Central Coast Council has started a new round of community consultation for $3.5million project to replace the sewerage system for over 100 properties on the southern bank of Wyong River in Tacoma South.Council Senior Manager, Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said the new system was designed for the specific conditions of this location.“Water will periodically infiltrate any system at this location due to the high water-table and close proximity to Wyong River,” Ms Nel said.“The system we have chosen will significantly reduce the number of water infiltration incidents and their impact.“Should a problem occur with any of the systems, Council will be immediately notified by an alarm and will take the appropriate action to resolve the situation.Residents will have an opportunity for an at-home consultation session and will also be able to attend a Drop-in Information Session at the riverside reserve on South Tacoma Road on Saturday 22 September from 9.30am to 11.30am.The individual consultation and Drop-in Information Session are opportunities for residents to review the existing property design, re-assess the electrical equipment for any changes, ask questions, raise concerns, and discuss any potential changes before plans are finalised.There is a scheduled construction time-frame of early 2019 and more information is available at yourvoiceourcoast.com/tacoma-south-sewerage-upgrade.

Central Coast Council would like to thank the Central Coast community for their ongoing support for drought-affected farmers across NSW.Mayor Jane Smith said the generosity of the Central Coast community since the state-wide drought declaration has been truly remarkable.“The impact of this drought has touched all of our hearts and our community is doing so much to help,” Mayor Smith said.“From personal donations, to fundraising initiatives, to creating new groups – I want to thank the Central Coast community for all that you are doing and will continue to do to support our farmers.“I would also like to thank Council staff for their generosity, very recently the team donated over $900 to Buy a Bale and they will raise money for Aussie Helpers later this month.”Central Coast community members can help farmers through a range of channels including:Australian Red CrossRural Aid/ Buy a BaleDrought AngelsAussie HelpersLions Need for FeedFoundation for Rural and Regional RenewalSalvation ArmyCouncil is not affiliated with any of the organisations listed above and encourages community members to research their preferred method to assist drought-affected farmers should they wish to

Central Coast Council’s commitment to creating a vibrant active transport network has been outlined in comprehensive plans for the future of the region’s footpaths, bike paths and shared paths.A range of proposed pathway projects across the Central Coast are outlined in the draft Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) and Bike Plan, which are now on public display.Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said the plans will provide a platform to develop a high-quality, well-connected pathway network across the Central Coast.“We will develop existing pathways and create new infrastructure so that people of all ages and abilities can walk and cycle throughout the Central Coast using safe, inclusive and connected facilities,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Developing our active transport network emerged as a key theme for our community in our Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and it is certainly a high priority for Council.“To develop the draft PAMP and Bike Plan we gathered near record levels of community feedback, which we’ve listened to in developing the plans.”Mr Bolgoff said future projects would focus on completing missing links, creating routes that loop and connect the region’s scenic waterways, and providing increased connection between centres, recreation spaces and public transport.“We have a responsibility to ensure projects selected benefit a majority of Central Coast residents.“The finalisation of PAMP and the Bike Plan will guide our funding decisions in the future and build on the significant investment already underway, which includes $5.8million for shared pathways and footpaths this financial year.“High pedestrian activity areas will be a core focus for upcoming projects and we have created action plans for Gosford, Woy Woy, Wyong/Tuggerah and The Entrance.”Mayor Jane Smith said improving and expanding the Central Coast’s network of footpaths, bike paths and shared paths would bring multifaceted benefits to the region.“The liveability and sustainability of the Central Coast will be enhanced through a network of pathways that not only provide a means to get active and experience our beautiful environment but also offer a legitimate alternative transport mode,” Mayor Smith said.“Building important ‘missing links’ and creating the right mix of footpaths, bike paths and shared paths will also boost regional and economic development by encouraging tourism.”The PAMP and Bike Plan will be on public display from Thursday 13 September to Thursday 11 October and all Central Coast community members are encouraged to have their say by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to be a good sport by donating pre-loved sports goods at SportsFest this year – and has appointed the not-for-profit organisation Fair Game Australia to manage the collection and distribution of all donations.Mayor Jane Smith said there are barriers to participation in sport and recreation in many parts of our community on the Central Coast.“Living a healthy and active lifestyle doesn’t come easy to all of us,” Mayor Smith said.

