Central Coast Council’s northern most residents are set to benefit from a $300,000 investment in new multi-purpose courts at Tunkuwallin Oval.The need for the new courts was identified in the Tunkuwallin draft Masterplan and will cater for basketball, netball and handball as well as an overflow carpark.Administrator Ian Reynolds who will officially open the court next week said the courts were the first of many new sporting facilities and other infrastructure planned to meet the needs of the Coast’s growing population.“Our population is expanding rapidly, particularly in the north and so too must the services and infrastructure we provide.“Recreational facilities are particularly important as we want our community to be strong, happy and healthy and these enhanced facilities will deliver that.“These new courts have been championed by all local sporting clubs, particularly the Summerland Point/Gwandalan Netball Club, who need these facilities to cater for their expanding membership base.“This is a great example of Council and interested local groups working together to deliver the facilities our community need, want and value.“I am looking forward to more of that to come in this new Central Coast Council.”Other sporting and recreational facilities to be finished soon include a new BMX track at San Remo, the regional skate place at Bateau Bay and the first stage of the Magenta Shared Pathway.

The push to bring the V8 Supercars to the Central Coast has stalled at the starters’ flag.Central Coast Council today announced it would not continue investigations into the opportunity following advice that disruption to traffic and freight would be too great and ratepayers would potentially be left with significant costs to host the event.Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said it was disappointing that the Coast would miss out on such an amazing opportunity but in the end the numbers simply did not stack up.“On paper this looks like a fabulous opportunity for the Coast,” Mr Noble said.“Then you drill down and realise we would have to close one of the main arterial roads on the Coast for more than four days.“I know residents would rather we spent the money on roads they actually drive on every day.“In the end it just didn’t stack up for us.”Mr Noble also expressed his gratitude to Destination NSW and the NSW Government for their desire to bring the opportunity to the Central Coast.“It demonstrates that the tourism potential of the Central Coast is recognised by Government,” Mr Noble said.“We know that discussions regarding other opportunities to grow the profile of the region will continue.”A priority for council is to support, develop and grow major events which are an important catalyst for economic development and offer positive experiences and economic contributions to local businesses and the wider community on the Central Coast.The Central Coast is well equipped to host events utilising the natural assets in the region as well as the wealth of existing infrastructure available.

In a huge coup for the Central Coast sporting scene, Niagara Park Stadium has been selected as the host venue for the 2016 Hockey NSW U13 and U15 Boys and Girls State Indoor Championships.The first of these major events will be held over two four-day periods in October (14-17) and November (4-7) this year.Council’s Team Leader at Niagara Park Stadium, Scott Attwood said the Championships offer a prime opportunity to showcase our region and will provide a significant boost to our local economy.“The Championships attract over 120 teams from across NSW, who will stay, eat and shop in the region during the four day events,” said Mr.

Central Coast Council is putting its support behind National Desexing Month this July and encouraging local pet owners to get their pets desexed to help prevent unwanted litters this spring.Council’s Section Manager Ranger Services, Ms Rennae Projceski, said there are a multitude of reasons to get your pet desexed.“Not only does it limit the number of abandoned and unwanted litters of puppies and kittens it can also drastically improve your pets behaviour and quality of life,” Ms Projceski said.“They are also less likely to stray looking for a mate and mark their territory, reducing the risk of becoming involved in fights, acquiring diseases, being hit by a vehicle and injuring native wildlife.“Furthermore, it decreases aggressive tendencies toward people and other animals and the development of certain types of cancers, meaning they tend to live longer and happier lives.“Another massive benefit to desexing your pet is the reduced lifetime registration cost, which lessons the fee by $140 or more.“Registration is a one off fee, so even if there are ownership changes or you move interstate and return, the pet is still registered in NSW.”All dogs and cats over the age of six months are required by law to be registered and must be microchipped either before sale, change of ownership or by 12 weeks of age, whichever occurs first.“Many pet owners aren’t aware, but they also risk a fine of up to $275 if their pet is not microchipped and registered or their details aren’t up-to-date,” Ms Projceski added.“Ensuring your pet is microchipped and registered with the correct details really is the best way to ensure they are returned to you if they are lost or escape.”As part of National Desexing Month some vets are offering reduced rates - interested pet owners, who want to know if their vet is involved should go to www.ndn.org.au/national-desexing-month.html

