Central Coast Council launched its Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) today at The Erina Centre - a Plan that will help create an inclusive and accessible community for everyone on the Coast.The Plan was developed in conjunction with staff, residents, local organisations and an external Disability Inclusion Reference Group.

Central Coast Council welcomes today’s announcement by the NSW Government to base the new Tourism Destination Network office in Gosford.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said it was an exciting time for tourism on the Central Coast with more changes happening now than have happened in the last twenty years.“Combined with Council’s increased investment in tourism marketing and industry services, the recent appointment of new providers to deliver this, a new Destination Management Plan and the advent of a new marketing approach to implement it – we are working towards delivering more for the region,” Mr Reynolds said.Destination New South Wales set up a new regional tourism network structure in 2016, creating six destination networks to focus on increased visitor growth opportunity.  The Central Coast is part of the Sydney Surrounds North region including Blue Mountains, Hunter, Hawkesbury, Penrith and Lake Macquarie.Council Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said that the location of the new State tourism office on the Central Coast was a significant acknowledgement of the region’s tourism value and positioning as a visitor destination in New South Wales.“Tourism is a major industry on the Central Coast employing over 12,500 people and generating over $900 million a year for the regional economy,” Ms Vaughan said.“The passion and commitment of the Coast’s tourism industry is great.

Central Coast Council will be running information sessions on grant funding for community organisations to deliver projects in the Coast’s northern suburbs.Chain Valley Bay Colliery Community Funding is a joint initiative between Lake Coal Pty Ltd and Council for not-for-profit organisations to improve community infrastructure and services in the suburbs of Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park.In the 2017 funding round, groups can apply for up to $30,000 for a community project.Two information sessions will be held next week giving organisations an overview on the funding options available and how they can apply.Monday 31 July, 1-3pmChain Valley Bay Community HallThursday 3 August, 5.30-7.30pmMannering Park Community HallThe first round of applications will open in August.

Two new major exhibitions are open at Gosford Regional Gallery, showcasing innovative and versatile ways to display and use glass, granite, marble and stainless steel materials.GLASS:

The next Central Coast Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 26 July 2017 in the Wyong Chambers at 2 Hely Street.The July meeting was originally scheduled to be held in the Gosford Chambers but as renovations are currently underway to accommodate new Councillors from September, this venue is unavailable.Council apologises for any inconvenience and reminds residents all Council meetings are live streamed and can be viewed live via Council’s YouTube channel.

Work on the construction of an additional level at the Wilson Road Carpark is nearing completion, with the project to provide the Terrigal CBD with 110 extra parking spaces.The $2.3 million project also includes the installation of a lift within the carpark, CCTV and the provision of additional disabled spaces on each floor – enhancing the facility’s overall accessibility.The upgrade is scheduled to be completed by Tuesday 15 August, with a staged re-opening to commence from Thursday 27 July – subject to weather conditions.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said that an efficient program of works had assisted the successful completion of this major infrastructure upgrade.“Despite the impacts of some inclement weather during the construction period, we have worked closely with our contractor to ensure the efficient completion of this project,” said Mr Reynolds.“We’re continuing to invest in Terrigal as one of the state’s premier tourist destinations and infrastructure improvements such as this redevelopment will go a long way to supporting the ongoing growth of the area.“The addition of these 110 car spaces has been carried out in conjunction with upgrade works on the Scenic Highway – improving the overall connectivity and access to the town centre,” said Mr Reynolds.Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said that the upgrade of the Wilson Road Carpark was part of wider investment into the Terrigal region.“This is an exciting time for Terrigal as it continues to grow in popularity, with significant investment in and around the area,” said Mr Dowling.“We’re continuing to work on catering for the needs of the region to complement this growth and have plans to invest almost $2.2 million through improvements to the area’s pedestrian and traffic flow – thanks to the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.“Council will also be revitalising the Terrigal Lagoon Foreshore, with $825,000 invested into the redevelopment of the play space in the Rotary Park as well as the proposed construction of a skate park.”“I would like to again extend my sincere thanks to the Terrigal community for their patience and understanding during the upgrade of the Wilson Road Carpark.”Staged re-opening commences:

