Central Coast Council is responding to the severe weather event currently impacting the Central Coast, regularly communicating information with the community as needed and mobilising crews on the ground.The NSW Government announced earlier this week that the Central Coast has been included in the Natural Disaster Declaration, which will allow people affected by this weather event to be eligible for flood assistance.While recorded rainfall has been lower than Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts over the last few days, localised heavy downpours were experienced in Gosford on Monday and within the Coast’s catchments.

Central Coast Council is delighted to announce the appointment of two new senior executives, filling two key vacant roles within Council.Ms Melanie Smith has been appointed Director for Community and Recreation Services, with Dr Alice Howe appointed Director for Environment and Planning.Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer, said the appointment of Melanie and Alice follows an extensive interview process, with the aim to build on the existing experience and depth in Council’s capabilities.“Both Melanie and Alice are very experienced in their fields," Mr Farmer said.“Melanie comes from a background in local government, including in senior executive roles.

Central Coast Council is continuing its close monitoring and tactical response across the Coast today as flooding and storm impacts persist despite slightly easing weather conditions.While recorded rainfall was lower than Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast overnight, a NSW State Emergency Service (SES) flood evacuation order for residents around Tuggerah Lake and surrounding areas remains.

Central Coast Council is continuing its constant and close monitoring of lakes, waterways, beaches and roads for flooding and storm impacts as an east coast low (ECL) impacts the Coast.This weather event is a quickly changing situation, and Council remains focused on distributing key information to the community as quickly as possible, while continuing to mobilise crews on the ground.Early this morning the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) issued a flood evacuation order for residents around Tuggerah Lake and surrounding areas, as well as other low lying areas including Wyong and Yarramalong.People who live in locations around Tuggerah Lakes are being asked to evacuate.

Central Coast has continued to receive heavy rainfall and strong winds today and are predicted to continue through to tomorrow.

Council is continuing its constant and close monitoring of lakes, waterways, beaches and roads for potential flooding and storm impacts, and is urging the community to get prepared as more heavy rainfall is forecast.The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has advised an east coast low (ECL) currently over the Mid North Coast is moving south toward the Central Coast region.

Central Coast Council is continuing to closely monitor roads, lakes, waterways and beaches for potential flooding and storm impacts as heavy rainfall and unpredictable weather lash the Coast. Council is encouraging the community to remain vigilant and continue taking extra safety precautions during the current weather event.Waterways and beachesAt 1:15pm today, Tuggerah Lake was recorded at 0.64m following a 2.0m high tide.

Central Coast Council is urging the community to take extra caution on roads today after heavy rainfall was recorded overnight. Gosford has received over 130mm of rain over the previous 24 hours, with the majority falling within a few hours last night:

Council is inviting experienced business owners and hospitality experts to create an exciting new hospitality and entertainment experience located on the foreshore of the iconic Terrigal Haven. The venue, formerly the Terrigal Sailing Club and now currently occupied by a restaurant and café, is currently up for tender which creates an exciting opportunity for the successful applicant to create an outstanding business in a picturesque location for both locals and tourists to enjoy.Council Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley encourages experienced business owners and hospitality experts to put forward their interest in delivering a new venture that takes advantage of the site’s potential and meets community expectations. “Terrigal is a popular tourist destination, which was further bolstered by the new $6million boardwalk attraction that provides a pedestrian link directly from Terrigal promenade to this waterfront property at The Haven,” Ms Cowley said.“The area has a high level of foot traffic from both tourists and the local community across the year and spectacular views which extend to Wamberal beach on a clear day.

Over the last 24 hours the Central Coast has received up to 100mm of rainfall in certain areas resulting in localised flash flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has activated a minor flood warning for Tuggerah Lakes with an expected 1m peak.

Central Coast Council forecasts an improved operating surplus for financial year 2021-22Central Coast Council has adopted proposed budget adjustments from the 2021-2022 Quarter 2 Business Report.

