Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has today made one last call prior to departing his office by writing to the Minister for Local Government proposing the government should prevent dismissed councillors from standing in the next election.

The role of migrant communities in the Coast’s rich history and bright future is rarely explored.‘If These Walls Could Talk’ uses visual storytelling to shine a light on the experiences and contributions of four migrant business owners from The Entrance and four from Woy Woy.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the project beautifully and powerfully captures a series of important local migrant stories.“Through photographs and written narratives, you will be immersed in the stories of eight local business owners that help to make our region a wonderful place to live, work and play,” Ms Vaughan said.“‘If These Walls Could Talk’ provides insight into the cultural, social and economic perspectives of migrant business owners who have chosen to call the Coast home.“Through this project we are creating an important platform for the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community to express aspects of their culture in a safe, inclusive and non-invasive manner, and to address misconceptions about multiculturalism.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said migrant communities make an invaluable contribution to the Central Coast.“I encourage all community members to take the time to engage with the stories of local migrant business owners featured in ‘If These Walls Could Talk,” Mr Hart said.“Cultural diversity helps to make the Coast a dynamic place and will play a crucial role in the region’s bright future.”A demountable storyboard at Memorial Park, The Entrance will showcase elements of the project to compliment the visual storytelling featured online.‘If These Walls Could Talk’ launched on 21 May 2021 to coincide with ‘World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue’, an international day to acknowledge cultural diversity within our communities.Community members can experience ‘‘If These Walls Could Talk’ by visiting ifthesewallscouldtalk.com.au

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.

First Nations children and young people from across the Central Coast are having their creative expression celebrated through Maliga – the annual visual storytelling program that helps to mark Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week.Maliga sees First Nations young people share stories of culture and identity through visual, performance and literary expression, with artworks featured in a collaborative street flag presentation in Wyong, Toukley, Long Jetty and Umina town centres and The Entrance Bridge and along Tuggerah Straight.Central Coast Council Acting Director Community and Recreation Services, Phil Cantillon said this year’s artworks showcase both a traditional and contemporary style.“Council is thrilled to once again help celebrate the stories and talent of our young First Nations people aged three to 18 through the Maliga program,” Mr Cantillon said.“The street flag presentation is an annual highlight for the Coast and this year we can enjoy pieces by local artist Kyle Waters and the work of students from Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College (The Entrance and Berkeley Vale), Kincumber Public School, Kincumber High, Wyong High School and Wadalba Community School.“Maliga means Shine in Darkinjung language and the Maliga visual storytelling program is a community led initiative that provides an outstanding platform for young First Nations people on the Coast to shine.”The Maliga flags will help to mark Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) and NAIDOC Week (4 July – 11 July).Gosford Regional Gallery and The Entrance Gallery will also be celebrating First Nations Peoples through exhibitions and events including:Cleverman exhibition (Gosford Regional Gallery)Colours of Country exhibition (Gosford Regional Gallery)Saltwater Freshwater (The Entrance Gallery).Maliga is made possible through collaborations with local Elders, cultural leaders and educational institutions and the participation of First Nations families.This year’s flags include a representation of ‘Tiddalik the Frog’ brought to life through the illustrative skills of local artist of Kamilaroi descent, Kyle Waters.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council is committed to supporting reconciliation and celebrating young First Nations peoples from the Coast.“The Coast is home to a growing First Nations peoples community – including many talented young people – and it is wonderful to be able to hear their stories and experience their work through important initiatives such as Maliga,” Mr Hart said.“It is important to mark Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week and encourage everyone to enjoy the artworks across the Coast and attend the featured exhibitions at our galleries.”Find out more by searching 'Maliga' on Council's website and for details about exhibitions/events at our galleries visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/GalleriesENDS

Central Coast Council’s 2021-22 Community Grants Program will open 1 July 2021, 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 Julie Vaughan said Council is running a series of free information sessions, drop-in sessions and grant writing workshops throughout June and July to support community members throughout the application process.“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 Vaughan said.“These three programs have been prioritised due to the significant benefits and outcomes they will deliver to the broader community.“Unlike in previous years, there will only be one round of grant applications over the 2021-22 financial year for the Community Development and Events and Place Activation Grants programs, so if you are looking to deliver a project or event in the next 18 months, we encourage you to plan ahead by attending our upcoming information sessions and applying when applications open in July.“The sessions and workshops are open to anyone in the community and are designed to help applicants better understand the process, improve the quality of their applications and communicate some of the changes to the Community Grants Program for 2021-22.”Council Administrator Mr Rik Hart said the Community Grants Program plays an important role in supporting organisations to deliver events and programs that respond to the needs of our community.“Through its Community Grants Program, Council provides community organisations with the support to deliver activities and events which build the community’s capacity and create stronger local connections,” Mr Hart said.To book into to an upcoming information session or grant writing workshop and to learn more about the 2021-22 Community Grants Program, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/grants. ENDS 

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.

