Central Coast Council Library branches at Erina, Tuggerah, Bateau Bay and Umina Beach are open to the public from today, Monday 1 June offering limited services to ensure staff are able to keep customers safe in line with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and while refurbishments undertaken at some branches during closure can be completed.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Council is taking a staged approach to reopening branches and in-branch services.“Our ‘Select and Collect’ service for pre-ordered items will be available Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm to ensure compliance with current social distancing requirements.

With the long weekend upon us the Central Coast welcomes the easing of travel restrictions that will enable visitors to come and experience what our region has to offer.The Coast is well positioned to capture demand out of Sydney and surrounds.

Central Coast Council are calling on the community to think big and make their mark on the future of Gosford’s Kibble Park.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Kibble Park plays an important role as the heartbeat of Gosford but it hasn’t lived up to its full potential and is due to be revitalised as a thriving, safe and welcoming place for work, play and social connection. “The community has told us that Kibble Park is in need of a face lift to help breathe new life into the City, so we are developing a Place Plan and Concept Design for Gosford’s Kibble Park to identify future initiatives and projects that will increase this area’s activation, social connectivity, improve the visitor experience and provide a boost for local businesses," Ms Vaughan said.“To ensure these plans reflect what past and future users want to see, we are now providing online consultation opportunities for the community to share their ideas and aspirations for this vital public space.” This round of community consultation is running online until 15 June at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/kibblepark.Mayor Lisa Matthews said whilst the COVID-19 pandemic still impacts the way we work, connect and socialise, Council are continuing with essential works, projects and planning to cater for the future needs of our community as we move into a recovery period.“I encourage the community to jump online and share their vision for Kibble Park’s future so we can create a rejuvenated, activated and engaging park for all the community to enjoy and be proud of,” Mayor Mathews said.Go to yourvoiceourcoast.com/kibblepark for more information and to have your say.The draft Place Plan and Concept Design will both be made available for the community to provide feedback on before being finalised.

It might look a little different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Central Coast Council is still celebrating National Library and Information Week this year in an online extravaganza.The week (25-31 May) is designed to promote the range of services that libraries offer to their local area.

Central Coast Council is continuing to progress with developing a Masterplan to upgrade and redesign Mt Ettalong Reserve to make it more accessible, functional and safe for the community.Between February and March 2020 Council conducted an initial survey to understand how the community uses Mount Ettalong Reserve and what changes they would like to see incorporated into the Masterplan for its redesign.Due to the restrictions on public gatherings Council was unable to deliver a planned community engagement workshop, however public submissions are still welcomed on the project online.Phase two of consultation with the public involves Council seeking feedback on the draft concept designs, which have been informed by the results of the initial surveys.Our community can explore the concept plans for Mount Ettalong Reserve Masterplan and fill out the feedback form by Thursday 4 June to have their say:

Central Coast Council acknowledges that today, 26 May is National Sorry Day.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said National Sorry Day is an opportunity for Council and our community to reflect and remember the grief, suffering and injustice experienced by the stolen generations.“The stolen generations are those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were separated from their families as children.

This week we celebrate Library and Information Week - the theme for 2020 is Create.

Council to engage with community on Lake Munmorah Skate ParkCouncil has resolved to start additional online community engagement for a proposed skate part at Lake Munmorah.The skate park and regional playspace will be located opposite Lake Munmorah shopping centre on Tall Timbers Road and it is anticipated that the creation of this facility will provide an inclusive recreational space for a range of ages, abilities and skills, provide a safe and accessible venue for community activities and attract regional and significant skate events.  Dependant on final community feedback it is also anticipated to include fitness equipment, shared pathways, picnic areas, area for multi-generational enjoyment, outdoor activities and social gatherings.

A new district level playspace is coming to Tunkuwallin Oval Gwandalan and Central Coast Council is calling on the community to have their say to help shape the new precinct plan.Council is undertaking a series of community engagement opportunities to understand how Tunkuwallin Oval is currently being used and to ensure the local community’s vision and future needs are met.The first round of consultation is running until 4 June 2020, and the community is invited to jump online and share their opinions to help design the draft Precinct Plan.This draft Plan will be presented to the community for further input.

Central Coast Council is ready to once again welcome visitors to the region when regional travel restrictions are eased from 1 June 2020.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council is rolling out a staged approach to the reopening of eligible facilities to ensure the safety of community members and visitors.“We look forward to welcoming visitors back to our beautiful region from 1 June,” Ms Vaughan said.“From our stunning beaches to our picturesque bush and rural settings to our diverse town centres, the Coast is hard to beat as a travel destination.“If you’re planning a trip, please book accommodation well in advance and follow physical distancing requirements at all times during your stay.“Some of our eligible facilities have already reopened, including Gosford Pool, play spaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skateparks.“From 1 June we will start to reopen additional eligible facilities but please note that each facility is different and the timing and nature of reopening will vary from venue to venue as we ensure public safety can be met in accordance with the regulations.“We are committed to the continued growth of the Central Coast as a tourism destination of choice – we work closely with our industry partners like Destination NSW and in the coming weeks we will be launching a new destination brand campaign.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the new easing of restrictions would provide a welcome economic boost to the Central Coast.“Like many regions across NSW, the Coast relies heavily on tourism and we are thrilled that the management of COVID-19 has reached a point where travel restrictions can be eased,” Mayor Matthews said.“COVID-19 came hot on the heels of major floods and bushfires and it will be wonderful to once again see smiling visitors enjoying the beautiful Central Coast.“We ask that our visitors remember to always follow physical distancing requirements and to be aware that some venues will remain closed or have strict requirements in place.”Council thanks the Central Coast community, and any visitors from 1 June 2020, for taking the COVID-19 situation seriously and asks that everyone continue to follow State and Federal Government directions including:practise physical distancing, which includes maintaining a distance of 1.5metres from others at all times.public gatherings must not be more than 10 peoplecontinue to practise good hygiene, including washing your hands before and after using any equipment.For further information about COVID-19 related closures and re-openings, please visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19.

