Central Coast Council will present a ‘drive in’ concert to bring the magic of a live music event back to the Coast in a way that meets current COVID-19 restrictions.‘Live at the Drive In’ is a first for the Central Coast and will feature the modern blues genius of headliner Ash Grunwald and local support Elaskia performing to audience members sitting comfortably and safely in their own cars.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said he was excited about the Central Coast hosting a ‘drive in’ event.“Who doesn’t love a ‘drive in’ movie?
Council adopts a positive jobs plan for a Central CoastThe first ever Economic Development Strategy for the Central Coast has been adopted, positioning the region as the place to do business, creating jobs and prosperity for the region.The local economy will be strengthened through targeted investment, improved partnerships between the community, business and education sectors and all levels of government.Mayor Lisa Matthews said COVID had great challenges for local and global economies but Council is determined to lead to way with a positive plan to deliver jobs for the growing community.“We know our community are doing it tough, we know our businesses are doing it tough but we are already seeing the signs we are coming out of this with lots of interest from people wanting to live, visit and do business here,” Mayor Matthews said.“Creating local jobs and opportunities has always been a priority for this Council and our community - we now have a Plan to deliver it.“We are going to directly invest in our people, infrastructure and digital capability and transform the economy of the Central Coast.” 678 submissions were received during the exhibition of the Economic Development Strategy 2020-2040 and Economic Recovery and Resilience Framework with 86% agreeing it was important for Council to develop and implement a detailed plan to grow the local economy.“72,000 additional jobs and economic growth of $21 billion is needed by 2040 to support the population growth predicted for the region and we are pleased to have a Plan in place now that will help make that happen,” Mayor Matthews said.Development of a new Education and Business Precinct for Warnervale a step closerCouncil has endorsed a concept plan, for public exhibition, to turn Council-owned land, in Warnervale, into an Education and Business Precinct.The land situated on the eastern side of 30 Jack Grant Avenue, is bounded by Porters Creek wetlands and the future Warnervale Link Road (connecting Wyong to Watanobbi).
Central Coast Council is reminding the community to keep safety top-of-mind if heading to Terrigal these school holidays, as works continue on the construction of Terrigal Boardwalk and upgrade to the existing rockpool.Council advises anyone visiting the area to follow all signage and directions and adhere to the latest COVID-19 restrictions.
With the HSC just around the corner, Council is reminding local students and their families to take advantage of the many free online study resources available via its Library Service, including the online homework tool Studiosity.Available to students in Years 3-12 through to tertiary level, Studiosity connects students to vetted subject specialists, who can provide real-time feedback and support via a live chat function at any hour of the day.Council Section Manager Library Strategy and Connection, Benjamin Hartley said that the platform is an excellent resource for students looking for additional help and guidance as they prep for exams and complete assignments or homework.“With thousands of students across the Coast preparing for the HSC right now, it’s the perfect time for us to remind our local students of the free online support available to them through our Library Service,” said Mr Hartley.“Platforms like Studiosity can give students a much-needed leg up when preparing for exam season, particularly when looking for additional support and advice outside of the classroom.“Knowing that there is a subject expert available to review draft essays, provide guidance and share feedback 24/7 will help to reduce the stress and worry that students often feel when studying alone.“As added support, students can also access a range of reliable sites on topics including Modern History, Ancient History, Literature, Science, Geography and Culture and Religion via Council’s free eResources section.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said that providing the community with free access to these online resources helps to level the playing field for all students.“The way students access information and support is constantly evolving and we are thrilled to offer a range of resources and platforms to benefit students of all ages and their families,” said Mayor Matthews.“One of Council’s key priorities is to cultivate a love of learning and knowledge in our community and we are proud to be contributing to this with these important initiatives.”Community members can access Studiosity using their library membership number at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/Studiosity and check out a range of free study eResources at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/eresources.Not a library member?
The adoption of an innovative waste management strategy has underlined Central Coast Council’s commitment to being a leader in its approach to reducing waste and recovering resources which would otherwise end up in landfill.Council last night adopted its inaugural Waste Resource Management Strategy including provision to maintain the general waste red bin weekly service for residents and investigate the introduction of a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service for the Central Coast.
Central Coast Council is seeking urgent answers from the Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, and the Office of Local Government to Council’s request for assistance with its serious financial situation.Mayor Lisa Matthews said it appeared that the Minister and the NSW Government were abandoning the Central Coast community and not standing by commitments to appoint an independent financial expert and a Human Resources adviser to ascertain Council’s true financial position.