Council adopts 2021-22 Operational PlanThe Central Coast Council Operational Plan for 2021-22 has been adopted after consideration of all community submissions received during the 28 day public exhibition in May.Council reviewed 140 community submissions as an important part of the process to finalise the Operational Plan, which outlines an operating budget of $659.8M and a capital works budget of $175.0M.Council Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer said the budget reflects a commitment to deliver essential services and key projects whilst moving Council towards financial sustainability.“Community submissions included commentary on Council’s financial situation and resultant actions, requests for additional projects, commentary on projects listed and the proposed budget, and requests to reduce specific fees,” Mr Farmer said."Following the review process the Operational Plan has been amended to include projects continuing from 2020-21, remove projects completed in 2020-21, include additional fully grant funded projects, and make minor changes to a number of proposed fees and charges.“This is a responsible budget that represents a commitment to financial sustainability whilst ensuring that Council continues to deliver for the Central Coast.“Difficult decisions have had to be made – including delaying or reducing the frequency of some initiatives and projects – but these changes are necessary to ensure our long-term sustainability.“There is a reduction to some levels of service and the community will see this reflected in the overall amenity of the Coast, where it will take us longer to do some care and maintenance works such as frequency of mowing road verges and street sweeping in town centres.“It is important to note that we have significantly reduced staff numbers to save $30M and this may result in longer customer enquiry response times in some cases but all requests will be prioritised in terms of safety and risk.”The adopted Operational Plan reflects the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) decision to approve a 15 percent special rate variation increase for the Central Coast for three years commencing in the 2021-22 financial year.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said finalising the 2021-22 Operational Plan is an important milestone in Council’s progression towards achieving financial sustainability.“Reducing capital expenditure by $70M was a fundamental component of necessary measures to ensure Council remained financially viable and to satisfy the requirements of commercial loans,” Mr Hart said."We have made significant progress towards getting Central Coast Council back on track – on top of reducing our capital expenditure, a significant organisational restructure has been completed, we have commenced asset sales in line with the refinancing understanding and have received a 15 percent special rate increase from IPART.“It is important to note that the recent IPART decision only provides security for three years and we will be seeking community feedback for our next submission to IPART to seek approval to permanently maintain the 15 percent special rate variation.”Capital works program highlights for 2021-22Road and drainage worksRoad projects account for 20.4 percent of the budgetRegion-wide road resealing program – $2.1M (reference R010)Region-wide asphalt resurfacing program – $1.3M (reference R012)Road and drainage projects across the region including in Avoca, Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Chain Valley Bay, Copacabana, Davistown, Ettalong, Gosford and surrounds, Hamlyn Terrace, Lisarow, Norah Head, Somersby, Toukley, Umina, Woy Woy and WyongShared pathway and walking trail worksMagenta (The Entrance) shared pathway construction – $2M (reference L003)Tuggerawong foreshore shared pathway construction – $1.47M (reference L005)Projects in Davistown, Erina, Gosford, Lake Munmorah, Magenta, Ourimbah, Terrigal and TuggerawongWater and sewer worksWater supply projects account for 16.8 percent of the budgetSewerage network projects account for 20.5 percent of the budgetRegion-wide water mains asset renewal program – $7.03M (reference R004)Region-wide sewer main asset renewal program – $5.75M (reference R007)Gosford CBD water infrastructure reinforcements – $4.33M (reference R005)Mardi Water Treatment Plant major upgrade – $6.8M (reference R003)Gosford CBD sewer infrastructure reinforcements – $5.82M (reference R001)Warnervale Town Centre sewer infrastructure – $4.18M (reference R006)Water and sewer projects in Avoca, Charmhaven, Daleys Point, Empire Bay, Ettalong, Forresters Beach, Gosford, Gwandalan, Killcare, Kincumber, Mardi, Mooney Mooney, Saratoga, Tacoma, Tacoma South, Umina and WarnervaleWaste management facility worksConstruction of Cell 4.4 at Buttonderry Waste Management Facility, Jilliby – $6.96M (reference G001)Facility improvement and asset management worksHeating ventilation and air conditioning replacement at Peninsula Leisure Centre – $3.85M (reference L002)Upgrade of renewal of the Visitor Information Centre, The Entrance – $2.39M (reference S001)Works at Gosford Olympic Pool, Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, Halekulani, Long Jetty, Spencer, Tacoma and Toukley Aquatic CentreNew Gosford Regional Library worksInitial works – $1.61M (reference L001)Sport field, park and playspace worksAdelaide Street Oval Sportsground (Killarney Vale) amenities building upgrade – $1.39M (reference L004)Projects in Chain Valley Bay, Gosford, Green Point, Kariong, Narara, Pretty Beach, Saratoga, Woongarrah and Woy WoyTown centre improvementsProjects in Budgewoi, Ettalong, Gosford, The Entrance, Toukley and WyongThe capital works budget of $175.0M includes a $1.5M increase from the exhibited program due to the inclusion of fully grant funded projects that will not impact Council’s operating result.The Local Government Act 1993 (sub-section 405(1)) requires Council to consider any submissions received during public exhibition and to adopt an Operational Plan before the beginning of the financial year.Council adopts rates and charges for 2021-22Council has adopted ordinary rates, special rates and waste management annual charges for the 2021-22 financial year.Charges are reflective of the 2 percent rate peg increase and 13 percent Special Variation increase (totalling 15 percent) approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in May.