Did you know Australia generates more than 140,000 tonnes of electronic waste per year?Most of this e-waste ends up in landfill, when at least 90 per cent of the materials used to create these items can be recovered and reused.To help residents recycle these items, Central Coast Council will be holding a free e-waste collection weekend at the Gosford Showground on Saturday 26 November and Sunday 27 November 2016.Open between 9am and 4pm on both days, the event is open to everyone – with commercial quantities also accepted.The drop off day targets every day household items such as televisions, computers, DVD players and other items people find difficult to dispose of in an environmentally friendly way.Items that will be accepted as part of the e-waste drop off include:Computers, monitors, notebooks, printers, fax machines, scanners, CD drives, hard drives, keyboards, mice and printer cartridges;Televisions, VCR players, DVD players, projectors;Electronic games/toys, stereos, cameras, video cameras, iPods and MP3 players;
Central Coast Council is looking to increase its direct funding for tourism marketing for the Central Coast and will seek to engage an organisation to deliver on a three year regional strategy.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that the timing was right for Council to examine its approach to tourism.“Destination NSW’s new regional tourism model and the projected population growth expected on the Central Coast has changed the tourism landscape.
Council increases tourism marketing fundingCouncil is looking to increase its direct funding for tourism marketing for the Central Coast and will seek to engage an organisation to deliver on a three year regional strategy.See Separate Media ReleaseCouncil laying the groundwork for a Central Coast Local Environmental PlanWork is now underway to prepare one consolidated Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to guide future development across the Central Coast.Currently there are four planning instruments applying to the Central Coast, each with different planning controls. The Wyong Local Environmental Plan 2013 is the local planning instrument for the north and the Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014, Gosford Interim Development Order and Gosford Planning Scheme apply in the southern areas.
Central Coast Council was up against more than 150 Councils across Australia in this year’s Garage Sale Trail and has taken out the national Outstanding Achievement Award.Council would like to thank the Central Coast community for their support contributing to this year’s amazing success.
‘The drain is just for the rain’The winners of the 2016 School Environment Awards for the former Gosford Local Government Area (LGA) were announced today at a ceremony at Laycock Street Community Theatre.Taking out the top honours for their work around the theme ‘the drain is just for the rain,’ was Chertsey Primary School (School of the Year – Large Schools) and Holgate Public School (School of the Year – Small Schools).
Over 200 property owners in Empire Bay, Bensville and Kincumber South are breathing a sigh of relief as they say goodbye to their on-site sewage management systems, thanks to Central Coast Council’s Cockle Bay Towns Sewerage Project.This $11 million project has been in the pipeline since the 1990’s, when unsewered areas in the Cockle Bay catchment were deemed high priority for improved sewerage services, due to the sensitivity of local waterways and ecology, and potential public health risks posed by unsustainable on-site sewage systems.Council’s Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling said Cockle Bay residents have finally achieved their pipe dream.“Connection to the sewer has been sought by residents in the area for a while now, and we’re pleased to say it has arrived,” Mr Dowling said.“The delivery of this sewerage scheme has been well received by the community.
Central Coast Council is urging the community to have a direct say on how to spend $9 million allocated under the NSW State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund for local community infrastructure projects.The Stronger Communities Fund was a key funding commitment by the NSW State Government to merging Councils. The Fund is designed to fast track the delivery of priority infrastructure and services for local communities such as upgraded community facilities, improved roads and car parks or new sporting or learning facilities.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this funding has been provided due to the amalgamation and Council wants the community to have a direct say in where the money should be spent.“This is a real win for the entire Central Coast community,” Mr Reynolds said.“These funds are additional to Council’s existing operational budget – so it means we can get on with some projects that we know the community want.Council have identified 30 new projects that could be considered under the Fund.
Central Coast Council is investigating the attack on trees at The Entrance and is calling on the community to help identify the phantom poisoner.Tuckeroos on the corner of Victoria Avenue and The Entrance Road as well as down to Marine Parade have been tampered with.Council’s Asset and Project Coordinator, Mr Steve Ashton, was shocked when he discovered two of the trees appeared to be dying on a recent inspection of the area.“It’s a shame someone is destroying these trees as they really do add to the character of The Entrance,” Mr Ashton said.“The trees not only add to the amenity of the area, but they also provide a valuable source of shade for pedestrians, especially leading in to summer.“The Entrance is one of the popular tourist destinations on the Central Coast and a senseless act like this destroys it for everyone.“Council believes these trees have been deliberately poisoned and is calling on anyone with any information to make contact as soon as possible.“We want to catch the perpetrator before they do it again to ensure this beautiful part of our Coast can be protected for the enjoyment of all.”Council is carrying out its own investigation including reviewing CCTV footage and taking samples from in and around the trees to find the cause.More trees at a popular reserve in Norah Head have also been poisoned following an attack earlier this year.Mazlin Reserve is a popular spot for families situated along the cliff top at Norah Head.Council’s Section Manager Open Space and Recreation, Mr Keith Ollier, said it’s frustrating as the vegetation in the reserve plays an important role.“Not only does it provide shade for the users of the park, it also helps provides habitat to native birds and animals, reduces salt laden winds and helps to stabilise the cliff area – making it safe for everyone,” Mr Ollier said.Council is also continuing to work with the NSW EPA on the recent spate of bird poisonings at Woongarrah and Budgewoi and is reminding the community to remain vigilant.Anyone with any information should report it to Council on 4350 5555.
Funding to maintain or restore heritage items in the area covered by the former Wyong Shire Council is now available.As a result of funding from the Office of Environment and Heritage, Council is offering grants of up to $2000 per project for heritage items and properties.Owners or managers of heritage buildings and items, and owners of properties within the former Wyong Shire Council heritage conservation areas are now invited to apply.Applications can be made through Central Coast Council’s Local Heritage Assistance Fund.Council’s Group Leader Scott Cox said the level of funding for individual projects will be determined on a case by case basis however greater funding may be considered in some instances.“Projects that involve the repair or reinstatement of items on heritage buildings, such as the reinstatement of fences, verandas and decorative items, are encouraged,” Mr Cox said.“Projects can also include structural work through to final painting.”Council will also consider projects outside this scope that lead to good heritage outcomes.Council recognises the environmental, social and economic value contained in local heritage assets and the contribution these assets have made to our identity.The fund aims to help residents and business owners protect and manage important heritage items and heritage conservation areas into the future.“Well known heritage assets attract tourism and owners of heritage-listed private property can significantly increase their value of land and property over time,” Mr Cox said.Heritage listings can be found in the Wyong Shire Local Environmental Plan which also outlines how these items are protected by legislation.Heritage building owners are encouraged to contact Council’s Heritage Advisor to ensure their project is eligible.Applications close 2 December 2016 and projects must be completed by 31 March 2017.For more information go to wyong.nsw.gov.au/environment/heritage.