their details are up to date will also receive a Happy Pet gift pack – a small bag full of treats, information and a toy for your pet.Find out all these details and more at the Free Microchipping Day at the Central Coast Animal Facility, Charmhaven on Saturday 18 February from 10am-3pm.Free microchipping will also be available at the Central Coast Animal Care Facility in Erina on the same day between 10am-4.30pm.Check out more about the free service by visiting wyong.nsw.gov.au/pets

The worldwide success of TV shows such as Who Do You Think You Are?

The long awaited BMX track at San Remo will be officially opened this weekend with some of Australia's best riders testing the track, demonstrating their skills and signing autographs.Central Coast Council has given the Extreme Sports Park a makeover to cater for the growing interest in BMX riding.

It has been a big week for Wyong’s Little Creek Cheese company with owners Russell and Sue Parsons shipping off their special entries to the Royal Sydney Easter Show yesterday.The award-winning Central Coast cheese artisans hope to add to the company’s medal tally in 2017.Last year they won 27 medals in competitions across Australia, including five Gold’s at Royal Shows around the country.Russell is most proud of winning Highest Scoring Club Cheddar in Australia at the prestigious 2016 Dairy Industry Association of Australia competition, with Little Creek’s sensational Onion Cheddar.“We beat ‘em all,” Russell says proudly, “all the big names like South Cape and Margaret River, and we did it producing cheese right here on the Central Coast.”A proud Coastie, Russell is an ambassador for the Central Coast’s This is the life promotion.“We really have the best of all worlds here on the Coast.  I encourage all Coasties to tell their friends and families how wonderful the place is,” said Russell“We’ve received great backing from the local community and local businesses stocking our products.“The support we’ve received has just cemented why we love living where we do, it’s all about the people and the community.”“When we are at markets outside the region, such as in the Hunter Valley, and people try our products and see our awards, they are surprised we come from the Central Coast.“A certain amount of pride comes out of that not only for us, but for the region which doesn’t yet have a big reputation for gourmet produce.“Together with other Coast food producers we’ve formed the Central Coast Food Collective to try to change all that!  We hope in our own small way, we are making a difference.”As for the Royal Sydney Easter Show, Russell expects stiff competition and is hoping for at least one Gold medal.“I’m a little bit superstitious about revealing what our entries are, but we will definitely have another crack with the Haloumi and a few other varieties,” Russel said.“I know it’s a bit cheesy to say but it’s true – even if we don’t win, the real winner is cheese itself.In 2017 Little Creek Cheese is expanding into gourmet flavoured salts, starting with a grinder pack of “chilli, basil and garlic” and “lemon myrtle, peppercorn and garlic” flavoured salts.“We’re working on a few other varieties too,” Russell hints.  So watch this space!Little Creek Cheese can be found at the Wyong Milk Factory on Alison Road, Wyong.

Our Council leaders have the answers to your queries about our organisation and our plans for the Coast, and are keen to chat with you.

Central Coast Council has outlined key regional issues and delivered its ‘wish list’ for the coast as part of the NSW Government’s Community Cabinet, held at the Mingara Recreation Club this morning.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds opened the meeting with a short presentation on the progress of the new organisation and a list of high priority issues for the Central Coast.Community members were also given the opportunity to raise their concerns and issues directly with new Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her Ministerial team.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Community Cabinet was a positive and productive forum to discuss regional matters.“The Community Cabinet is an important vehicle for residents to have their say on issues including transport infrastructure, coastal management, economic development and planning,” said Mr Reynolds.“It’s fantastic Premier Berejiklian chose the Central Coast as her first stop and illustrates our important status as a key developing region of New South Wales.“We are the only Council in the state that is a region in its own right, putting us in a unique position to work with the State Government and ensure we move the Central Coast forward.“The Central Coast is a vibrant, growing community filled with promise - we’re excited about opportunities to develop transport infrastructure, and see improved planning to foster local job creation and thriving town centres.Central Coast Council CEO, Rob Noble, said it was pleasing to be able to share the organisation’s key priorities as part of the morning’s meeting.“I’d like to thank Premier Berejiklian and her team for allowing us the opportunity to outline what we feel are key regional issues,” said Mr Noble.“Many local residents were also able to meet with Government representatives and I’m looking forward to the potential outcomes for the Central Coast as a result of this meeting.”Items presented by Council include the Link Road to connect Wyong and Warnervale as well as roads planning overall, Coastal Management Plan, Langford Drive and returning more of the NSW Waste Levy to the Central Coast.

