Whether you are sleeping rough or struggling to purchase your first home, an innovative new strategy will address housing insecurity on the Central Coast.Central Coast Council has placed the region’s first Draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy (the Strategy) on public exhibition and is inviting Coast residents to have their say before the strategy is finalised.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the Strategy had been developed after extensive consultation with key stakeholders in the housing sector.“We know there are no affordable housing options for people on very low incomes.

Central Coast Council is about to change the way we think about art with its new, free interactive chalk art event for the community.On 4-7 October the first ever ‘Chalk the Walk’ will turn the Waterfront Plaza at The Entrance into one giant canvas, creating a number of new ways for the community to get involved.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said the inaugural ‘Chalk the Walk’ event is a free event for the community uniquely designed to showcase the talents of the Coast in a fun and interactive way.“Council is delighted to launch this exciting new event which truly brings something unique to the Central Coast.” Mr Cannard said.“The inaugural ‘Chalk the Walk’ will feature two large 3D artworks by renowned street artist, Anton Pulvirenti, with another 20 chalk masterpieces being produced by local artists to make an interactive pavement gallery.“On Sunday, 7 October we also have a special opportunity for 10 young artists to register and take part in a major collaborative piece.

A group of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) adults who live on the Coast are now much safer in the water, thanks to funding from Central Coast Council.Council’s Community Grants Program provided $11,850 to Royal Life Saving NSW to run a 10-week swimming and water safety program for 50 adults.Royal Life Saving NSW Hunter/Central Coast Regional Manager Tanya Brunckhorst said the number of new migrants unable to swim is extremely high in comparison to other Australians, and members of the CALD community were often unaware of the importance of water safety.“In 2016-17, 93 people drowned in NSW, which is more than any other state or territory,” Ms Brunckhorst said.“A number of these drownings were people from CALD backgrounds.“The CALD swimming and water safety program has been a great success.

In March 2019, tourism stakeholders representing Local Government Areas from all around NSW will be able to witness first-hand many of the wonderful experiences and attractions the Central Coast has on offer, as Central Coast Council plays co-host to the LGNSW Tourism Conference at Crowne Plaza in Terrigal.Mayor Jane Smith said that co-hosting this conference with Local Government NSW is an investment in tourism for the region, which comes with many benefits.“Tourism is a significant industry on the Central Coast, and this conference provides an opportunity to share experiences, listen to experts and peers, and find out how other councils are engaging and working with their tourism industry,” said Mayor Smith.“Additionally, we are able to showcase to other local government areas, from all around the state, the little adventures and outstanding features and experiences available on the Central Coast including our beautiful beaches, exciting activities, natural environment and gourmet delights.”Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said that Council put forward an Expression of Interest to host the conference.“We are pleased we have been awarded the opportunity to hold the event on the Central Coast – it is a great opportunity to connect our tourism providers to people attending the conference, and is the perfect way to show them what the Coast has to offer and to learn from others.“Co-hosting this event with LGNSW, along with contributions from our local tourism industry, is another step taken by Council to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of this vital sector for the Central Coast economy – which is the overarching purpose of our five-year Destination Management Plan.”

Central Coast residents and community groups can now apply for a share in more than $1.7million to create community events, activities and initiatives.Applications open today for funding through the first round of Central Coast Council’s 2018-19 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.Council Director Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said this year’s program had been streamlined to ensure an even greater number of community projects will be eligible for funding.“Last year, Council introduced the coast-wide grants and sponsorship program, which was well received by the community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This year, we have refined the program so applicants will have greater clarity about the best funding category for their project.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Community Grants and Sponsorship Program offers fantastic opportunities to not only improve the lifestyle of Coast residents but to promote the region as a great place to visit.“We want to hear all ideas no matter how big or small, as we want to see programs that are dynamic, responsive and targeted to support and grow local community development, sporting, environmental, tourism and economic development initiatives,” Mayor Smith said.“With more than $1.7million up for grabs, this is a chance to think outside the square to deliver unique, big picture project or events to the Coast that really do make a difference,”“Together we can make the Central Coast the very best place it can be.”Applicants can apply for funds in the following categories:Community Support GrantsCommunity Events and Place Activation GrantsCommunity Infrastructure GrantsCommunity Development GrantsSocial and Creative Enterprises GrantsHeritage GrantsSponsorshipApplications in most categories close on Friday, 5 October 2018.

