Central Coast Council will maintain its position as one of the largest Councils in NSW and the biggest outside of Sydney after the release of new population figures for NSW this week.The Coast’s population is projected to increase by 75,500 to 415,050 by 2036 according to the latest figures released by the NSW Department of Environment and Planning.
An exciting new ‘place marketing’ campaign called This is the Life is being launched today to promote the Central Coast.‘Place marketing’ is where a region looks to positively change perceptions of its area, to help deliver new social and economic outcomes.Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds, said now is the perfect time to promote positive perceptions about the Coast and make a strong stand as a region in our own right.“The Central Coast has changed a lot over the past twenty years;
Council remains opposed to Wallarah 2 coal mineCouncil concerns about the effect of the mine on the drinking water catchment, environment and residential areas are central to its submission to the amended Wallarah 2 project.Wallarah 2’s modified plans have recently been put on exhibition.
Central Coast Council is getting on with the job of delivering essential services and quality infrastructure on the Coast, and this financial year is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.Council’s key priority this year is to improve our local roads and drainage networks, water and sewerage infrastructure, lakes and environment, open space and recreational projects, and to manage waste effectively throughout the Coast.Council is responsible for managing an expenditure budget of $724 million and over $11 billion in assets in the best interests of our community.A comprehensive and collaborative operational plan and budget identifying what our community wants, needs and values has been designed for this financial year.
As Bike Week steers into NSW, Central Coast Council celebrates with a collection of events from 17 to 25 September 2016.Zali, the Road Safety Zebra, is running a colouring-in competition and is also looking for your best bike safety tip.
Kings and queens of the garden variety were crowned at Central Coast Council’s 2016 Garden Competition presentation evening on Thursday 15 September.The top gardens and gardeners were recognised across 13 categories at the ceremony held at the Laycock Street Community Theatre.There was not a leaf out of place as judging took place over a number of days in August, to reveal the best of the bunch in the former Gosford City Council local government area.The excellent design and wonderful outlook in John and Lesley Cleary’s garden won the judge over for the title of ‘Champion Residential Garden, Over 1,000 Square Metres’.Alva Bell took out the ‘Champion Residential Garden, Under 1,000 Square Metres’, where the judge noted that the pretty and colourful garden was obviously tended to with constant care.Woy Woy Peninsula Community Gardens took out one of the ‘Best Eco Friendly Garden’ awards for a wonderful community garden that showed passion and dedication.
Treadmills, exercise bikes and weights will be available around the clock when the Peninsula Leisure Centre’s gym starts operating 24/7 from this Saturday 13 August 2016.The move to 24/7 access comes on the back of strong feedback from gym members, especially during Central Coast Council’s recent culture surveys.Manager of Culture Phil Cantillon said the extended hours are a great example of how Council is adapting its services to meet the community’s changing lifestyle.“With health and fitness such a big part of our residents’ lives these days, it’s important we provide them with as much access as possible to the Peninsula Leisure Centre’s facilities,” Mr Cantillon said.“Opening the Centre’s gym 24 hours a day, 365 days a year means that our members can run, ride or lift their way to an active and healthy lifestyle whenever suits them.“Last year we invested $200,000 to upgrade the centre’s gym equipment, so we’re keen to see our members give it more of a workout any time of the day or night.”Any Peninsula Leisure Centre member who can currently access the gym can get a 24/7 access pass by simply completing a form and paying $25.“We are very conscious of our members’ safety and a number of security measures are in place,” Mr Cantillon added.“CCTV cameras will monitor the premises after hours, motion sensors and duress buttons have been installed, and only those members with access cards will be able to access the gym from the Blackwall Road entrance after hours.”For more information about the Peninsula Leisure Centre’s services and facilities, visit www.gosford.nsw.gov.au or call 4325 8123.
Central Coast Council is doing its part to help promote positive parenting by presenting a Mindful Parenting session at Lake Haven Library on 18 August at 6pm.This information session will arm parents with ideas and strategies to combat everyday frustrations parents often experience.Council’s Section Manager Library Services, Ms Andrea Edwards, said this amazing session is aimed to help strengthen parent’s relationships with their children and give more positive choices on how to respond to their children’s needs.“Parenting has to be the most challenging job in the world and parents can use all the help they can get,” said Ms Edwards.“Council is proud to present Pam Northcote from Universal Spirit to discuss the most significant role we may ever play in our lives.“This program is filled with strategies to support parents to be a reflective and mindful parent.“So come along to pick up some fantastic parenting tips, you will be glad you did.”Bookings are essential and can be made in person at Lake Haven Library or by calling 4350 1570.
Council Grants Deliver a Stronger Central Coast Community Central Coast Council is providing 21 local community organisations with just over $30,000 in funding in its latest round of grants under its Community Subsidy and Neighbourhood Activation Program.Funding has been allocated to three groups from the Community Subsidy Program - Country Women’s Association, Wyong Family History Group and Toukley Art Society, to provide assistance and support to the Central Coast community.In April, the former Wyong Shire Council launched a new grant program called the Neighbourhood Activation Program designed to benefit grassroots programs that in the past may not have qualified for other grant programs.Administrator Reynolds said council received a positive response and a large number of applications for the program, targeted at local neighbourhood projects undertaken by one street or a small volunteer group.“This was about finding projects that bring neighbours together to make a real difference in their local area,” Mr Reynolds said.“It is about empowering communities to take control of their own destiny and be proud of their local area.“It is fantastic that council can provide these grants to help make that happen.”18 grassroots programs have received funding including San Remo Tidy Towns establishing a graffiti removal group, a drop-in centre at Gwandalan and a luncheon for the homeless in Wyong.Community and sporting groups are also encouraged to apply for the $1 million in grants on offer under the NSW Government’s Stronger Community Fund.This grant program has been made possible as part of $10 million made available to merged councils.