Central Coast Council is ready to once again welcome visitors to the region when regional travel restrictions are eased from 1 June 2020.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council is rolling out a staged approach to the reopening of eligible facilities to ensure the safety of community members and visitors.“We look forward to welcoming visitors back to our beautiful region from 1 June,” Ms Vaughan said.“From our stunning beaches to our picturesque bush and rural settings to our diverse town centres, the Coast is hard to beat as a travel destination.“If you’re planning a trip, please book accommodation well in advance and follow physical distancing requirements at all times during your stay.“Some of our eligible facilities have already reopened, including Gosford Pool, play spaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skateparks.“From 1 June we will start to reopen additional eligible facilities but please note that each facility is different and the timing and nature of reopening will vary from venue to venue as we ensure public safety can be met in accordance with the regulations.“We are committed to the continued growth of the Central Coast as a tourism destination of choice – we work closely with our industry partners like Destination NSW and in the coming weeks we will be launching a new destination brand campaign.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the new easing of restrictions would provide a welcome economic boost to the Central Coast.“Like many regions across NSW, the Coast relies heavily on tourism and we are thrilled that the management of COVID-19 has reached a point where travel restrictions can be eased,” Mayor Matthews said.“COVID-19 came hot on the heels of major floods and bushfires and it will be wonderful to once again see smiling visitors enjoying the beautiful Central Coast.“We ask that our visitors remember to always follow physical distancing requirements and to be aware that some venues will remain closed or have strict requirements in place.”Council thanks the Central Coast community, and any visitors from 1 June 2020, for taking the COVID-19 situation seriously and asks that everyone continue to follow State and Federal Government directions including:practise physical distancing, which includes maintaining a distance of 1.5metres from others at all times.public gatherings must not be more than 10 peoplecontinue to practise good hygiene, including washing your hands before and after using any equipment.For further information about COVID-19 related closures and re-openings, please visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19.

The challenge of searching for suitable grants for local businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals will be easier than ever with a new addition to the Central Coast Council website.‘Central Coast Grant Finder’ is a one stop shop to easily find all relevant grant funding opportunities.

In line with the most recent NSW Government announcement easing restrictions on the use of play spaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks, Central Coast Council will reopen these assets for public use from Friday 15 May.Gosford Olympic Pool will also reopen for lap swimming with restrictions in place, including requirements to pre-book, time-limited sessions and one-person lane limit.The outdoor spaces and pool have been closed recently in response to COVID-19 shutdowns.

Central Coast Council are inviting community members to have their say on the first draft Waste Resource Management Strategy, now available online for final public review until 21 June.Developed after extensive community consultation last year, the draft Strategy assesses current waste initiatives and seeks to encourage change to help minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill and its impact on the environment.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said with the constantly evolving challenges around waste, there has been a massive push both from our community and at a global level to find solutions that close the loop.“Thank you to everyone who took the time to let us know your ideas on waste reduction, which alongside our report information, has helped us formulate our first draft Strategy,” Mr Pearce said.“This information has underpinned the strategy’s key objectives - to drive waste avoidance, divert waste from landfill by increasing local recycling and reuse options, explore funding and collaborative opportunities over the next 10 years, and keep our streets and public spaces clean and clear.“We also want to change the view that what is traditionally known as ‘waste’ is actually a valuable resource to be managed.“As technology is advancing so rapidly in this field, our planning for waste management must consider both well-established principles and emerging trends.”The vision of this 10-year plan is on promoting our region as a creative environment for developing a local circular economy that values the recovery of resources and advocates prevention of waste.Council Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Strategy outlines key objectives and actions that will ensure Council provides waste services that are safe, secure and cost-effective.“Waste is everyone’s issue – we all have a role to play in reducing the amount of waste generated and its impacts on our community and the environment” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage everyone to go online and provide feedback on our draft Strategy so we can ensure we deliver the future waste resource recovery outcomes the community want and expect.”Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/our-coast-our-waste for further information and to have your say.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Coast Council has temporarily moved all community consultations online to obtain feedback about upcoming projects and strategies.Council usually encourages community members to have a say about major projects which will shape the future of our region by combining online promotion with face-to-face workshops, community events and other opportunities to physically view proposals.However, the need to maintain social distancing and restrictions on travel and public gatherings have prevented many of the usual ways Council consults with the community.During the COVID-19 shutdown, Council has continued to undertake and plan important projects.