Central Coast Council libraries are calling all aspiring writers to get involved in this year’s annual Short Story Competition, one of the most anticipated library events on the calendar.Now in its fifth year, the competition offers an incredible opportunity for local writers of all ages to have their creative efforts recognised and published.Council’s Section Manager of Library Services, Ms Andreas Edwards, said this year will be the first time the competition has been expanded to all Central Coast residents.“I am absolutely thrilled we are extending this fantastic opportunity to our all of our region’s residents, following the formation of the new council,” Ms Edwards said.“We have so much amazing talent in our own backyard and love we are able to provide this chance for our creative literary community to shine.“The calibre of entrants gets better each year and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us this year.”Entries for the 2016 Short Story Competition will be accepted from Monday 11 July until 5pm Friday 5 August.Stories can be up to 1500 words and there will be four categories this year;

The Red-eared Slider Turtle may seem like a great idea for a pet, but it is considered a pest – one of the world’s worst invasive species – and one has been caught on the Central Coast.Central Coast Council’s Waterways Operations Team made the discovery yesterday during their routine water quality monitoring in a wetland at Hamlyn Terrace.Council’s Waterways Operations Supervisor, Mr Matthew Barnett, said the team is always on the lookout for pest species in our waterways.“My team was testing the water for nutrients and completing other water quality diagnostics when they saw a turtle basking in shallow water on the fringe of the constructed wetland,” Mr Barnett said.“On closer inspection they saw it was a Red-eared Slider by the red distinctive marks on either side of its head.“We are always on the lookout for pests in our waterways such as European Carp, Mallard Duck and Mosquito Fish as part of our monitoring, so that’s why we spotted the turtle.“Constructed wetlands are the natural filters of the catchment area and assist in cleansing the water before it enters Tuggerah Lakes or our natural wetlands, such as the unique Porters Creek wetland.“We use the results of the water quality testing to assist with analysis of the catchment areas to make sure there are no detrimental impacts on our local environment.“We also monitor the wetlands to make sure pests and weeds, such as this turtle, do not make their way further into our environment.”“We often come across species in our wetlands that have been released as unwanted pets or garden plants.

An independent facilitator will hold public meetings next month to review the potential reclassification of 12 land parcels flagged for possible sale by the former Gosford City Council.The potential reclassification of any parcels identified as community land must involve a rigorous, fully informed and transparent community consultation process.At the public meetings community members can speak for or against any individual land reclassification.

Former councillors given advisory role to council Eighteen former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councillors have been appointed to a Local Representation Committee.The State Government strongly recommended the establishment of the committee to provide former Councillors, committed to the success of the new council, with an opportunity to continue to serve their communities until the elections in September 2017.The Local Representation Committee will not exercise any decision making function of the Central Coast Council, nor will its recommendations bind council – it will be there to provide important local advice only.The purpose of the committee is to:Advise on communications and engagement with the communityProvide advice on the vision and priorities of the Central Coast CouncilProvide assistance, as determined by the Administrator, to engage communities and partners in planning for the new Central Coast CouncilDue to the strong interest from former councillors, the Administrator has resolved to break the committee up into three Working Groups.A chair and five members will be appointed to each Working Group, which have been divided up into three key areas for optimal benefit to Council – Environment Working Group;

