Constitutional Referendum postponed A Constitutional Referendum to determine the future number of Central Coast Councillors that was scheduled to be held on 4 September 2021 has been postponed to a future date to be determined.The Minister for Local Government has published an order in the Gazette under section 318C of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) postponing all council elections to 4 December 2021. The decision to postpone all council elections has been made in response to the escalating outbreak of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus in Greater Sydney and the potential for further outbreaks in regional areas. Based on this advice, these risks have been considered and the Central Coast Council constitutional referendum will be postponed to a future date.

Families across the Coast now have access to even more exciting playspaces with Central Coast Council recently completing construction on playspace projects at Budgewoi, Umina Beach, Woy Woy, Copacabana, Gwandalan and San Remo.Over recent months Council has completed improvement works on popular playspaces at Susan Fahey Park, Copacabana and John Pete Howard Reserve, San Remo and has also opened Australia Avenue Local Playspace at Umina Beach, Halekulani Oval Playspace at Budgewoi, South Eastern Park at Gwandalan, Vernon Park at Umina Beach and Anderson Park Playspace at Woy Woy.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said these new spaces have been guided by community feedback as part of Council’s recently adopted Central Coast Playspace Strategy.“Council operates and maintains over 260 playspaces across the Central Coast and we are thrilled to announce that a number of new playspaces are now open for the community to enjoy,” Ms Vaughan said.“This includes an innovative new district size playspace at Susan Fahey Park in Copacabana, which has been jointly funded by Central Coast Council with grant funding from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play Program.“The playspace has been upgraded with a range of exciting features including an outdoor ping pong table and chess table, adult fitness equipment, accessible BBQs and a picnic shelter, as well as an inclusive play unit.“All of these new areas are safe, inclusive and accessible for the whole community to enjoy.

In response to feedback from the community, Central Coast Council is trialling the introduction of a dedicated small dog off-leash area at Tuggerah Dog Park. Signage has now been erected to identify an off-leash zone for small dogs weighing 10kg or less only, giving smaller breeds and puppies the opportunity to socialise in a separate off-leash area away from bigger dogs at the discretion of the owner.Council Unit Manager Environmental Compliance and Systems Sara Foster said the aim of the trial is to improve dog safety and dog owner responsibility, reducing dog incidents within the off-leash area. “The Central Coast community is made up of a high proportion of dog owners, many of whom love to enjoy our off-leash parks, reserves and beautiful beaches with their dogs,” Ms Foster said.“We’ve received feedback that owners of smaller dog breeds and puppies could benefit from a dedicated area where they can safely enjoy taking their companion off-leash – a model which has worked successfully at other neighbouring councils. “We look forward to seeing how both dog owners and their four-legged companions respond to the trial and if successful, will aim to make it a permanent fixture at Tuggerah Dog Park.“As always, we ask that any dog owners entering our dog parks and off-leash areas ensure they have effective control over their dogs, pick up after them and have checked they are up to date with vaccinations.

Council will consider the community consultation findings and the next stage of its Asset Sales Program (Tranche 3) at the Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 27 July.Community consultation on the proposed properties for sale ran from 30 April to 28 May attracting 1,333 submissions and 611 direct emails and letters from the public.Council Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley said the consultation was invaluable in helping to understand in a short timeframe localised issues, stakeholder interests and likely impacts should some parcels of land proceed to sale.“Thank you to everyone who has submitted feedback and contributed to this discussion.

Whilst the Central Coast has been further impacted by additional restrictions, I would like to reassure the community that Council’s essential services will continue in line with the latest COVID-19 restrictions recently put in place.    I’d like to make the community aware that council continues to undertake work to maintain public facilities and provide essential services including water and sewer services, waste collection, road repairs and childcare services.

Central Coast Council is looking for exciting local events, programs and activities that shine the light on our region’s lakes and waterways, which are among the largest and most magnificent in Australia.The Lakes Festival is back in 2021 and the popular 10-day program will see locals and visitors come together to celebrate, discover and even re-discover those places on the Coast that make our region unique.Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said The Lakes Festival is an event made special by locals and built on creative ‘outside the box’ thinking.“The Lakes Festival will look a little different this year given COVID-19 and the current environment, but it is exciting that we are able to move forward with a program that celebrates our region’s incredible waterways,” Mr Cannard said. “We’re seeking Expressions of Interest from anyone with a unique perspective on our waterways including local businesses, companies, organisations and community groups.

Central Coast Council and the NSW Government have today officially opened the newly redeveloped Terrigal BMX Track, the last piece of the Duffy’s Oval Recreation Precinct revitalisation project.Works have included reshaping jumps, asphalting berms and laying a synthetic surface on dirt sections.

Central Coast Council has completed upgrade works at Kanwal Oval, improving the lighting system, drainage and irrigation for local sporting clubs and residents. Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said completion of this project for the community will better support local sports groups and promote a healthier and more active community. “Kanwal Oval is a much loved and frequently used community facility that was in need of some TLC.

Council’s 24/7 online consultation hub received a record 22,500 visitors during May. Council Administrator Rik Hart thanked the community for engaging on Council matters, taking the time to read information materials and provide considered feedback. “We have had really important projects open for consultation this year including Council’s Draft Operational Plan, Asset Sales and Reclassification Program, the Special Variation for rates, the Central Coast Integrated Water Resource Plan and IPART water, sewer and stormwater prices, plus a Constitutional Referendum Poll and a number of community and environment projects,” Mr Hart said.“Our community’s voice contributes towards Council’s decision-making, helping us to understand community needs and aspirations, identify challenges and opportunities, and assist with improved outcomes.

With nine major events planned across the 2021-22 event calendar, Central Coast Council is welcoming expressions of interest for prospective sponsors to be involved in some of the Central Coast’s most iconic events.Expressions of interest are now open for businesses to partner with Council’s flagship events, including Chromefest, The Lakes Festival, Harvest Festival and Love Lanes, as well as much-loved community events including New Year’s Eve at The Entrance, Flavours by the Sea and Woy Woy Australia Day celebrations.Sponsorship EOIs are also invited for Council’s newest major events - Relish the Coast and Central Coast Music Festival, which will become regular features on the annual event calendar.Council Director Community and Recreation Services Julie Vaughan said each event holds an important place within the Central Coast community, providing opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses to come together, connect and celebrate our unique region. “In addition to bringing the community together and activating our town centres and regional hubs, Council’s major event offerings inject significant economic returns to the Central Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“2019’s Chromefest injected $14 million into the local economy, while the 2019 Harvest Festival delivered a $8 million boost.“While COVID-19 restrictions may have halted many large-scale events in 2020, residents are eager to see the return of normalcy and connection.