Solar and battery systems have been installed at 20 Rural Fire Stations across the Central Coast to ensure services can continue to operate independently should a grid power fail occur during natural disasters.This initiative will be of particular importance to the many community members who live in isolated and vulnerable areas across our large Local Government Area, who have previously faced limited access to basic needs such as power and vital emergency services during natural disasters.The installation of solar and battery systems at local Rural Fire Stations will provide the community with the assurance that they can access emergency services during times of need.Council has partnered with NSW Public Works to manage this initiative, which is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.The ability to generate and store renewable energy also provides economic benefits, including savings on the consumption and cost of electricity.This is a great move towards further ensuring that our community and local emergency services are prepared when faced with natural disasters.It is crucial that our local fire services can maintain operational during a bush fire and these new resources will help to achieve that.

Central Coast Council Water and Sewer is seeking feedback from Central Coast residents and businesses about Council’s water and sewer services.The community is encouraged to share their feedback in an online survey which was launched on Council’s website on Monday, 5 June. Community participation will help identify Council’s water and sewer key focus areas moving forward. Greater participation in the survey will ensure that Council’s water and sewer services and investment are focussed towards the areas that our customers and community values most.The survey is the third and final phase of the current community consultation, however Council will continue to engage with the community into the future. Phases one and two consisted of face-to-face forums and focus groups.

Two Central Coast Council projects have been honoured with wins at the NSW Local Government Professionals Australia Awards held in Sydney last week.The Awards recognise the excellent contributions and outstanding achievements and innovations being implemented to advance and improve the local government sector in NSW.Council’s ‘Fire-Ed Up:

Five professional and two emerging local creatives have been selected to deliver innovative and contemporary new works as part of Central Coast Council’s ‘Creative Art Central’ program 2022/23.Creative Art Central is an annual commissioning program which offers funds for established and emerging creatives of diverse disciplines living on the Central Coast.

12 months ago the Central Coast became the second only destination in NSW to achieve international recognition as a sustainable destination through Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification program – just in time for World Environment Day.Now as one of only seven ECO Destinations in Australia, Council is proud to be home to seven ECO Certified tourism businesses on the Coast, with another 10 local operators having commenced their journey to achieve ECO Certification.

Bateau Bay and Kariong Libraries are next in line to offer extended hours access as part of the Library@yourtime program.The extended library service follows the success of this initiative providing additional access at Toukley Library over the past year. The innovative program uses technology to monitor self-access, self-service loans and returns, computers, printing as well as lighting, alarms, and public safety.Central Coast Council Libraries and Education Unit Manager, Beth Burgess said Library@yourtime at Toukley Library has been embraced enthusiastically by library members. “Library@yourtime lets inducted library members have access to the library outside regular staffed hours and compliments our services during staffed hours, where library members can receive help and guidance as required. “As always, our extensive range of free online resources and services, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, homework help, music streaming and more are also available 24/7 via Council’s website,” Ms Burgess said. Participants of Library@yourtime, must be over the age of 18, and meet the terms and conditions of the program, including completing a building and safety induction course.

Central Coast Council continues to address maintenance and infrastructure upgrades across its vast water and sewer network as it moves into year two of phased rate increases.From 1 July 2023 the combined yearly bill for a typical household will increase by approximately $169, or $3.25 per week, for water, sewerage, and stormwater rates.  In May 2022, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) announced it would phase rate increases over four years to allow customers more time to manage the financial impact of the Council’s new pricing determination.Council’s Director Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said the rate changes had already helped deliver improvements to water and sewer operations over the last 12 months however meeting the community’s service expectations would take time. “Since July 2022, we have upgraded over 20.5km’s of new sewer lines and renewed 5.3km’s of watermains across the region.

Opportunity to join reference group for Wrack Management StrategyCentral Coast Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from community members who would like to join a community and stakeholder reference group to help develop a new Tuggerah Lakes Wrack Management Strategy - as part of the development of the Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program (CMP).Wrack is aquatic plant and vegetation material (including seagrass) that is moved about by wind and washed onto foreshores or collects in shallow areas.

This week’s Q&A:

As Australia and Central Coast Council celebrates National Volunteer Week, a new pilot program has been announced, which provides an opportunity for residents to give back to the local community.Expressions of interest are now open on the Central Coast Visitor Services Young Ambassador Pilot Program.The 12-week-volunteer program has been designed to provide real industry experience and networking opportunities for 10 young people aged between 18 and 25 to help create pathways into the tourism industry.Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the pilot program is a great opportunity for young people studying tourism or marketing.“Program participants will have the chance to meet experts and build on their educational experiences,” Ms Smith said.“One of the key aims of the program is to help the next generation break into the industry while also highlighting all that the Central Coast has to offer.“As well as this exciting youth program there are also volunteer opportunities at the recently revitalised Visitor Information Centre at The Entrance and we’re encouraging residents to register interest in becoming a Visitor Service Volunteer Ambassador, which is a wonderful chance for people to meet others and share their passion and love of the Central Coast.”Council Administrator Rik Hart said National Volunteer Week is the ideal time to reflect on the valuable contributions volunteers make to the community.“There are thousands of Central Coast residents making a difference in our community each and every day whether it’s helping out at school, doing a beach patrol over summer, improving our natural areas, or working with a charity,” Mr Hart said.“Council offers so many different types of volunteering opportunities no matter what your interest whether its tourism or land care.