Central Coast Council has commenced a series of essential maintenance works across six skate parks throughout the region, including BATO Yard (Bateau Bay), Wadalba Skate Park, Picnic Point Skate Park (The Entrance), Banjo’s Skate Park (Terrigal), Narara Skate Park and Kariong Skate Park.Council Director Community Services and Recreation, Melanie Smith said these works aim to ensure the safety and longevity of these popular community facilities for skaters of all ages and abilities.“The works are scheduled to progressively roll out until July 2024 (weather permitting), and will require short-term closures at each location while works are underway,” Ms Smith said.“The scope of the project will vary depending on the specific needs of each skate park. “Some examples of planned work include resurfacing ramps and bowls, repairing cracks and damaged concrete, replacing worn equipment like basketball hoops and nets, and applying fresh paint and coatings.”The schedule (weather permitting), with temporary closures whilst works are underway, is:•    Narara Skate Park – works anticipated to commence 13 June - 18 June •    Banjo’s Skate Park (Terrigal), works anticipated to commence 17 June - 21 June•    Kariong Skate Park – works anticipated to commence 24 June - 28 June•    The Entrance Skate Park (Picnic Point), works are underway and due for completion at the end of June.•    Wadalba Skate Park - works are underway and expected to be completed around June 21•    Bato Yard - Skate Park completion 14 June, however the Basketball court will be closed until 20 June Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart emphasised the importance of the skate parks to the community and the benefits of these maintenance projects.“These skate parks are well loved by our community and these essential maintenance works will ensure they remain safe and enjoyable for everyone to use,” Mr Hart said. “Council is committed to providing quality recreational facilities for our residents, and these upgrades will help to extend the lifespan of these skate parks for many years to come.“By investing in these essential works, we can ensure that these community hubs continue to provide a safe and positive space for people of all ages and skills to enjoy skateboarding, BMX riding, scootering and rollerblading.”For the latest information on these temporary closures and specific works being undertaken at each skatepark, search ‘skate park works’ at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.auTo view details of the 25 Council managed skates parks on the Central Coast, search ‘skate parks’ at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.auENDS 

🚘 WEEKLY ROAD WORKS UPDATESome of the road works underway this week include:Pothole works at Bensville, Berkeley Vale, Calga, Chain Valley Bay, Copacabana, Holgate, Matcham, Peats Ridge, San Remo, Summerland Point, Terrigal, Tuggerah and WyongRoad grading works at Dooralong (Dittons Rd, Whitemans Ln), Lemon Tree (Phil Tunks Ln), Somersby (Wirrinda Rd) and Umina Beach (various laneways)Heavy patch works at East Gosford (Sierra Cl), Gorokan (Shropshire St), Kulnura (George Downes Dr), Mardi (Old Maitland Road), Peats Ridge (Peats Ridge Rd) and Wyong Creek (Yarramalong Rd)Road pavement upgrade works at Blue Bay (Bay Rd) and MacMasters Beach (The Scenic Rd)DID YOU KNOW? Council maintains over 155 kilometres of unsealed roads.

The Local Housing Strategy recognises our region’s housing challenges and outlines a number of ways to address these in the short term and through to 2041.A Central Coast Local Housing Strategy has been developed with feedback from community engagement, to address the local housing challenges impacting our community and region, including:•    continued rapid population growth•    a shortage of low-cost rental accommodation•    lack of housing diversityA coordinated approach across all levels of government and the private sector is required to support diverse and sustainable housing on the Central Coast, and respond to community concerns.Our Local Housing Strategy outlines Council’s role and sets the agenda for work that we will undertake in the coming years to address these challenges at a local level - in a coordinated and collaborative way.Council activities will support and encourage the responsible delivery of additional housing that’s diverse, affordable and resilient to climate changes with suitable protection of community green spaces and the environment.

Central Coast Council continues to undertake maintenance and infrastructure upgrades across its vast water and sewer network as it moves into year three of Council’s four-year Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) Determination.Council’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading infrastructure across the network is critical to the ongoing efforts in ensuring the Central Coast community has access to reliable and high-quality water services.From 1 July 2024 the combined yearly bill for a typical household will increase by approximately 11.9%, or $168.03 for water, sewerage, and stormwater services (based on 170 kilolitres of water usage per year).

Locals and visitors to Ettalong Beach can enjoy a newly constructed section of shared path along The Esplanade with improved accessibility and safety.The newly constructed 190m pathway runs along the foreshore (from outside of 119 The Esplanade to Kourung Street),and includes 150m of a 2.5m wide shared path and 40m of 1.5m footpath.

