Central Coast Council libraries are calling all aspiring writers to get involved in this year’s annual Short Story Competition, one of the most anticipated library events on the calendar.Now in its fifth year, the competition offers an incredible opportunity for local writers of all ages to have their creative efforts recognised and published.Council’s Section Manager of Library Services, Ms Andreas Edwards, said this year will be the first time the competition has been expanded to all Central Coast residents.“I am absolutely thrilled we are extending this fantastic opportunity to our all of our region’s residents, following the formation of the new council,” Ms Edwards said.“We have so much amazing talent in our own backyard and love we are able to provide this chance for our creative literary community to shine.“The calibre of entrants gets better each year and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us this year.”Entries for the 2016 Short Story Competition will be accepted from Monday 11 July until 5pm Friday 5 August.Stories can be up to 1500 words and there will be four categories this year;

The Red-eared Slider Turtle may seem like a great idea for a pet, but it is considered a pest – one of the world’s worst invasive species – and one has been caught on the Central Coast.Central Coast Council’s Waterways Operations Team made the discovery yesterday during their routine water quality monitoring in a wetland at Hamlyn Terrace.Council’s Waterways Operations Supervisor, Mr Matthew Barnett, said the team is always on the lookout for pest species in our waterways.“My team was testing the water for nutrients and completing other water quality diagnostics when they saw a turtle basking in shallow water on the fringe of the constructed wetland,” Mr Barnett said.“On closer inspection they saw it was a Red-eared Slider by the red distinctive marks on either side of its head.“We are always on the lookout for pests in our waterways such as European Carp, Mallard Duck and Mosquito Fish as part of our monitoring, so that’s why we spotted the turtle.“Constructed wetlands are the natural filters of the catchment area and assist in cleansing the water before it enters Tuggerah Lakes or our natural wetlands, such as the unique Porters Creek wetland.“We use the results of the water quality testing to assist with analysis of the catchment areas to make sure there are no detrimental impacts on our local environment.“We also monitor the wetlands to make sure pests and weeds, such as this turtle, do not make their way further into our environment.”“We often come across species in our wetlands that have been released as unwanted pets or garden plants.

An independent facilitator will hold public meetings next month to review the potential reclassification of 12 land parcels flagged for possible sale by the former Gosford City Council.The potential reclassification of any parcels identified as community land must involve a rigorous, fully informed and transparent community consultation process.At the public meetings community members can speak for or against any individual land reclassification.

Former councillors given advisory role to council Eighteen former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councillors have been appointed to a Local Representation Committee.The State Government strongly recommended the establishment of the committee to provide former Councillors, committed to the success of the new council, with an opportunity to continue to serve their communities until the elections in September 2017.The Local Representation Committee will not exercise any decision making function of the Central Coast Council, nor will its recommendations bind council – it will be there to provide important local advice only.The purpose of the committee is to:Advise on communications and engagement with the communityProvide advice on the vision and priorities of the Central Coast CouncilProvide assistance, as determined by the Administrator, to engage communities and partners in planning for the new Central Coast CouncilDue to the strong interest from former councillors, the Administrator has resolved to break the committee up into three Working Groups.A chair and five members will be appointed to each Working Group, which have been divided up into three key areas for optimal benefit to Council – Environment Working Group;