2016 SeaFM Discovered Grand FinalSome of the Central Coast’s most talented young performers will hit this stage this Friday for the grand final of SeaFM Discovered.Hosted by The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue, the final will feature 12 artists aged 11-24 years, performing two songs as they contend to become the 2016 discovery.Winners from this year’s competition will share in over $5,000 of Macron Music Money as well as gain access to a range of development opportunities from Digital Wagon, Resovoir Records and The Music Cellar Studios.The series offers professional development opportunities for young people and the chance for emerging vocalists and singer/songwriters to showcase their talent.SeaFM Discovered is presented by Central Coast Council Youth Services, and The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue.Professional development partners include:

Central Coast Council is investigating the attack on trees at The Entrance and is calling on the community to help identify the phantom poisoner.Tuckeroos on the corner of Victoria Avenue and The Entrance Road as well as down to Marine Parade have been tampered with.Council’s Asset and Project Coordinator, Mr Steve Ashton, was shocked when he discovered two of the trees appeared to be dying on a recent inspection of the area.“It’s a shame someone is destroying these trees as they really do add to the character of The Entrance,” Mr Ashton said.“The trees not only add to the amenity of the area, but they also provide a valuable source of shade for pedestrians, especially leading in to summer.“The Entrance is one of the popular tourist destinations on the Central Coast and a senseless act like this destroys it for everyone.“Council believes these trees have been deliberately poisoned and is calling on anyone with any information to make contact as soon as possible.“We want to catch the perpetrator before they do it again to ensure this beautiful part of our Coast can be protected for the enjoyment of all.”Council is carrying out its own investigation including reviewing CCTV footage and taking samples from in and around the trees to find the cause.More trees at a popular reserve in Norah Head have also been poisoned following an attack earlier this year.Mazlin Reserve is a popular spot for families situated along the cliff top at Norah Head.Council’s Section Manager Open Space and Recreation, Mr Keith Ollier, said it’s frustrating as the vegetation in the reserve plays an important role.“Not only does it provide shade for the users of the park, it also helps provides habitat to native birds and animals, reduces salt laden winds and helps to stabilise the cliff area – making it safe for everyone,” Mr Ollier said.Council is also continuing to work with the NSW EPA on the recent spate of bird poisonings at Woongarrah and Budgewoi and is reminding the community to remain vigilant.Anyone with any information should report it to Council on 4350 5555.

Central Coast Council is urging the community to have a direct say on how to spend $9 million allocated under the NSW State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund for local community infrastructure projects.The Stronger Communities Fund was a key funding commitment by the NSW State Government to merging Councils.  The Fund is designed to fast track the delivery of priority infrastructure and services for local communities such as upgraded community facilities, improved roads and car parks or new sporting or learning facilities.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this funding has been provided due to the amalgamation and Council wants the community to have a direct say in where the money should be spent.“This is a real win for the entire Central Coast community,” Mr Reynolds said.“These funds are additional to Council’s existing operational budget – so it means we can get on with some projects that we know the community want.Council have identified 30 new projects that could be considered under the Fund.

Over 200 property owners in Empire Bay, Bensville and Kincumber South are breathing a sigh of relief as they say goodbye to their on-site sewage management systems, thanks to Central Coast Council’s Cockle Bay Towns Sewerage Project.This $11 million project has been in the pipeline since the 1990’s, when unsewered areas in the Cockle Bay catchment were deemed high priority for improved sewerage services, due to the sensitivity of local waterways and ecology, and potential public health risks posed by unsustainable on-site sewage systems.Council’s Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling said Cockle Bay residents have finally achieved their pipe dream.“Connection to the sewer has been sought by residents in the area for a while now, and we’re pleased to say it has arrived,” Mr Dowling said.“The delivery of this sewerage scheme has been well received by the community.

‘The drain is just for the rain’The winners of the 2016 School Environment Awards for the former Gosford Local Government Area (LGA) were announced today at a ceremony at Laycock Street Community Theatre.Taking out the top honours for their work around the theme ‘the drain is just for the rain,’ was Chertsey Primary School (School of the Year – Large Schools) and Holgate Public School (School of the Year – Small Schools).

Santa will be stopping by Kibble Park, Gosford tonight and the jolly man in red will be a special guest at Central Coast Council’s annual lighting of the Christmas tree.An entertaining schedule of events is planned for the young and young at heart.At 5.30pm, Gosford Library will be holding a Christmas story time on the grass with bean bags and Linga Long chairs for listeners to sit back and relax.From 6.15pm, there will be a range of entertainment and performances for the whole family including interactive Christmas skits and dance acts.Santa will be spreading some festive cheer and will assist with turning on the Christmas tree lights at 8pm.Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic rug and chairs.Visitors can also enjoy a free sausage sizzle thanks to Liberty Church’s Random Acts of Kindness program.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

With summer just around the corner, it’s a great time to look for new ways to stay healthy and active, and enjoy the beautiful environment we live in.