Central Coast Council proudly congratulates the Central Coast Mariners on their triumphant victory in the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final. The Mariners’ journey to the championship has captivated and inspired the entire region, showcasing the team's resilience, dedication, and exemplary sportsmanship.This victory marks a historic achievement for the Mariners, as they have not only reached the pinnacle of Australian football including winning back-to-back grand finals but have also brought immense pride and joy to the Central Coast community. Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart praised the Mariners for their exceptional season and remarkable Grand Final win against Melbourne Victory, saying their unwavering determination and outstanding performance throughout the season has cemented their place in the hearts of fans and has highlighted the unifying power of sport.“We are immensely proud of their achievements, including securing the Asian Football Cup and the way they have represented the Central Coast on the national and international stage.”Mr Hart said the Central Coast Mariners’ success has ignited a wave of excitement and celebration across the region. “They have won the Treble, which has never been achieved in Australia in either the men’s and women’s competition and have shown what can be achieved through commitment and a strong sense of community spirit,” Mr Hart said.“The 20,059 supporters in attendance at the game, and the fantastic crowd at our Grand Final Live Site on Saturday night highlighted the unifying power of sport. “Council continues to look forward to continuing to support the Mariners and celebrating their future successes.”ENDS 

A series of Skate Park maintenance works are rolling out across six Central Coast skate parks – BATO Yard (Bateau Bay), Wadalba Skate Park, Picnic Point Skate Park (the Entrance), Banjo’s (Terrigal), Narara Skate Park, and Kariong Skate Park. These essential works will ensure that these community sporting facilities are kept to a safe standard and will help prolong their life, so they can be enjoyed for many years to come. The works are scheduled to run progressively from May through to July (weather permitting) and require short term temporary closures once the work commences at each site.BATO Yard, Bateau Bay Skate ParkTiming:

The Central Coast Mariners have once again captured the hearts of fans as they bring the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final to Gosford for the first time.

The Spencer community will be soon enjoying an upgraded playspace in Spencer Waterfront precinct thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Investing in our Communities (IiOC) grant and $45,000 from Central Coast Council.Central Coast Council Director of Community and Recreation Services Mel Smith said the current playground currently features only a swing set and picnic table.“With the upgrade, the community will be able to enjoy play equipment including a swing set, climbing and slide unit, rocker, rubber softfall and picnic table."Installation of the equipment will commence the end of June or early July with the aim for the works to be completed in late July (weather permitting)," Ms Smith said.Local resident, Community Liaison Officer and co-founder of the community group River Cares, Robyn Downham, said it is fantastic that the new playground will offer multiple activities for a range of ages and abilities as well as attracting, connecting and helping children to play and socialise. “The upgrade of the Spencer playground will help to promote community connectivity and will help to bring families, visitors and tourists to our beautiful shores. “River Cares have been campaigning for an improved playground since the Spencer Public Toilets were completed in January 2023 and so we thank both the Australian Government and Council for now making this happen,” Ms Downham said.Council Administrator Rik Hart said that the upgrade is part of Council’s overall strategy to see enhanced playspaces across the Central Coast. “I am delighted to see the existing Spencer waterfront playspace receive a much needed upgrade. “This is one of over 260 public playspaces in parks, reserves, holiday/caravan parks and community centres. As the Central Coast community grows, it is important that Council continues to provide young families and children with safe environments to engage in play-based learning,” Mr Hart said.“We thank the Australian Government for their support of this project.”The Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid said he is pleased to see the Australian Government partner with Central Coast Council to undertake an upgrade of the playground at Spencer.“This upgrade will update equipment and bring the playspace up to standard.“I thank the community of Spencer and surrounding communities for their advocacy," Dr Reid said.Council reminds visitors to the area that there will be no access to the playspace while the installation of the new equipment and associated construction is underway.ENDS

The Central Coast will benefit from the NSW Government’s introduction of landmark environmental reforms that ensure NSW has the strongest environmental regulations of any state or territory in Australia.Central Coast Council’s Acting Director Environment and Planning Luke Sulkowski, said the reforms to existing legislation are welcomed, agreeing an overhaul and tougher penalties were needed.“The reforms address critical loopholes in environmental legislation and ensures the NSW Environment Protection Authority and Council, as co-regulators under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act), have stronger powers to deter environmental crimes and respond faster to pollution incidents.“It means that Council can take a tougher stance on environmental crimes, including being able to issue much higher on-the-spot fines for a range of offences including pollution offences and failing to comply with lawful directions and orders.“For example, the on-the-spot fine amount for the pollution of waters was previously $4000 for an individual and $8000 for a corporation.“The same offence now carries a monetary penalty of $15,000 for an individual and $30,000 for a corporation for a first offence, and $22,500 for an individual and $45,000 for a corporation for another offence.“The same new monetary penalties apply to individuals and corporations who fail to comply with directions and orders issued under the POEO Act to remedy environmental nuisances and pollution.” Mr Sulkowski said.The NSW Government has also raised other common offences, including fines for littering small items in public places which will double to $160.Public land managers such as councils will have authority to issue illegal dumping fines of $5,000 to companies and $1,000 to individuals, increasing to $10,000 for corporations and $2,500 for individuals if the dumping occurs in sensitive places like a school, hospital or national park.Council Administrator Rik Hart applauded the NSW Government for introducing the tougher penalties and urges the community and businesses to know that Council will be implementing them in an effort to protect the Central Coast environment and community.“We live in an amazing environment on the Central Coast, and with the stronger legislation and higher fines, I hope that individuals and organisations will think twice before they commit an environmental offence.”For more information visit:https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/news/landmark-environmental-reforms-pass-nsw-parliamenthttps://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/2024/epamedia240321-landmark-environmental-reforms-pass-nsw-parliament ENDS