Central Coast Council in consultation with Umina Community Group and the Geographic Names Board have officially approved a name change of Woy Woy’s Trafalgar Avenue Park to The Runway. Community advocacy for the name change was led by Umina Community Group and the new name has been adopted to recognise the historic significance of this location for the local community.

Central Coast Council in consultation with Umina Community Group and the Geographic Names Board have officially approved a name change of Woy Woy’s Trafalgar Avenue Park to The Runway. Community advocacy for the name change was led by Umina Community Group and the new name has been adopted to recognise the historic significance of this location for the local community.

Central Coast community members with unique and innovative ideas for events and projects are encouraged to apply for funding under Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.

Central Coast Council has completed a new section of the shared pathway around Tuggerah Lake foreshore.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the new section of pathway in Tuggerawong was a significant amenity and would enhance the appeal of the Tuggerah Lake loop for locals and tourists.“We are focussed on footpath, bike path and shared path projects that complete missing links, loop around our scenic waterways and improve transport connections – this project ticks all of the boxes,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The new pathway connects an existing pathway at Friday Street through to Tuesday Street, which improves access to local shops, a play space and the public school.“This is a three-metre-wide shared pathway, which can be used by walkers, cyclists, parents with prams and community members who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.“Minimising environmental impact was a key priority for the project – we achieved this through keeping tree removal to an absolute minimum and by raising the pathway in some locations to avoid disrupting tree roots.”The $995,000 project was proudly funded by the NSW Government with $542,269 from the Stronger Country Communities Fund and $452,731 from Council.Mayor Jane Smith said the Tuggerah Lake loop was becoming an iconic resource for the Central Coast.“Walking and cycling around our beautiful Tuggerah Lake is a big part of many community members lives and an experience that never fails to impress visitors to our region,” Mayor Smith said.“This is a project that has been strongly supported by the ward Councillors, in particular Councillor Kyle MacGregor, so it is pleasing to see it come to fruition.“Expanding and maintaining our pathways network enhances the liveability and sustainability of the Central Coast by facilitating alternative transport modes and better connecting local communities.”Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the Stronger Country Communities Fund was created to deliver infrastructure that improves the lives of local residents and the new section of shared pathway around Tuggerah Lake foreshore is just one of the hundreds of projects being built and delivered across regional NSW.“I congratulate the Central Coast Council on its funding win and completion of this amazing project which will boost connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians of all abilities,” Mr Barilaro said.“Not only will the new section of shared pathway benefit locals, but it will also help visitors discover the beauty of Tuggerah Lake.”Mr Barilaro said work is underway on more than 1,000 Stronger Country Communities Fund projects right across regional NSW, with hundreds now close to completion.The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $1.7billion Regional Growth Fund, which together with the $4.2billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering once-in-a-generation infrastructure that generates opportunities, investment and jobs, on top of the NSW Government’s $1.8billion in drought support measures.For further information and program guidelines, go to nsw.gov.au/SCCFThe recently completed section of the Tuggerah Lake loop was the first stage of a five-stage project at Tuggerawong.Community consultation for the remaining stages of the project – which will extend the shared pathway for a further three kilometres to connect Tuesday Street, Tuggerawong through to Don Small Oval, Tacoma – is planned to start in late August.

Central Coast Council Library Service is set to benefit from a record boost in funding, with the State Government delivering $36.5 million in funding to NSW public libraries in 2019/20.NSW State Librarian John Vallance welcomed this significant increase announced as part of the NSW State Budget in 2019, which will see a total of $60 million in additional Government funding going to public libraries over four years.“Public libraries offer so much to the people of NSW including quality collections, comfortable and safe public spaces, high speed internet, as well as events and programs.

Council adopts Flying Fox Management StrategyCouncil has adopted the Central Coast Flying Fox Management Strategy following exhibition of a draft and consideration of feedback from the community.The strategy establishes a framework for the consistent management of all flying-fox camps and their habitat in the Central Coast region.Key initiatives of the strategy include education/awareness, subsidies for property modification, incident management, supporting research, appropriate land-use and the creation of vegetation buffers;