Applications for the second round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund - Community Grants Program opened on Monday 30 January.The funding is part of the $1 million earmarked for local community group grants over the next three years, as a result of local government amalgamations.The Community Grants Program fosters projects that help create a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive community.More than $250,000 has already been shared among 14 local not-for-profit groups under the first round of the grants program.Successful round one recipients have been using their funding to build community gardens, improve sports facilities and amenities, enhance community centres, and support a healthy and happy community through a range of programs and activities.Davistown Progress Association was one successful group from round one, where the Stronger Communities Fund has enabled residents to come together to participate in the Davistown Progress Hall Centenary Restoration Project - providing a much-needed makeover for the historic hall.The 100 year anniversary of the hall is approaching in a few years, and locals have banded together to reinvigorate this facility as a community focal point and meeting place.The grant has enabled them to carry out works including refurbishments, improved drainage and landscaping to help restore the venue.We want other community groups, just like the Davistown Progress Association, to apply for second round program funding.Round two is open to not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding to continue in their endeavours to make the Central Coast a great place to live, work and play.So if you or anyone you know is involved in a local community group, spread the word about applying for the second round of the Stronger Communities Fund – Community Grants Program to help make your projects happen.To be successful for funding, community projects must meet the following criteria:Deliver social, cultural, economic or environmental benefits to the local community;Address an identified community priority;Be well defined with a clear budget;Demonstrate that any ongoing or recurrent costs of the project can be met by the community group once grant funding has been expended;

The countdown has begun for the Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival this weekend.The inaugural Festival will showcase Wyong in a new light on Saturday 11 February, and kicks off at 4pm.Festival-goers will be able to immerse themselves in the abundance of colour, sounds and smells of this unique event.There is sure to be something for everyone as the town comes to life with three music stages, aerial circus performances, live art, free kids activities, great food and much, much more.For more details, search Love Lanes Festival 2017 on Facebook.To help make this Festival a success and safe for motorists and visitors alike, road closures will be in place at:Alison Road (between Pacific Highway and Hely Street) from 6am-11.30pmBakers Lane (between Pacific Highway and Rankins Court) from 11am-11.30pmRobley’s Lane Wyong (between Pacific Highway and Hely Street) from 11am-11.30pmPeters Lane from 11am-11.30pm (business access only).

Central Coast Council wishes to advise that road closures will be in place on McMasters Road, Woy Woy on Sunday 5 February 2017, as the Peninsula Leisure Centre hosts the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon.The closure will run from John Hoare Crescent to Blackwall Road, starting at 5am and reopening at 1pm.Welcome Street, Drew Street and Fairview Street will also be closed for the duration of the event.Warning signs will be in place during the road closures to notify motorists of the changed traffic conditions, Council encourages everyone to take care if driving nearby.Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this road closure. 

Central Coast Council congratulated 2016 scholarship and internship students and welcomed the 2017 scholarship students at a well-attended ceremony yesterday.With the number of young Coast residents with university qualifications less than half the state average, these innovative programs aim to inspire locals to stay committed to their studies.Council’s Executive Manager of People and Culture, Ms Kellie Reeves, said the programs served the dual purpose of encouraging tertiary education while assisting students to get a head start in their chosen careers.“Although youth unemployment on the Coast has dropped 2.5 per cent, from 17 per cent in July 2016 to 14.5 per cent in November 2016, we are keen to see this figure drop even further, as we are still higher than the national average,” Ms Reeves said.“Our scholarship program looks to address the current disconnect in the transition from schooling to training or employment.“Open to local high school graduates and students who have completed their first year of university, this program encourages students to continue their education and look towards their future.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said council’s internship program was open to third or fourth year students.“Our internship program equips students with skills and hands-on experience needed to get their foot in the door of a very competitive workforce,” Mr Reynolds said.“Both programs provide financial support to pursue tertiary study which may otherwise be unattainable for individuals.“Job creation is one of Council’s top priorities and this is one way Council is working to help the community establish careers locally and keep our talent here on the Coast.”The four graduating interns for 2016 are:Emily Rindfleish – Environmental Science & ManagementJeremy Jones –Engineering/Engineering PracticesMitchell Knox – Civil Engineering.James Wilkinson – Civil Engineering2016 Scholarships have been involved in a number of community projects and exposed to a wide range of skills and experiences within their allocated areas within the business.

