Central Coast Council’s commitment to expand and improve the region’s network of pathways has seen record-breaking levels of investment and the adoption of the first Central Coast Bike Plan and Central Coast Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP). Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the Bike Plan and PAMP outlined the future of footpaths, bike paths and shared pathways across the Central Coast for the next 10 years.“Our community has made it clear that pathways are a priority and we’ve listened through record-breaking levels of investment and the development of the first Bike Plan and PAMP for our region,” Mr Bolgoff said.“We invested $6.1million in pathways in 2018-19 and plan to invest $6.9million this financial year. “To develop these critical plans, we addressed community feedback from a specific consultation process.“The plans outline our commitment to deliver accessible footpaths, bike paths and shared pathways that complete missing links, loop around our scenic waterways and improve connections that offer a healthy and environmentally friendly transport option.

Central Coast Council will begin a $940,000 project to straighten and widen a section of Carlton Road, Erina in October. Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said a 260 metre section of Carlton Road from its intersection with Central Coast Highway had been the site of a number of crashes according to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) data.“This project is designed to increase the safety of a section of Carlton Road which forms part of a high-traffic link road and provides access to a school,” Mr Bolgoff said. “RMS crash data has recorded a number of crashes at this site, particularly at night and during wet weather.“We will widen the road and smooth out the horizontal curves to increase the safety of motorists. “The realigned road will have new road pavement and we will construct kerb, guttering and batters and relocate some public utility services.“We will also construct a shared pathway on the eastern side of Carlton Road to improve access for pedestrians, cyclists, parents with prams and community members using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.”The project is proudly funded by the NSW Government through $792,000 from the Safer Roads fund and the remainder from Council.Realignment of the road will require the removal of some trees in the direct vicinity.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the release of the NSW ‘State of the beaches’ report, with 93% of our ocean beaches receiving a good or very good quality rating for 2018-2019.The annual report uses the Beachwatch results to rate designated ocean and estuarine swimming sites across the state.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the report shows Central Coast beaches to be in good condition overall.“Most of our ocean beaches have received a Good or Very Good rating for swimming water quality, which is great news for our community,” Mayor Matthews said.“It is also great to see many local sites showing improvements in water quality over recent years, with the report noting Council management actions are likely improving water quality at these sites.“Many residents will be pleased to see Terrigal Beach has improved and received a Good rating for the reporting year.

More American classic cars, an explosion of rock ‘n’ roll and the ultimate in vintage glamour will deliver a weekend of head-turning, twist and shake fun this October.Central Coast Council’s annual ChromeFest event is expected to attract more than 50,000 locals and visitors for a three-day tribute to hot-rods and everything 1950s and 60s.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said festival attendees can bask in the beauty of more than 400 show cars on display.“When you combine classic chrome with rock ‘n’ roll, vintage glamour and the beauty of The Entrance, you have quite a weekend on your hands,” Mr Cannard said.“Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, you won’t be able to resist lining the streets to watch the classic cars cruise through The Entrance. “We invite locals and visitors to partake in a fun weekend that offers something for everyone – a vintage glamour fashion parade, retro market stalls, three outdoor dance floors and new to the event this year, The Old Tin Shed.”Mayor Jane Smith said ChromeFest has become one of the Central Coast’s most successful events.“Not only does ChromeFest inject a great deal of money into our local economy – $13.9million last year – it reintroduces tourists to The Entrance and Long Jetty, which both have so much to offer,” Mayor Smith said. “The event keeps getting bigger and better each year and we are looking forward to a big crowd this year. ChromeFest 2019 highlights include:iconic car displays – over 400 show cars to beholdlowriders displayretro market stallsthree outdoor stages boasting undercover dancefloorsvintage glamour fashion parade‘Set and Brush Out Workshop’ – an opportunity to master the perfect 50s or 60s ‘updo’soaking up the atmosphere of this nostalgic event at outstanding cafes, restaurants and bars throughout The Entrance and Long Jetty. ChromeFest is a free three-day event – Friday 25 October to Sunday 27 October – held at The Entrance and presented by Central Coast Council and Californian Cruisin Incorporated.  Road closures will be in place during the event.

Central Coast Council is helping undergraduates build their careers and work alongside professionals in a range of fields, from Engineering to Social Sciences.

Council is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Entrance Community Centre by hosting an open day on Tuesday 10 September.The community is invited to attend the special event which will include market and food stalls, an art exhibition, Men’s Shed BBQ, Aboriginal smoking ceremony, performances by The Entrance Public School and music.

Fun and informative cycling focussed activities are on offer for the Central Coast community as part of Bike Week 2019.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Bike Week is a fantastic NSW Government initiative and Council is thrilled to be offering the Central Coast community a great line-up of activities for all age and ability levels.“Bike Week is the perfect opportunity to learn or refine essential skills to ride safely and to maintain your bike,” Ms Vaughan said.“Cycling is a practical transport mode to access work, study and services and a great way to get active and to enjoy our beautiful region using our cycleways and shared pathways – there’s nothing quite like taking in our scenic waterways whilst riding a bike.”Mayor Jane Smith said cycling is a great way to improve community health and wellbeing and is an environmentally friendly transport mode that enhances the liveability and sustainability of the Central Coast.“If you’re keen to use cycling for fun, to get active or to get around, Bike Week is a way to get started,” Mayor Smith said.“Council will continue to invest in new shared pathways and upgrade current ones to ensure our community can cycle safely right around the Coast.”Bike Week runs from 21-29 September and includes a series of activities to promote safe cycling on the Central Coast:Learn to Ride Workshop – Saturday 21 September, 9.30-10am or 10.15-10.45am, PalmdaleCycling Skills Workshop – Saturday 21 September, 11am-12.30pm, PalmdaleBicycle Maintenance Workshop – Saturday 21 September, 1-2.30pm, PalmdaleStorytime at our libraries – Monday 23 September – Friday 27 SeptemberPaddle to Pedal Tour – Friday 27 September, 9am-3pm, Woy WoyCentral Coast Council’s Bike Week activities will provide an opportunity for the community to participate in organised bicycle events in a safe and supported environment.Community members can find out more information about Bike Week activities by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

Council endorses plans to significantly invest in Coast’s pathwaysCouncil has adopted its first Central Coast Bike Plan and Central Coast Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP).The plans are focussed on the development of a regional network of interconnected pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure to maximise safe access to key destinations and facilities.The plans outline a significant investment in the Central Coast’s pathway infrastructure network over the next 10 years with more than 300 projects currently identified in the Bike Plan and over 1,000 projects in the PAMP.Mayor Jane Smith said the Bike Plan and PAMP were created following an extensive community consultation process.“Our community made it clear to us that improving and expanding our pathway network is a top priority for them and we’ve listened,” Mayor Smith said.“To develop these critical plans, we addressed community feedback from a specific consultation process and from the development of The One Central Coast Community Strategic Plan 2018-2028.“The plans outline our commitment to deliver accessible footpaths, bike paths and shared pathways that complete missing links, loop around our scenic waterways and improve connections that offer a healthy and environmentally friendly transport option. “Creating safe and accessible pathways is a priority – wherever possible we will construct pathways that can be used and enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, parents and carers with prams, and people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.“The Bike Plan and PAMP will also assist us in applying for grant funding to deliver important projects that have been identified.”Council recognises advances in lake managementCentral Coast Council tonight recognised the work undertaken as part of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan in restoring the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.Council noted that the water quality of the Lakes is generally rated excellent to good despite public perception.Council also acknowledged the Catchment and Coast Committee – Tuggerah Lakes provides a key link between Council, the community, State and Federal Governments, and other key stakeholders in the development and implementation of coastal, estuarine, catchment and floodplain management studies and plans.Council will continue to work with the community, key stakeholders and all levels of government to implement the Estuary Management Plan and maintain the high-water quality of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.Mayoral election to be held on 23 SeptemberCentral Coast Council last night voted to hold the scheduled  Mayoral election as a separate meeting from Council’s usual business meeting.The Mayoral election will be held on Monday, 23 September 2019, with the Ordinary business meeting on Wednesday, 25 September.Have your say about sportsfield feesCouncil’s proposed changes to sportsfield fees for the 2019/20 financial year will go on public exhibition for 28 days with community members encouraged to have their say.The proposed changes to the fee schedule will mean that Davistown Oval, Eve Williams Oval, Terry Oval, Fred Pinkstone, Kitchener Oval, Patrick Croke and Saratoga Oval, Eastern Road Top Oval, Harry Moore Oval 3, Sir Joseph Banks Passive, Lakehaven 1 and 2, Mannering Park Oval, Norah Head Hockey Oval, Sohier Park 4, Tunkuwallin Oval 1 and 2, Tuggerah Oval 1 and Wadalba High School 3 will be classified as level 3 grounds and charged at a lower rate of $858.87 per ground per day.Grounds classified as level 2 will continue to be charged at $1,260.75 and grounds classified as level 1 will continue to be charged at $1,363.25 this financial year with charge being per day.The adoption of the new fee will reduce Council’s sportsfield income by an estimated $7,000 in 2019-20 financial year but this will vary dependant on the requests for ground usage.Community members can have their say on the proposed changes by visiting the Your Voice Our Coast engagement hub from 13 September.

An action-packed and eclectic line up of exhibitors has been secured for this year’s SportsFest, with the event showcasing a variety of Central Coast sport and recreational opportunities.The free all ages, all-inclusive event being held this weekend (21-22 September from 9am-5pm at EDSACC Bateau Bay), encourages community members to get active, improve quality of life and engage with the local community through participation or volunteering in sport and recreational activities.Central Coast Council Unit Manager, Open Space and Recreation, Brett Sherar said there will be something to cater for everyone’s interest – from the water to the court, on foot or horse, from traditional ball sports to the more unusual and everything in between.  “This year SportsFest will exhibit over 30 sport and recreational activities over the weekend with an exciting range of demonstrations including skydiving, motocross, equestrian and wheelchair sports to name a few.“For those who like to get some hands-on experience, they can participate in the ‘come ‘n try’ sessions, such as squash, golf, fitness classes and boot camps, AFL, soccer, gymnastics, and there’s even a chance to learn some circus skills,” Mr Sherar said.A designated Kids Zone will be set up with a mini Ninja Warrior course, Mini Goal-Kicking, Putt-Putt, Totem Tennis, Hockey, Basketball and more.

Contributions Plan to fund cycleways across the CoastContributions levied by Council on development applications will be used to fund future cycleway works across the Central Coast valued at over $32million.Cycleway projects to be funded from the Plan include Bungary Road, Norah Head;