Central Coast Council’s Launch Pad program drew more than 30 potential investors, community leaders and business owners to its inaugural public ‘pitching’ night held in late June at Gosford Smart Work Hub.Launch Pad, a three-month training program to support the development of social enterprises, culminated in a ‘Shark Tank’ style pitching night which gave its televised contemporaries a run for their money.Council’s Acting Director Connected Communities, Phil Cantillon said Launch Pad graduates pitched their ideas for financially sustainable enterprises which benefit the community.“One financial institution has already entered into negotiations to back two of the enterprises, while another communications business has offered to support the enterprises in terms of marketing their ideas,” Mr Cantillon said.“The night brought the community together, with inspiration, ideas and people who care about the Coast.”Enterprise ideas included a commercial kitchen incorporating TAFE training, recycling pre-loved prams and baby furniture to low-income families, and creating inclusive community events.More than 35 commercial and community leaders attended the evening at Gosford Smart Work Hub.Mayor Jane Smith said Launch Pad built strong relationships within the community.“Launch Pad connects people, builds capacity and creates local solutions and initiatives.

Council are encouraging the community to participate in an online survey, online forum or attend a workshop to help guide the first Central Coast Council Skate Strategy.Council are developing a Skate Strategy that will provide a high level action plan with priorities to inform future development, upgrade and maintenance of skate facilities on the Central Coast to meet the needs of our community – now and in the future.Council has engaged a specialist consultant to develop the evidence-based skate strategy incorporating investigation and analysis of existing skateparks, current trends, relevant demographic data, existing and related strategies and the feedback and opinions gathered from community and stakeholders during these engagement activities.Council are committed to creating inclusive and accessible facilities which can be enjoyed by the whole community, and as such this skatepark strategy will include application of Universal Design principles to create an inclusive and welcoming facilities.Mayor Jane Smith said the community, as a whole, will benefit from skate facilities, not just the riders.“In addition to promoting healthy and active lifestyles, skateparks also activate and connect outdoor spaces and provide a safe purpose-built environment for riders,” Mayor Smith said“Skateparks also provide a boost to tourism as an attraction and through the hosting of regional and national skate events, as has been demonstrated with BATO Yard.“I encourage the community to have your say to ensure we develop a skate strategy that meets the needs of our community now and into the future.”The community can get involved in a number of ways!1) Attend one of the workshops being run across the Coast17 July, 10am-12 noon – Halekulani Community Hall18 July, 3pm-5pm – Tuggerah Library19 July, 2pm-4pm – PCYC Bateau Bay31 July, 6pm-8pm – Umina Surf Life Saving Club1 August, 6pm-8pm – Erina Centre2) Complete the online survey before 9 August – click here3) Join the conversation and participate in our online forum between 10 July and 9 AugustFor more information visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/skate-strategy

The temporary detour currently in place for the $1.36million Sohier Park bridge replacement project at Shirley Street, Ourimbah will be changed on Saturday 13 July 2019, 9am-5pm.The current detour via The Boulevard (through the University of Newcastle, Central Coast campus) will not be available on this day due to a scheduled athletics carnival at the University site.Only authorised traffic – buses, emergency vehicles and carnival participants – will be able to use The Boulevard during this time.The Shirley Street Bridge will be temporarily opened to traffic on Saturday 13 July, 9am-5pm with traffic control provided on site to manage a one lane traffic flow across the bridge.Coastal Rural Traders (CRT) at 8-10 Ourimbah Street, Ourimbah will be open on Saturday 13 July from 7.30am-1pm and will be accessible via Shirley Street Bridge.

Council adopts Coast’s first Climate Change PolicyCouncil has adopted its first Climate Change Policy, establishing a framework for the implementation of climate adaptation action for the entire Central Coast region.The Policy sets out Council’s position on climate change with a view to maximising the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the community and guides planning and development of the region’s resilience to climate change.The Policy also enables Council to align its operational and strategic planning with NSW State Policy to transition towards a net zero emissions region by 2050 and to accelerate actions on greenhouse gas emission reduction from Council operations.Mayor Jane Smith said she was pleased to see the Council adopt its first Climate Change Policy following extensive community consultation earlier this year.“Council has been developing this Policy since March 2018 and earlier this year undertook extensive community consultation which has led to a number of changes to improve the Policy and make it more meaningful for the community,” Mayor Smith said.“Key changes to the Policy in response to community feedback were to include a greater focus on the community, involving the community in ongoing adaptation planning alongside supporting community initiatives to deal with climate change.“The Policy will also provide guidance for the development of strategies on actions to respond to, adapt and build resilience to changing risks to the community, council assets, infrastructure and the environment.”Other key amendments to the Policy included clearly defining the purpose of the policy for the community as follows:Central Coast Council to provide leadership on climate changeto provide a framework for climate mitigation, adaptation and ongoing resilience for the Central Coast Region using a place-based approach;