A $3.3 million upgrade to Kanangra Drive, Gwandalan will tomorrow be unveiled by Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter & Central Coast, Scot MacDonald, and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), Regional General Manager, Anna Zycki.The project was recently completed by the former Wyong Shire Council and RMS, to improve the road, which provides the only access from the Pacific Highway in and out of Gwandalan and Summerland Point.“The former Wyong Council invested $1.4 million, along with funding of $1.84 million from the State Government’s NSW Safer Roads Program, to improve the safety of this very important road,” said Central Coast Council Director Infrastructure and Operations, Mr Greg McDonald, who will also be attending the official opening.The upgrade works include widening of the Kanangra Drive lane width to 3.5 metres, provision of up to a two-metre sealed road shoulder, provision of two police enforcement bays, asphalt resurfacing of the road and installation of safety barriers, signs, guide posts, new line marking and reflective pavement markers to improve the safety of the road.The need for the upgrade was identified after 33 crashes were recorded within the past five years to 31 December 2015, one of which resulted in one fatality.“We understand that roads are one of the most important services our residents expect and rely upon,” Mr McDonald added.“As a new Central Coast Council, in addition to works currently being carried out, we plan to invest more than $100 million throughout the 2016/17 financial year alone to ensure our Central Coast roads and drainage are well on the way to meeting the expectations of our community.”

National Reconciliation Week provides the focus for a number of significant art exhibitions by international, regional and local artists opening at Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery this weekend.Now in its fourteenth year Reconciliation 2016 is Gosford Regional Gallery’s highly popular annual exhibition and art competition.Opening this Saturday 28 May, it provides an opportunity for local Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to showcase their work and promote reconciliation in a positive and practical way across the community.This year’s prize winners will be announced at 11am this Sunday 29 May at the Gallery’s eagerly anticipated Reconciliation Award Ceremony.The day will also include an Indigenous arts and craft market from 12noon until 3pm, with 20 stalls featuring a variety of Aboriginal artwork, craft and food as well as children’s activities, live music and a bush tucker BBQ.Also opening at the Gallery on Saturday 28 May is a significant solo exhibition, Imagining Victory, by prominent artist Richard Bell.A leading force within contemporary Australian art, Richard Bell’s work confronts issues of race relations.The Imagining Victory exhibition centres on a trilogy of highly acclaimed and provocative video works that reveal how racism can be deeply lodged and passed on to future generations.Tim Braham from Gosford Regional Gallery said the new winter exhibitions address revealing aspects of community identity and participation, as well as reflect the varied aspects of the Gallery’s changing program.“As well as attracting and exhibiting work by leading international artists such as Richard Bell, the Gallery is an important platform for community achievement and connection, demonstrated by popular annual exhibitions such as Reconciliation, which this year features around 100 works of art including painting, sculpture and photography,” Mr Braham said.“A third exhibition entitled Shorelines by Robert Bennetts also opens this Saturday 28 May, whose rich abstract paintings have been inspired by the distinctive landscape of the Central Coast, particularly our region’s dramatic geography of water, land and sky.“Our new program of exhibitions and associated events provide real opportunities for Central Coast residents and visitors to engage with thought-provoking and inspiring exhibitions.“Don’t forget to drop in this Sunday 29 May from 11am to support all participants in the Reconciliation Award Ceremony and enjoy the variety of Indigenous arts and craft market stalls and cultural activities in our Gallery foyer,” Mr Braham added.For more information about these new exhibitions, visit www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/galleries.

Council meeting schedule adopted Council resolved to amend the Code of Meeting Practice to make it easier for residents from across the Central Coast to attend council meetings.Meetings will be held in the Council Chambers of the Gosford office on the second Wednesday of the month and the Wyong office on the fourth Wednesday of the month.   All meetings will be audio recorded.The Administrator has asked for a report on the potential web casting of future council meetings.Administrator Ian Reynolds said:

One lane of Showground Road in Gosford – at its intersection with Racecourse Road – will be temporarily closed for northbound traffic on Saturday 28 May 2016 from 7am to 6pm while important tree removal works are undertaken.Unfortunately, no access to Showground Road from Racecourse Road will be available during this time.The tree removal works are required to allow the construction of a safe, all-weather concrete footpath that will cater for the large number of pedestrians in this area.Southbound traffic flow on Showground Road will operate under traffic control and delays may be experienced.Warning signs are in place advising of the works and motorists will be required to detour around the work site.

