Central Coast Council’s first integrated draft Operational Plan and Budget to deliver $551 million in essential services and a record $208 million in capital works is now on public exhibition.73% of the record $208 million capital spend will be in the key areas of roads, transport and drainage projects, water and sewer and open space and recreation.  $55.3 million will be spent on new strategic projects for the benefit of the whole community.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the financially sound draft Operational Plan strikes the right balance between delivering essential services in local areas and focussing on big picture regional projects to benefit the entire Central Coast community.“One of the key priorities for this new Central Coast Council is to build a solid foundation in preparation for the newly elected Council in September and we are well on the way,” Mr Reynolds said.“Our finances are sound and strong.  We have significant buying power and one of the biggest asset bases in the State.“We are using this strong position to tackle our infrastructure backlog and deliver bumper investment in our local road network, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and water and sewer assets to secure our water supply into the future.”“There is also a strong investment in regionally significant assets that will drive investment, growth and tourism for the Central Coast.”Regionally significant capital projects earmarked for funding in the Plan include $16.5 million to complete the Tuggerah Regional Sports Complex, $3.8 million to start construction of the Mardi to Warnervale Trunk Water pipeline, $2 million for Adcock Park upgrade, $1.5 million to progress the Performing Arts and Conference Centre and $600,000 to progress the Regional Library in Gosford.Budget Fast Facts and key spending areas outlined in the draft Plan include:$552.9 million operating income$551 million operating expenditure$1.9 million surplus$28.2 million capital grants and contributions$207 million of capital works program - $55.3 million on regionally significant projects$71.7 million of capital on roads, transport and drainage projects – total spend of $189 million on roads$53.6 million of capital spend on water and sewer – total spend of $213 million$27.1 million of capital on open space and recreation – total spend $54 million“Everything we are doing is designed to improve the quality of life for our residents, while helping to create jobs and opportunities for our growing community,” Mr Reynolds said.“I would encourage anyone interested in the future of the Central Coast to take a look at the Plan and have their say.”The draft Plan can be viewed at both Council Offices, all library branches or online at www.yourvoiceourcoast.comSubmissions can be made online at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com, via email at ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or post to PO Box 20 Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21 Gosford NSW 2250.All submissions must be received by 5pm Tuesday 13 June.

Central Coast Council Libraries have further streamlined services across their branches, with borrowing periods aligning as of Monday 15 May 2017.Residents will now be able to borrow a book, magazine or DVD for the same amount of time from any of the 13 branches across the Central Coast.Group Leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the decision came following extensive community consultation.“We currently have two library systems in place with two different sets of borrowing periods,” Ms Vaughan said.“We wanted to take this opportunity to work with the community to ensure our new borrowing periods reflect the needs and expectations of our library members.“This is another milestone on the journey to streamlining the entire Central Coast Library Service.”In addition to the alignment of borrowing periods, Council has also streamlined fees across its branches and will be moving to an integrated management system in the new financial year.Ms Vaughan added that the new system will allow residents to check the catalogue, borrow, reserve and return items at any branch.“Our 70,000 library members will soon have access to a greater range of resources and be able to use all of our library services using the one card,” said Ms Vaughan.“This is a great result for our members and will promote connectivity across all of our branches while ultimately, making it easier for everyone to interact with our library service.”Central Coast Council’s new borrowing periods, as of Monday 15 May 2017:Magazines and Fast Reads – One weekAll other items – Three weeksFast Reads are a system in which popular titles are ordered in bulk and made available to library members for one week only.Central Coast Council’s Library Service has branches at Bateau Bay, Erina, Gosford, Gwandalan, Kariong, Kincumber, Lake Haven, Mooney Mooney, The Entrance, Toukley, Tuggerah, Woy Woy, and Umina Beach.For more information on the new borrowing periods or any library services visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au  to find your nearest branch.

Popular aquatic recreational facilities Peninsula Leisure Centre (PLC) and Gosford Olympic Pool (GOP), now boast a number of highly-skilled instructors qualified to teach children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to swim.Certified with national water safety and swimming specialists, Autism Swim, instructors at the PLC and GOP are now armed with the tools and techniques to help children with ASD as young as two years of age, become confident and capable in the water.Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said this specialist skill base is a necessary and potentially life-saving tool.“Drowning is among the leading causes of death in young people with ASD.

Central Coast Council has opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for a new event coming to the Central Coast celebrating all things sport.In a first of its kind for the region, SportsFest will be a weekend festival encouraging active participation and involvement in a wide range of sports across the Coast on September 23 and 24, 2017.The festival will be held at Bateau Bay’s EDSACC sporting precinct and will showcase traditional and non-traditional sports, including active recreational opportunities which will promote both team and/or individual participation.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the festival was designed to harness the passion for sport on the Central Coast and create more opportunities for the community to come together and be active.“This inaugural event is going to be a massive celebration of all things sport and will showcase different opportunities available on the Coast in one weekend, Mr Reynolds said.“It is a great opportunity for local sporting clubs to show their passion for their chosen sport and for the community to come along and find out more about the different sporting opportunities available on the Coast.“This festival isn’t just about signing up new players and promoting your sport, it’s also a chance to show how sport can involve the whole community – whether you’re a player, official, trainer, nutritionist or volunteer.“It’s going to attract attention from across the State – and we are hoping a few celebrity, professional players as well.”SportsFest will see Council working with local and state sporting associations, clubs and organisations to promote their sport, attract new members and sign-up volunteers through an exhibition of their sporting assets.There will be free activities, exhibition games, come 'n try sessions, sporting goods stalls and displays, visits by sporting heroes, autograph sessions, professional demonstrations, live entertainment and food markets and much more.EDSACC has been chosen as the venue for the Festival as it is already home to a variety of sports with a number of fields, indoor sports centre, netball courts, croquet fields, tennis courts and Bato Yard.The EOIs close Wednesday 7 June and are open now to anyone who has an interest in sport – coaches, volunteers, players, referees, retail outlets, market stalls, kids’ activities, not for profit organisations and the like.Find out how you can be involved and register online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/sportsfest

