NSW Premier Mike Baird is on the Central Coast today to announce a new aircraft manufacturing facility that will establish in the region and create a new aerospace industry and subindustries in Australia.Premier Baird said that Amphibian Aerospace Industries will relocate its off-shore manufacturing to the Central Coast and become the first transport category aircraft manufacturer to set up in Australia since the 1940s.It will create 240 direct jobs in aircraft manufacturing, as well as thousands of indirect jobs in auxiliary industries like parts supply, instrumentation, interior fitouts and avionics.“This is a great day for the Central Coast – this announcement means thousands of jobs for the region with a significant flow on to the Central Coast economy,” Premier Baird said.“The decision by AAI to locate here is a testament that NSW is Australia’s prime location for business growth and investment.”Council Administrator Ian Reynolds said the announcement was the culmination of over 12 months of negotiations between AAI and Central Coast Council staff.“Bringing jobs to this region and enabling employment growth are some of the key priorities of Central Coast Council.

An internationally recognised public art installation is set to call the Central Coast home on Friday 30 September.The interactive artwork titled ‘IMAG_NE’ will put imaginations into overdrive as visitors to the sculpture picture themselves as the missing piece.Based on the game of Scrabble, 'IMAG_NE' features large letter pieces which spell out the word I-M-A-G-I-N-E, with a space where the second “I” would be - inviting the community to interact with the sculpture to complete the word.Created by Australian visual artist and creative producer, Emma Anna, the artwork originally exhibited at Bondi’s famous Sculpture by the Sea in 2008, and has since featured around the world including at Denmark’s inaugural Sculpture by the Sea in 2009.Central Coast Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the moving sculpture purchased in April 2016, will exhibit at a range of locations and popular destinations on the Coast.“We are thrilled to present the sculpture to the community as it moves around the region,” said Mr Reynolds.“It is a great opportunity to promote our beautiful landscapes and environment.“I encourage everyone to visit the artwork and make the most of the great photo opportunities it will create across our beautiful vista.”The artwork will be unveiled to the public on Friday 30 September, at the Gosford waterfront (opposite Central Coast Stadium), where it will be located for up to three months.The artwork will then move around the Central Coast and feature in locations including Terrigal and Norah Head.

Central Coast Council welcomes today’s announcement for a NSW Government grant to promote responsible pet ownership on the Coast.The NSW Government introduced the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants scheme in 2014 to target programs that encourage owners to microchip, register and desex their pets.Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, said the funding boost will help Council provide important programs for pet owners on the Coast who need it most.“The scheme helps promote projects that encourage responsible pet ownership and aims to reduce the euthanasia rates and dog attacks,” Mr Crouch said.“Pet dogs and cats are important family members of many households across NSW and it is vital we support our community to promote responsible pet ownership.“The Baird-Government is committed to improving the positive benefits of pet ownership while strengthening safety and education in our local neighbourhoods.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this funding will assist Council to implement new services that help local pet owners.“Council wants our residents to be responsible pet owners and this funding will help deliver that.” Mr Reynolds said.“Microchipping helps reunite pets with owners and comes at a cost for owners.

Talented artists from around the country have been recognised in this year’s Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize.Winners were announced at the Gosford Regional Gallery exhibition opening on Friday 23 September.The popular competition received 566 entries submitted by over 420 artists, with over 70 percent of artists from the Central Coast.Team Leader at Gosford Regional Gallery, Tim Braham, said the receipt of artworks for the annual competition is both a frantic and thrilling time for the Gallery.“The Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramics Prize is a genuine demonstration of a wealth of talent, skill and artistic diversity in our community,” said Mr Braham.“In total, 141 works were selected for the final exhibition.

Central Coast Council’s own Misbah Khan was crowned the Newcastle Professional Engineer of the Year at the recent Engineering Excellence Awards.These Awards, sponsored by Engineering Australia, celebrate and recognise engineering accomplishments of individuals and companies Australia wide.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said, this recognition highlights the standard of talent working at Council and the innovative ways staff are delivering original and creative projects for the community.“Misbah is Council’s Senior Asset Systems Engineer and was recognised for his research in improving road assets allowing Council to improve the sustainability of our roads,” Mr Reynolds said.“Winning the Newcastle division of Engineer of the Year is well deserved by Misbah and is a prestigious achievement.“The $3.6 million Mooney Mooney Raw Water Pump Station power supply project was also recognised at the awards night as one of 13 finalists for engineering excellence.“This innovative project supplies water to the Somersby Water Treatment Plant that services our community in conjunction with Mardi Water Treatment Plant at Wyong.“These innovations in engineering are helping us deliver the essential infrastructure our growing community needs.“We are proud of the quality of excellent staff that have contributed to this success and it is awards like these that recognise the home grown talent we have here on the Coast.”Misbah Khan has also been nominated for the Australian Professional Engineer Award 2016, held in November this year.