Central Coast Council has commenced the dredging program for The Entrance Channel.The program is set to continue through coming months, in accordance with the EPA licence and other environmental constrains and will be conducted in two stages.Mayor Lisa Matthews said it is important to see the program get underway.“Dredging The Entrance channel is important for our community, and I am glad to see the 2020-21 program begin,” Mayor Matthews said.“The sand from the dredging program will ultimately be used to nourish the highly eroded North Entrance Beach but will first be used in the preparation of staging, or work, areas near Karagi Reserve.”Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said the dredging program would look a little different to previous years, but that it was necessary to ensure Council met its environmental obligations.“Council has been working with coastal experts Royal HaskoningDHV to develop a program that meets the NSW EPA’s licencing requirements,” Mr Cox said.“This means that Council will now be pumping the dredged sand to the areas inside the channel near Karagi reserve where it will be ‘dewatered’ before being manually moved to areas we plan to nourish, including North Entrance Beach.“This process will be slower than previous years as the sand will have to be handled twice, and will mean that the community need to take extra care while the heavy machinery moves around on the beaches.“However, the program will remove an estimated 30,000 cubic metres of sand from the channel.“Our dredging plan also takes into consideration the imminent arrival of the Little terns and I want to assure the community we are taking measures to mitigate any impact on them while dredging is taking place.“As part of preparation of our dredging plans, Council has engaged ornithologists (bird specialists) to help develop an appropriate plan. “We will continue to monitor for the arrival of the Little Terns and when they arrive, we will seek further advice on the continuation of the program.”Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was contributing $600,000 to the project. “In February 2020, the NSW Government provided $600,000 to dredge The Entrance Channel and I am pleased that work is finally getting underway,” Mr Crouch said.“Council has matched this funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis, allowing for a $1.2 million dredging project.”The dredging program is funded by both Central Coast Council and the NSW Government through the Rescuing Our Waterways fund.
Taking the ‘trash’ out of waste managementThe adoption of an innovative waste management strategy has underlined Central Coast Council’s commitment to being a leader in its approach to reducing waste and recovering resources which would otherwise end up in landfill.Council last night adopted its inaugural Waste Resource Management Strategy, including provision to maintain the general waste red bin weekly service for residents and investigate the introduction of a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service for the Central Coast.
The Coast’s beloved ChromeFest may not be going ahead in its usual format this year but Central Coast Council has found a way to keep the engine humming in 2020.ChromeFest Overdrive TV will bring the head-turning beauty of classic American cars and some classic 1950s rock 'n' roll fun into the homes of locals and the many visitors who travel to the Coast for the event each year.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the event will feature many interactive moments.“ChromeFest is a Central Coast institution and whilst we’ve switched gears in 2020, ChromeFest Overdrive TV will offer a lot of fun for everyone,” Mr Cannard said.“2020 has not been a great year for events and initiatives, so this will help keep the fun alive.“There’s something for everyone – vote for your favourite show cars across 18 different categories, dance to your favourite bands, and even pick up hair and makeup tricks through an online tutorial workshop.“We’ve even partnered with some local restaurants and cafés to offer ‘ChromeFeast’ meals – so be sure to pick up some sumptuous takeaway options to enjoy while watching the event from the comfort of your own homes."Mayor Lisa Matthews said the challenges of 2020 had inspired creative thinking in the events space.“We may not be lining the streets of The Entrance to watch the chrome of classic cars roll into town but we will be able to enjoy some ChromeFest fun at home,” Mayor Matthews said.“The restrictions required to manage COVID-19 have been challenging on all of us and initiatives like ChromeFest Overdrive TV are a great way to keep the fun alive and our community engaged.”‘ChromeFest Overdrive TV’ highlights include:Online Show N’ Shine in partnership with Californian Crusin’ Car Club, for the public to vote for their favourite ChromeFest car across 18 categoriesViva La Vintage hair and makeup tutorial workshopMiss ChromeFest Pinup competitionThe Sydney Swing Katz tearing up the dance floor dance displaysChromeFest 2020 bands live streamedChromeFeast – a selection of hospitality businesses from across the coast will have meal packages to be enjoyed whilst streaming the fun.‘ChromeFest Overdrive TV’ will be featured on the ChromeFest Facebook page on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2020.