Central Coast Council has welcomed last week’s announcement by Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher and Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks to commit over $2.7 million toward vital road upgrades on The Peninsula, following an election victory.The $2.7 million investment would be shared among traditional trouble-spots including:$1.1 million for Murray Street in Booker Bay$900,000 for Davis Street in Booker Bay$750,000 for Ryans Road in Umina BeachCentral Coast Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds said that making roads on The Peninsula safer and more accessible would be a real win for the local community.“Council is continually advocating for improvements to road safety across the Central Coast, and this funding would be a real boost to improve the safety and accessibility of traditional trouble spots within our regional network,” Mr Reynolds said.“Residents on The Peninsula will be particularly pleased with local road improvements, as road safety and adequate pedestrian access are key priorities that will only enhance the surrounding business and residential community.“We are happy to see all levels of government addressing the backlog of road upgrades on The Peninsula as a key priority, and council looks forward to further announcements focused on improving Central Coast roads.”Next financial year council will spend over $100 million on local road upgrades. To find out what is planned go to www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

Central Coast Council’s Administrator and CEO held an emergency meeting today with representatives of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) ahead of the planned industrial action by local garbage workers tomorrow.The workers are employed by Remondis which has the contract to supply garbage services to the Central Coast until January 2018.The TWU raised concerns regarding a termination clause in their enterprise agreement with Remondis Australia and wanted assurance their pay and conditions would be protected in any future garbage service collection contract.The Administrator sought a meeting with Remondis management as soon as the meeting was over and one will now take place first thing tomorrow morning.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the meeting with the TWU was amicable and it was unfortunate it had got to the stage where industrial action was being contemplated.“I was pleased to be able to meet with the TWU representatives and hear their concerns first hand and I look forward to meeting with Remondis tomorrow,” Mr Reynolds said.“Our role is to ensure that Council and the community receive the best value for money and the possible waste service from any new contract arrangements.”“My door is always open to those willing to help Council deliver that for our community.”If the strike goes ahead it will affect residents on the Central Coast whose bins are normally picked up on a Thursday morning and there is talk the strike might extend to Friday as well.Residents wanting to know what to do about their bins should check Remondis’ website at www.1coast.com.au  or call them on 1300 126 278.

Central Coast Council’s Administrator has urged the Waste Contractor Remondis to go to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to resolve its dispute with local garbage drivers.The workers, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) lodged a dispute with the FWC over their working conditions with Remondis and called a strike from 2am this morning.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said council has been unfairly dragged into the dispute because of the tender process it is undertaking for a new waste contract in 2018.  This has nothing to do with the current dispute between workers and Remondis.“I have listened to both parties now and understand their concerns.  I want a quick resolution so the community can have confidence that their bins will be picked up when they put them out.”“The ball is in Remondis’ court now.“Council certainly respects the rights and entitlements of the Remondis drivers but we also have a broader commitment to deliver services to 331,000 residents on the Central Coast.“And they want their waste picked up today.”Residents affected by the strike are advised to leave their bin out and it will be picked up.  All enquiries regarding bin collection should be referred to Remondis on 1300 126 278.

Central Coast Council’s current tender process for a new waste contract to start in February 2018 is not a reason for local garbage drivers to strike.The dispute lodged by the TWU in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) is between drivers and Remondis and does not involve council.

The long-awaited BMX track at San Remo will be officially opened this weekend, and it’s your chance to try the new facility, as well as watch some of Australia’s best riders in action.The Extreme Sports Park has been given a makeover to cater for the growing interest in BMX riding and will complement the existing track at Terrigal.It’s an exciting new facility for riders on the Coast and will not only suit professional and technical riders, but also cater for the young developing ones as well – attracting riders from across the region.Come and try itBring along your bike, your helmet and try the new track, or simply sit back and watch some of the top notch riders test it out.Alex Cameron, Dean Johnston, Steve Wakeham and Clare McNamara are some of the country’s top BMX riders that will be demonstrating their skills and signing autographs.The ‘Come and Try Day’ will be held on Sunday 19 February from 10am to 2pm and includes a free sausage sizzle, jumping castle and so much more.Plus, find out how you can get involved in the newly established BMX club.For more details, check out wyong.nsw.gov.au/sanremobmxWhat work was involved?We’ve been working with riders – both local and skilled – as well as the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre to reactivate the area and gain their valued input to make this a high quality facility.The track has been reshaped to BMX Australian competition standard, to enable hosting of major events and competitions.Works include an eight lane, competition-style barrel gate, four straights coated in crushed granite, asphalt on the berms, as well as a downhill starting ramp, turfing around facility and additional car parking.The skate area on site has also been upgraded with an increased plaza-style area and a quarter pipe – which can now cater for more styles of skate, scooter and blades of all abilities.Future plans to make the park more attractive include lighting, an upgrade to amenities and spectator areas, as well as a junior track, so watch this space.Increasing our recreation facilitiesThe San Remo BMX track will add to our ever-growing list of free recreational facilities on the Central Coast.The Terrigal BMX track is a competition-level facility located on Duffys Road and already holds significant regional and state events run by the local club.We also have two smaller BMX tracks located in popular recreational areas, suitable for beginner and intermediate level riders.

