Despite the interruption COVID-19 has had on our every day lives, Council has been able to continue delivering essential services for our community and play our part in keeping the economy going and keeping locals in jobs.The latest milestone is Council’s progression with important water and sewerage infrastructure for Gosford CBD and Warnervale Town Centre.These projects are part of the NSW Government’s Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 - the ‘blueprint’ for growing our regional economy, accelerating housing supply and protecting and enhancing the natural environment on the Central Coast.Supported by a combined $21million in NSW Government funding under the Housing Acceleration Fund, this important next step will assist Council’s delivery of water and sewage infrastructure in two key growth areas of the Central Coast.In Gosford CBD it will help meet the needs of an increased level of high-rise residential dwellings, the ongoing redevelopment of Gosford Hospital, the completion of the ATO and NSW Financial Services developments and other developments planned for the Gosford CBD area.In Warnervale Town Centre it will help accelerate housing and commercial development in line with the Government’s plans for the region.

Central Coast Council’s Trainee and Apprentice (TrApp) Program is currently seeking eligible students to build their careers in a range of roles.The program offers students an opportunity to complete a nationally recognised qualification in their chosen field as a full-time paid employee at Council.Council’s Executive Manager People and Culture, Krystie Bryant said the program aims to develop students to become job ready.“We are committed to supporting our residents studying at a vocational level with an opportunity to increase their chances of securing employment,” Ms Bryant said.“Our TrApp Program aims to educate students, so they are qualified at a high industry standard by developing their practical and professional skills in a safe and supportive environment.“Students that complete the program are armed with workplace development and expert training, so they are more competitive in the job market and they are also exposed to career opportunities with Council.“Local youth and mature age students looking to start a career or want to gain new skills in a range of fields are encouraged to apply for our 2021 program.”Successful applicants must undertake a range of requirements for the duration of the program including working 35 or 38 hours per week, completion of all work, attending all classes, completing all assessments, gain competency in all qualification units and completion of certification and employment service.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council’s TrApp Program has been a success and continues to provide an exciting opportunity particularly for our young people.“This important program offers our community an opportunity to build their careers within Local Government and gain valuable training in their chosen path,” Mayor Matthews said.“Council has an important role to play in providing our youth with employment opportunities and supporting our residents with roles to live and work locally.“I am proud that Council offers opportunities for our community to gain professional experience and become job ready in their chosen career.”Applications for Council’s 2021 TrApp Program are now open.

Emergency remediation works are continuing at Wamberal and North Entrance this weekend.At Wamberal, 180 rock bags (weighing two tonnes each) have been installed using a crane.

Kids across the coast will be squealing with delight with an abundance of new playspaces to visit across the Central Coast and more in the works.The past twelve months has seen the design, construction and delivery of 18 new or renewed local playspaces across the region, five playspace upgrades with the best and biggest soon to come.

Central Coast Council are set to save around $220,000 each year on energy expenses following the installation of an additional 1.2MW of solar power on Council buildings.Council are in the process of installing 3,500 rooftop solar panels on 28 Council owned buildings with works due for completion by the end of 2020.This project will see energy consumption reduced by approximately 1.4GWh annually and reduce Council's carbon footprint by 1,100 tonnes of CO2-e per annum.

The Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance will reopen on Tuesday 7 July after undergoing extensive maintenance.Central Coast Council has used the Baths’ enforced COVID-19 closure to carry out extensive repairs to all pools, along with maintenance on the viewing deck, shade sail, amenities, stairs and handrails.A lifeguard will be present at the Baths each day between 8am and 1pm.We would like to thank our community for taking the COVID-19 situation seriously.

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews is encouraging all levels of government to work together after inspecting severe damage to infrastructure and homes at Wamberal and the North Entrance this morning.An east coast low was predicted to hit the NSW North Coast earlier in the week, bringing with it damaging winds, surf and heavy rainfall.

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews has called an Extraordinary Council Meeting for Monday 20 July 2020 to receive a thorough public update around the unfolding coastal crisis at Wamberal and The North Entrance.

The Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), established to coordinate the emergency response to coastal erosion at Wamberal will move from operational to alert status. Superintendent Tony Joice said with the response phase now complete and emergency works underway, it is time for a focus of recovery.“I want to thank all the combat agencies for their work over the past week in coming together to keep the community and providing immediate relief for affected residents,” Superintendent Joice said.“I am pleased to see the emergency works underway which is a direct outcome of the work of the EOC.“All combat agencies will remain on standby and we will reopen the EOC as needed.”Local Recovery Coordinator, Lee Shearer, is now in charge of working with the community on recovery.

Council proudly invests in and manages 260 playspaces across the Central Coast, delivering on our communities’ vision for activated spaces and places for communities to build social networks. Effectively designed playgrounds and parks encourage play at all levels and offer a place for children to learn, exercise, reflect, run, explore and take safe risks;