Central Coast Council was up against more than 150 Councils across Australia in this year’s Garage Sale Trail and has taken out the national Outstanding Achievement Award.Council would like to thank the Central Coast community for their support contributing to this year’s amazing success.

Council increases tourism marketing fundingCouncil is looking to increase its direct funding for tourism marketing for the Central Coast and will seek to engage an organisation to deliver on a three year regional strategy.See Separate Media ReleaseCouncil laying the groundwork for a Central Coast Local Environmental PlanWork is now underway to prepare one consolidated Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to guide future development across the Central Coast.Currently there are four planning instruments applying to the Central Coast, each with different planning controls.  The Wyong Local Environmental  Plan 2013 is the local planning instrument for the north and the Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014, Gosford Interim Development Order and Gosford Planning Scheme apply in the southern areas.

Central Coast Council is looking to increase its direct funding for tourism marketing for the Central Coast and will seek to engage an organisation to deliver on a three year regional strategy.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that the timing was right for Council to examine its approach to tourism.“Destination NSW’s new regional tourism model and the projected population growth expected on the Central Coast has changed the tourism landscape.

Did you know Australia generates more than 140,000 tonnes of electronic waste per year?Most of this e-waste ends up in landfill, when at least 90 per cent of the materials used to create these items can be recovered and reused.To help residents recycle these items, Central Coast Council will be holding a free e-waste collection weekend at the Gosford Showground on Saturday 26 November and Sunday 27 November 2016.Open between 9am and 4pm on both days, the event is open to everyone – with commercial quantities also accepted.The drop off day targets every day household items such as televisions, computers, DVD players and other items people find difficult to dispose of in an environmentally friendly way.Items that will be accepted as part of the e-waste drop off include:Computers, monitors, notebooks, printers, fax machines, scanners, CD drives, hard drives, keyboards, mice and printer cartridges;Televisions, VCR players, DVD players, projectors;Electronic games/toys, stereos, cameras, video cameras, iPods and MP3 players;

Central Coast Council is ensuring the Central Coast’s most vulnerable road users put road safety first with the release of a 2017 Safer Seniors Calendar.Developed in consultation with local seniors to help raise road safety awareness, as part of the Local Government Road Safety Program, the calendar is an initiative of Central Coast Council, Cessnock City Council, MidCoast Council, Maitland City Council and Port Stephens Council.Each month features tips and information to address local road safety issues, including new bicycle laws, tips for low risk driving, how to be a safe pedestrian, alternative transport options, registering vehicles and older driver licensing.Council’s Administrator, Ian Reynolds, said the initiative puts the spotlight on all aspects of road safety.“While seniors are some of the most experienced drivers on our roads, they are also the most vulnerable if they are involved in an accident,” said Mr Reynolds.Statistics show that between 2011 and 2015, seniors aged 60 and above accounted for more than 2,400 of casualties on Central Coast and Hunter roads.Residents can pick up their free 2017 Safer Seniors Calendar from Central Coast Council’s Customer Service Centres, Libraries, and Council’s 50+ Leisure and Learning Centres and Senior Citizens Centres.

Central Coast Council has drafted new planning controls to promote development to revitalise the Gosford CBD and create a living city.The amendments to the Gosford Development Control Plan (GDCP) will provide opportunities for growth of the commercial centre of the CBD while ensuring that Kibble Park remains an attractive sunny space for the community to enjoy.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Gosford as Central Coast Council’s annual lighting of the Christmas tree takes place in Kibble Park on Thursday 24 November.The festivities will commence at 5.30pm, with Gosford Library holding a Christmas story time on the grass with comfortable bean bags and Linga Longa chairs available for listeners to relax and enjoy.From 6.15pm, there will be plenty of entertainment for the whole family, including performances by Discovered and The Hub Erina Youth Centre, as well as interactive Christmas skits and dance acts.Santa will be stopping by to spread some festive cheer, and anyone feeling creative can try their skills at making a festive hat that is sure to be a hit on Christmas day.Council Administrator, Ian Reynolds, said the event is a Central Coast tradition that brings the community together to celebrate a special time of the year.“Lighting the Christmas tree in Kibble Park is a tradition that Council has proudly held for many years,” said Mr Reynolds.“The community is invited to join us for the free festivities from 5.30pm, with the lighting of the tree at 8pm.“Liberty Church will be holding a free sausage sizzle, as part of their Random Acts of Kindness program.“Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic rug and chairs and enjoy the evening.