Central Coast Council’s expertise in planning has been recognised at the Local Government NSW Planning Awards announced yesterday.The Council’s Excellence in Planning Recognised at Local Government AwardsCentral Coast Council’s expertise in planning has been recognised at the Local Government NSW Planning Awards announced yesterday.The Planning Awards recognise excellence in planning and development services delivered by individuals and councils.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, received the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award for excellence in leadership recognising his positive impact on planning and development services within Council and innovation in the planning and development space.Mr Cox said he was honoured to accept the award and dedicated it to his team of professional and committed staff within Council.“Since the formation of Central Coast Council in May 2016, we have worked extremely hard to make the most of this opportunity to transform and improve all aspects of the environment and planning business and to deliver faster and better quality planning outcomes for the community and business.”“Our focus has firmly been on customer service priorities, accessibility, consistency and accountability and I believe this has been acknowledged through this award from NSW Local Government,” Mr Cox said.Council Chief Executive Officer, Brian Bell, said Scott is an exceptional leader at Central Coast Council.“Scott leads a high performing team at Council that has determined over 3500 development applications since the merger, equating to over $1.2 billion of overall investment approved to roll out across the coast,” Mr Bell said.“These achievements not only put Central Coast Council at the forefront of delivering for the community but also deliver a high level of staff satisfaction as they are trusted and have the autonomy to perform their roles to the highest standard.“Scott’s dedication to engagement with the development industry has also started the conversation about how Council and the sector can work together to deliver the housing, jobs and infrastructure the Coast needs.“Through leading by example and modelling key organisational behaviours, Scott has significantly impacted his team and is a respected and valued leader within Central Coast Council.”Planning Awards recognise excellence in planning and development services delivered by individuals and councils.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, received the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award for excellence in leadership recognising his positive impact on planning and development services within Council and innovation in the planning and development space.Mr Cox saidCentral Coast Council’s expertise in planning has been recognised at the Local Government NSW Planning Awards announced yesterday.The Planning Awards recognise excellence in planning and development services delivered by individuals and councils.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, received the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award for excellence in leadership recognising his positive impact on planning and development services within Council and innovation in the planning and development space.Mr Cox said he was honoured to accept the award and dedicated it to his team of professional and committed staff within Council.“Since the formation of Central Coast Council in May 2016, we have worked extremely hard to make the most of this opportunity to transform and improve all aspects of the environment and planning business and to deliver faster and better quality planning outcomes for the community and business.”“Our focus has firmly been on customer service priorities, accessibility, consistency and accountability and I believe this has been acknowledged through this award from NSW Local Government,” Mr Cox said.Council Chief Executive Officer, Brian Bell, said Scott is an exceptional leader at Central Coast Council.“Scott leads a high performing team at Council that has determined over 3500 development applications since the merger, equating to over $1.2 billion of overall investment approved to roll out across the coast,” Mr Bell said.“These achievements not only put Central Coast Council at the forefront of delivering for the community but also deliver a high level of staff satisfaction as they are trusted and have the autonomy to perform their roles to the highest standard.“Scott’s dedication to engagement with the development industry has also started the conversation about how Council and the sector can work together to deliver the housing, jobs and infrastructure the Coast needs.“Through leading by example and modelling key organisational behaviours, Scott has significantly impacted his team and is a respected and valued leader within Central Coast Council.” he was honoured to accept the award and dedicated it to his team of professional and committed staff within Council.“Since the formation of Central Coast Council in May 2016, we have worked extremely hard to make the most of this opportunity to transform and improve all aspects of the environment and planning business and to deliver faster and better quality planning outcomes for the community and business.”“Our focus has firmly been on customer service priorities, accessibility, consistency and accountability and I believe this has been acknowledged through this award from NSW Local Government,” Mr Cox said.Council Chief Executive Officer, Brian Bell, said Scott is an exceptional leader at Central Coast Council.“Scott leads a high performing team at Council that has determined over 3500 development applications since the merger, equating to over $1.2 billion of overall investment approved to roll out across the coast,” Mr Bell said.“These achievements not only put Central Coast Council at the forefront of delivering for the community but also deliver a high level of staff satisfaction as they are trusted and have the autonomy to perform their roles to the highest standard.“Scott’s dedication to engagement with the development industry has also started the conversation about how Council and the sector can work together to deliver the housing, jobs and infrastructure the Coast needs.“Through leading by example and modelling key organisational behaviours, Scott has significantly impacted his team and is a respected and valued leader within Central Coast Council.”