Karagi Point, The Entrance North has been the site of a second consecutive record-breaking breeding season for the endangered Little Tern this summer. Central Coast Council has recently confirmed at least 96 birds successfully fledged at the end of the season.

Central Coast Council is calling on the general aviation industry to help determine the future demand requirements of the Central Coast Airport.

Council’s submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is seeking to maintain rates and is not seeking a year-on-year rate increase. Administrator Rik Hart strenuously dispelled misinformation about what this application really means for ratepayers. “Council is not seeking an increase on top of what ratepayers currently pay in the ordinary rate.

Council has reached a milestone in the development of a long-term strategy to address coastal erosion at Wamberal Beach.The Wamberal Beach Terminal Protection and Sand Nourishment Investigation project is complete, now that the Coastal Monitoring Webpage is live, and the Cost Benefit Analysis has been released, and criteria have been identified for a preferred seawall design.The Cost Benefit Analysis is available online at yourvoiceourcoast.com, with feedback welcome from the community up until Sunday 20 March 2022.Chief Executive Officer David Farmer said that by identifying a long term solution, Council is fulfilling its role as a certifying authority for development, whilst ensuring legislative obligations are undertaken with guidance from community consultation.“By completing the Wamberal Beach Terminal Protection and Sand Nourishment Investigation project, Council has delivered on some key management actions of the certified Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP),” Mr Farmer said.“The review of all expert technical studies, extensive community consultation and consideration of Council’s role and legislative responsibility in relation to coastal erosion have highlighted specific criteria for a preferred seawall design as the most effective and viable long-term solution for beach erosion at Wamberal.

I would like to take the opportunity in this week’s message to correct the record and reassure the community of Council’s approach in our application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Central Coast Council’s Special Variation submission is now available for review and public submissions direct to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). IPART has advised it will receive public submissions from today to 7 March and submissions can be made via IPART’s website at ipart.nsw.gov.au. Council assures residents and ratepayers that their feedback made direct to Council is also being provided to IPART. Council encourages anyone who wishes to make a submission to IPART to review the background materials available on Council’s website Your Voice Our Coast, including: Information brochureInformation video Fact Sheet – Productivity Improvements Fact Sheet Engagement Report – Maintaining Services and RatesFAQsStrategic documents – Revised Community Strategic Plan;

Central Coast Council has partnered with five Hunter-based Councils to combine selected electricity requirements into a ten-year Power Purchase Agreement. The Agreement with MOJO Power which commenced January 2022, combines participating Councils’ electricity requirements of 100GWh for large sites and streetlighting, and will increase sources and consumption of renewable energy within the Councils’ regions. The six Councils participating are Lake Macquarie City Council, Upper Hunter Shire Council, Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council and Central Coast Council.Central Coast Council Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley said combining Central Coast’s energy load with neighbouring local government areas to increase purchasing power helped leverage competitive market pricing and made good commercial sense.“Over the past 12 months, Council has taken decisive action to implement cost management measures without largely impacting on the services it delivers to the community,” Ms Cowley said. “This Power Purchase Agreement provides Council with value for money, increases our use of renewable energy sources and further demonstrates Council’s steadfast commitment to productivity improvements.” Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart said in addition to the significant economic benefits, Council is pleased to be delivering on its commitment to incorporate renewable energy and energy efficiency in future design and planning.“This Agreement demonstrates such sentiment extends beyond the borders of Central Coast Council’s boundary and recognises a commitment to sustainability and long-term financial stability across participating local government areas,” Mr Hart said.The Agreement follows an open tender process run in September 2021, with the winning bid from MOJO Power providing the best value for money outcome. From November 2020, Council’s focus on financial recovery implemented a broad range of productivity improvements which have been achieved through consolidation of services, technological progression and the transition to high efficiency and purposeful equipment. Council has made numerous other productivity improvements that will continue to have ongoing positive impacts on service delivery and provide benefits to the community year on year. For more information on Council’s productivity improvements, view the Fact Sheet:

Council currently has a handful of projects and initiatives on public exhibition ready for your comment.