Central Coast Council Administration Offices and a number of other services will be closed on 25 April for Anzac Day.

Council calls for urgent action on asbestos at Wamberal BeachA Management Plan will be developed and reported to the next Council meeting on how the asbestos issue at Wamberal and Terrigal Beaches will be resolved in the interests of public safety.Council has also requested that the Acting CEO proactively release the Wamberal Beach NSW Storm Erosion Remediation Report.Mayor Jane Smith there was genuine concern in the community about the potential presence of asbestos containing material at Wamberal and Terrigal Beaches, and that Council needed to  take decisive action to resolve it.“I commend staff, and particularly Acting CEO Brian Glendenning for their swift action in removing asbestos from these beaches and securing the beach for the safety of beachgoers,” Mayor Smith said.“Council has certainly been proactive in the short term but the focus now needs to be on coming up with a long term strategy that will satisfy beachgoers, local landowners and the community.“We are committed to continue to working with the State Government, particularly the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), to resolving this issue in the best interests of our community.”Council staff are currently conducting at least twice weekly inspections of Wamberal and Terrigal Beaches Council reminds residents to report any material potentially containing asbestos at either beach to the Environment Protection Authority or Council straight away and not remove the material themselves.The Council also requested that the Acting CEO publish an information sheet concerning the potential risks associated of contact with asbestos material, and distribute that information sheet to residents that live next to Wamberal and Terrigal beaches.Council resolves to deliver Regional Performing Arts Centre for Gosford CBD   Council tonight has reconfirmed a Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre (RPACC) will be built in the Gosford CBD.A rescission motion to move the site to Poppy Park instead was lost with the Mayor using her casting vote to confirm RPACC will be built as part of a cultural precinct starting at 51-71 Mann Street (Old Broadwater Hotel site).Mayor Jane Smith said with the discussion and debate now finalised, it is time to work together with the community and the state and federal governments to ensure this key project is delivered.“There is significant state and federal funding at stake that we will lose if we do not get on with delivering this project,” Mayor Smith said.‘We have run out of time to deliberate - it is time for decisive action.“The community has significant investment and interest in progressing this project and have waited long enough.“Our energy and focus must be on making it a reality and that is what we intend to do.“The RPACC will be key drawcard to the Gosford CBD and will help create an active and engaged arts and cultural hub in the region’s capital.“We can now move with confidence to the design phase and are committed to working with all our partners, including the Conservatorium of Music, to ensure we meet the needs of arts and broader community, by delivering an iconic and economically viable facility we can all be proud of.”The community and key stakeholders will be consulted on the detailed design as this project moves forward.Current construction schedule is the build is expected to get underway in January 2019 and will take 18 months.Council defers decision on Regional Library Council has deferred a final decision on a Regional Library to consider the commercial viability of a modern facility the community have said they want for the Gosford CBD.Following a detailed Councillor workshop, a further report on a revised proposal for a Regional Library in Gosford will be presented to the 28 May 2018 Council meeting.Mayor Jane Smith said that although this delays the final decision a little it provides a final opportunity for Councillors to look at a more detailed design in the context of a cultural precinct and reach consensus on a way forward.“We need to ensure we create a truly iconic building in the city centre, helping to attract business and investment to the area as well as increase connectivity amongst educational institutions,” Mayor Smith said.“This catalyst project for the CBD must be a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike creating a true innovation centre and drawcard to the city centre.“Libraries are at the heart of creating liveable, connected and sustainable cities and that is definitely what we want to see for the Gosford CBD.”Council Director of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, took the opportunity to emphasise that the development of the Gosford Regional Library is not dependent on the closure of any existing branches.“I want to be very clear – the development of a Regional Library is not contingent on branches in the Peninsula, or elsewhere, being closed,” Ms Vaughan said.“Our ability to meet contemporary and future needs of the region has been constrained for a long time due to our current library buildings size and capabilities.“This has highlighted an overwhelming need for us to provide a multi-use Regional Library where our community can meet, connect and learn.“Next financial year we will be carrying out a review of our current Library Services in order to create a better and more sustainable service for the community.“The review will include consultation with the community to gain an improved understanding of what resources and services they value and want to see from our Libraries.”First ever Central Coast Community Strategic Plan released Council has released One – Central Coast, a draft of the first ever Community Strategic Plan for the region.Read full media release here.New Chief Executive Officer recruitment on trackThe process to appoint a new permanent Chief Executive Officer for Central Coast Council is on track following a confidential discussion at tonight’s Council meeting.Mayor Jane Smith said she was pleased that the process of selecting a new Chief Executive Officer for Central Coast Council was on schedule and she expected an announcement to be made in the next few weeks.“With the assistance of the appointed recruitment agency, Davidson, the Councillor panel made up of myself, Deputy Mayor Holstein, Councillor Burke and Councillor Hogan conducted interviews with shortlisted candidates,” Mayor Smith said.“All Councillors were then invited to a second interview and presentation with the final shortlist and we are now in the process of completing final checks.“Following tonight’s meeting and the resolution of Council, we will complete the final checks and move to offer the Chief Executive Officer position to our preferred candidate.“This has been an important process and I look forward to being able to provide further information soon,” Mayor Smith said.Council calls on State Government to prioritise dredging of Ettalong Channel Council has reconfirmed its position that the State Government is responsible for navigable waters and should completely fund the dredging of the Ettalong Channel.Council will request that the NSW Minister for Roads receive a delegation from Council, to attempt to make dredging of the Ettalong Channel a priority for the NSW Government.Mayor Jane Smith said it was important the community understood the NSW Government collect significant fees from marine activities in Brisbane Water and it is that funding that should be put back into making the Channel navigable.“The State Government collects significant fees from maritime activities on Brisbane Water including licensing, boat registrations, licences issued to the ferry service itself and the use of moorings and other State-owned facilities – what we need to understand is just how much money that is,” Mayor Smith said.“I believe it will be more than enough to pay for the dredging without Council needing to take money from other essential services to pay for what is a State Government responsibility.“That is the position we will take directly to the Minister and we ask the community to join us and call on the State Government to prioritise dredging of the Ettalong Channel.”Council will publish a fact sheet for marine users and local residents detailing how dredging is a State Government responsibility and what they can do to request action.Council supports best practice in proactive release of information to the publicCouncil has resolved to support the development of a robust Proactive Release Program over the next 12 months to give the community greater access to a range of Council held information, including documentation that helps Council make informed decisions.The Program will create a framework to promote the efficient and useful release of Council information.

Council has released One – Central Coast, a draft of the first ever Community Strategic Plan for the region.The plan represents the culmination of 18 months of extensive consultation with the community and establishes a road map for the future of the Central Coast over the next decade.Mayor Jane Smith said the process to develop the Coast’s first ever Community Strategic Plan has engaged many thousands of people in the local community and is a true representation of what our community think, feel, want and value.“The release of the first Community Strategic Plan for the Central Coast is significant in many ways,” Mayor Smith said.“It is the first single plan that defines the priorities of our community and represents a considered and evidence-based roadmap for the future of the Central Coast.“It defines the environmental and social qualities the community have told us they love about the Central Coast and provides a clear path of action for what Council needs to prioritise and deliver to meet the needs of our growing population.“As inhabitants of the sixth-largest urban area in Australia, we have the opportunity to harness and direct our potential more than ever before.”The draft Plan comprises five key themes based on this vision that encapsulate the voice and values of the Central Coast community:BelongingSmartGreenResponsibleLiveableThe Plan also defines a Community vision - “We are the Central Coast.

Central Coast residents have provided near record levels of feedback on the future of the region’s footpaths, bike paths and shared paths.

Central Coast Council is partnering with The Art House to put on a showcase of work by some of the region’s most talented artists and launch a new creative program.For one night only, Thursday 26 April, The Art House will feature six films and a live performance created by professional artists on the Central Coast – including the premiere of the film The Central Coast:

In commemoration of ANZAC Day on Wednesday 25 April, Central Coast Council is supporting events being held at a number of venues across the Central Coast.Services will be held on Wednesday 25 April at Davistown, Doyalson, Empire Bay, Gosford, Ourimbah, Terrigal, The Entrance, Toukley, Woy Woy and Wyong.To carry out the Dawn Services, Main Marches and Main Services safely, there will be a number of road closures in place to accommodate the crowd numbers for this significant celebration.Doyalson8.15am - Southbound lanes from Raw Challenge and Wyee Rd.

The local community’s vision for a purpose-built, safe and inclusive place to skate in Terrigal will soon become a reality when the construction of a new skate park gets underway at Terrigal Lagoon Reserve.

