First Climate Change Policy for the Coast to build community resilience and zero emissions by 2050A draft Climate Change Policy aiming for zero emissions by 2050 has been developed by Council and will be exhibited for community feedback.Read separate media release in full hereCouncil to investigate community survey and election poll on continuation of amalgamationCouncil tonight formally acknowledged the worthy efforts of staff in amalgamating the former Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council and called for community input in the future of Central Coast Council.Council staff and the CEO will now bring forward a number of reports for Council consideration including:community questionnaires and surveys conducted by the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils prior to amalgamationrealistic estimate of the costs involved in amalgamating the two Councils and timeline for completionprogress on various aspects of amalgamationconducting a community survey to assess current community views of the amalgamationestimate of cost and process regarding a proposal for a poll to be held at an upcoming election (either Federal or State) to gauge community support or rejection of the continuation, or the reversal of, the amalgamation.“We need to understand the full cost of amalgamation and whether it is what the community really want so we can move forward in the best interests of the Central Coast.” “Staff have done an incredible job delivering services and infrastructure for our community and they should be commended.”Council has endorsed a report by staff to the Hunter Central Coast Regional Joint Planning Panel (JRPP) recommending refusal of the application for development of a 63 bed integrated seniors living facility, new registered club and retail tenancies at The Sporties, Woy Woy valued at over $30 million.The development is incompatible with the principles of ecologically sustainable development, and flood hazards of the land.  Lack of on-site parking is also highlighted with a shortfall of 188 spaces needed for residential and club uses.  “The report is very clear on the extensive issues with this proposed development and with 94 community objections received, it is also clear how the community feel about it.” Mayor Smith said.“The community’s voice has been heard and they can also be confident that we have planning controls in place to support sustainable development and ensure only those developments that meet current planning controls and guidelines will be supported.” DAs with 15 or more objections to be automatically reported to CouncilThis replaces the previous threshold of 50 objections for a development application to be automatically reported to Council.

