Central Coast Council has endorsed its proposed Plan of Management for (POM) Council community land.The resolution at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting will see the draft plan publicly exhibited until Friday 17 February 2023, with the community invited to make submissions until Tuesday 21 February.Community land is Council owned land that cannot be sold.

Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery has won the inaugural Arts in Health Award at the Imagine Awards 2022.These awards are run by Museums and Galleries NSW and supported by Create NSW to celebrate excellence in Museums and Galleries across NSW.

The Lakes Festival returned in full swing this month with over 20,000 people attending events surrounding our region’s waterways across the 10-day program.Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said Council delivered its biggest ever program of events for this festival, with over 30 individual events presented across the Central Coast.“The Lakes Festival is one our region’s biggest and most exciting events, with this year’s festival injecting $3,472,290 into our local economy," Mr Cannard said.“The Light Up The Lake event alone attracted an estimated 8000 attendees, which is an increase of 2000 since the event last ran in 2019.“This is a great feat and something that all Council staff and local businesses who were involved in the event should be proud of given the festival has been cancelled for the past two year’s due to the pandemic.

Central Coast Council is once again working with community leaders, to raise awareness and educate the community to help end family and domestic abuse. The Central Coast has the second-highest number of domestic violence incidences in NSW* and is overrepresented in breaches of apprehended violence orders.

I am delighted to announce Pacific Link Housing as Council’s partner in the first stage of its Affordable Housing Land Proposal program. This Council program is a key initiative from the Central Coast Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy, and is a truly ground-breaking initiative which directly addresses the critical need for housing here on the Central Coast. A site at Ashton Avenue, The Entrance will be provided to Pacific Link Housing to provide a mix of affordable housing for the Central Coast community – approximately 40-50 homes – filling a desperate need as the Coast struggles with an affordable housing crisis. Council’s Strategy provides a comprehensive plan addressing initiatives across the housing continuum, from homelessness through to home ownership, providing pathways for a range of households from very low through to moderate incomes. As Pacific Link Housing’s Chairman, Wal Edgell, has said, the proposed development will benefit all of community, from both a social and economic perspective, and provide secure housing to those in greatest need in our community.I am extremely proud of Council’s resolve in tackling the issue of housing on the Central Coast, and with this announcement, we’re walking the talk.

Central Coast Council is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Director of Corporate Services, Marissa Racomelara.Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer said Ms Racomelara brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role with over 14 years’ experience working in local government.“During her executive roles with local government, Ms Racomelara has gained vast experience in strategic planning, operational leadership, financial discipline and recovery, crisis management and working within corporate services,” Mr Farmer said.“Ms Racomelara’s work across local government in regional and city areas gives her a unique ability to understand the day-to-day needs and aspirations of different communities and groups.“I am confident that Marissa will add great value to the upward trajectory already being achieved by Council, and further help strengthen our commitment to continue to improve our operations and service delivery to the community.”ENDS

Council is on track to pay down some debt earlier than planned as it continues to reinforce long term financial sustainability.Council CEO David Farmer said the organisation’s financial performance was currently exceeding planned forecasts.“Our strong financial performance means that we can allocate surpluses to pay down some debt earlier than originally forecast and set aside funds for future needs, while we continue to prudently manage other financial challenges such as rising costs due to inflation,” Mr Farmer said.At last night’s Council Meeting, the Council adopted an updated Restricted Funds Policy to include two new internal restrictions, Emergency Loan Repayment and Future Projects Reserve, and also approved the allocation of funds to these.Funds of $50M have been allocated to Emergency Loan Repayment and will be used to pay down a portion of the emergency loans in December 2023.  This is when Council will refinance the balance of the second emergency loan which will have an outstanding balance of $82.6M in December 2023.  Council secured $150M in emergency loans in late 2020 to reimburse restricted funds unlawfully accessed.

Central Coast Council has upgraded six local playspaces at  Avoca Beach (Ross Park), Mardi (Woolmers Crescent), East Gosford (Hylton Moore Oval), North Avoca (Palm Gully Park), Pretty Beach (Turo Reserve) and Saratoga (Jirramba Reserve) for local families and visitors to enjoy now and in years to come.Central Coast Council administrator, Rik Hart said playspaces are the heart of any neighbourhood and important community hubs.“Council manages and maintains over 260 playspaces across the region and continues to deliver innovative and high quality spaces where kids can play and learn and the community can connect, socialise, and lead active lifestyles.“We are appreciative of funding from the Australian Government, which has enabled Council to renew these playspaces with safe and engaging equipment for the benefit of local communities, and also for the contribution of additional funding from some local community groups so that accessible pathways could link around three of the playspaces to improve inclusion.”These six renewed playspaces include:Avoca Beach, Ross Park district playspace (Vine St).

Community members who would like to take an active role in local affairs are invited to apply for a position on a Central Coast Council advisory committee for 2023. Being a community representative on an advisory committee is a unique way to have your say about issues that matter to you and your community, and I encourage anyone with a genuine passion for the following topics to apply:Social Inclusion Advisory CommitteePedestrian Access and Mobility Advisory Committee (PAMP)Mangrove Mountain and Spencer Advisory CommitteeHeritage Advisory CommitteeCouncil advisory groups help to inform the direction of policies, and therefore it’s important we hear from as many different voices as possible.Council’s engagement programs have shown the significant input and valuable perspectives that residents have to offer, and I encourage anyone who has a lived experience or strong interest in one of these areas to submit an expression of interest.Availability to attend an advisory group meeting in December and quarterly committee meetings next year is required, alongside a willingness to engage with a diverse group of people.Due to the voluntary nature of the position, community representatives won’t receive fees or costs for their time. Applications close on Sunday 13 November 2022.

Central Coast Council has a jam-packed events calendar for the local community and visitors to enjoy, during the spring and summer months. Whilst the events calendar has had some changes over the last few years, Council’s flagship events will return with favourites such as The Lakes Festival which is currently underway, Love Lanes, and Flavours by the Sea.