Central Coast Council has been successful in securing $36,000 in the latest Round of NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Litter Grants to help tackle the growing issue of roadside litter on the Coast.The Central Coast Roadside Litter Project has identified three roadside litter hotspots at Blue Haven Link Road, Somersby Industrial Park and Kariong M1 on ramp.Council Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said the project will provide an integrated approach to litter prevention including education and awareness, infrastructure, regulation and enforcement at each target site.“This project is all about encouraging behaviour change and educating the community on how to report littering from vehicles,” Mrs Burgess said.“The grant funding will be going towards clean-ups of target areas, roadside signs at each site reminding motorists how to report littering from vehicles to the EPA as well as installation of 19 dash cams in Rangers vehicles.“There will be increased Ranger patrols in these areas, increasing your chance of being caught if you do litter.“With the main litter identified as single use takeaway containers and drink containers, we will also be handing out 2500 reusable polyester tidy bags to local businesses.“The idea behind them is motorists and passengers can keep rubbish with them until they are able to dispose of it responsibly and not worry about any leftover food or drinks spilling in their vehicles – the bags can then be rinsed and reused.“Right now we are asking for businesses in and around the three target areas to come on board as partners to hand out the tidy bags.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/litter for information on how businesses can register their interest.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, emphasised reducing litter was a key priority for Council.“Littering of single use containers and bottles is a major issue for our environment and it is imperative we do something about it,” Ms Vaughan said.“Thanks to this project we will see some tangible outcomes to address the current state of these roadsides as well as prevent it in the future.“This is not something Council can tackle alone – we really need the whole community to get behind this initiative to stop littering in their own backyards and help protect our incredible and unique region.”The project is an extension of the current Mountain District Roadside Litter Project and supports the Council’s promotion of the EPA’s Don’t be a Tosser campaign.Littering from vehicles can be reported to the EPA online at epa.nsw.gov.au/dontbeatosser or via the Report to EPA mobile App - it is unlawful for drivers to use a mobile phone to record this information unless the car is parked and keys are removed from the ignition.This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.

Central Coast Council has installed 19 new CCTV cameras in Terrigal and Copacabana to increase the community’s sense of safety in these popular local neighbourhoods.Now operational, the 13 CCTV cameras in Terrigal and 6 in Copacabana were jointly funded by a $550,000 grant under round two of the Federal Government’s Safer Streets Programme and $90,000 from Council’s operating budget.Cameras in Terrigal are located on Terrigal Drive, Kurrawyba Avenue, The Scenic Highway, Ash Street, Terrigal Haven and The Skillion.Cameras at Copacabana are located in Del Monte Place, Pampas Avenue, Copacabana Skate Park and Captain Cook Lookout.Mayor Jane Smith said that she welcomed this partnership with the Federal Government.

Trained Central Coast Council staff have removed a small amount of asbestos from Wamberal Beach and opened the beach to the public this morning.

Central Coast Council welcomes the State Government’s initiative to increase safety for rock fishing through the opportunity to opt-in to mandatory wearing of lifejackets while rock fishing.Many rock fishers already wear life jackets.

The dredging program of The Entrance Channel is underway.

Central Coast Council will proceed with a new multi-storey Regional Library in the heart of the Gosford CBD.That decision for a catalyst project in the Gosford CBD followed extensive consultation with the community on two options for the Library.

The Coast’s highly anticipated Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex, poised to open in September, will be accepting expressions of interest from April 10, for significant events that will generate economic and social benefits for the local area.Stage 1 of the Central Coast Regional Sporting & Recreation Complex is being jointly funded from the Australian Government ($10 million) and the Central Coast Council ($13.71 million).The complex, located at Tuggerah, spans 18.28 hectares and consists of nine playing fields, accessible amenities and shared pathways.

