Central Coast Council has engaged start-up company RecycleSmart, for a three-month trial program to collect tricky recyclables from the doorsteps of local residents’ homes for free.This program aims to help Council collect data and feedback from residents, to determine what type of recycling service might be of interest and benefit to the wider community. Council Unit Manager Waste and Resource Recovery, Andrew Pearce said the trial also aims to reduce the number of recyclable materials that end up in landfill. “There is often confusion among residents over how to correctly dispose of tricky recyclables such as soft plastics, clothes, e-waste and problem waste like polystyrene, batteries and smoke alarms," Mr Pearce said.“Also, having to visit different drop off locations is often an inconvenience and disincentive.

Central Coast Council’s 2022-23 Community Grants Program is now open, with $900,000 in annual funding available to support local community groups and organisations to deliver worthwhile projects, programs and events that strengthen our community.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said local community groups and organisations have until 30 June to apply for funding under the program to help bring their big ideas to life. “This year, community groups and organisations will be able to apply for funding under three programs - the Community Development Grant Program, the Community Events and Place Activation Program and the Community Support Program,” Ms Smith said.“Council’s Community Grants Program supports local groups and organisations to develop initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection, activating places and spaces and improving quality of life on the Coast."Grant writing sessions, information sessions and drop-in sessions have been running in May and are continuing during June and are designed to support community members through the application process.“Funding of up to $20,000 per project is available under the Community Development Grant Program and the Community Events and Place Activation Program, with applications closing at the end of the month.“Community groups and organisations can also apply for funding of up to $5,000 per project as part of the Community Support Program, which will remain open throughout the year.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council’s Community Grants Program provides community organisations with the support to deliver activities, events, programs and projects which build the community’s capacity and create stronger local connections.“With $900,000 in annual funding on offer, this is an opportunity for community groups and organisations to put ideas into action, making a difference to our community and creating a stronger Central Coast,” Mr Hart said.“If you are looking to deliver a worthwhile project or event over the next 18 months, I highly encourage you to read the guidelines and apply now.”Council’s 2022-23 Community Grants Program includes:Community Development Grant Program – one round only, opened 1 June 2022, closes 30 June 2022.

Central Coast Council has been awarded the 2022 Fleet Safety Award at the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA) Annual Networking Dinner and Fleet Awards Ceremony.The award was received on behalf of the Council by Unit Manager, Plant and Fleet, Peter Armour at the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said:

Central Coast Council has been named a finalist in eight categories of the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

We are excited to announce that following a 20-month journey, the Central Coast has officially achieved ECO Destination Certification with Ecotourism Australia, making it one of the first regions in the country to be recognised for its strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and high-quality, nature-based tourism experiences.Achieving ECO Destination Certification recognises the Central Coast as a world-class location for sustainable and nature-based tourism, which will provide a substantial and ongoing boost to the local economy. The announcement comes just before World Environment Day’s 50th anniversary year, which encourages countries around the globe to celebrate #OnlyOneEarth through collective environmental action.Council Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley said it was exciting to see the region receiving formal recognition on an international level as an ecotourism destination of choice.“We are thrilled in our role in achieving this recognition and to announce our successful official ECO Destination Certification for the Central Coast, and what this means for our local community.“Statistically, we know that ecotourists stay longer, are more conscious travellers and are more interested in a region’s local community, nature, and culture. “Council is excited at the prospective boost in ecotourism that being an ECO Destination will bring, such as providing sustainable, local employment and training opportunities to the Central Coast community”.To achieve ECO Destination Certification, an independent Auditor assigned by Ecotourism Australia reviewed Council’s submission and conducted interviews with staff, stakeholders and tourism operators on the Central Coast. The Auditor said “Central Coast Council is to be commended for their sustainability planning including being only the second region in NSW, and the third in the whole of Australia to apply for Destination Certification through Ecotourism Australia.

This week we recognise and celebrate the massive contribution volunteers make to our community through National Volunteer Week!

Council has removed over 191 tonnes of waste from Gross Pollutant Traps in March and April following consistent heavy rainfall, stopping litter, dirt, sediment, and other pollutants from entering the Central Coast waterways with stormwater.Once the region experiences a longer period of clear weather, the conditions will be suitable for Council to program the collection and disposal of waste from other Gross Pollutant Traps yet to be serviced. Council has 339 gross pollutant traps installed at key locations across the Coast – both below and above ground.

Earlier this week, Central Coast Council was named a finalist in eight categories of the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

To allow for vegetation maintenance works to be undertaken on median strips and roundabouts along Wyong Rd (Mardi to Long Jetty), some road lanes will be temporarily closed in May to early June to allow for the night works. •    1 May to 3 June 2022•    8pm to 4am •    Traffic limited to one lane access each direction on Wyong Rd for varying periods in specific areas from Central Coast Hwy, Long Jetty to M1, Mardi.Works include the pruning, hedging, weeding, spraying, mulching and rubbish removal on centre medians and roundabouts along Wyong Rd.Traffic management will be in place and motorists are advised to follow direction and adhere to road work speed limits. Council apologises for any inconvenience. To view any planned and unplanned road closures across the Central Coast, go to our road closure web page  ENDS 

Central Coast Council and its waste collections contractor Cleanaway have lifted the temporary pause on new bulk waste kerbside collection bookings after new bookings were temporarily paused on 14 April due to significant staff shortages caused by COVID-19.From Monday 2 May, residents are able to book a bulk waste kerbside collection at 1Coast.com.au.