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.
Council is inviting the community to comment on plans to consolidate informal tracks in the Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland between 17 March to 14 April, to share thoughts on the management of these areas. Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland (UCSW) is a unique group of plants and animals that co-exist together on the coastal sands of the Umina-Woy Woy Peninsula, and is listed as an endangered ecological community (EEC).The region’s natural assets are rich and diverse, and their conservation and protection is important.
Registrations are now open for the Central Coast Series Skate and Scooter Competition, which returns this year with a total prize pool of over $3,000.Council will host the event in one action-packed day at Bato Yard this year, rather than several days of competition.
Central Coast Council’s Marketing and Tourism team has received a Bronze Award in the Local Government Award for Tourism category at last night’s NSW Tourism Awards 2021.Local operators Australian Reptile Park received a Silver Award in the category for Major Tourist Attraction, and Ibis Styles The Entrance received a Bronze Award in the category 4.5 Star Accommodation.Spokesperson for Destination Central Coast and Council Director, Natalia Cowley said being recognised in the state’s prestigious industry awards was a fantastic achievement for the Central Coast and for Council’s dedicated Marketing and Tourism team.“I am immensely proud of our Marketing and Tourism team who, in a relatively short period of time since bringing the function in-house in July 2020, have propelled our region onto the world stage with a powerful Destination Central Coast brand that heroes locals, local products and our spectacular natural environment,” Mrs Cowley said.“The team are continually finding new ways to support industry opportunities and grow the visitor economy.
Central Coast Council is seeking expressions of interest from community members to join the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) Community Reference Group.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the CSP represents the highest level of strategic planning undertaken by a local council.“The CSP identifies the main priorities and aspirations of the community, with Council having a custodial role in its development or refinement on behalf of the community,” said Mr Hart.The inaugural CSP, One – Central Coast, was endorsed by Council on 25 June 2018.
Council has identified the proposal submitted by Venues Live for the management of Central Coast Stadium as being the preferred and is now negotiating to finalise the commercial terms of the management agreement.
Central Coast dam levels reached a record high in January 2022 – with Mangrove Creek Dam hitting 77.2 percent and topping the previous high of 76 percent achieved six years ago in February 2016.This milestone for the region demonstrates the value of optimising the capacity of existing water supply sources – a key pillar of the Central Coast Water Security Plan.Central Coast Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the recent removal of a capacity restriction for Mangrove Creek Dam improves the region’s ability to capitalise on periods of heavy rain.“It is exciting to see record dam levels on the Central Coast and we are seeking to maintain strong levels across the summer due to the current La Niña* weather pattern,” Mr Loader said.“Previously Council had to stop transferring water into Mangrove Creek Dam at 75 percent total storage and not let the level within the dam exceed 80 percent.“We have resolved the 80 percent capacity limit that had been in place for Mangrove Creek Dam after working with industry specialists to conduct a detailed risk based assessment within updated Dam Safety Regulations. “The ability to fill Mangrove Creek Dam to 100 percent puts us in a significantly stronger position to capitalise on periods of heavy rain and is a key action of Pillar 2 of the Central Coast Water Security Plan, which is focused on optimising the capacity of our existing water sources.“Further actions in Pillar 2 include maximising water transfers between the Coast and the Hunter, sustainably extracting and treating water from existing groundwater supplies, and using existing recycled water facilities to supply non-drinking water for irrigation and industry.“While we are experiencing favourable conditions at the moment, into the future we cannot rely on surface water sources alone – water availability and raw water quality can impact our ability to harvest and store more water within our dams.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said water planning is key for the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the Central Coast.“The ability to fill Mangrove Creek Dam to its full capacity is a vital step forward – put simply, we have substantially boosted our ability to store water when it is available,” Mr Hart said.“It is wonderful to see our dam levels hit new record highs but we can’t lose sight of the actions needed for water security into the future – we must be prepared for a growing population and the potential for severe and sustained drought.“Through the Central Coast Water Security Plan we are taking a multifaceted approach that encompasses sustainable water usage, making the most of our current water supply resources, and planning for the creation of new water supply sources that don’t rely on rainfall.”Recent water storage levelsSince 1 November 2021 to 3 February 2022, system operation resulted in:Mangrove Creek Dam storage increasing by 1.9 percent – 3,340 megalitres or 1,335 Olympic swimming pools.Total dam storage increasing by 3.4 percent – 6,870 megalitres or 2,750 Olympic swimming pools.*The Bureau of Meteorology in its latest climate driver update on 3 February 2022 outlined that La Niña conditions are continuing and climate models indicate these conditions will likely persist until early autumn 2022.
Earlier today at an Extraordinary Meeting, Council resolved to formally apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to maintain the ordinary rate at its current level for a further seven years, continuing what you are currently charged through to 2031.
Council to apply to IPART to maintain services and ratesCouncil will formally apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to maintain rates at their current levels for additional seven years, ten years in total to 2031.Administrator Rik Hart said this does not mean a rate increase as the temporary Special Variation of 15% (including rate peg) determined by IPART in May 2021 is already included in the rates which have been applied for the 2021-22 financial year.“Maintaining the rates at current levels means Council can maintain services, continue productivity improvements and meet debt repayments.