The historic ocean baths at The Entrance will be officially renamed ‘The Grant McBride Baths’ in memory of Grant McBride, State Member for The Entrance from 1992-2011.Formerly ‘The Entrance Ocean Baths’, the local icon will officially take its new name tomorrow, Saturday 29 September 2018, at a private ceremony involving Council and the McBride family and friends.A Council resolution was made in March of this year to rename The Entrance Ocean Baths to The Grant McBride Baths in recognition of the efforts Mr McBride took to protect the Baths for the Central Coast community.The Baths were constructed in stages between 1938 and 1965 and in 2002, Mr McBride campaigned with local residents to save the coastal icon from potential closure.Over 9,000 signatures were collected during the campaign, and in 2003 the Baths were successfully placed on the New South Wales Heritage List.Mayor Jane Smith said the Baths have been a longstanding iconic facility that Council is proud to operate for the enjoyment of our community.“Whether it be enjoying the sunrise during a morning lap swim, taking your family for a dip in the warm summer sun, or simply admiring the scenic beauty as you drive by, the Baths have provided cherished memories for many of us,” Mayor Smith said.“I am delighted we are able to honour the involvement of Mr McBride with this historic facility and am pleased that the Baths will be here for generations of residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”

In a special 10 year celebration, ChromeFest is rock ‘n’ rolling its way back to the Coast with more American classic cars, more vintage glamour, a kids area and a new Retro Caravan display.A free event shuttle bus will also be in operation from Tuggerah Station, Toukley and Bateau Bay to make getting to the event easy for festival goers over the weekend.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said over 50,000 visitors from across the country are expected to attend the popular three-day event which last year generated $9.5 million for the local economy.“There is a massive program of activities and events lined up to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of one of our biggest annual events, including live entertainment, retro market stalls, Vintage Glamour workshops and of course the iconic ChromeFest car displays.” Mr Cannard said.“New this year, Sunday will see the expansion of the program to include Lowriders at Picnic Point and Retro Caravans displayed along the water’s edge on The Entrance Road.“We also have a new ‘Kidz Zone’ with free activities including face painting, slot cars, a 9D virtual space movie experience, rides, motorised jeeps and a DJ with undercover dance floor.“We invite everyone to be transported back to the 50s and 60s and join in three days of ChromeFest fun.”ChromeFest will be held on 26-28 October and is a free event for the community presented by Central Coast Council and Californian Cruisin Incorporated.Road closures will be in place during the event.

When the pavement is your canvas and chalk is your brush, creating an interactive gallery of chalk art that truly honours the amazing talent of local artists becomes challenging when Mother Nature has other ideas.But don’t let the rain blues get you down!

Central Coast Council has lodged its submission on the review of water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) and is reminding the community to have their say by 12 October.Following Council’s community consultation process all community members now have an opportunity to provide their feedback directly to IPART.Council Senior Manager Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said Council proposed to align prices across the two former local government areas.“Our submission to IPART recommends a reduction in average residential water bills across the Central Coast from 1 July 2019,” Ms Nel said.“We are also proposing changes to the way we calculate and apply the stormwater drainage charge.“The proposed changes to the stormwater drainage charges would see a decrease in the charge for all residential properties and most businesses.“However, the way businesses were charged in the two former local government areas was completely different and the alignment of prices will result in some businesses paying more for their stormwater drainage services.”Ms Nel said that most Central Coast residents and businesses already pay a stormwater drainage charge and Council is proposing that this charge be applied to all rateable properties.“Currently residents and businesses west of the M1 in the former Gosford local government area pay a stormwater drainage charge but equivalent residents and businesses in the former Wyong local government area do not.“We recently held information sessions specifically for residents and businesses west of the M1 in the former Wyong local government area and Council encourages these community members to provide feedback on the proposed changes directly to IPART.Council’s proposal to apply a consistent approach to the stormwater drainage charges reflects the regional benefit provided by the stormwater drainage network in protecting public and private property from flooding, helping to connect communities and support access to homes, schools and places of work, and enhancing our natural assets and waterways.For the proposed changes to the stormwater drainage charges to come into effect they require the endorsement of IPART and Council will then need to apply to the NSW Government for a new Drainage Area to cover all of the Central Coast local government area.Central Coast community members can provide feedback directly to IPART up until 12 October via ipart.nsw.gov.au and scrolling down to ‘Prices for Central Coast Council from 1 July 2019’.IPART’s Public Hearing on 27 November is also open to all community members.Council’s submission, details about the IPART consultation process and answers to frequently asked questions are available at yourvoiceourcoast.com/WaterPricing