Laycock Street Community Theatre has announced its much anticipated 2017 season at a VIP launch last night, unveiling the national productions and professional theatre on offer to Central Coast audiences in the year ahead.Council’s Section Manager Arts & Culture, Chris King says the sparkling new season is designed to connect audiences with live theatre in a meaningful and exhilarating way.“The 2017 season brings together acclaimed touring productions, household names and quality children’s theatre, to engage and provoke audiences of all ages, backgrounds and inclinations,” said Mr King.“From trailblazing Bell Shakespeare’s uncompromising production of Merchant of Venice, to twisted tales of drama and gothic horror when Dracula swoops the region, contrasted to the beauty and intrigue of Melbourne City Ballet’s interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to the comedy genius of Shirley Valentine and the glitz and glamour of Prada’s Priscillas — our 2017 season offers something for everyone.“Laycock is also delighted to applaud Gosford Musical Society’s productions for 2017 which include Broadway favourites Evita and Chicago, and for younger patrons Peter Pan and Bring it On.“Substantial theatre member discounts are being offered for all season and Gosford Musical Society shows.

Central Coast Council will reveal preliminary plans for Scenic Highway Terrigal at a public meeting to be held in the coming weeks.Immediately following the tragic accident that claimed the life of Annabelle Deall in early August, Council inspected the site and started a detailed review of the road.The draft plans, which include improved pedestrian facilities and roadworks designed to slow down traffic, were shown to Federal Member for Robertson, Mrs Lucy Wicks, in late August so she could begin the process to secure federal government black spot funding.Council’s CEO Mr Rob Noble said Council understands and is empathetic to community concerns and is working on designing a plan for this area.“This was a terrible, terrible tragedy, and my heart goes out to Annabelle’s family,“ Mr Noble said.“We have been refining the initial plans and are now in a position to share them with the local community, who have been galvanised by this tragedy.“Driver education and pedestrian awareness remains a key component of reducing fatalities of pedestrians and drivers alike on our roads.  We will continue to partner with the NSW Police in their endeavours to achieve a zero road toll across NSW.”Council will secure the services of an independent facilitator to run a public meeting near the site, possibly at the Cowrie restaurant itself, before the end of the year with details to be revealed shortly.

If you can’t stand the heat in your kitchen this summer, why not get out to eat in one of the Central Coast’s many great restaurants.As the festive season kicks into gear, restaurants across the Central Coast are preparing for a busy period and restauranteur and chef Alessandro Cigola of Osteria A Mano is no exception.“The great thing for Central Coast residents is that there are so many good restaurants across the Coast now, and there is a real variety of places to go,” Alessandro said.A proud participant in the This is the life marketing campaign promoting the Central Coast, Alessandro loves living and raising his young family in our beautiful Central Coast region.“With my one year old son, we love going to the beach and enjoying the bushland areas in our leisure time,” Mr Cigola said.  “It is a really beautiful area, and also close to everything we need.”“There’s a growing sophistication in food on the Central Coast.

Last week, the Somersby Water Treatment Plant was the final location to turn solar power on as part of Council’s solar energy project.Since October 2015, over 1,700 solar panels (totalling 455kW in capacity) have been installed across several Council facilities including the Erina Depot, Peninsula Leisure Centre, Central Coast Stadium, Niagara Park Sports Stadium, Gosford Regional Gallery, Laycock Street Community Theatre and the Somersby Water Treatment Plant.Administrator, Ian Reynolds said the development is part of Council’s Climate Change Mitigation Strategy.“Our analysis showed that it’s more cost effective for Council to install solar systems at these locations than to purchase electricity solely from the grid,” said Mr Reynolds.“We were able to generate greater value from the project by using the solar electricity on site to offset high daytime peak and shoulder rates.”The $910,000 project, which received $360,000 in funding under the Renewable Energy Target, will reduce electricity costs at each of the project sites by approximately 10 percent - saving ratepayers more than $65,000 a year.It also generates about 620MWh of renewable energy per annum, saving 520 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (equivalent to the electricity consumed by nearly 100 local homes).“We hope the cost savings and benefits obtained by switching to solar will inspire local businesses and residents to follow in our footsteps,” he said.

Residents in Point Frederick, East Gosford, North Gosford and Springfield can expect cleaner water as Central Coast Council undertakes ice pigging works over a three week period from Thursday 1 December 2016.Council’s Coordinator Water and Sewer Civil Works, Joe Weston, said that the works are an important part of Council’s water mains cleaning program to prevent discoloured water.“Ice pigging involves pumping a thick slurry of ice through the water mains to clean off any sediment and other particles that may build up over time and discolour our water,” said Mr Weston.“It’s a fairly new procedure that Council helped bring into Australia and is very effective as well as environmentally friendly.“During the ice pigging process residents may experience temporary decreases in water pressure and interruptions to their water supply.

With the recent fires raging not so far from the Central Coast, now is the time to make sure we are all fully prepared for the bushfire season officially underway.Council, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Fire and Rescue NSW have a range of tools and documents to help you Prepare, Act, Survive.