The winners of the 2017 Council Environment Program were announced today at a student leadership day at Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park.Six schools from around the coast were recognised for their participation and creativity around this year’s theme Our Green Classroom, which aimed to encourage outdoor learning.Niagara Public School received the Innovation Prize for their Future Earth competition where students made boomerang bags for local supermarkets, built bird habitat boxes and conducted a school wide energy audit.Wyoming Public School displayed the most involvement in the Biggest Green Classroom, with the entire school conducting all lessons outside during international Outdoor Classroom Day.Brisbania Public School won the Most Improved School, for enthusiastically involving themselves in all activities offered.The overall Environmental School of the Year awards went to Chertsey Primary School (Small School of the Year) and Wyoming Public School (Large School of the Year).Pretty Beach Public School won Best Performance after taking on the ABC War on Waste Challenge, with a very informative and impassioned speech on our need to avoid plastic bags and single use plastics in order to reduce the amount of plastic rubbish ending up in our oceans.Mayor Jane Smith said the initiative runs parallel with school environmental educational programs.“Council’s School Environment Program aims at building an understanding, appreciation and concern for our natural environment,” said Mayor Smith.“The program is designed to integrate with the programs offered by local schools and the Department of Education.“It’s imperative that we impart this knowledge in our schools so kids are aware of their environment, how to look after it and the impact it has on their lives.“Their involvement means they are learning how to recycle better, consume less, be water wise, reduce waste and energy, and enjoy nature.“Most of all they learn that small changes can make a big difference and that they have the ability to protect the environment.”Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the program is especially important in this day and age.“In the age of technology, this year’s program encourages schools to spend more time outdoors and less time in front of the screen,” said Ms Vaughan.“Outdoor classrooms are part of a worldwide education movement aimed at increasing learning outside.

Committee formed to take action over dumping at Mangrove Mountain and Spencer An Advisory Committee has been established by Council to oversee actions and address issues relating to the Mangrove Mountain Golf Course and dumping at Spencer.The Mayor, three other Councillors, Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel, community stakeholders and independent experts will make up membership of the Committee with all minutes and resolutions to be reported publicly to an open Council meeting.Mayor Jane Smith said there was a great deal of concern in the community in relation to the serious allegations raised in the ABC Four Corners story relating to waste issues on the Central Coast.“The community want to see action on these issues,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“There are ongoing investigations by Council and external agencies relating to Mangrove Mountain landfill and alleged illegal dumping at Spencer, and these important legal processes must continue.“By establishing this Committee we are ensuring we are doing everything we possibly can to bring all the parties to the table to resolve these issues in the best interests of the community and the Central Coast.“Most importantly of all, all activities will be publicly reported to Council to ensure the community is kept up to date on the progress of this Committee.”The first meeting must be held within a month and the minutes of the Advisory Committee reported to Council.Council calls for urgent meeting with the State Government on Kangy Angy rail maintenance facility Council has called for an urgent meeting with Transport NSW, within the next fortnight, on its plans for a rail maintenance facility at Kangy Angy.The call is in response to landowner concerns relating to the environmental sensitivity of the site at Kangy Angy and the need to explore other options for the rail maintenance facility.Mayor Jane Smith said Council had acted quickly and would progress community concerns relating to the location of the facility directly with the State Government.“Landowners feel they have been railroaded in this whole process and their voices remain unheard,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“If a meeting cannot be held within a fortnight than we will be calling on all work relating to facility to cease until a meeting can take place.”“We are asking Transport NSW to come to the table with Council to hear firsthand community concerns and to discuss the future of the proposed railyards, particularly in other locations.”Council is looking to Transport NSW to revisit other site options outlined in previous consultant reports.Fees set and changes to expenses deferred for new Central Coast CouncillorsCouncil has now set the annual fee to be paid to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors based on a determination of the NSW Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.All Councillors will be paid $28,950 a year with the Mayor to receive $104,847 and the Deputy Mayor $37,383.  The recommendation is consistent with the resolutions of other Councils of a similar size including Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown and Northern Beaches Councils.Mayor Jane Smith said the fees were a matter of public interest and that further expenses suggested for the Mayor and Councillors would be deferred for further consideration and review by staff and Councillors.“We are all pleased and honoured to have been elected to serve the people of the Central Coast,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“The fees have been set to reflect the high demands placed on us in the execution of our civic duty and the fact that I will be a full time Mayor serving the needs of the community every day.”“Additional expenses have been suggested to help fulfil Mayoral duties as the head of what is now a major regional Council, with a diverse and growing population.”“I want the public to have confidence their elected officials are claiming reasonable expenses directly related to their role in the service of the community.”Additional expenses being considered include a prestige vehicle for the Mayor to undertake civic duties and business class travel when representing the Council at state and national forums.