The challenge of searching for suitable grants for local businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals will be easier than ever with a new addition to the Central Coast Council website.‘Central Coast Grant Finder’ is a one stop shop to easily find all relevant grant funding opportunities.

Central Coast Council Library Service has seen a significant increase in the use of online resources since providing expanded collections, unique items and new opportunities for the community to continue learning and recreational activities during COVID-19.Council recognised a need to support the community during this difficult time following the closure of libraries in accordance with Government regulations.In April, Council saw a 59% increase in loans of eResources including;

Central Coast Council have confirmed that Central Coast Stadium has been selected by the NRL to host games during the 2020 premiership season.NRL teams that will play at the venue include the New Zealand Warriors, Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles.

For almost two months now the community has had to adapt and accept the new way of living life during COVID-19, now we find ourselves stepping out of that comfort zone and back into somewhat normality.Some of you will relish it and enjoy visiting with loved ones, catching up with more than 1 friend, dining out in your favourite local restaurant or simply sitting and enjoying your morning coffee in a public space.

Central Coast Council is now offering online delivery of a range of highly valued community programs with the launch of a new YouTube Channel – Coast Connect.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council recognised the importance of adaptation to continue offering services that improve the lives and wellbeing of residents on the Coast and looking for opportunities to remain connected.“Whilst our community are unable to visit their local theatre, library, gallery or leisure centre or attend face-to-face programs or events right now in response to COVID-19, Council will be bringing some popular programs directly into resident’s homes,“ Ms Vaughan said. “A range of entertaining, informative, and engaging videos are being created from our ‘TV studio’ set up at Laycock St theatre and will be available for everyone to view at their own convenience.”The health and wellness of our community is certainly in the spotlight at the moment and the series of ‘Live Well’ videos will help to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

In line with the most recent NSW Government announcement easing restrictions on the use of play spaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks, Central Coast Council will reopen these assets for public use from Friday 15 May.Gosford Olympic Pool will also reopen for lap swimming with restrictions in place, including requirements to pre-book, time-limited sessions and one-person lane limit.The outdoor spaces and pool have been closed recently in response to COVID-19 shutdowns.

Central Coast Council are inviting community members to have their say on the first draft Waste Resource Management Strategy, now available online for final public review until 21 June.Developed after extensive community consultation last year, the draft Strategy assesses current waste initiatives and seeks to encourage change to help minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill and its impact on the environment.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said with the constantly evolving challenges around waste, there has been a massive push both from our community and at a global level to find solutions that close the loop.“Thank you to everyone who took the time to let us know your ideas on waste reduction, which alongside our report information, has helped us formulate our first draft Strategy,” Mr Pearce said.“This information has underpinned the strategy’s key objectives - to drive waste avoidance, divert waste from landfill by increasing local recycling and reuse options, explore funding and collaborative opportunities over the next 10 years, and keep our streets and public spaces clean and clear.“We also want to change the view that what is traditionally known as ‘waste’ is actually a valuable resource to be managed.“As technology is advancing so rapidly in this field, our planning for waste management must consider both well-established principles and emerging trends.”The vision of this 10-year plan is on promoting our region as a creative environment for developing a local circular economy that values the recovery of resources and advocates prevention of waste.Council Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Strategy outlines key objectives and actions that will ensure Council provides waste services that are safe, secure and cost-effective.“Waste is everyone’s issue – we all have a role to play in reducing the amount of waste generated and its impacts on our community and the environment” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage everyone to go online and provide feedback on our draft Strategy so we can ensure we deliver the future waste resource recovery outcomes the community want and expect.”Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/our-coast-our-waste for further information and to have your say.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Coast Council has temporarily moved all community consultations online to obtain feedback about upcoming projects and strategies.Council usually encourages community members to have a say about major projects which will shape the future of our region by combining online promotion with face-to-face workshops, community events and other opportunities to physically view proposals.However, the need to maintain social distancing and restrictions on travel and public gatherings have prevented many of the usual ways Council consults with the community.During the COVID-19 shutdown, Council has continued to undertake and plan important projects.

There are exciting projects underway across the Coast, and I’ve recently been able to get out and witness the progress of work being undertaken by our hard-working Council staff.

Council continues its investment driving tourism for the Central CoastCouncil’s integrated approach to tourism marketing and destination planning was endorsed by Council with commitment to a new three-year action plan.