This is a big week in Council with the arrival of our new CEO, Mr David Farmer.I have said several times that his appointment will be the most important decision I make as Councils’ Administrator, and if Mr Farmer had been appointed three years ago then I wouldn’t be here.This is also the week we say goodbye to Mr Rik Hart and Mr Malcolm Ryan.Mr Hart and I arrived in November not sure what we would find.As A/CEO, Rik has taken on the difficult challenges involved in re-shaping the organisation and budget in a short time.

The 2019-20 Waterways report card for the Central Coast has been released. The report examines the ecological health of Southern Lake Macquarie, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water, the lower Hawkesbury River and the larger coastal lagoons over the 2019-20 year, providing a clear picture of the health of our estuarine waterways here on the Central Coast. Central Coast Council Environment and Planning Director, Scott Cox said that whilst the report, which is compiled from ongoing monitoring and assessments, shows overall positive results it also provides a valuable tool to Council to identify areas for further investigation. “Council uses a recognised monitoring program to assess the ecological health of our waterways, allowing us to monitor their condition, track changes over time and target investment and on ground works to improve ecosystem health,” Mr Cox said. “For the 2019-20 year we have seen good or excellent results at 64% of sites including all of the southern Lake Macquarie sites, Cockrone Lagoon, Lake Munmorah and the majority of sites in Tuggerah Lake, Brisbane Water and the Lower Hawkesbury. “Other sites that have shown a mix of fair to poor results include Budgewoi Lake, Wamberal, Terrigal and Avoca lagoons, and some other sites where creek systems enter larger waterways. “These results will allow Council to review our management actions and plan for on ground works to help improve waterway health over time.“It is important to remember this program looks at ecological health for the waterways, while some of our waterways at times, look and smell in ways we don’t expect them to this is not always an indicator of poor health. “The program has shown that for 2019-20 the overall health of Tuggerah Lakes for example was quite good. “We still have a way to go, but these reports can help us make informed management decisions that help fix the problems at the source.” Council’s program is delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, using a scientifically robust methodology and is one of the most comprehensive programs of its kind provided by local government in NSW. Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM announced the release of the report card coincided with the first round of engagement for Council’s Coastal Management Programs. “We value how much our community care for their local waterways, and we want as many people as possible to take part in the engagement activities for the suite of Coastal Management Programs we have to develop for our region,” Mr Persson said. “This process provides a great opportunity for Council to work with our community in formulating these new plans, identifying priorities and together working towards a better future for our beautiful coast and waterways. “The information provided will go towards the development of four Coastal Management Programs we are developing, either on our own or in partnership with other local councils. “The process is set out by the NSW Government, and it will take some time, however this first round of engagement aims to understand what our community values about these important waterways and how they use them. “Members of the community will also be invited to sign up to take part in focus groups and other workshops that will take place throughout the whole process. “I understand that the community may feel this is just another plan or strategy, but as we have seen with the erosion issue at Wamberal, certified coastal management plans open the door for action and funding into the future. “We need to follow the process and get the right actions into these plans for the future. “I would encourage everyone on the Central Coast, even those living in areas that seem far disconnected from the coastal zone to take part in this survey so that we may understand what all waterways on the Central Coast mean to you.” To view the report card, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/waterwayhealth To have your say and sign up to be involved in the Our Coast, Our Waterways program visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/waterways  ENDS Additional information/quotes for each of the waterway categories Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Central Coast Council has been monitoring the ecological health of the Tuggerah Lakes estuary since 2011.

A joint Central Coast Council and Transport for NSW initiative is helping parents and supervisors with the important task of teaching learner drivers.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the Transport for NSW funded program sees Council deliver free workshops designed to provide practical and hands-on advice to younger drivers.“The workshops are designed to equip parents and supervisors to better explain and demonstrate the skills needed to be a good driver,” Ms Vaughan said.“We have a series of great tips to help you build an effective teacher-student dynamic and most importantly to help create safe and responsible drivers.“Younger drivers make-up almost one quarter of annual road fatalities despite representing only 15 percent of all licence holders – this is an alarming statistic that we all need to work towards bringing down.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said the workshops are an important part of Council’s commitment to road safety across the region.“When we teach the important skill of driving, we have a responsibility to help create safe and effective drivers,” Mr Persson said.“If you’re teaching a young driver or are about to start, I’d encourage you to register for one of our free workshops and be equipped with the skills and knowledge to create great drivers for the future.”The ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ workshop is a two-hour program that provides practical advice to help supervise learner drivers and covers topics including:new licence conditions for learner and P plate drivershow to use the Learner Driver Logbookthe benefits of on-road driving sessionstips on supervising a learner driverthe importance of giving the learner constructive feedback. Erina WorkshopsDates:

