Central Coast Council is encouraging community members to have their say on the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) draft determination on water, sewerage and stormwater drainage pricing for the Central Coast released today (15 March 2022).IPART’s draft prices would see the combined yearly bill for a typical household increase by approximately $200 on 1 July 2022 and then by around $49 per year, before inflation, until 2025-26.Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council encourages community members to provide feedback directly to IPART through their consultation process and a Public Hearing that will be held on 5 April 2022.“Council’s pricing submission to IPART was shaped by community feedback and we’re now encouraging locals to review the draft determination for our region and provide feedback directly to IPART,” Mr Loader said.“IPART will consider all community responses, which can be provided online or by attending the Public Hearing, before releasing their final determination on Central Coast water, sewerage and stormwater drainage pricing on 24 May 2022.“This pricing change is vital to ensure the maintenance and development of critical infrastructure and to meet the service levels our community expects.”Council is currently reviewing IPART’s draft determination and will provide detailed feedback as part of the consultation process.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Central Coast community should take advantage of this final opportunity to have their say on water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices for the next four years.“IPART’s draft determination on water prices is out and we’re calling on the local community to once again have their say – this time directly to IPART through their current community consultation process.“The Central Coast currently has the lowest water prices in NSW and we must return to pricing levels that will ensure we can meet the needs of our community.“Local residents will also be aware that we are going through a separate IPART process to keep ordinary rates at their current level for an additional seven years in order to maintain service levels and meet the requirements of necessary emergency loans.“It is important to note that our rates submission to IPART is not connected in any way to this draft IPART determination on our water, sewerage and stormwater drainage pricing.”Community members can have their say on the draft water, sewerage and stormwater drainage pricing determination for the Central Coast by visiting IPART’s website.ENDSKey features of the draft determinationThe combined yearly bill for a typical household would increase by around $200 on 1 July 2022.
Council has named five new Y4Y (Youth for Youth) action team members, to represent young people on the Central Coast. The newly appointed team members range from 14 to 24 years and include young people who live, work or study on the Central Coast.
Central Coast Council is continuing its constant and close monitoring of lakes, waterways, beaches and roads for flooding and storm impacts as an east coast low (ECL) impacts the Coast.This weather event is a quickly changing situation, and Council remains focused on distributing key information to the community as quickly as possible, while continuing to mobilise crews on the ground.Early this morning the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) issued a flood evacuation order for residents around Tuggerah Lake and surrounding areas, as well as other low lying areas including Wyong and Yarramalong.People who live in locations around Tuggerah Lakes are being asked to evacuate.
Similar to the floods of 2021, debris and mixed bulk rubbish is being washed ashore on the beaches closest to the Hawkesbury River – including Umina, Ocean Beach, Patonga and Killcare.Now there are suitable conditions, Council crews are starting the clean-up of the debris that has washed up on beaches and asks that any collected by the community is placed away from the water’s edge.Ongoing, Council does a lot to manage the quality of the waterways, providing bins in public spaces, and the installation of gross pollutant traps at a number of key locations across the coast to stop dirt and rubbish entering the water.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said these past few weeks have shown us what ends up in the gutter, ends up in our waterways.“When people litter on the roadside, it ends up in the drainage system which leads to the major waterways and can create all sorts of environmental problems for the flora and fauna that call the Coast’s local waterways home,” Mr Hart said.“While Council actively stops some rubbish entering the waterways, we need the communities help to stop rubbish flowing into our drainage systems in the first place.”Roadside litter is one of the most unnecessary and preventable environmental problems.Littering is not only damaging to our environment, but it is also a fineable offence, and everyone can play a role in reducing the impact of litter on local beaches and waterways.The NSW EPA can issue fines from $250 for an individual and $500 for a corporation for littering from a vehicle, based on reports from members of the public.Find out how you can report a tosser littering from their vehicle by visiting the NSW EPA website www.epa.nsw.gov.au.ENDS
The Central Coast is starting to recover from the impacts of the recent severe weather event which saw substantial rainfall and localised flash flooding, however parts of our region are still impacted.Safety and supporting the affected community continues to remain a priority for Council.A Recovery Committee has been established and Council is working with Resilience NSW as we move forward.While water is receding there is still major flooding continuing throughout the Hawkesbury area.
Central Coast Council is delighted to announce the appointment of two new senior executives, filling two key vacant roles within Council.Ms Melanie Smith has been appointed Director for Community and Recreation Services, with Dr Alice Howe appointed Director for Environment and Planning.Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer, said the appointment of Melanie and Alice follows an extensive interview process, with the aim to build on the existing experience and depth in Council’s capabilities.“Both Melanie and Alice are very experienced in their fields," Mr Farmer said.“Melanie comes from a background in local government, including in senior executive roles.
Central Coast Council is responding to the severe weather event currently impacting the Central Coast, regularly communicating information with the community as needed and mobilising crews on the ground.The NSW Government announced earlier this week that the Central Coast has been included in the Natural Disaster Declaration, which will allow people affected by this weather event to be eligible for flood assistance.While recorded rainfall has been lower than Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts over the last few days, localised heavy downpours were experienced in Gosford on Monday and within the Coast’s catchments.
Central Coast Council’s multicultural event, Flavours by the Sea, will return on Saturday 26 March, bringing the tastes, sights and sounds of the world to the Central Coast.Featuring some of Terrigal’s most beloved eateries, the community is invited to celebrate the Coast’s diversity with a taste of the world’s food, music, and art along the Terrigal Foreshore from 11am to 3pm.Council Unit Manger Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said community members and visitors are invited to come together for this special event that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of our region.“Flavours by the Sea is an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures that make up our community, embracing the ‘everyone belongs’ message of Harmony Day by showcasing sensational music, art and cuisine from across the world,” Mr Cannard said.“Council is proud to offer the community the long-awaited opportunity to enjoy free live entertainment from Anna Salleh duo and Bobby Alu, as well as Brigitta Dance Project, Iwi Katoa, Tomoka Oka and Tessa Thames.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Flavours by the Sea aims to engage residents to participate in their community and build a sense of belonging for an increasingly diverse Central Coast.“This event is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise just some of the many diverse cultures that make the Central Coast such a great place to live, work and play,” Mr Hart said.Flavours by the Sea is taking place along The Esplanade, Terrigal on Saturday 26 March 2022 from 11am to 3pm.Community members planning to attend the event are encouraged to remain COVID-safe by practicing social distancing, using hand sanitiser, and are requested to stay home if they are unwell.Free parking is available for attendees at Terrigal’s Wilson street multi-story car park.A temporary road closure will be in place along the Terrigal Esplanade between Campbell Cres and Kurrawyba Ave from 5am Saturday 26 March and will reopen at approximately 5pm.For the duration of the road closures, the bus stop located along the Esplanade will be relocated to Kurrawyba Ave, between Hudson Lane and the Esplanade.The event is suitable for all ages and is an outdoor event.Proudly presented by Central Coast Council and Mounties Group.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/flavoursbytheseaENDS