Tourism experts to deliver best services for the industry and the CoastCouncil will continue to deliver tourism marketing and industry services for the Central Coast with the assistance of expert external providers.See Separate ReleaseNew Central Coast Urban Design Panel established and consent periods confirmedExpressions of interest will soon be called for a newly created Central Coast Urban Design Panel to assist Council deliver high quality infrastructure, planning and urban projects.See Separate ReleaseBuilding a solid foundation for the newly elected CouncilCouncil is finalising preparations for the upcoming local government elections, with the exhibition of a draft Code of Conduct, Code of Meeting Practice and Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.Council will also be concluding the operation of the Local Representation Committee (LRC) – consisting of 18 former Councillors from the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the LRC had proven to be a valuable resource over the last 12 months.“The LRC have provided invaluable advice on key issues around the environment, the economy and community issues unique to the Central Coast,” said Mr Reynolds.“The conclusion of the LRC next month will allow some clear air between the operations of the committee and the election process – with the opportunity to nominate as a candidate commencing on 31 July.“Irrespective of who may stand for election, this will allow an equal playing field to all of those proposing to stand for election in September.“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the LRC for their ongoing commitment and contribution to Central Coast Council and I wish them the very best in their future endeavours.”Exhibiting the draft Codes and Policies will provide potential candidates with a greater understanding of meeting processes and the expectations of Councillors.The draft Code of Conduct is an integral part of Council’s governance framework and provides guidance on public comment, gifts and benefits and confidentiality;

Central Coast Council are undertaking a review of Alcohol-Free Zones across the region, with proposed locations on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.Alcohol-Free Zones aim to reduce alcohol related crime, violence and anti-social behaviour in identified locations in order to help create a safer environment for the whole community.An Alcohol-Free Zone relates to public roads, car parks and footpaths, however, these zones will not restrict outdoor dining licences where Council approval has been granted.The zones will be in place for a four (4) year period and Council is currently seeking feedback from the community regarding the establishment of Alcohol-Free Zones in the following suburbs:Avoca Beach;

Central Coast Council has today confirmed five executive appointments to its Leadership Team.An interim leadership was appointed at the time of the formation of the Council to lead the organisation through the initial stages of amalgamation.Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said these appointments can now be confirmed following an exhaustive external recruitment process attracting candidates from across Australia.“The calibre of candidates we attracted is particularly pleasing and highlights the strong interest in working for a new local government area that is now a major region in its own right with so many opportunities to really make a difference,” Mr Noble said.“I have chosen leaders who are customer-focused, collaborative, passionate and professional and truly committed to transforming our organisation and making the Central Coast the very best it can be.”“These leaders have an established track record and have ably risen to the challenges of our first year as one Council and I am pleased to continue to serve the Central Coast community with them.”The confirmed appointments are:Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business – Mike DowlingGroup Leader Environment and Planning – Scott CoxChief Financial Officer – Stephen NavenExecutive Manager People and Culture – Kellie ReevesExecutive Manager Governance – Brian GlendenningThey join Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan and Chief Information Officer, David Kennedy who were appointed to their positions last year with Executive Manager Transformation and Business Performance, Sally Ingram, rounding out the Leadership Team.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, welcomed the appointments which will provide the stable leadership the organisation needs to continue to support the outlook and vision of the new Central Coast Council.“I have worked with these leaders from the start of my time here and I rate them as some of the best Executives I have come across in my long career,” Mr Reynolds said.“They have been here from the start and will continue to lead the organisation as it goes from strength to strength.”The Leadership Team are employed under contracts in accordance with the form of contract for senior staff under the Local Government Act.

When Central Coast Council was established in May 2016, the State Government decreed that the four planning instruments currently applying across the Coast should remain in place until a new Local Environmental Plan (LEP) is adopted.  As a result, development continues to be assessed under the planning controls which were in place prior to the merger.In order to move towards a uniform set of planning controls across the Coast, Council has developed a draft consolidated LEP.