Central Coast Council is considering the best way to manage flooding in the Wyong River catchment area and is calling on residents and businesses to share their experiences so a permanent floodplain management plan can be put in place.The catchment area includes a number of residential, industrial and commercial areas including Wyong, Tacoma, Mardi, Yarramalong, Cedar Brush Creek and Dooralong as well as the Tuggerah Straight Industrial area.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the ultimate aim of the management plan is to reduce the impact of flooding in the local community.“The community is more aware than ever of the risk of flooding as we have experienced a number of east coast lows in recent times,” Mr Reynolds said.“By understanding the potential risks of flooding in the area, we can better prepare the community to minimize flood damage and avoid possible loss of life.“Flooding can place a significant financial burden on the community so we must be proactive in understanding the impacts in key catchment areas such as Wyong River.“I urge all residents and businesses in this area to share their experiences so we can put the right plan in place to protect the community from future flooding.”A community information session will be held at Council’s Wyong Office on Tuesday 4 October from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.  Staff and Council’s consultants will be available to answer any questions about the study and flooding issues in the catchment area more generally.Local residents and businesses in the area will receive a questionnaire in the mail shortly or can share their experiences online at www.wyongriver.fprms.com.au

The Central Coast beach season will be launched this weekend with the official raising of the flags at Killcare Beach.

Two sewage pipes (mains) that run underneath Terrigal Lagoon will undergo rehabilitation works over a number of weeks until November 2016, as part of Central Coast Council’s extensive Sewage Pump Station Upgrade Program.The works will involve placing a plastic liner inside each of the steel pipes and removing the temporary polyethylene pipe that was installed in July 2013.The two mains cross below the bed of the Lagoon in an east west direction, from the Sewage Pump Station on Bundara Avenue, Wamberal, to the intersection of Beaufort Road and Ogilvie Street, Terrigal.Council’s Construction Delivery Coordinator, Mark Losurdo, said the works will ensure Council’s pump stations and rising mains will continue operating to the highest standard.“Council is committed to protecting the community, our waterways and the environment against sewage overflows,” said Mr Losurdo.“In July 2013, a temporary 355mm diameter pipe was installed to replace one of two sewer rising mains that was not functioning to its optimum capacity.“The temporary pipe will be decommissioned and disposed of, whilst minimising the risk of any environmental impact.“Construction works will also be undertaken for the rehabilitation of the existing mains, including civil works required for the interconnection at the eastern and western shores of Terrigal Lagoon.”Construction is expected to commence on Monday 26 September 2016, and is due to be completed in November 2016.

Traffic diversions are in place, with one north bound lane shut down on Central Coast Highway in front of the Caltex complex opposite Erina High School, while council crews work to investigate the cause of damage to a water main in the area.Access into both the Red Rooster and Caltex complex opposite Ernest Street is restricted from both directions.The diversions are expected to be in place until 11pm tonight, with more lanes potentially affected as investigations continue.Council is appealing to motorists to avoid the area if possible.Nearby properties may experience intermittent water supply for the duration of the works.For all enquiries please contact council on 4325 8222.

Council has welcomed the findings of the Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) investigation into pelican deaths at Blackwall.An extensive investigation by the EPA has concluded that algal growth and toxins in stormwater are the most likely cause of death of the pelicans.Council has been assisting the EPA with its investigation and has developed a strategy to reduce the presence of blue-green algae in the stormwater canal north of Alpha Road.Council is committed to working with the EPA and other relevant experts and agencies to protect the pelican population in Blackwall and prevent further deaths.

Central Coast Council is celebrating the completion of the $1.1 million boat ramp and carpark upgrade at one of the Coast’s most popular reserves.The boat ramp next to Saltwater Creek reserve at Long Jetty has been re-opened to the public today and Council welcomes all locals and visitors to experience the new easy access to Tuggerah Lakes.Council’s Waterways and Asset Manager, Mr Peter Ham, said this work involved significant upgrades to the boat ramp, main car park and trailer parking facilities in the Saltwater Creek reserve area.“This new boat ramp and better trailer parking make it easier to launch your boat into the Tuggerah Lakes,” said Mr Ham.“Council has provided 10 designated trailer parking spaces that will enable plenty of manoeuvring room for cars and boat trailers ensuring safer access to the water.“In addition to the new boat ramp, boat owners can now enjoy the many facilities in the Saltwater Creek Reserve, including an open space reserve, barbeques, a BMX track and play spaces for children.”The main carpark has been significantly upgraded to provide 83 designated car spaces and can now better service this very popular park and shared pathway.The shared pathway through the site has also been realigned to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said these new facilities delivered on a Council promise to deliver more and better recreational opportunities for the community.“We want our residents and visitors to get out and experience all the great things there are to do on the Coast, Mr Reynolds said.“We know boating is a major pastime for our locals and having better boat ramps will mean the community can enjoy it more easily and safely.“Not only has this upgrade improved the safety and access for boat and trailer users in the area but has raised the profile of the area and will attract more tourism into Long Jetty.”The main carpark has re-opened to the public.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to recycle their old fridges and freezers and be rewarded for helping the environment at the same time.Residents with unwanted or old working fridges and freezers can organise to have their items collected through the Fridge Buyback program.Run under the NSW Government’s Energy Saving Scheme, the award-winning energy savings program collects unwanted and old working fridges and freezers (200L or more in volume) for free.The collected whitegoods are then degassed and the metal recycled.