Central Coast Council and Gosford Regional Gallery are celebrating National Reconciliation Week with the launch of two major new exhibitions - Colours of Country and The Sean Lonergan Schools Project.Colours of Country is an exhibition of collected artworks from six respected local Aboriginal Artists:

Central Coast Council is running three Candidate Awareness Sessions to provide information for people interested in considering running for election as Councillors in the election on Saturday 9 September, the sessions will give an understanding about the responsibilities associated with this important role.Central Coast Council CEO, Mr Rob Noble, said the election of Councillors represents the next step for the Central Coast and will build on the achievements of Central Coast Council so far.“In the past year, we’re proud to have achieved more efficient and streamlined services, significant cost savings and a stronger regional voice for our residents,” said Mr Noble.“The election of 15 Councillors will provide the opportunity to build on these achievements and meet the ongoing challenges and expectations of our local community.”Candidate Awareness Sessions will feature presentations from the NSW Electoral Commission and are designed to help potential candidates understand what being a Councillor means, as well as highlighting the impacts of this role on the broader community.Sessions will be held on:Monday 29 May (6pm–8pm)Central Coast CouncilWyong Administration Building2 Hely Street, WyongThursday 1 June (6pm–8pm)Central Coast CouncilGosford Administration Building49 Mann Street, GosfordTuesday 6 June (6pm–8pm)Shelly Beach Surf ClubShelly Beach Road, Shelly BeachTo register your interest for any of the sessions visit cccandidates.eventbrite.com.auNominations to stand for election as a Councillor open on Monday 31 July and close at midday on Wednesday 9 August.

Central Coast Council is calling on residents who want to help shape the future of the Central Coast to put their hand up to join a Community Reference Group to help develop the first coast wide Community Strategic Plan.The Community Strategic Plan will capture the community’s vision for the Coast and identify key social, economic and environmental priorities as well as long-term strategies for the Coast for the next 10 years.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Community Reference Group would help ensure the Plan is appropriate and meets the current and future needs of the entire community.“We are taking expressions of interest from community members to be a part of this Group.

A section of foreshore at Budgewoi will be transformed with the much anticipated boardwalk set to activate the lakeside town.The new boardwalk, a key initiative of the Budgewoi Masterplan, will run along the waterfront of Budgewoi Creek near Budgewoi Circle.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the boardwalk was an exciting part of reactivating the Budgewoi Town Centre.“Budgewoi is a very important part of the Coast and much-loved for its relaxed coastal village atmosphere,” Mr Reynolds said.“Council has listened to the community and is delivering a project that will help re-activate this popular part of the Coast so it is attractive to both residents and tourists alike.Council is investing more than $600,000 on this project, expected to be finished in July.Works include a new floating pontoon with concrete decking and gangway as well as a fixed timber jetty.

Some of the Central Coasts most experienced planners, researchers and arts practitioners will be taking part in a Regional Arts and Health Seminar on Wednesday 24 May at The Hub, Erina Fair – hosted by Central Coast Council.The seminar provides an opportunity to showcase best practice in the field of arts and health, while also establishing a strong network of professionals across the Central Coast.Group Leader of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the collection of speakers assembled for the seminar brings expertise from across the industry.“We have got a wonderful collection of planners, researchers and arts practitioners taking part in this seminar, each bringing a differing perspective on the role that art can play in a range of health settings,” said Ms Vaughan.The seminar will feature a range of presentations, including:Kevin Duncan, Aboriginal Elder – exploring how the practice of music, dance and painting gave meaning to his life, supporting an active role in the community.Fiona Wilkinson, Manager of Central Coast Local Heath District Redevelopment Team – with Tim Braham (Team leader of Regional Art Gallery Central Coast Council) presenting an overview of Gosford Hospital Redevelopment Arts Strategy.Dr Miranda Lawry, University of Newcastle – as Researcher and Senior Lecturer at the School of Creative Industries, will provide an overview of university involvement in the field of art and health.Tracey Callinan, Executive Director Arts OutWest – reflections over ten years of arts and health practice in a regional context.Tanya Field, Manager Bamboo Buddha Café – looking at how private business contributes to the ongoing dialogue of arts and health in the region.Ms Vaughan added that as part of the event, regional priorities, arts and health issues and areas of professional practice will all be widely discussed.“With a strong local focus, the seminar will be a fantastic resource for health services and professionals;

Central Coast Council is advising water supply customers in The Entrance North of an overnight outage on Sunday 21 May 2017.Council will be carrying out upgrades to the water supply system, in conjunction with programmed road works currently underway on Hutton Road.Properties affected: