From the MayorThere are exciting projects underway across the Coast, and I’ve recently been able to get out and witness the progress of work being undertaken by our hardworking Council staff.

All of our main libraries are open, but your experience will be a little different whilst we slowly get back to full operations.

From the MayorLast week we celebrated Library and Information Week - the theme for 2020 was Create.

From the MayorWe welcomed the easing of travel restrictions in time for the long weekend which enabled visitors to come and experience what our region has to offer.

From the MayorAs we continue to experience further easing of restrictions, we find ourselves returning to some sort of normality.

From the MayorDespite the interruption COVID-19 has had on our every day lives, Council has been able to continue delivering essential services for our community and play our part in keeping the economy going and keeping locals in jobs.The latest milestone is Council’s progression with important water and sewerage infrastructure for Gosford CBD and Warnervale Town Centre.These projects are part of the NSW Government’s Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 - the ‘blueprint’ for growing our regional economy, accelerating housing supply and protecting and enhancing the natural environment on the Central Coast.Supported by a combined $21million in NSW Government funding under the Housing Acceleration Fund, this important next step will assist Council’s delivery of water and sewage infrastructure in two key growth areas of the Central Coast.In Gosford CBD it will help meet the needs of an increased level of high-rise residential dwellings, the ongoing redevelopment of Gosford Hospital, the completion of the ATO and NSW Financial Services developments and other developments planned for the Gosford CBD area.In Warnervale Town Centre it will help accelerate housing and commercial development in line with the Government’s plans for the region.

Your SafetyAvoid complacency, stay safe and get testedWith recent outbreaks of community transmission of COVID-19 in other Australian communities, it’s important we avoid becoming complacent about stopping the spread of COVID-19.The continued reopening of our community and growth of our local economy is dependent on there being minimal cases of COVID-19.The NSW Government has created resources to help businesses operate in a COVID-safe way and has asked councils to help businesses in their local government areas to improve their performance in COVID safety.The Government’s COVID Safe Check app provides a way for customers to give feedback in real time to businesses and to alert regulators to take action where necessary.In some cases, feedback about businesses which may not be fully complying with a Public Health Order may be provided to councils through the Office of Local Government.Councils have been asked to engage with any identified businesses through targeted site visits, the primary purpose of which will be to guide and assist business operators towards compliance with the State Government’s Public Health Orders.All enforcement action will remain a matter for the NSW Police Force, rather than Council staff.Businesses can access more information, checklists and resources about operating in a COVID-safe way at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/business-supportMeanwhile, community members are also encouraged to continue to practise social distancing and washing their hands with soap and water regularly.

Your SafetyRestrictions and supportWith alarming clusters of COVID-19 cases occurring in other areas, the NSW Government has once again tightened restrictions around some activities to help limit the spread of COVID-19.Last week, the Government strengthened the restrictions around “higher risk” activities such as dining, weddings, funerals and corporate events.The requirement on pubs to restrict bookings to a maximum of 10 people was extended to restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs.

Your SafetyStaying safe on the moveThere have been increased cases of community transmission of COVID-19 in neighbouring regions, so extra resources have been provided to prevent transmission in point-to-point transport such as taxies or Uber cars.The NSW Government has set up a free sanitisation station for cab and Uber drivers.

Your SportPlay safe, watch safe!Nothing’s more uplifting than having a crowd cheering for you on the sidelines while you’re playing your favourite team sport.However, COVID-19 means community sports organisers must have COVID Safety Plans in place, which include minimising the number of spectators who attend games.NSW Health guidelines recommend only one parent or carer should accompany a child to any junior sport activity.