Legendary Choirboys lead singer and Beyond Blue Ambassador Mark Gable is sharing his experiences with mental health at Kincumber Library this week as part of Mental Health Awareness month.Mr Gable will be at Kincumber Library this Wednesday, 11 October, for an up close and intimate discussion on the impacts of depression and the importance of mental health.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the libraries are pleased to be welcoming such a Coast legend who is willing to open up about his struggles with mental health.“The personal and intimate setting for the evening will be a meaningful way to have a real and honest discussion about mental health,” Ms Vaughan said.“Kincumber Library is pleased to be hosting such an event, which will really connect the community here on the Coast to an issue that affects many people in many ways.”Choirboys lead singer Mark Gable said he had experienced depression through his career and talking openly about it leads to better understanding in the community.“I hope what I have to say will somehow help those who have experienced similar issues with mental health as me,” Mr Gable said.“It is not an easy road, but it can be made easier by the simple process of talking about it.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the announcement by Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, of $250,000 to help Clean4Shore continue their Central Coast waterways cleaning program.This program, which aims to protect, enhance, rehabilitate or restore ecosystems and natural habitats, control or eradicate weeds and invasive species and conserve biological diversity, has been successful in helping maintain the overall health of local waterways, including our lagoons, Brisbane Waters and the Lower Hawkesbury River.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was pleased with the announcement and welcomed the opportunity to continue its working relationship with Clean4Shore for the next three years.“Our environment is a unique and delicate biological infrastructure requiring ongoing care and maintenance to ensure it long term health and prosperity,” Mayor Smith said.“This program, with its focus on involving the community, including school students and local volunteers, not only helps deliver cleaner waterways but also provides ongoing education and training for locals invested in preserving our wonderful natural environment.”In addition to the program focus on preserving the coastal waterways habitats, Clean4Shore actively promotes and recognises the role of indigenous people in conserving biological diversity, promotes and encourages ecologically sustainable practices and facilitates adaptation to climate change.“Central Coast Council is committed to delivering a vibrant and sustainable community for all its residents and this funding announcement for the Clean4Shore program supports this vision,” Mayor Smith said.

Central Coast Council is bringing Australia’s only major film festival for kids to the Central Coast over two nights this October.Little Big Shots is Australia’s largest and longest running film festival with Australian made and International films, documentaries and animations made by kids for kids.The film festival will be held in Wyong on Saturday 14 October and in Gosford on 21 October.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said this is just one of the unique ways Council is working to activate open areas across the Central Coast.“We are always looking for new and exciting events to bring to the Central Coast, and Little Big Shots definitely ticks all the boxes,” Ms Vaughan said.“It’s great to have something this big come to the Central Coast and inspire any future filmmakers and entertain their young minds.“It’s going to be an awesome evening out with the family, so bring along your picnic rug, sit back and relax and enjoy the best local and international short films made by kids for kids.”The first Central Coast Kids Film Festival will be held from 4pm on Saturday 14 October on Chapman Lawn, Hely Street, Wyong and on Saturday 21 October, Kibble Park, Gosford – with each venue showcasing different films.The Kids Film Festival will be more than a series of short films, there will also be a number of free activities and live entertainment including puppet shows, face painting, juggling, giant Jenga, hoola hoops and a DJ – just to name a few.For more details visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or littlebigshots.com.au

Local students entering their first or second year of university are invited to apply for Central Coast Council’s 2018 scholarship program.The annual program provides an outstanding opportunity to combine study with paid employment with one of the Coast’s largest organisations.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was looking for bright, talented and enthusiastic students to be part of its scholarship program.“The program is designed to encourage participation in undergraduate studies by offering scholarship opportunities exclusively to our local students looking for a step up into their career,” Mayor Smith said.“Currently, the number of Central Coast residents with university qualifications sits at just 11% compared to 24% for Greater Sydney and 19% per cent across Australia.