Council calls for report to ensure Coast’s water supply is secure for the futureCouncil is calling for a report to ensure there is a considered plan in place to secure the Coast’s water supply in light of the current drought conditions, possible approval of Wallarah 2 and effects of climate change.With NSW now in drought, the report will consider all water security options to increase efficiencies and seek alternate options to source water.

The two new additional change rooms constructed at Central Coast Stadium, built to accommodate multiple team use, were officially opened by Mayor Jane Smith this morning.Mayor Smith said that with the ever-growing popularity in women’s sport across Australia, these additional change rooms will help attract women’s sporting events to the stadium.“Being able to provide equal access to our change rooms for women and girls, both on and off the field, is a great step forward for the Central Coast,” said Mayor Smith.“We would like to see more world-class sporting events at the stadium, and having the capacity to facilitate more sporting codes, particularly for women, is a key driver for that.”Central Coast Stadium Events Manager, Kath Casey, said that the construction of these change rooms forms part of Central Coast Council’s long term strategy to provide ongoing improvements to the stadium.“With continual improvement being key to the longevity of the stadium, the delivery of these change rooms is one more way Council has been able to improve this iconic Central Coast asset,” Ms Casey said.“In addition to providing hirers with more facilities for use, these additional change rooms have now enhanced both the appeal and functionality of the stadium to a wider section of the community, which will, in turn, increase our reputation as a leading sporting, entertainment and recreational venue.”

Several major road upgrades on the NSW Central Coast are now complete, including works on Ryans Road in Umina Beach, Davis Street in Booker Bay and the intersection of Langford Drive and Woy Woy Road in Kariong.Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said completion of these key local road projects showed the Turnbull Government’s commitment to supporting jobs and investment opportunities on the Central Coast.“These upgrades will ensure Central Coast residents and visitors can now get around more safely and efficiently – whether it’s a parent trying to get their kids to school on time, or a tradie able to get to four jobs in a day rather than three,” Mr Fletcher said.“The Turnbull Government is committed to improving infrastructure on the Central Coast, from our $196 million investment in upgrades to the M1, to our co-funding of a business case into whether we can get faster rail from Newcastle to Sydney.”Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said the intersection upgrade in Kariong was a fantastic outcome for the 3,000 residents who signed our petition to address this intersection, which is close to a community centre, a childcare centre, a school, homes and businesses.“Works included the construction of a roundabout and the realignment of nearby Dandaloo Street to create a more cohesive access point for all incoming traffic.

Local high school students will get a taste of what it’s like to be a Councillor when Central Coast Council hosts its annual Future Council program.Students in Years 9 and 10 will participate in mock Council meetings in Wyong on Friday 3 August and Gosford on Friday 10 August.

First Climate Change Policy for the Coast to build community resilience and zero emissions by 2050A draft Climate Change Policy aiming for zero emissions by 2050 has been developed by Council and will be exhibited for community feedback.Read separate media release in full hereCouncil to investigate community survey and election poll on continuation of amalgamationCouncil tonight formally acknowledged the worthy efforts of staff in amalgamating the former Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council and called for community input in the future of Central Coast Council.Council staff and the CEO will now bring forward a number of reports for Council consideration including:community questionnaires and surveys conducted by the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils prior to amalgamationrealistic estimate of the costs involved in amalgamating the two Councils and timeline for completionprogress on various aspects of amalgamationconducting a community survey to assess current community views of the amalgamationestimate of cost and process regarding a proposal for a poll to be held at an upcoming election (either Federal or State) to gauge community support or rejection of the continuation, or the reversal of, the amalgamation.“We need to understand the full cost of amalgamation and whether it is what the community really want so we can move forward in the best interests of the Central Coast.” “Staff have done an incredible job delivering services and infrastructure for our community and they should be commended.”Council has endorsed a report by staff to the Hunter Central Coast Regional Joint Planning Panel (JRPP) recommending refusal of the application for development of a 63 bed integrated seniors living facility, new registered club and retail tenancies at The Sporties, Woy Woy valued at over $30 million.The development is incompatible with the principles of ecologically sustainable development, and flood hazards of the land.  Lack of on-site parking is also highlighted with a shortfall of 188 spaces needed for residential and club uses.  “The report is very clear on the extensive issues with this proposed development and with 94 community objections received, it is also clear how the community feel about it.” Mayor Smith said.“The community’s voice has been heard and they can also be confident that we have planning controls in place to support sustainable development and ensure only those developments that meet current planning controls and guidelines will be supported.” DAs with 15 or more objections to be automatically reported to CouncilThis replaces the previous threshold of 50 objections for a development application to be automatically reported to Council.