Published On
15/06/2020From the Mayor
We welcomed the easing of travel restrictions in time for the long weekend which enabled visitors to come and experience what our region has to offer. The upcoming school holidays provide another opportunity to explore our great Coast.
The Central Coast is well positioned to capture demand out of Sydney and surrounds. I encourage visitors and locals to support tourism and small businesses, through revisiting some places that you have not visited for some time.
I thank the Central Coast community, and any visitors from 1 June, for taking COVID-19 seriously and ask that everyone continues to follow Government directions. So what’s on offer? Pull out your winter wears, get out and about and try great food and local produce, including various tourist attractions now open and listed at visitcentralcoast.com.au
Rest assured, Council is rolling out a staged approach to the reopening of eligible facilities to ensure the safety of our community, staff and visitors including:
- Central Coast Holiday Parks – cabins, caravan and campsites at Budgewoi, Canton Beach, Norah Head, Toowoon Bay, Patonga
- Gosford Pool, play spaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skateparks
- Most Library Branches.
Increased sanitising, cleaning and record keeping will be in place to ensure venues are safe and friendly places for community members and visitors.
Lisa Matthews, Mayor
Your Community
There’s no need to travel to be a ‘tourist’!
With the July school holidays approaching, Council welcomes visitors to the Central Coast and encourages residents to consider a staycation by exploring our region with family and friends.
Holidaymakers can help boost the Coast’s economy and help businesses impacted by the recent COVID-19 closures. Many of the Coast’s major attractions have reopened, including:
- Australian Reptile Park
- Bells of Killcare
- Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures
- Norah Head Lighthouse
- Pearls of Australia’s Broken Bay Pearl Farm tours
There are many more activities and venues which holiday makers can enjoy. Discover them at visitcentralcoast.com.au
Your Resources
Health and wellbeing
As the situation around COVID-19 continues to change and the community begins to move out of shutdown you may be feeling worried or anxious. It’s important to reach out if you need help and, if you’re able to, check in with others. Access support and resources at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/help
Business
Council continues to work with our business community to help the Central Coast economy recover and thrive into the future. Visit the business support hub to see what support centralcoasteconomy.com.au
Grants available
There are many grants to support local businesses, community groups and organisations on offer. Visit Grant Finder to see what grants you may be eligible for centralcoast.grantguru.com.au
Your Council
More Council facilities open
As COVID-19 restrictions ease, Council has reopened more facilities, including:
- The Gosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative Garden opened on 15 June. Visitors need to book before attending to enable contact tracing. Some services such as tours, classes and the gift shop remain closed.
- Most of our branches are open with adjusted opening hours; Bateau Bay, Erina, Gosford, Kincumber, Lake Haven, Toukley, Tuggerah, Umina Beach and Woy Woy library branches reopen Monday to Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm. Kariong Library will start operating from its new location at 98 Mitchell Drive, Kariong and will be open Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm. The Entrance branch is currently closed due to renovations, anticipated to be reopen on Monday 22 June.
- Lakehaven and Peninsula Leisure Centres have opened for exercise, however some areas remain closed. More details at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19
- The NSW government has announced community sport competitions can resume from 1 July. Council fields and facilities will be ready for use, however the decision to proceed will be made by the individual sporting clubs and associations.
Sports clubs will also be responsible for ensuring NSW Health regulations are followed. Participants should contact their local sports club or association for details.
We are working to ensure all facilities comply with regulations and that public safety can be maintained through adequate social distancing and cleaning practices.
Council continues to take a staged approach to the reopening of other facilities such as community centres and halls. Stay up to date with the latest news by signing up to our enews so you can stay up to date: centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/enews.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Council administration buildings are closed. However, some of our facilities have reopened with restrictions in place. We also continue to provide essential services and have been able to adapt many other services for online or remote delivery.
The next Council Meeting will be available for viewing on YouTube. Please visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19 for more information.
Customers can contact us by phone on 1300 463 954 or online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
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