Central Coast Council Library Service has seen a significant increase in the use of online resources since providing expanded collections, unique items and new opportunities for the community to continue learning and recreational activities during COVID-19.Council recognised a need to support the community during this difficult time following the closure of libraries in accordance with Government regulations.In April, Council saw a 59% increase in loans of eResources including;

Central Coast Council is now offering online delivery of a range of highly valued community programs with the launch of a new YouTube Channel – Coast Connect.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council recognised the importance of adaptation to continue offering services that improve the lives and wellbeing of residents on the Coast and looking for opportunities to remain connected.“Whilst our community are unable to visit their local theatre, library, gallery or leisure centre or attend face-to-face programs or events right now in response to COVID-19, Council will be bringing some popular programs directly into resident’s homes,“ Ms Vaughan said. “A range of entertaining, informative, and engaging videos are being created from our ‘TV studio’ set up at Laycock St theatre and will be available for everyone to view at their own convenience.”The health and wellness of our community is certainly in the spotlight at the moment and the series of ‘Live Well’ videos will help to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

Central Coast Council have confirmed that Central Coast Stadium has been selected by the NRL to host games during the 2020 premiership season.NRL teams that will play at the venue include the New Zealand Warriors, Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles.

For almost two months now the community has had to adapt and accept the new way of living life during COVID-19, now we find ourselves stepping out of that comfort zone and back into somewhat normality.Some of you will relish it and enjoy visiting with loved ones, catching up with more than 1 friend, dining out in your favourite local restaurant or simply sitting and enjoying your morning coffee in a public space.

In a bid to respond to the current business climate, a Central Coast COVID-19 Economic Task Force has been established to help local business through this volatile time.Business NSW, Central Coast Council, Central Coast Industry Connect, Central Coast Food Alliance and Regional Development Australia (Central Coast) have joined forces to assess the economic impact of COVID-19 to the Central Coast economy and respond with initiatives aimed at stimulating business investment, maintaining jobs and helping businesses withstand the effects of the pandemic.Central Coast Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy said they understand the growing stress and impact that the COVID-19 situation is placing our Coast’s business community and Council are dedicating resources, and working with local business groups and government agencies, to develop custom initiatives to lessen the affect locally.“Whilst every region’s economy will be affected at this time, our business community which is made up of small to large businesses across varied sectors, has its own unique issues and impacts that need to be considered,” Mr Murphy said.“Central Coast Council is throwing the full weight of its Economic Development team to this central Task Force, so that we are collectively armed with the right information about the economic shocks to the Coast’s local businesses and can develop customised initiatives and support to help keep our local economy going.“Central Coast is home to a full range of small to large businesses across many sectors, so understanding the array of issues that businesses are experiencing is important to developing initiatives that are bespoke to the Central Coast.”"The first priority for the Central Coast COVID-19 Economic Task Force is to help local business understand how to get through the pandemic and develop projects that stimulate local jobs."A Central Coast COVID-19 Information Portal (centralcoasteconomy.com.au) has been set up and businesses are encouraged to go online to see what relevant information and support is available to them, and are invited to submit questions.Regional Director Central Coast Business NSW, Paula Martin said “Local businesses are confused, scared and unsure of what the next six months has in store for them, so as business leaders of the Central Coast, banding together to help business was a no brainer.“Each entity is bringing to the table their collective knowledge, support and connections - by working together, we can address current challenges and the opportunities at a much faster pace,” Ms Martin said.“With the impacts of this pandemic changing on a daily basis, providing one place for businesses to go to get information that can help them locally will reduce confusion and anxiety,” Ms Martin continued.Central Coast COVID-19 Information Portal is now live at centralcoasteconomy.com.auCentral Coast Council has also developed a Community and Business Support Package and announced a range of new measures to help local businesses and the community through the COVID-19 crisis.