Central Coast Council is advising against swimming at five Lakes’ beaches after testing has found elevated levels of bacteria in the water.Council discover the bacteria in Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Canton Beach, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park, following routine testing this week.Signs have been erected at each location, warning against swimming until further testing can be completed.The unusually long dry spell and increased bird activity particularly in the shallows at the moment, coupled with the fact that there has also been little wind in these areas, which would normally whip up wave movement and water churn, has resulted in a higher concentration.Given the Coast is not expecting to see any significant rain in the short term, residents and visitors alike need to be mindful of where they can swim.All coastal beaches have been tested and have been declared fine for swimming.Residents and visitors are advised to swim between the flags at one of the patrolled beaches.

Fifteen new Councillors were officially sworn in at a special ceremony held in the Wyong Chambers on Thursday 21 September.At the ceremony, hosted by the new Chief Executive Officer Brian Bell, each Councillor took an oath or gave an affirmation to undertake their civic duties in the best interests of the people of the Central Coast.An Extraordinary Meeting was held on Monday 25 September at which Councillor Jane Smith was elected as the very first Central Coast Council Mayor, and Councillor Chris Holstein as the first Deputy Mayor.The first Ordinary Council Meeting will be held on Monday 9 October at 6.30pm at the Wyong Chambers, and will be open to the public and livestreamed.The fifteen new Councillors will represent the entire Central Coast community over the next three years across the following five wards:

Central Coast Council is opening the doors to three of their leisure and recreation centres, at an open day this Saturday 30 September.Visitors to Lake Haven Recreation Centre will receive free gym entry to try select classes such as Ab Blast, Body Balance, Smash Fitness and Boot Camp.

Councillor Jane Smith has been elected as the first Mayor of Central Coast Council, with Councillor Chris Holstein as the Deputy Mayor.Mayor Smith, has lived on the Coast for over 28 years, and is a first time Councillor, elected from the Gosford East ward.Councillor Chris Holstein, former Gosford City Councillor and State Member for Gosford was elected Deputy Mayor.Mayor Smith said it was an honour to be elected as the first Mayor and she is looking forward to the council working together with the whole of the community and in the best interests of the Central Coast.“We will listen to the community and together we will deliver better roads, footpaths, drainage, recreational facilities and protect our waterways – this is our contract with the community,” Mayor Smith said.“The services and infrastructure Council deliver is an essential part of maintaining our fantastic way of life here on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“We need to find the right balance between delivering the infrastructure our growing community needs as well as protecting our quality of life and our local communities - I believe we are up for that challenge.

Nominations for the annual Central Coast Council 2018 Australia Day Awards are now open.The awards are open to anyone from across the Central Coast and spans seven categories designed to recognise locals who have shown outstanding dedication to their community, workplace, arts, culture or sport.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, is encouraging the community to get involved.“We all know someone who is at the local sports ground rain, hail or shine, or a leading local business entrepreneur, or volunteers in their local area;

Winners of the prestigious Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize have been announced, with ten talented artists from around Australia recognised.Now in its 18th year, a total of 519 entries were received from all over Australia, with 66 percent of entries from the Central Coast.The winners were selected from 161 finalists, with artworks to be displayed in the 2017 Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramics Prize exhibition held at Gosford Regional Gallery until 26 November 2017.Central Coast Council’s Connected Communities Group Leader, Julie Vaughan, has applauded all artists selected.“Congratulations to all the winners, as well as the finalists featuring in the exhibition.

Central Coast Council has a number free events planned at The Entrance next week to keep the children entertained in the school holidays.The Entrance Waterfront will come alive these school holidays with a range of fun free activities each day, from Monday 25 September – Friday 6 October.From 10am-1pm each weekday, there will be different activities to keep the little ones amused from giant bubbles to Lego, science shows to petting zoos, a roving magician and more.DreamWorks Trolls will be a highlight of the 10 day program on Thursday 28 September with a stage show in Memorial Park at 11am and 1pm, as well as an opportunity to meet and greet the Trolls at 12pm.But wait… there’s even more to do across the Coast these school holidays for kids of all ages.Council’s Youth Services also have an active and artistic program for the Coast’s young people, and Central Coast libraries will also play host to a range of exciting free activities.