Central Coast Council’s expertise in planning has been recognised at the Local Government NSW Planning Awards announced yesterday.The Council’s Excellence in Planning Recognised at Local Government AwardsCentral Coast Council’s expertise in planning has been recognised at the Local Government NSW Planning Awards announced yesterday.The Planning Awards recognise excellence in planning and development services delivered by individuals and councils.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, received the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award for excellence in leadership recognising his positive impact on planning and development services within Council and innovation in the planning and development space.Mr Cox said he was honoured to accept the award and dedicated it to his team of professional and committed staff within Council.“Since the formation of Central Coast Council in May 2016, we have worked extremely hard to make the most of this opportunity to transform and improve all aspects of the environment and planning business and to deliver faster and better quality planning outcomes for the community and business.”“Our focus has firmly been on customer service priorities, accessibility, consistency and accountability and I believe this has been acknowledged through this award from NSW Local Government,” Mr Cox said.Council Chief Executive Officer, Brian Bell, said Scott is an exceptional leader at Central Coast Council.“Scott leads a high performing team at Council that has determined over 3500 development applications since the merger, equating to over $1.2 billion of overall investment approved to roll out across the coast,” Mr Bell said.“These achievements not only put Central Coast Council at the forefront of delivering for the community but also deliver a high level of staff satisfaction as they are trusted and have the autonomy to perform their roles to the highest standard.“Scott’s dedication to engagement with the development industry has also started the conversation about how Council and the sector can work together to deliver the housing, jobs and infrastructure the Coast needs.“Through leading by example and modelling key organisational behaviours, Scott has significantly impacted his team and is a respected and valued leader within Central Coast Council.”Planning Awards recognise excellence in planning and development services delivered by individuals and councils.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, received the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award for excellence in leadership recognising his positive impact on planning and development services within Council and innovation in the planning and development space.Mr Cox saidCentral Coast Council’s expertise in planning has been recognised at the Local Government NSW Planning Awards announced yesterday.The Planning Awards recognise excellence in planning and development services delivered by individuals and councils.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, received the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award for excellence in leadership recognising his positive impact on planning and development services within Council and innovation in the planning and development space.Mr Cox said he was honoured to accept the award and dedicated it to his team of professional and committed staff within Council.“Since the formation of Central Coast Council in May 2016, we have worked extremely hard to make the most of this opportunity to transform and improve all aspects of the environment and planning business and to deliver faster and better quality planning outcomes for the community and business.”“Our focus has firmly been on customer service priorities, accessibility, consistency and accountability and I believe this has been acknowledged through this award from NSW Local Government,” Mr Cox said.Council Chief Executive Officer, Brian Bell, said Scott is an exceptional leader at Central Coast Council.“Scott leads a high performing team at Council that has determined over 3500 development applications since the merger, equating to over $1.2 billion of overall investment approved to roll out across the coast,” Mr Bell said.“These achievements not only put Central Coast Council at the forefront of delivering for the community but also deliver a high level of staff satisfaction as they are trusted and have the autonomy to perform their roles to the highest standard.“Scott’s dedication to engagement with the development industry has also started the conversation about how Council and the sector can work together to deliver the housing, jobs and infrastructure the Coast needs.“Through leading by example and modelling key organisational behaviours, Scott has significantly impacted his team and is a respected and valued leader within Central Coast Council.” he was honoured to accept the award and dedicated it to his team of professional and committed staff within Council.“Since the formation of Central Coast Council in May 2016, we have worked extremely hard to make the most of this opportunity to transform and improve all aspects of the environment and planning business and to deliver faster and better quality planning outcomes for the community and business.”“Our focus has firmly been on customer service priorities, accessibility, consistency and accountability and I believe this has been acknowledged through this award from NSW Local Government,” Mr Cox said.Council Chief Executive Officer, Brian Bell, said Scott is an exceptional leader at Central Coast Council.“Scott leads a high performing team at Council that has determined over 3500 development applications since the merger, equating to over $1.2 billion of overall investment approved to roll out across the coast,” Mr Bell said.“These achievements not only put Central Coast Council at the forefront of delivering for the community but also deliver a high level of staff satisfaction as they are trusted and have the autonomy to perform their roles to the highest standard.“Scott’s dedication to engagement with the development industry has also started the conversation about how Council and the sector can work together to deliver the housing, jobs and infrastructure the Coast needs.“Through leading by example and modelling key organisational behaviours, Scott has significantly impacted his team and is a respected and valued leader within Central Coast Council.”

A small section of Showground Road, Gosford, will be reduced to single-lane traffic from 8:30pm tonight while Council undertakes essential repairs to a water main.The northbound lane of Showground Road adjacent to Gosford High School, will be closed from the roundabout.Traffic controllers will be on site and traffic diversions will be in place.Council urges motorists to take an alternate route to avoid traffic congestion expected at this intersection.The road is expected to reopen by 6pm Saturday 18 November 2017.Council apologises for any inconvenience.ENDS Media Contact:

Christmas Window Display CompetitionFor the first time businesses located in Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Toukley are taking part in a Christmas Window Display Competition.Local residents and visitors are encouraged to plan a ‘window display’ trail and vote for their favourite via a QR code available in participating shopfronts for a chance to win a $250 gift card.One display in each town centre with the highest number of votes and one voter in each town centre will win a $250 gift card each.Key datesVoting opens from Thursday 1 December and closes Monday 19 December 2022.All Winners announced on Wednesday 21 December 2022.

The cooler months of the year are some of the most enjoyable for me.

There is financial assistance and other local support services available for impacted Central Coast residents.Financial assistance Financial assistance is available through the NSW Government.

Our popular Tai Chi and Fitness in the Park programs have returned to The Entrance for 2021!Whether you want to improve your health, connect with new people or simply get out of the house, our FREE active programs at Memorial Park could be just what you’re looking for!Tai ChiEvery Thursday, 9.30am-10.30amCome along and experience the fitness and relaxation benefits Tai Chi has to offer.

Spring has sprung;