Central Coast Council is set to commence important restoration works on the Winney Bay fire trail that runs between Cape Three Points Road, Avoca Beach and the base of Winney Bay.The trail will be resurfaced to ensure safe access for fire fighting, emergency and maintenance vehicles.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the work would repair damage to the trail caused by erosion.“The Winney Bay fire trail provides essential access to manage the bush fire risk on the headland and across the reserve, including any potential impacts on neighbouring properties,” Mr Cox said.“Despite ongoing maintenance, it’s now time to undertake more comprehensive restoration of the trail.“As with all fire trails, we need to ensure that our emergency services can safely access the site when required.“To do this we will be resurfacing the trail with crushed sandstone to repair erosion damage and trimming vegetation two metres either side of the trail to ensure the safe passage of emergency response vehicles.“Erosion controls will also be put in place to limit future damage caused by water movement down the trail.”Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews said residents living in areas prone to bush fires need to prepare ahead of the fire season.“We have over 128,500 hectares of bushland on the Central Coast, and it is important that all residents are bush fire ready, particularly those living in isolated locations,” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage all community members to familiarise themselves with the five ‘Get Ready’ steps to prepare for an emergency which can be found at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/emergencies.

It’s National Recycling Week and Central Coast Council is bringing this year’s theme, ‘Busting Recycling Myths’ into the spotlight.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said residents were avid recyclers, however, in a bid to reduce waste often placed items in the incorrect bin.“It’s important to remember that simply because something has a recycling symbol, does not mean it can be placed in your yellow lid household bin,” Mr Pearce said.“These symbols are developed on a national scale, while local governments have differing agreements with their recycling contractors.“In the same vain, we accept many items that do not have a recycling symbol;

Central Coast Council is encouraging Central Coast residents to be prepared, stay vigilant and check on neighbours ahead of Catastrophic Fire Danger conditions predicted for tomorrow, Tuesday 12 November.Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy said community members should refer to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) for the latest advice on fires burning and for information on how to be as prepared as possible for the catastrophic conditions forecast.“A State of Emergency has been declared and a state-wide total fire ban is in force – it is vital that we are all as vigilant and prepared as possible,” Mr Murphy said.“The NSW Rural Fire Service is the lead agency for bush fires and all community members should refer to the RFS for the latest advice and information. “All community members with a smart phone are encouraged to download and monitor the RFS ‘Fires Near Me’ App, alternatively refer to the RFS website – rfs.nsw.gov.au  “Please also take time to check in on your neighbours, particularly elderly residents, to ensure that they are safe and prepared.”A number of Council closures and changes are already in place in preparation for tomorrow including:Council Bushland Reserves, Picnic areas and Walking Tracks are closed until further notice (this is in addition to all NSW National Parks and Reserves, including Tracks, Trails, Campgrounds and Picnic Areas)Waste services change – bin and bulk kerbside collections will be starting earlier (from 4am) Childcare centres closed – Northlakes (San Remo) Little Coast Kids and Kariong Child Care Centre Event cancelled – Pop-Up Create Precinct (part of The Lakes Festival) at MacKenzies Reserve, Budgewoi For more information on Council services visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/newsFor the latest advice on fires burning and for information on how to plan and prepare for emergencies visit rfs.nsw.gov.au   

Central Coast Council is seeking nominations for the Australia Day 2020 Awards, which recognise individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the region.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the prestigious awards honour local leaders who go the extra mile in a range of different ways.“Our coast-wide Australia Day awards are an opportunity to recognise members of our community who make a real difference,” Ms Vaughan said.“Australia Day nominees and winners are often unsung heroes who work quietly behind the scenes to make the Coast a better place to live.”The 2020 Award categories are: Arts, Culture and Entertainment Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in their chosen art form and made a significant contribution to arts, culture and entertainment on the Coast.Business Connecting CommunitiesAwarded to a local businesses or enterprises with less than eight fulltime employees that has established a genuine involvement and long-term value to the life of their community. Community Service and ActivityAwarded to an individual or group responsible for creating community activities or services that benefit the Coast. Environmental Awarded to an individual who is leading the way in sustainability and making the Central Coast a place where people and nature can thrive.Sportsperson of the YearAwarded to an individual who has shown acts of sportsmanship and team building, been an outstanding sportsperson or made significant contributions as organisers or promoters of sports on the Coast. Volunteer of the YearAwarded to an individual (26 years and over) who has made a significant long-term commitment to volunteer work and demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to our local community. Youth of the Year Awarded to an individual (25 years or under) who has succeeded in his or her chosen field, acts as an inspiration to his or her peers and has made a significant contribution to the Coast community.Citizen of the YearEach winner from the above categories will then go into the running to be named Central Coast Citizen of the Year.Mayor Lisa Matthews said she encourages all community members to nominate individuals and groups who are worthy of the honour of a Central Coast Australia Day Award.“We all know someone who make the Central Coast a better place – by the work they do for others and their vision and passion for our community,” Mayor Matthews said. “These awards provide the opportunity to celebrate that contribution.” Nominations open Monday 30 September and close Friday 8 November 2019.For further information, eligibility criteria and to make a nomination visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/australiadayawards