The NSW Seniors Festival kicked off this week and Central Coast Council will celebrate with more than 80 events across the region until 15 April.Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the NSW Seniors Festival is the largest event for seniors in the southern hemisphere and is now a two week long celebration.It is significant here on the Coast with more than 27 per cent of the Coast’s population aged over 60 years – well above the NSW State average of 22 per cent.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the Festival celebrates seniors and their significant contribution to the community as workers, volunteers, neighbours, friends, parents and grandparents.“The Festival provides local seniors with a great opportunity to get together, make new friends, learn a new skill or try something different,” Ms Vaughan said.“We have put together a fun, active and creative calendar that features a wide range of events for people to choose from,” Ms Vaughan said.“The Festival also gives us a chance to highlight the wide range of programs run at our 50+ Leisure & Learning Centres and Seniors Centres for our ageing community.”Council Mayor Jane Smith said the Festival is a great way to celebrate the contribution local seniors make to their families and community on the Central Coast.“Older people play a vital role in our community and it’s important they feel valued, safe and are able to actively participate in their community,” Mayor Smith said.“With a growing ageing population, it’s important we ensure older people living on the Central Coast have a good quality of life and our community is inclusive, age friendly and promotes independence and dignity for people of all ages.“This is your time to shine as a senior citizen on the Central Coast – have fun and celebrate your age, wisdom and experience in a fun and friendly environment.“Get out there and try something new, show off your skills doing something you love and spend time with friends, new or old – there’s something for everyone!”Check out the full program for the NSW Seniors Festival at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/seniors or pick up a copy from your local library or 50+ Leisure & Learning Centres and Seniors Centres. 

Central Coast Council will hold an Extraordinary Council meeting on Wednesday 11 April 2018 to confirm a site for the Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre (RPACC) and consider community consultation on two options for the new Gosford Regional Library.The meeting will be held at the Central Coast Council Chambers in Hely Street, Wyong at 8pm.The meeting will be open to the public to attend and can be viewed live on Council’s YouTube Channel.The reports will be available on Council’s website shortly and there will be confidential attachments to the RPACC report.

Community members to provide advice and expertise to six Central Coast Advisory GroupsCouncil have appointed over three dozen community members to positions across six Advisory Groups providing them the opportunity to offer their advice and expertise to Council across key strategic areas of focus.Community members appointed to the Catchment and Coast Committee – Brisbane Water and Gosford Lagoon, and the Catchment and Coast Committee – Tuggerah Lakes, will now have a voice on all matters relating to Council’s responsibilities surrounding sustainable management of its coastal, estuarine, waterways, catchment and flood-liable areas.Mayor Jane Smith said these Groups are a chance for community members to be actively involved in finding solutions to the key strategic areas Council is currently focused on progressing.“This is a great opportunity for these community members to bring to the table their passion, interest and expertise in our environment, waterways, economic development and heritage and directly feed into Council decision-making,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“We are a large Council area, representing over 330,000 residents and we need to ensure we are providing as many avenues as possible for community voice and representation and these Groups are one part of that.”The Heritage Advisory Committee appointed ten members of the public as a voice for all matters relating to Heritage on the Central Coast.Other Advisory Groups that have appointed community membership include the Coastal Open Space System Committee, the Employment and Economic Development Committee and the Gosford CBD and Waterfront Committee.Councillor membership for each of the six Advisory Groups has also been determined.Council declares land as a public road to relocate and replace Sohier Park Bridge Council has declared part of the Council-owned land – located at 4 Brownlee Street, Ourimbah – as a public road for the purpose of road widening to accommodate a proposed new bridge in Ourimbah.This dedication of land as a public road is a necessary step towards the successful relocation and replacement of Sohier Park Bridge, situated over Bangalow Creek in Ourimbah.Mayor Jane Smith said that the works will replace the existing wooden bridge.“The proposal will enable the existing bridge to remain in use during construction.”“Council is committed to delivering better and safer roads and this proposal delivers on that promise.”New policy adopted for consistency in donating and naming public facilities across the Coast Central Coast Council has created a new policy to ensure the naming and donation of public facilities are dealt with consistently across the Central Coast.This new policy will apply to all applications around the donation of park furniture and trees in public reserves, the naming or re-naming of Council owned facilities and the placement of memorials in areas under the care, control and management of Council.Mayor Jane Smith said there is always considerable community interest in how public facilities are named and are a key way the contribution of community members can be honoured.“This new policy will provide Council with a clear way forward to deal with these issues consistently and ensure they are a fitting tribute to those who have contributed to the Central Coast community,” Mayor Smith said.“Most importantly, it will provide clarity, transparency and consistency in the decision-making processes as all requests must come to Council for consideration.”Community members will also be able to donate to the Gosford Foundation Trust for the former Gosford Local Government Area in order to receive a tax deduction.The former Wyong Shire Council had developed the Policy for Naming of Public Facilities and the former Gosford City Council had developed the Memorial and Donation of Park Furniture and Trees Policy.