There is water over the road on Wells Street East, Gosford between Springfield Road and Avalon Road and in Shepherd Street, Umina.Signs are in place so please slow down and take care on the wet roads.Rain will continue today and we will keep you updated with conditions on our roads.With heavy rain continuing some roads may have become flooded and inaccessible.

Council submission raises concerns about State Government planning controls for the Gosford CBDCouncil has raised a number of key concerns regarding the Draft Gosford City Centre Development Control Plan (DCP) in a formal submission to the Department of Planning.The draft submission formalises Council’s previous communication to the Department in September raising concerns about solar access controls, protection of view corridors, built form controls including height and floor space ratio, key site controls, Gosford waterfront controls, car parking and heritage and signage in the Gosford CBD.

The first ever ‘Chalk the Walk’ – which will turn the Waterfront Plaza at The Entrance into one giant canvas – has been postponed, due to forecast wet weather.With heavy rain set to wash the artwork away this weekend, the event will now run from 11 October through to 14 October.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events

Central Coast Council is investing $1.47million this financial year to upgrade and improve the performance of the Central Coast’s sewerage infrastructure,Council Senior Manager Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said the work is part of an $11million multiyear project to reline targeted gravity sewerage infrastructure across the region.“The innovative technology we are using to rollout our sewerage relining project means minimal disruption to services during works and minimal environmental impact as the need to excavate is eliminated in most cases,” Ms Nel said.“We are rehabilitating damaged pipelines by firstly clearing any blockages and then inserting a liner that reinforces the existing pipe structure, seals any leaks and significantly reduces the risk of future intrusion, particularly from tree roots.”This region-wide project is targeting gravity sewerage mains, manholes and junctions that have been identified for renewal.Ms Nel said tree roots and the flushing of inappropriate items were the main causes of partial and total blockages in sewerage systems.“Tree roots certainly do impact our sewerage network, particularly in heavily wooded areas like the Central Coast.“Flushing things that should not be flushed can also cause significant damage – please never flush cooking waste, fats and oils, cigarette butts, nappies, dental floss, sanitary items, and wipes – even if they are labelled ‘flushable’.”Central Coast Council operates and maintains over 2,200 kilometres of sewerage mains.

Central Coast Council has started a $1.7million project to install new drainage crossings underneath The Ridgeway, Stage 2 of a $7.8million upgrade of the road.The current project includes the installation of five drainage crossings, new kerb and gutter and new road pavement.In order to install the new drainage, Council will need to close The Ridgeway at night between Nexus Way and Tapley Road, Lisarow to all non-resident traffic from Monday 1 October to Thursday 11 October, weather permitting.A detour will be available via Fagans Road and work will take place between 6pm to 3am to minimise impact on traffic.Traffic control will be in place to ensure the safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.Residents who live along this section of road and emergency vehicles will have access at all times and will be guided by traffic control.Council thanks the community for their patience during these important works and apologises for any inconvenience.The current project follows on from Stage 1 which included similar road and drainage upgrades and construction of a large sandstone wall.

Time is running out to make that community idea happen with the first round of Central Coast Council’s 2018-19 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.With more than $1.7million available to help support and grow community-run local events, initiatives and projects, interested applicants are encouraged to get their applications in this week to ensure their project is considered this year.