The new wharf at Spencer on the Central Coast will open to boaters this weekend as part of a key wharf implementation project to increase safety and accessibility on the Hawkesbury River.NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the NSW Government’s Boating Now program provides $98million in grants to provide NSW boaters with better and safer access to NSW waterways with upgrades and new infrastructure such as boat ramps, jetties, pontoons, car parks and sewage pump-out facilities.“This project demonstrates how the NSW Government and local council can work together to provide boating infrastructure for boaters accessing the popular Hawkesbury River,” Mr Hutchings said.Central Coast Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the $317,515 project was co-funded by the NSW Government and Central Coast Council and involved removal of the existing timber structure, building a new gangway, pilings, floating pontoon and solar lighting.“The Central Coast community can look forward to enjoying this new facility with increased visibility and accessibility in a variety of tides and weather conditions well into the future,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Spencer is located on the Hawkesbury River and this new wharf is already being utilised to assist in launching powered vessels and non-powered vessels such as kayaks by the local community.”Central Coast Council Mayor Lisa Matthews said the new Spencer Wharf is delivering significant benefits for the local community.“This fantastic new amenity is helping Spencer locals and visitors to enjoy our beautiful waterways,” Mayor Matthews said. “Central Coast Council is pleased to work with the NSW Government through the Boating Now program to deliver new services and infrastructure to our community.“The new wharf at Spencer is a great example of what can be achieved in partnership with the NSW Government.”Information on maritime infrastructure funding and other projects can be found at rms.nsw.gov.au/boatingnow
Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to celebrate the first Australia Day of the 2020s by attending a fun-filled, family-oriented day at one of the special events across the region.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said vibrant events at Canton Beach, Woy Woy and The Entrance will celebrate all things Australian.“The devastating bush fire situation our nation is facing has seen so many incredible demonstrations of what it means to be Australian and Australia Day is an opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate our country,” Mr Cannard said.“We have three great Australia Day events across the Coast – each is jam-packed with fun and entertainment for the entire family.“If you’re looking to kick-off celebrations early, head to Canton Beach foreshore on 25 January where you can satisfy your appetite with a dazzling array of foods, be entertained by live music, and engage in a number of activities.“Head to Woy Woy to be entertained by a fantastic artists including headliner Live Baby Live:
Central Coast Council is committed to working closely with the community and police in 2020 to reduce illegal graffiti across the Central Coast.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council continues to offer free graffiti removal kits to help the community to tackle graffiti.“It’s important to remember that graffiti is an act of vandalism and should be reported directly to police via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444,” Ms Vaughan said.“Removing graffiti as quickly as possible not only makes the process much easier, it reduces the likelihood that offenders will recommit.“Council is seeking to make graffiti removal as easy as possible by continuing to offer free graffiti removal kits to our community – the kits are available at all our libraries and our customer service centres.“The kits provide the chemicals and equipment needed to remove graffiti from your own property or, with permission, the properties of friends and neighbours.“Council is responsible for the removal of graffiti on our facilities and we encourage community members to notify Council if they observe graffiti on any of our properties.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said wiping out illegal graffiti across the Central Coast was a top priority for Council.“Graffiti can affect business, tourism, neighbourhood amenity and safety which is why we need to work together with police, businesses and the community to stamp it out,” Mayor Matthews said.“We all have a part to play by reporting it when we see it and if it is on your own property you can pick up a free kit and remove it straight away.” Free graffiti removal kits are available from all Central Coast libraries and Council’s Gosford and Wyong customer service centres.