Central Coast Council has welcomed plans released today by the Government Architect to activate the Gosford CBD.Mayor Jane Smith said Council would be looking very closely at the proposed activation of the area including the benefits of locating the heart of the CBD around Kibble Park.“Council is pleased that the Government Architect has released the plans for the public to see and I can assure you that our staff will be looking closely at these over the coming weeks and preparing a report for Council,” Mayor Smith said.

Central Coast Council will hold a drop in community information session at the Copacabana Surf Club on Thursday 12 April to update the community on work underway to formalise a new segment of the 5 Lands Walk route.Council has secured Federal funding to construct 660 metres of stairs and pathways that will ultimately connect the lower Winney Bay Reserve area to the top of the sea cliff near Captain Cook Lookout.Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith said there had been some concerns in the community about the works and the meeting was a chance to better understand and address the community’s concerns.“The new section of path will improve safety along an already well used trail through the Winney Bay reserve, and better discourage access through areas of greater environmental sensitivity,” said Mayor Smith.“It will also better integrate our natural and built environments creating a great recreational opportunity to really get out and enjoy what makes the Coast a great place to be.”“Some vegetation, mostly weeds, has been cleared, but as well as the new pathway the area will be regenerated to protect the natural environment well into the future.”Funding for this project was provided by the Federal Government through the Improving Your Local Parks and Environment program.Federal Member for Robertson Mrs Lucy Wicks said the upgrade is fantastic news for the local community and the many tourists who visit the location every year.“It’s great to see the next step in upgrading the Five Lands Walk track, which is fast becoming one of the Central Coast’s most iconic destinations,” Ms Wicks said.“This inspiring project is part of our $2.2 million Environment Plan for the Robertson electorate, which the Coalition is delivering in partnership with the Central Coast Council, the NSW Government and community groups who make the Five Lands Walk possible.“I’m proud that this Government is helping the Five Lands Walk connect people to people, and people to place, for generations to come.”The 5 Lands Walk is a day-long community event along the Central Coast coastline from Macmasters Beach through to Copacabana, North Avoca and Terrigal.

Woy Woy Library will be undergoing a mini refurbishment with reduced services from Monday 9 April until mid-May to honour Spike Milligan and his family as well as create a more active and flexible learning space for the community.The refurbishment has been made possible thanks a State Library of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grant, where Council received a total of $188,492 to deliver this project.The works will provide an exhibition space and media room celebrating not only the entertainer Spike Milligan, but the entire Milligan family and Woy Woy area.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, assured the community that every measure will be taken to minimise disruption to customers while this exciting project comes to fruition.“There will be some noise disruptions and reduced collections over the next five to six weeks while construction crews are on site,” Mrs Burgess said.“Unfortunately customers will not be able to reserve items located at Woy Woy Library during this time, however, books can still be returned and internet computers will still be available for use.“Crews will be setting up barricades, similar to what you would see in shopping centres while stores are being refurbished, so the biggest disruption during this time will be noise.“All other services will still be available and scheduled programming will continue to run.“Spike Milligan and his family had a special connection to Woy Woy and we are pleased to be able to honour their memory with this special new exhibition space.Beyond the Spike Milligan exhibition space and media room the grant has provided an opportunity to further improve the amenity and functionality of the Library.“There will a new staircase to improve safety, the staff counter at the back of the library will be reloaded to improve visibility and security,” Mrs Burgess added.“Mobile shelving has been incorporated into the changes, providing an opportunity for us to deliver a greater variety of events and higher quality learning programs.“The breezeway and the back half of the Library will also get a bit of a facelift, including the current Spike Milligan meeting room which will still host regular events and allow for quiet study.“Even though sections of the library will be out of action for a short while, this refurbishment will allow us to better serve our customers and community’s needs as well as create a space unlike any other in the world, celebrating the legend Spike Milligan.“I am really excited these works are about to get underway and cannot wait to launch this amazing new space to the community.”Services at other branches remain unchanged and all online services and eLibrary facilities will continue to be available anywhere, anytime with WIFI.To keep up to date with the project sign up to the Library e-newsletter via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/library or use #ccclibraries on social media.