Council’s region-wide plan to shape the future of parking on the Coast  Following a consideration of submissions and feedback provided by stakeholders and the community, Central Coast Council has adopted the Central Coast Car Parking Study and Implementation Plan (the Plan). The Plan provides Council with a solid framework to improve on the supply, management and overall quality of parking and transport services on the Central Coast. Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said the Plan - which has been shaped through community consultation including public exhibition, online surveys, parking interview surveys and business surveys - outlines specific actions to deliver additional parking options across the region. “We know that car parking is a significant issue of concern to the community and this Plan provides a consistent integrated approach across the LGA to meet the community’s car parking needs – not just now, but well into the future as the Central Coast’s population continues to grow,” Mr Persson said. “Council is committed to delivering essential infrastructure to create parking options and solutions that address the needs of residents, visitors and businesses.”  The Draft Central Coast Car Parking Study and Implementation Plan was publicly exhibited from 9 June to 6 July 2020 and 3 to 16 August 2020.

The Terrigal Boardwalk and upgraded rockpool is now open providing a new attraction for locals and visitors and significantly improving access between The Haven and Terrigal Beach promenade.Central Coast Council Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer said the boardwalk and rockpool will deliver many social, health and economic benefits for our community.“The Terrigal Boardwalk and upgraded rockpool will deliver a great visitor drawcard to boost the region’s economy whilst providing a safe and inclusive space for social connection and to encourage active lifestyles,” Mr Farmer said.“This infrastructure provides a place where everyone can participate and enjoy this popular ocean front area.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has today released his final report to the community following six months of steering Council out of their financial calamity.

My Final Report went to the Minister last week, as well as presented at an Extraordinary Council Meeting.I have recommended the Councillors not be allowed to return, and the September election be delayed allowing a public inquiry into the merger, particularly into what needs to be done to successfully complete it.It is pleasing that all seven local members of Parliament agree with this recommendation, although I suspect for quite different reasons.It is disappointing all seven continue to oppose any rate rise, even though they have all been briefed and I believe they understand there are no viable alternatives.At the time of writing I am unaware of what the Minister will do.

Central Coast Council has released the Stage 1 report for the Tuggerah Lakes Entrance Management Study.The report includes a summary of over 20 studies from 1987 to present relevant to entrance management at Tuggerah Lakes and provides key background information for the remainder of the study.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the conceptual models contained in the report describe the complex nature of the processes and management of the Tuggerah Lakes entrance. “Following the 2020 flooding, we engaged the NSW Government’s professional specialist advisor, Manly Hydraulics Laboratory to undertake the Tuggerah Lakes Entrance Management Study, with the aim of developing an interim management procedure for The Entrance,” said Mr Cox. “Managing the entrance is a complex issue with no simple solution.

Council is seeking community feedback about the next stage (Tranche 3) of the asset sales program that is part of its financial recovery plan. Council’s financial recovery plan required a review of Council’s property assets which could be disposed of to assist with the financial situation.

Council is seeking community feedback about the next steps towards developing a Central Coast Stadium Masterplan. This includes looking at the rezoning options for the Stadium and its current land classification of Community ‘Sportsground.’ These are being reviewed to help facilitate Council’s refreshed plan for the Stadium to ensure it continues to meet community’s and hirer’s needs, and supports the local economy, on a sound financial basis for Council. Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said having greater flexibility in any adopted Masterplan design was important if Council was serious about having a Stadium Precinct and providing better connectivity to the city centre and waterfront.“We need to ensure that Central Coast Stadium reaches its potential – this is an outstanding facility located in an exceptional spot – directly adjacent to the beautiful Brisbane Water and within a short walk to the Gosford CBD.” “Council is currently constrained in how it can improve the site and allow complementary uses such as new retail activity,” Mr Persson said. Submissions can be provided until 5pm 21 May 2021.