Local university students have a rare opportunity to gain practical work skills as part of Central Coast Council’s 2019 scholarship program.The annual program will provide four first or second-year university students with an outstanding opportunity to combine study with paid employment with one of the Coast’s largest organisations.Council’s Executive Manager People and Culture, Kellie Reeves, said Council is looking for bright, talented and enthusiastic students who want to gain local workforce experience.“This program is designed to encourage participation in undergraduate studies by offering scholarship opportunities exclusively to our local students who are looking for a step up into their career,” Ms Reeves said.“Currently, only 14% of Central Coast residents have a bachelor or higher university degree.

An action-packed, adrenaline-pumping line up of exhibitors has been secured for this year’s SportsFest, with the program showcasing a variety of Central Coast sport and recreational opportunities.This family-friendly event, being held 22-23 September from 10am-5pm at EDSACC Bateau Bay, will provide information about something for everyone’s sporting taste – from the water to the court, from traditional to the more obscure and everything in between.Central Coast Council Unit Manager, Open Space and Recreation, Brett Sherar said the aim of the SportsFest’s program is to encourage attendees to learn about and experience a range of sports.“This year, SportsFest participants will be able to watch demonstrations on an exciting range of sports, from scooters and skating, through to gridiron and wheelchair sports,” Mr Sherar said.“For those who like to get some hands-on experience, they can try out a myriad of sports, including dragon boating, circus skills, archery, croquet and table tennis – there’s even high rock climbing for all ages.“Festival-goers can also listen and hear from sporting groups, and buy some great sport-related products from exhibitor and retail stalls.”Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in casual clothes and runners so they can get involved in the free ‘Come ‘n Try’ sessions.SportsFest’s proud partnerships include NSW Office of Sport, Sport NSW, Central Coast Academy of Sport and official media partners, Star 104.5 FM.Download the events program at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/SportsFest and stay up to date with SportsFest announcements at facebook.com/SportsFestCentralCoast

Central Coast Council is playing their part to help residents wage their own war on waste with more of the popular Green Living Workshops on offer to reduce, reuse and recycle around the home.The workshops provide participants with practical and hands-on advice for sustainable living by helping to repurpose food waste, live chemical free and move towards a no waste household.Mayor Jane Smith said these workshops were a key outcome of the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) Green theme to provide ongoing education opportunities for the community.“Education is a crucial component of our focus area to protect our environmental resources for the future,” Mayor Smith said.“Many of the ways residents can help care for our natural environment starts at home, and these Green Living Workshops provide an excellent first step in the right direction.“With food waste still accounting for over forty percent of general household waste and adding substantially to our carbon emissions, we all have a role to play in reducing the amount of household food waste sent to landfill.”Each household that attends a composting and worm farming workshops will receive a free worm farm or compost bin so they can get started straight away.Council Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess, said with the impacts of single use plastic becoming more prevalent, increasing numbers of residents were looking to reduce the amount of waste they are generating.“With the abundance of information at our fingertips, challenging yourself to lead a more sustainable lifestyle can at times be confusing,” Mrs Burgess said.“If you have ever wondered about the suitability and benefits of attending a workshop, the results speak for themselves, with the average attendee’s knowledge on the subject more than doubling, and satisfaction of the workshops at over 90 percent.“There are only a handful of events scheduled for the remainder of the year, so I would encourage anyone interested to reserve their seats as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.“Our special events for children aged five to 15 will be on offer as part of the Spring school holidays program, providing a fun and accessible way to educate children on the importance of sustainability around the home.“The information helps instil habits from an early age to reduce and recycle food waste by turning it into a great resource for the garden as well as educating those around them.”As spaces are limited bookings are essential and can be made online via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events or call 4350 8175 to reserve your spot.Workshop scheduleTuesday 25 September at Green Point Community CentreNo Dig Garden, 9.30am-12pmBeeswax Wrap Making and Sustainable Food Workshop, 12.30-3pmWednesday 26 September at Tuggerah LibraryComposting and Worm Farming, 9.30am-12pmNo Waste Household, 12.30-3pmSaturday 20 October at Point Clare Community SchoolComposting and Worm Farming, 9.30am-12pmOrganic Gardening Workshop, 12-2.30pmTuesday 23 October at Erina LibraryKeeping Backyard Chickens, 9-11.30amBeeswax Wrap Making and Sustainable Food Workshop, 12-2.30pmWednesday 24 October at Buttonderry Waste Management FacilityComposting and Worm Farming, 9-11.30amNo Waste Household, 12-2.30pmInformation on school holiday events can be found at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays

Four Central Coast Council childcare centres have been named as finalists in the Early Childhood Education Week Awards, recognising their excellence in program development.Council Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess, said having so many of Council’s childcare centres named as finalists recognised the strengths of each centre’s educators as well as the commitment of parents and carers.“This year the awards attracted more than 400 nominations across the state, so it is a real testament to our educators and the quality of our programs that we have been nominated for 15 awards,” Mrs Burgess said.“We place a strong emphasis on developing strong connections in our community and a sense of belonging for the benefit of children and their families.“The awards are a great opportunity to showcase what we are doing well and also enable us to measure the success of our programs so we can continually improve on what we provide to families.“Special mention goes to Linda Handel from our Toukley Centre whose dedication to inspire those around her has been acknowledged with a nomination for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.”During July’s Early Childhood Education Week, all four centres provided a range of experiences for children and their families, which were part of the award process.The centres are finalists in the following areas:Major awardsBest Multicultural Program – Kariong and KanwalBest Sustainability Program - KanwalBest Program highlighting Inclusivity Practices – KariongTheme awardsChildren are Connected and Contribute to their World – Kariong and KanwalChildren have a Strong Sense of Wellbeing – WyongChildren are Effective Communicators - WyongChildren engage in Play-Based Education - ToukleyKeeping Children Healthy & Safe - WyongThe Physical Environment where Children Learn & Play - ToukleyEncouraging Children’s Learning & Development - ToukleyFamilies & Communities Uniting - ToukleyIncorporating Sustainability Practices - KanwalPlay and transition to school - ToukleyInclusive practice - everyone is welcome – Kariong and Kanwal.Team and Individual AwardsOutstanding Contribution by an Individual – Toukley – Linda Handel.The award winners will be announced on Thursday 27 October 2018.

Talented artists from all across Australia have competed for $24,000 in prizemoney, with Sydney artist Stephanie Monteith announced the winner of the 2018 Gosford Art Prize.Local artist Keiko Matsui took out first place in the Gosford Ceramics Prize, which saw more entries than ever before, showing the resurgence in contemporary ceramics throughout Australia.Central Coast Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture, Tim Braham said there were 525 entries with 146 artworks chosen as finalists for the exhibition.“The Gosford Art Prize has strong recognition within the arts community and by holding this prestigious annual competition here on the Coast, local artists have the opportunity to be judged and appreciated on a national stage in friendly competition with Australia’s most talented artists,” Mr Braham said.“Approximately 53% of the finalists come from the Central Coast, which shows the depth of our local talent.“We were impressed by the high standard and huge diversity of the artworks received.

With summer nearly upon us, residents and visitors are reminded of the importance of beach safety and swimming between the flags across the Central Coast.With the beach patrol season kicking off tomorrow, Saturday 29 September, Central Coast Council is encouraging beachgoers to be safe and take care, by following these simple safety tips:Only swim at patrolled beachesOnly swim between the red and yellow flagsRemember - if the lifeguards can’t see you, they can’t save youIf you do get into difficulty, remain calm, float and raise your arm to signal for help.Never swim if you’re feeling unwell or have been drinking alcoholRed and yellow flags indicate supervised and patrolled areasBlack and white flags indicate surf craft exclusion zonesMayor Jane Smith said it was important for beach goers to swim between the red and yellow flags and to understand the two main types of flags used on our patrolled beaches.“With an anticipated 3 million visitors using these patrolled beach locations throughout the beach season it’s necessary that people are advised about the importance of beach safety,” Mayor Smith said.“The red and yellow flags indicate areas patrolled by Council Beach Safety staff and Surf Life Saving members that are under observation for swimming.“To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, surfers and board riders are asked to remain outside of the black and white flags that are located next to the red and yellow flags.Council lifeguards patrol 15 beach locations from Monday to Friday, and the Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, while Surf Life Saving members patrol 15 beach locations on the weekends and public holidays.In non-peak holiday times (29 September – 2 December and 2 February to 29 April) patrol hours across all beach locations are 9am-5pm.During the summer peak holiday period, from 3 December to 1 February, all locations will operate from 9am-6pm, with the exception of Umina, Avoca and Terrigal which will operate from 8am - 6pm.