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.

Avoca Beach will become the backdrop for some of the world’s best surfers, when it hosts The Komunity Project Central Coast Pro, presented by Rockstar, from Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 March.More than 200 of surfing’s most talented will converge on Avoca Beach from today until Sunday to showcase their skills in what is shaping up to be challenging surf conditions.With the surfing elite on show and impressive swell forecast, the event is expected to attract much spectator attention and community support, especially over the weekend.Local favourites including Wade Carmichael will also feature, with home conditions and a home crowd a big incentive for a local to take out the title for this elite event.The exact location for competition along Avoca Beach will be dependent on daily swell conditions.The five-day competition forms the fourth and final stop on the Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series.

Council crews will be carrying out a range of upgrade works at Ernest Street, Erina between Erina High and Woodport Public School, making it safer for student drop-off and pick-up.In partnership with the Department of Education, the project will see the installation of a new roundabout, road reconstruction, kerb and guttering, and footpath and landscaping works.Additional kerb-side parking along Ernest Street will also be provided, as well as the rationalisation of the bus zones to provide and an extra ‘kiss & ride’ area, to ensure pedestrian and motorist safety during busy school pick-up and drop-off times.The project has been funded through a $435,000 grant from the Department of Education, with Council contributing $215,000 through its Capital Works Program.During the construction period, we would encourage motorists to take care if driving nearby, and take note of warning signs to notify of any changes to traffic conditions.Check out our interactive map to find out what roads and drainage projects are happening in your neighbourhood at yourvoiceourcoast.com 

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.

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.

Central Coast residents have an opportunity to clear their homes of unwanted chemical products at a free Household Chemical CleanOut event, hosted by Central Coast Council.Chemical products collected from around the home, garage or car can be dropped off at a weekend event at Bateau Bay.Materials such as pool chemicals, car batteries, acids and alkalis, solvents, pesticides, chemical cleaners, motor oils, herbicides, paints, hobby chemicals, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, florescent bulbs and household cleaners will be accepted.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the cleanout allows residents to safely dispose of unwanted chemicals and waste.“As many chemicals are hazardous, it’s important they are disposed of safely and properly,” said Mr Reynolds.“The free collections are a handy way for residents to dispose of materials they no longer need or have passed their use by date.“Most chemicals can be dropped off, including materials with flammable gas, corrosive, flammable liquid, toxic, flammable solid and oxidizing agent logos.“In 2016, 224 tonnes of hazardous waste was collected from over 5,800 cars on the Central Coast.“Paint was the most popular material, with more than 60 percent of the total collection - batteries, pesticides, motor oil were also popular.”Residents can drop off materials between 9am and 3.30pm at the Long Jetty Council Depot, Bateau Bay, on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 March.Households are reminded there is a 20kg/20L limit per container, and are advised to transport all materials carefully and to remain in their vehicles at the collection site.The free collection is part of the NSW Environmental and Protection Authority Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded by the waste levy.For a full list of accepted materials visit cleanout.com.au  or call 131 555.

Landcare volunteers this week started rehabilitation on an area where a boardwalk will be built at Killarney Vale.

Central Coast Council is calling on local residents to roll up their sleeves and get involved in Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday 5 March.More than 70 community, school and business sites have been registered across the Central Coast.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Clean Up Australia Day is the perfect way for the community to come together and help clean up the Coast.“It’s great to see people taking pride in their suburb and doing their bit to protect our unique environment,” Ms Vaughan said.“The Central Coast’s natural environment is so diverse - from our beautiful beaches and waterways to large areas of bushland and national parks - and needs our help to stay clean and preserve the habitats of native animals and plants.”Volunteers are needed to assist with sites all across the Coast and range from public bushland and parks to foreshore and coastal areas.Last year more than eight tonnes was collected across 86 sites on the Central Coast.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this weekend is a great chance to get involved and support your local community.“Clean Up Australia Day is a reminder to think about how we can all work together to reduce litter in the home and our impact on the environment every day,” Mr Reynolds said.“We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place and it is up to us to do our bit to keep it that way.”For more information go to cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or contact Council on 4350 5555/4325 8222.

Central Coast Council is looking to activate town centres and deliver housing choice for its growing community.

Central Coast Council is launching an information tool to help residents keep up to date with Capital Works road projects happening in their area.The online map also marks the creation of a single Capital Works schedule for the Central Coast.It sets out the status of all road and drainage works listed to be carried out this financial year, keeping the community informed of works in their neighbourhood.Each project will have a unique pin, outlining its location, description and timeline for the commencement and completion of the works.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that the Capital Works program formed the basis of infrastructure upgrades across the region.“This financial year we’re investing almost $183 million into Capital Works across the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“Through a now unified Capital Works program we’re seeing better outcomes through a greater access to resources, increased buying power and improved efficiencies.“The overall program will see upgrades to our road network, improvements to sewer infrastructure and enhancements to many of our community assets.“Our staff work extremely hard to identify and schedule these key projects, based on outcomes set within our Operational Plan.”At this stage, the online map sets out the $62 million roads and drainage projects as part of the Capital Works program and it’s proposed to extend that to other works in future.You will also be able to get a consolidated list of all capital road and drainage works identified by suburb.Group Leader of Assets, Business and Infrastructure, Mike Dowling, said that this information tool was an important step in informing the community on the Capital Works program.“Residents will be able to get a greater understanding of where works are being undertaken, which will inform their feedback on our services through ongoing community engagement,” said Mr Dowling.“It’s important to note that this isn’t an indication of all of the work we undertake, our online map looks at major road and drainage capital projects - as opposed to our normal maintenance program.”Council is encouraging residents to visit the online map, look up their local area and provide feedback – as it looks to expand the service to all Capital Works projects in future.To see what Capital Work projects in your neighbourhood, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council will be closing Magenta shared pathway for a day to install a number of benches along the scenic walk.The popular pathway will be closed on Thursday 2 March from 6am-5pm to install seats in the rest areas.The benches will add to the amenity of the pathway allowing users to rest comfortably and enjoy the natural environment as they exercise.Due to the nature of the work and for user safety, Council needs to close the pathway from the Evans Road car park as heavy machinery will be on site.During the works, cyclists can use the on-road bicycle lanes on Wilfred Barrett Drive and walkers can access the wetland path from the south end of Evans Road or the trails from the Wilfred Barrett Drive carpark.Cyclists using Wilfred Barrett Drive should use care on the public road, which at times has heavy traffic.