If you have always wanted to know the secrets to cultivating a prize winning garden, now is your chance, as this year’s Garden Competition recipients generously open their green sanctuaries to the public on Sunday 25 September 2016.The 2016 Garden Competition, run by Central Coast Council, dug up a wealth of talent across the region and the public will have the opportunity to explore eight gardens as part of this year’s Open Garden day.This year’s Open Gardens showcase some of the most diverse domestic and commercial gardens in the region.

Kings and queens of the garden variety were crowned at Central Coast Council’s 2016 Garden Competition presentation evening on Thursday 15 September.The top gardens and gardeners were recognised across 13 categories at the ceremony held at the Laycock Street Community Theatre.There was not a leaf out of place as judging took place over a number of days in August, to reveal the best of the bunch in the former Gosford City Council local government area.The excellent design and wonderful outlook in John and Lesley Cleary’s garden won the judge over for the title of ‘Champion Residential Garden, Over 1,000 Square Metres’.Alva Bell took out the ‘Champion Residential Garden, Under 1,000 Square Metres’, where the judge noted that the pretty and colourful garden was obviously tended to with constant care.Woy Woy Peninsula Community Gardens took out one of the ‘Best Eco Friendly Garden’ awards for a wonderful community garden that showed passion and dedication.

As Bike Week steers into NSW, Central Coast Council celebrates with a collection of events from 17 to 25 September 2016.Zali, the Road Safety Zebra, is running a colouring-in competition and is also looking for your best bike safety tip.

Central Coast Council is getting on with the job of delivering essential services and quality infrastructure on the Coast, and this financial year is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.Council’s key priority this year is to improve our local roads and drainage networks, water and sewerage infrastructure, lakes and environment, open space and recreational projects, and to manage waste effectively throughout the Coast.Council is responsible for managing an expenditure budget of $724 million and over $11 billion in assets in the best interests of our community.A comprehensive and collaborative operational plan and budget identifying what our community wants, needs and values has been designed for this financial year.

Council remains opposed to Wallarah 2 coal mineCouncil concerns about the effect of the mine on the drinking water catchment, environment and residential areas are central to its submission to the amended Wallarah 2 project.Wallarah 2’s modified plans have recently been put on exhibition.

An exciting new ‘place marketing’ campaign called This is the Life is being launched today to promote the Central Coast.‘Place marketing’ is where a region looks to positively change perceptions of its area, to help deliver new social and economic outcomes.Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds, said now is the perfect time to promote positive perceptions about the Coast and make a strong stand as a region in our own right.“The Central Coast has changed a lot over the past twenty years;

Central Coast Council will maintain its position as one of the largest Councils in NSW and the biggest outside of Sydney after the release of new population figures for NSW this week.The Coast’s population is projected to increase by 75,500 to 415,050 by 2036 according to the latest figures released by the NSW Department of Environment and Planning.

Central Coast Council has commenced a $750,000 road upgrade to Gosford Avenue at The Entrance to make it safer for motorists.These road works are a priority under Council’s Capital Rolling Works Program and will focus on the busy section from Boondilla Road to Boomerang Road.Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock, said Council is committed to improving its road network and making The Entrance safer for all motorists.“We understand this popular thoroughfare is an important connection for motorists to access the Central Coast Highway and we are aiming to finish this work within the next three months,” Mr Baverstock said.“The speed limit will be reduced to 40km/h and motorists may experience short detours in late August when the work begins.“Council will ensure the safety of all pedestrians and road users with the use of traffic control during this time.”Motorists will not only experience a safer and better road surface but an upgrade to the stormwater drainage system that will improve flooding issues in the area.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said Council is committing more funding than ever to local roads and it is really starting to pay off.“Our community wants better roads and this is a great example of the new Central Coast Council delivering the projects and services our community need, want and value.”This financial year Council will spend over $60 million in capital projects on the Central Coast road network.To find out what is planned go to www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au