Level 1 water restrictions will apply across the Central Coast from Monday 10 February, as Central Coast Council moves to further secure the region’s water supply.Restrictions will apply to all outdoor water use, including water from urban rainwater tanks which are connected to, or topped-up by, town drinking water.Storage in Mangrove Creek Dam is 50.09 percent, just above the 50 percent restriction trigger set by Council last year.Despite rain forecast for this weekend, the dam storage level is still expected to dip slightly below that trigger point in coming days.Restrictions will not be lifted until Mangrove Creek Dam’s storage rises above 52 percent.Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the restrictions complement Council’s ongoing investment in water infrastructure which has put the region in a strong position to face a prolonged drought.“In the past decade, we have made significant investments in the Coast’s water infrastructure and this has paid off, with our dams levels holding relatively steady in comparison to those in neighbouring regions where restrictions were required some months ago,” Mr Loader said.“Level 1 restrictions will support this water conservation and help us to potentially avoid Level 4 or 5 restrictions and their very stringent measures.“Council continues to invest in our water infrastructure with the upgrading of the Mardi Water Treatment Plant and the construction of the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline, which will begin early this year.Under Level 1 restrictions, some exemptions will be available for customers in limited circumstances.
Central Coast Council welcomed 28 young people to its staff last week as part of its popular Early Career Pathways Program.At a special ceremony, Mayor Lisa Matthews welcomed the group and congratulated 15 others who successfully completed nationally recognised training programs with Council in 2019.During their 12 months with Council, university students complete an Undergraduate Program in areas as diverse as engineering to environmental sustainability and social science.
Central Coast Council has engaged an independent consultant to undertake an audit of the key decisions made regarding the development of Central Coast Airport.This review responds to Council’s decision made on 25 November 2019.Four projects have been identified as part of the review which will look at all decision making-processes to understand timelines, documentation, delegations and due diligence processes.The projects identified are:The project to establish a regional airport at Kiar RidgeThe proposal to develop an aviation hub at the Central Coast AirportActivities, including works and development applications lodged, by the current Council or former Wyong Shire Council relating to works at the Airport siteProcesses and decision-making relating the Airport and Wyong Employment Zone.Submissions close Tuesday 17 March 2020.
Central Coast Council’s ‘Chalk the Walk’ will see the pathways and open spaces at Waterfront Plaza at The Entrance transformed with an explosion of chalk art.Locals and visitors are invited to engage with an interactive pavement gallery featuring a large 3D artwork and an additional six pieces by renowned master street artist, Anton Pulvirenti, and a further 10 chalk masterpieces produced by local artists.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said ‘Chalk the Walk’ will be an exciting celebration of this unique form of street art.“People of all ages and interests will appreciate this great event that showcases the work of a master street artist and incredible local talent, Mr Cannard said.“Chalk art lets artists use the pavement as their canvas and sees physical spaces temporarily transformed in amazing ways.“Head down to The Entrance and experience this year’s chalk art – interact with the art and enjoy the live music and entertainment throughout the day.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said Chalk the Walk will offer a number of different ways for the community to become part of the creative streetscape.“Children of all ages are free to go wild and express themselves on the chalkboard snake, and there’ll be an opportunity for 10 local artists to take part in the event,” Mayor Matthews said.“We invite the community to grab their cameras, head down to The Entrance and ‘strike a pose’ in front of some of the most creative artworks you will ever see on the pavement.”The free ‘Chalk the Walk’ event will be held on Saturday 22 February, 12-8pm.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whatson/chalkthewalk
Flanked by its iconic palm trees and unique three-sided design, Central Coast Stadium is about to ring in its 20th anniversary in style with the community invited to join in the celebrations.On Saturday 8 February the stadium will open its gates for a fun-filled day of celebration to mark this important milestone.The first 300 people to attend will receive free ice-cream and ‘chips on a stick’.
Central Coast Council has made the difficult decision to cancel Love Lanes Festival scheduled for this Saturday 8 February due to the heavy rain forecast across the weekend.Loves Lanes Festival is primarily an outdoor event, with forecasted conditions on Saturday making it unsuitable to move forward with the event.Council is pleased to announce that a smaller scale version of the event will be held on Friday 6 March from 5-9pm with stalls, live entertainment, performances, activities and more.