Central Coast Council is now using a new survey-based technology to maximise efficiency on roads projects across the region.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said Council is installing a technology in graders and excavators to achieve millimetre accuracy and improve efficiency and accuracy.“We are starting to install new survey systems in our excavators and graders which use GPS and 3D technology to dig and grade to millimetre accuracy,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Using this new approach allows our teams to deliver the accuracy required without the need to have surveyors recheck levels.“Design drawings are simply uploaded to the survey system and the construction machinery automatically adjusts to the design levels.“Since starting the roll-out of the technology we have seen a reduction in material waste and achieved cost savings by delivering projects in less time.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said new survey-based technology was part of Council’s commitment to deliver the best road project outcomes for the Central Coast.“Maintaining and developing our 2,200 kilometre network of roads is a big job and we are embracing new technology and products to deliver for our community,” Mayor Matthews said.“This technology is saving time and money and giving our staff more autonomy – all big ticks.“This rollout follows other innovative and sustainable approaches we have adopted such as the use of a road surfacing product made from recycled soft plastic, glass and toner cartridges.” All of Council’s major road, drainage and pathway projects can be viewed on an interactive map by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/roadanddrainageprojects

Central Coast Council is urging the community to be vigilant when it comes to vandalism following the destruction of several public place litter bins.Since the implementation of the public place litter bin renewal program, a number of bins have been significantly damaged or burnt out across the Coast. Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the replacement of litter bins comes at a direct cost to ratepayers.  “We try to repair any damage on site, however, due to excessive damage bins usually have to be removed in the interest of public safety,” Mr Bolgoff said.“In the last two years, eight double waste stations have been burnt, six of which were at Bato Yard Skate Park, with another five single garbage enclosures at Umina requiring removal due to the damage, which has caused upwards of $20,000 in vandalised infrastructure. “We salvage what we can, though when bins are damaged beyond repair the cost of replacement really starts to add up.“This is a direct loss to Council and can impact upon the replacement of bins if they are constantly damaged as well as distribution of bins in the future due to reduced resources.“Graffiti is also a growing concern with many road signs damaged over the last twelve months – this is not only at a cost to Council to remove, but also impacts driver safety.”This financial year the Public Place Bin Replacement Program looks to roll our 160 new waste and recycling units and a solar compaction bin that will compress litter within the bin.This will help provide adequate amenities for the community to dispose of waste responsibly while enjoying the Coast’s amazing parks and unique environment.Mayor Lisa Matthews encouraged the community to report any vandalism as soon as they observe it in their local area.“Vandalism impacts neighbourhood appearance as well as businesses and community confidence in the safety and security of public places,” Mayor Matthews said.“The quicker we act to report, remove and repair the damage caused, the less likely it will recur again.

Council to proceed with Gosford Regional LibraryCouncil has decided to move forward with Gosford Regional Library as a separate project and at the same time continue to review the business case for the Gosford Cultural Precinct.Proceeding with planning for the regional library will help to secure any available funding and ensure delivery of this important public resource. Mayor Lisa Matthews said a region of our size and importance needs a major regional library. “Our community has waited a considerable amount of time for this project and tonight we made a financially responsible decision that means we are getting on with the job of delivering the Gosford Regional Library,” Mayor Matthews said.“Items within the business case for the Gosford Cultural Precinct need further review and this process should not delay our regional library. “This library will be a dynamic space for learning and innovation and a vibrant meeting point for our community to connect. “Delivering a regional library for the Central Coast is an important step towards meeting the ongoing social, recreational, educational, technological and business development needs of our community.At its December meeting, Council will consider the detail of the preferred location for the regional library, along with a timeline for design, development application and anticipated commencement.Council continues to support vulnerable peopleCentral Coast Council has made a formal submission to the Federal government to ‘Raise the Rate’ for Newstart and Youth Allowance to align with the current cost of living.Council joined at least 30 other councils to support an alignment of the Newstart Allowance, which has not been raised in real terms for 25 years.Mayor Matthews said the submission was showing support for the most vulnerable people in society.“The figures for vulnerable people on the Central Coast are staggering and the current level of assistance provided is inadequate,” Mayor Matthews said.“Social issues such as unemployment, homelessness, lack of affordable housing, poverty and domestic violence have a profound impact on many residents and the broader community. “While Council is actively working to solve a range of social and health issues that impact community wellbeing and vulnerable people, raising the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance will provide that additional support to ease pressures, reduce poverty and increase the wellbeing and life chances of our community.”The Central Coast has:61,727 people living in low income households (

The 2019-20 beach season will commence this weekend, signified by the official raising of the flag ceremony at Terrigal Beach.On Saturday 28 September, the red and yellow flags will be placed in the sand at 15 Central Coast beaches as lifeguards and lifesavers return to patrol to keep our community safe.

Locals and tourists alike can now explore the beautiful Tuggerah Lakes Estuary in stunning detail, thanks to a new app launched by Central Coast Council.

The 2019-20 beach season will commence this weekend, signified by the official raising of the flag ceremony at Terrigal Beach.On Saturday 28 September, the red and yellow flags will be placed in the sand at 15 Central Coast beaches as lifeguards and lifesavers return to patrol to keep our community safe.