Council is urging residents to do their part in taking care of Tuggerah Lakes to mark World Wetlands Day which is today.World Wetlands Day, 2 February, is an international celebration to increase public awareness of the vital functions wetlands play in the environment and to promote conservation and the wise use of wetlands.Council is committed to preserving and maintaining our remaining wetlands in the Tuggerah Lake catchment, with some 50 per cent having been lost due to draining and clearing for agriculture and housing over the past 200 years.Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said World Wetlands Day presented a timely reminder that Tuggerah Lakes, a 1620 ha catchment, needed constant care.“The wetlands are like the purifiers for water entering the lakes, in that they are important filters for water before they enter our lakes.

The Central Coast’s largest riding facility will be hosting one of the biggest skate competitions in the region to find how who will be named the inaugural King of Concrete Champion.Bato Yard will be hosting this prestigious event in the King of Concrete skate series for bowl riders on Saturday 11 February.The competition will see the best riders from all over the region – even the state and country – competing not only for a share of $5000 in prize money but for wildcards into the Bondi BOWL-A-RAMA, the peak world bowl competition that celebrates the skateboarding culture and attracts international pro riders, such as Tony Hawk.Event organiser and former world champion, Mr Renton Millar, said holding a King of Concrete round at Bato Yard gives top bowl skaters from the Coast a chance to showcase their skills.“Our team can’t wait to get up to Bato Yard,” Mr Millar said.“I was a part of the original workshops and had a say in the design of Bato Yard, so it’s exciting to bring these competitions to the Coast and watch the community improve their skating skills.“Bato Yard has the potential to attract top riders from around the country to the Central Coast as well as other major skating events.“You already have well-known riders Matt Kitai and Bryce McKean travel the country doing what they love, and now they can do it in their own backyard.”Riders will compete for $5000 in prize money as well as giving the chance to three junior riders and the top two masters and opens riders to compete in the popular Bondi competition on 18-19 February.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the facility was delivering on its promise to attract world class events and providing important opportunities for residents and visitors alike.“Since its opening, the riding facility has seen thousands upon thousands of people come through and test their abilities on some of the rare features the Yard has to offer,” Mr Reynolds said.“Bato Yard was built for local riders and to attract major competitions to our great region, just like this one.“Last month we had a YMCA skate event that was so popular they are looking at holding it over two days next year.“It’s certainly becoming well known as one of the premier riding facilities in the region, if not the state.”The King of Concrete skate series is a national event that has really injected energy into the bowl skating scene in Australia and next week’s event is one not to be missed.Street riders will also have a chance to show off their skills when the team brings the King of Street competition to Bato Yard on Saturday 22 April with winners getting a chance to win a share in $5000 and a pathway entry to an event in the USA.For more details on what’s happening at Bato Yard, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/batoyard

The best of Central Coast Council’s lifeguard service battled it out on Terrigal Beach last week for top honours in Central Coast Council’s inaugural lifeguard challenge.The annual challenge took a new approach this year following the amalgamation of the former Gosford and Wyong Councils in May 2016.Competitors contended individually in the Howard Jones Memorial Mission and in teams to take out the coveted Cook Cup trophy.Council’s Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the competitive spirit was still there under the new format.“Thirty of our finest lifeguards took part in the two events that demonstrated their experience, skill and talent,” Ms Vaughan said.“Our Lifeguards do a great job keeping our beaches safe every summer and certainly showed off these skills at the challenge.”The Howard Jones Memorial Mission is an individual event consisting of an 800metre run, 400metre swim, 800metre run and 600metre board paddle.The Cook Cup is a team event which saw 10 teams of three compete in an 800metre run, 400metre swim and a 600metre board paddle.Shelly Beach’s James Koch was the man of moment taking home both the Howard Jones Memorial trophy as well as the coveted Cook Cup.The top five place getters in the Howard Jones Memorial Mission were: