Funding commitments identified for the Central CoastCouncil has identified funding commitments for the Central Coast region from the New South Wales and Federal Governments in 2019 as a welcome development but says more needs to be done to ensure promises are delivered for the community.The bulk of the funding – $387million dollars will be invested in the duplication of the Central Coast Highway between Wamberal and Bateau Bay, which will see a dual carriageway along the full route between the M1 Pacific Motorway at Kariong and Bateau Bay, easing congestion and improving safety for motorists who use this section of the Highway each day.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council will continue to work with all levels of outcomes to deliver for the Central Coast community.“It’s fantastic that both the New South Wales and Federal Governments have recognised that the Central Coast is a growing region in its own right,” Mayor Matthews said.“These funds are important to help us deliver important infrastructure to our community, and we look forward to seeing these projects and associated benefits come to fruition in the coming years.”Council secures funding in December quarterCouncil staff sourced, developed and successfully received grants from the NSW and Australian Government across a broad range of areas in the December quarter.A report covering the period of October-December 2019 identified that $338,600 in funding was allocated to 19 projects, bringing the value of grants in the first two quarters to more than $9.9million dollars.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council will continue to apply for funding from the NSW and Federal Governments in order to continue to deliver important projects for the Central Coast Community.“It has been a huge effort from staff which has resulted in many elaborate andthoroughly considered expressions of interests, business cases and applications being submitted,” Mayor Matthews said.“It’s important that we advocate for funding and grant opportunities wherever we can to help us deliver on our goal of delivering services, programs and infrastructure for our community.”Council calls on State Government to allocate $50M to permanent solution for The Entrance ChannelFollowing a Mayoral Minute, Council will call on the State Government to allocate $50million from the 2020-2021 state budget towards a permanent solution for The Entrance Channel.Council acknowledged the ongoing clean-up efforts and support provided by Council Staff, community groups and volunteers following the recent floods on the Central Coast.Council noted that as of 27 February, 4,200 tonnes of additional storm waste has been sent to Council waste facilities collected from affected properties, 2,500 tonnes of wrack has been cleared from our foreshores and over 1,200 tonnes of debris has been collected from Central Coast beaches, with more expected to be cleared over the coming weeks.The 2018-19 audited financial statements for Central Coast Council and Central Coast Council Water Supply Authority functions presented to CouncilThe NSW Audit Office has issued unqualified audit opinions however noted a breach of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 from a self-reported error with administration fees which was corrected in the 2018-19 financial statements for Council.Central Coast Council 2018-19 fast facts:total income from continuing operations of $637.3millionnet operating surplus of $62.4million including capital grants and contributionsnet operating deficit of $5.1million excluding capital grants and contributionsnet assets increased to $7.2billion with Infrastructure, Property, Plant and Equipment totalling $7.1billionexceeded the Office of Local Government performance measures for own source operating revenue ratio, unrestricted current ratio, debt service cover ratio and cash expense cover ratioexceeded the building and infrastructure renewals ratio.Council’s Water Supply Authority 2018-19 fast facts:total income from continuing operations of $227.4millionnet operating surplus of $31.3million including capital grants and contributionsnet operating surplus of $5.4million excluding capital grants and contributionsnet assets of $3.6billion with Infrastructure, Property, Plant and Equipment totalling $3.7billion.Community facilities review concludesCouncil has developed a new Draft Facilities Leasing and Licencing Policy following an extensive review of the use and management of all community facilities.The review focused on the use and management of community facilities that operate under lease, licence, hire and volunteer models, consisting of over 300 community facilitiesDuring the review process community engagement was encouraged through stakeholder discussions, workshops and the opportunity to participate in an online survey.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the review was important to provide clear equity across Council’s portfolio of community facilities in a consistent and transparent manner.“Our community facilities provide opportunities for sport, recreation, cultural activities, events, meeting spaces, social gatherings, learning, volunteering and business premises,” Mayor Matthews said.“Council is committed to continue to provide community facilities at an affordable rate and to keep them maintained to a standard the community expects.”The new Draft Facilities Leasing and Licencing Policy is a good news story for the community with many organisations providing vital services and programs through the wide range of community facilities that are leased, licenced or hired.The Draft Facilities Leasing and Licencing Policy will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 60 days to enable community feedback.Outcomes of Urban Spatial Plan consultationCouncil considered the outcomes of the draft Urban Spatial Plan (USP) community consultation and public exhibition which was completed late 2019.More than 170 submissions were received online throughout the consultation process with stakeholders and the public also engaging through community information sessions.Community feedback and the USP will provide an initial framework for the development of the Central Coast’s first Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).The LSPS will focus on the vision and planning priorities for land use planning in the region over the next 20 years and together with Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) will identify the long-term social, environmental and economic aspirations of the community and provide a clear direction for growth that will inform future strategic plans and planning instruments.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Community Strategic Plan or ‘One Central Coast’ is a platform to build a region that all Central Coast Community members can be proud of.“The upcoming LSPS is an opportunity for the community to have their say and engage as we seek to make the Central Coast an even more liveable and desirable place to call home,” Mayor Matthews said.Council defers decision on consolidated planning controlsCouncil recommend changes to the draft Central Coast Local Environment Plan (CCLEP) and Central Coast Development Control Plan (CCDCP) and deferred its decision on the Plans.Councillors will receive a further briefing on the draft CCLEP and CCDCP and Councillors and Staff will meet with Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to discuss and outline a process to take key strategic planning processes forward.The draft CCLEP and CCDCP were developed following a period of public consultation, which generated over 700 written submissions.The purpose of the Plans is to consolidate and harmonise planning controls across the region and simplify planning processes and is the first stage in the Central Coast Comprehensive LEP Review.

In light of the advice from the Australian Government regarding COVID-19, Central Coast Council has made the difficult decision to cancel Flavours by the Sea.

Small businesses can discover how to slash their water, sewage and trade waste costs, thanks to Central Coast Council’s new business water conservation education program. Using a range of “smart” technology and physical plumbing audits, Council will help businesses monitor how they use water and identify areas of waste, including hidden leaks. Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the new program will not only help small businesses to reduce their utility costs and increase their profits but will also help further secure the region’s water supply. “We already work with big businesses which use high volumes of water, and now we would like to provide practical water-saving tips for smaller businesses,” Mr Loader said. “With more than 23,000 businesses on the Coast, a small water saving for each business can add up to a large saving for the region.” As part of the program, a “smart” water logger will be installed for up to two months on the business’ water meter.

As part of its commitment to continual improvement, Central Coast Council is inviting community feedback on leisure and lifestyle facilities across the region.Community members can share their insights on Council’s leisure centres and pools, theatres and galleries and all Council-owned facilities by completing simple online or hard-copy surveys.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council is seeking to discover what is working well and areas for improvement.“Our numerous facilities across the Coast are well utilised by our community and we want to find out what we should keep doing and ideas for how the customer experience could be enhanced,” Ms Vaughan said.“The last surveys were completed in 2018 and we’ve addressed much of the community feedback provided, including a range of capital upgrades, improved programs and services.“For 2020 we have added a community facilities survey, which will give locals the chance to provide feedback on a range of facilities including community halls, community centres, youth centres, senior centres, sporting complexes and tennis facilities.”Community members can complete surveys on the following:Leisure Centres and PoolsLaycock Street Community TheatreGosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative GardenCommunity FacilitiesFeedback from surveys will be used to guide funding and resourcing decisions and to shape a number of key decisions including construction projects, programs offered and marketing.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council is committed to ensuring its cultural venues, assets and facilities are the best they can possibly be.“We have so many fantastic leisure and lifestyle facilities across the Coast and these surveys are an opportunity for us to check in with the community to identify strengths and opportunities, and shape plans for the future,” Mayor Matthews said.Community members have until Tuesday 31 March 2020 to complete the surveys which are available at yourvoiceourcoast.com/llcustomersatisfaction

Central Coast Council has announced it is working with multiple providers to deliver 100 Gigabit per second connectivity to the Central Coast.Access to a 100Gb/s connection will enable high-speed, high-performance fibre optic data network for Central Coast businesses, providing access to 100Gb/s data speeds and a range of high performance services.Council CEO Gary Murphy said this enabling infrastructure was a key component of Council’s strategy to generate economic returns for the Central Coast."We will partner with a commercial provider to install the 100Gb/s network to give business on the coast a distinct competitive advantage."We are confident in the coast’s affordability, lifestyle, natural beauty and welcoming community making it a desirable destination.   Being able to enable better business digital infrastructure is a game changer,” said Mr Murphy.The 100Gb/s network moves business traffic from the internet to dedicated links and interconnects.   It helps businesses overcome cloud connectivity issues due to ever-increasing domestic traffic caused by streaming television, online gaming, and high definition multimedia.  It provides another choice for cloud connectivity for businesses.“Council is involved for more reasons than facilitating a competitive business edge,” said Mr Murphy. "44,200 Central coast residents live the commuter life daily.   This means over a quarter of our workforce commute outside the Central Coast.  The impacts of this are beyond travelling time to and from work – sometimes up to five hours per day - whether by car or public transport.  Our research shows leaving the coast for work can impact on family and social relationships, mental health wellbeing and community betterment.  This all has serious impacts on the quality of life for our residents.  That is why Council is driving this initiative,” said Mr Murphy.Mr Murphy added that research showed more than fifty per cent of commuters could do their work remotely, or if better enabled, their businesses could be predominantly based on the Central Coast.“As a snapshot, the potential impact to local businesses per day from the loss of the commuting population has been calculated as $400,000 in coffee and lunches, and $35,000 in haircuts daily.  This is a significant loss for Central Coast businesses in that money not being spent here on the coast.  “There are many other multiplier economic impacts such as business supplier chains and health service providers that could impact from more residents being able to work physically on the coast instead of commuting.

Kariong Library will relocate to new premises in a move that will improve serviceability to the community at a reduced operating cost.After 16 years at its current location, Kariong Library will relocate to a new space in the Council owned Hill Youth Centre, 98 Mitchell Drive, Kariong on Tuesday 31 March.To ensure a smooth relocation, the existing Kariong Library branch will be closed from Tuesday 17 March.

The Central Coast’s premiere multicultural event – Flavours by the Sea – returns to The Entrance this March to celebrate the diverse cultures of the Central Coast.Central Coast Council’s Flavours by the Sea embraces the ‘everyone belongs’ message of Harmony Day by showcasing amazing music, art, cultural features and delicious food from across the world.Council Section Manager Place Activation, Cobey Linsley said community members and visitors are invited to come together for a joyous event that embraces the diversity of our region.“Flavours brings us together for a day to experience the rich cultural mix of the Coast,” Ms Linsley said.“This event is built on the Harmony Day message of ‘everyone belongs’ and is an opportunity to savour and celebrate the flavours of the world right here on the Coast.“Close to 4,000 people enjoyed Flavours in 2018 and we are expecting similar numbers at this year’s event.”Live performances at the event include three community groups, Yalalinya Dancers, Berias Masseque & The Afro Fusion Band and Monsieur Camembert.Attendees can chill out in the relaxed dining area after a visit to the festive ‘flavour alley’ which will feature Mexican, Vietnamese, Spanish and Argentinian food and specialty desserts.Mayor Lisa Matthews said that Flavours by the Sea helps to build a sense of belonging for an increasingly diverse Central Coast.“This event lets us experience the wealth of wonderful cultures that are part of our region and help to make the Coast such a great place to live,” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage everyone to head down to The Entrance and join in this wonderful celebration of diversity.”Flavours by the Sea is on Saturday 21 March 2020 from 3.30pm to 8.30pm at Memorial Park, The Entrance.More information is available at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/flavoursbythesea

The benefits and importance of a healthy lifestyle will be front and centre from March 28 when Central Coast Council brings an extended program of the popular Live Well Festival to Gosford.Last year’s inaugural festival was well received by the community and this year’s event is expected to be bigger and better with the inclusion of a week of activities leading into the main event day on Sunday 5 April.Council Section Manager Place Activation, Cobey Linsley said the event is not only a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the health industry to come together and network but for people to embrace the healthy lifestyle of the Central Coast.“Our main event day program will focus on four key health HUBS – Eat, Move, Think and Love Your Earth.

The second of the 17 Climate Action Planning community workshops will be on at Doyalson RSL on Wednesday 11 March.Following Central Coast Council’s adoption of a Climate Change Policy last year, the community is encouraged to become actively involved in the program’s next phase.

Central Coast Council will shortly commence construction of one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects - the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline.The pipeline will boost water supply to the Central Coast’s rapidly growing northern suburbs, improve water security for the entire region and represents the next major step to enhance the Central Coast’s water supply network.According to Mayor Lisa Matthews the 9km pipeline will deliver significant benefits to the Central Coast community.“The Coast’s population is on the rise, especially in our northern areas and this pipeline will ensure these areas have a safe and secure water supply into the future,” Mayor Matthews said.“The pipeline will also enhance the water transfer capability between Central Coast Council and Hunter Water, which further improves water security for the two regions and meets our commitment under the Hunter-Central Coast Pipeline Agreement.”Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said he was excited about the project kicking off in March after an extensive period of planning, design and community consultation.“The pipeline route will pass through several different environments including rural land holdings, the outer edge of the residential area of Watanobbi, and along the fringes of the environmentally sensitive Council lands of Porters Creek Wetland,” he said.“Council has spent a lot of time getting the construction techniques and the pipeline route right, talking with the community about the project, ensuring we consider impacts on residents, the environment and the broader community.”Council is inviting the community to attend the final round of Drop-In Sessions prior to construction commencing next month.