The fifteen newly elected Central Coast Councillors will formally take an oath or give an affirmation to undertake their civic duties in the best interests of the people of the Central Coast at a special ceremony on Thursday 21 September 2017.The ceremony will be hosted by new CEO Mr Brian Bell and Administrator Ian Reynolds.

Central Coast Council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rob Noble, officially steps out of the position today, handing over the reins to new CEO Brian Bell.Mr Noble is leaving after two years as CEO at Wyong Shire Council and Central Coast Council to return to his business and home in Queensland.“I stayed longer than I originally intended as I wanted to lead the new Central Coast Council through the amalgamation process and support Administrator Ian Reynolds and our staff in creating a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast,” Mr Noble said.“I am taking with me a lot of fond memories of the Central Coast.

Beaches across the Central Coast will raise their red and yellow flags this Saturday 23 September 2017, to mark the official start of the beach patrol season.The flags will stand tall at 15 beaches across the Coast until Monday 30 April 2018.During non-peak holiday times (Saturday 23 September 2017 until Friday 15 December 2017 and Wednesday 31 January 2018 until Monday 30 April 2018) the hours of patrol across all beach locations are 9.00am to 5.00pm.During the summer peak holiday period, from Saturday 16 December 2017 until Tuesday 30 January 2018, all locations will operate from 9.00am to 6.00pm, with the exception of Terrigal, Avoca and Umina beaches, which will operate from 8.00am until 6.00pm.From Monday to Friday, professional Central Coast Council lifeguards patrol beaches across the coast, while on weekends and public holidays these locations are patrolled by Surf Life Saving volunteers.Central Coast Council’s Connected Communities Group Leader Julie Vaughan said Council and Surf Life Saving work together to keep our beaches safe over the summer beach season.“We have a dedicated team of volunteers and Council lifeguards that keep our beaches safe,” said Ms Vaughan.“Together they provide a search and rescue service for our coastal waters as well as emergency medical care when required.

Central Coast Council has launched Paint the Central Coast REaD, a national initiative that focuses on children’s literacy development in preparation for school.Council Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said a magical egg had been found in a dry creek bed by Council’s Environmental Education Officer and in order for it to grow and reveal a magical creature, children and their families need to read, sing, rhyme and talk to it.“Paint the Town REaD is a children’s program that encourages everyone in the community to read, talk, sing, yarn and rhyme with their children from birth so that they will be ready to learn to read and write by the time they get to school,” Ms Vaughan said.“This is an exciting initiative because it helps develop and advance the literacy skills of Central Coast children.

An Extraordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 25 September, 2017 to elect the first Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Central Coast Council.As required by law, the Mayor will be elected for a two-year term by a vote of the fifteen newly elected Councillors.The meeting will be held at the Wyong Office Council Chambers, 2 Hely Street Wyong, at 6.30pm and will be open to the public and live streamed via Council’s website.

Work to fix the intersection of Langford Drive and Woy Woy Road in Kariong will begin before the end of the year.Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks joined with Central Coast Council today (Monday 18 September) to make the announcement that funding of $1.775 million has been approved to allow Council to upgrade this notorious intersection.“The Coalition Government has always said we will deliver on this commitment to the Kariong community,” Mrs Wicks said.“After decades of frustration, today’s a fantastic outcome for the 3,000 local residents who signed our petition to address this intersection, that’s so close to a community centre, a childcare centre, school, tennis courts, homes and small businesses.“Residents and businesses in Kariong have made their views clear at many community listening posts, forums and on my Facebook page about the urgent need for a solution.

Central Coast Council will launch its popular Festival by the water at Gosford on Friday 15 September with a teaser of what visitors can expect at The Lakes Festival this year.The popular annual event is in its third year and will be even bigger and better in 2017, with more than 20 free events making a splash across the Central Coast from 10-19 November – including new event hubs at Gosford and Ettalong for the first time.Council Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said locals and visitors can expect to see an expanded program with new events this year including one at the Gosford Waterfront.“The Lakes Festival is just growing bigger each year and is now a true Coast-wide event,” Ms Vaughan said.“This year we have 26 events designed to activate, educate and celebrate our local waterways across 10 days at seven different locations – so there’s certainly something for everyone!”Some of the new events include Mov’In Bed Outdoor Cinema, movies under the stars in the comfort of a bed by lake;