Central Coast Council received $2,443,750 from the Australian and NSW Governments as part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program to improve access for Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach.The works replaced or repaired vehicle and pedestrian accesses that were damaged during the severe storms in 2021 and 2022, including:Extension of the stairs in front of the Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving ClubReplacement of the northern stairs at Soldiers BeachReplacement of the concrete vehicle access ramp at Soldiers BeachRepair of the Jenny Dixon Beach stairsEach of the four projects required detailed preliminary investigation work, designs and approvals to ensure longevity before shovels could hit the ground.Soldiers Beach access worksCOMPLETE:

The Central Coast’s 2024 tourism industry winners will be celebrated at an event hosted by Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna this week at the Central Coast Visitor Centre at The Entrance.The celebration event recognises the significant contribution 20 award winning Central Coast businesses have made in raising the profile of the Central Coast through tourism and business excellence.Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the array of awards showcases the dynamic and diverse range of local businesses and their outstanding achievements.“I feel it is really important to recognise and publicly acknowledge what each of these businesses have achieved this year and hope that it will also build confidence for other businesses on the Coast, knowing that the Central Coast is winning awards nationally and internationally.”Business award winners to be celebrated at the morning tea event, include fine dining restaurants, a brewery, distillery and winery, as well as popular major attractions, business events venues, arts and cultural festivals as well as international recognition for the growing list of eco-certified operators.“The Central Coast visitor economy has without a doubt recovered post-pandemic with a renewed focus now on sustainable growth.“The latest Destination NSW Central Coast Visitor Profile for year ending June 2024 reveals the value of the Central Coast visitor economy is increasingly prominent.“Council applauds all the local businesses who are committed to the economic growth of the region through tourism and business excellence,” Mayor McKinna said.Central Coast had a total of 5.3 million visitors, 5.8 million overnight stays with $1.4 billion injected into the local economy.

Central Coast Council has successfully restored beach access at Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach, ensuring residents, visitors and beach patrol teams can enjoy the coastline this summer.With the final pieces of work to be completed this week, the completion of the concrete vehicle access ramp and northern stairs at Soldiers Beach, along with previously finished stairs at Jenny Dixon Beach and Soldiers Beach SLSC, marks the full restoration of access to these popular beaches following significant storm damage in recent years.The project was undertaken following $2,443,750 received from Australian and NSW Governments’ through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements as part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program to repair the storm damage and restore essential beach access.

Central Coast Council has awarded funding to 42 local community groups, non-profit organisations and businesses through the annual Community Grants Program to support projects that positively impact the Central Coast community.The Community Grants Program provides eligible applicants from the Community Development and Community Events and Place Activation Grant Programs with up to $20,000 in funding to deliver quality programs, events and projects within 18 months.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the grant programs build connections and celebrate our local community with programs, events and activities that align with the Community Strategic Plan and the theme of Belonging.“Council continues to work with local community organisations to connect people and create local solutions and initiatives that enrich our neighbourhoods and create a tapestry of shared experiences and social cohesion,” Ms Smith said.“On Tuesday 10 December an afternoon tea was held at Council’s function rooms to recognise successful grant applicants of the Community Development Grant Program and Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program and provide the opportunity for recipients to engage with each other.”Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the Community Grant Programs assist the community to implement exciting activities that activate town centres, foreshores, lakes and open spaces for families, visitors and the wider region.“Funding from the Community Grants Program is essential for sustainable community development, which will enhance the quality of life of our residents and benefit future generations,” Mr McKinna said.The Community Development Grant Program received 50 applications this year, with 23 recommended for funding totalling $261,077.