Central Coast Council has restored part of the Budgewoi Lake foreshore in direct response to community concerns about local erosion.Buff Point residents approached council about the severe erosion problem over the nearby popular shared pathway.Central Coast Council’s Manager Waterways and Assets, Peter Ham, said because foreshore works were already identified in the Tuggerah Lakes Management Plan, council and the community were able to come together quickly to deliver a great outcome.“The area at Buff Point was severely eroded, with trees and a large section of foreshore lost over the past few years,” Mr Ham said.“To address this, our staff reshaped and graded the foreshore and installed a stabilising rock wall to stop any further erosion.“More than 195 tonnes of rock and sandstone were used in the works to ensure long term stability of the area.“The regrading of the foreshore area also improved the access for pedestrians and ensures the nearby shared pathway will not be undermined by continuing erosion.“The Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan identifies stabilisation of the foreshore as a key priority, so the works were able to proceed quickly.”The restoration project also provided great professional development opportunity for one of Councils up and coming interns, Rohit Selvaraj, who was given responsibility for the management of the project.“A project such as this one, with a short planning and implementation timeframe, gives our internship students a great opportunity to experience what it’s like to work on projects that make a difference in the real world,” Mr Ham added.“In this example, the project was completed ahead of time and under budget, showing the next generation of engineers what can be done with efficient planning and great team work.“It’s exciting to be able to provide these opportunities to students and help them to develop the skills needed to work for our community in the future.”

July is the creative literary community’s time to shine and have their talents rewarded.Central Coast Council’s annual Short Story Competition is almost here, and to assist any passionate writers out there, free writing workshops will be held for each division.Council’s Section Manager of Library Services, Ms Andreas Edwards, urged anyone who has ever thought about entering to come along and get some handy hints and tips.“These free workshops will help inspire and encourage any budding writers across the Coast develop their story,” Ms Edwards said.“The workshops will be run by Gareth Beal, a published local freelance author and teacher of Creative Writing at Central Coast Community College.“Seats are very limited so make sure you book your spot today and don’t risk missing out on this rare and sought after opportunity for free expert advice.”The free short story writing workshops run for an hour 40 minutes and will be held on Monday 4 July at the Erina Centre (meeting room 3) or Tuesday 5 July at Tuggerah Library.For both locations, session times are;· Junior (5-8 years) at 9am· Children (9-12 years) at 11am· Youth (13-17 years) at 1pm· Adult (18+) at 3pmBookings are essential.

Central Coast Council is offering a variety of family friendly activities right across the region these holidays, the highlight of which will be a purpose-built outdoor ice rink in Gosford’s Kibble Park from 8-16 July.Suitable for the young and young at heart, the 19m x 12m rink will be open from 10am to 8pm daily, with 45 minute skating sessions starting every hour.

Chilling winter weather can make it a little more difficult to find affordable school holiday activities, but once again Central Coast Libraries will be hosting a variety of cosy events.Not only will young children and students be engaged with the massive range of events on offer, parents will equally love the strong education focus, helping to make learning fun.Council’s Group Leader Customer and Community Relationships, Ms Judy Jaeger, said the diverse and entertaining program brings back some old favourites plus plenty of the latest innovative activities.“Learning new creative skills really encompasses what our program is all about these school holidays,” Ms Jaeger said.“Our drawing workshops are always popular, so these holidays we’re hosting a number of sessions across the Coast.“Primary school students who prefer more hands-on activities will jump at the opportunity to get their hands dirty with our Dinosaurs Paleontological Excavation Workshop.“We’ll also be hosting a Bricks4Kidz session where students can build with gears, axles and electric motors, and a Forensic Science Half Day session that includes identifying hairs, fingerprints and fibres as well as investigating blood, bones and DNA.“Due to its success in April we’ve also brought back Game Training Roadshow, offering students in school years 4-12, the incredible opportunity to create their own video games.“If you can’t get your kids away from the screen why not use it to their advantage to learn code, as well as receive a free Getting Started Kit valued at $250.“The youngsters haven’t been forgotten with various Storytime sessions, helping to develop the value of reading from a young age.”A host of winter themed events and activities will also be run at various library branches to complement the outdoor ice rink in Gosford’s Kibble Park allowing young people to get crafty at making snow globes, knitted items, snow art, no-sew beanies or marshmallow snowmen.Bookings are essential for all events and must be confirmed with payment (if required) 48 hours before the scheduled event, excluding Game Training Roadshow which should be paid directly to the provider on the day.

Council aligns housing controls to encourage development in northern growth areas Council has amended the Wyong Development Control Plan (DCP) to include Warnervale Town Centre DCP and align housing controls in key growth areas in the north of the Coast.A review was undertaken of the site specific development controls that applied to dwellings in Gwandalan, Warnervale Town Centre and Hamlyn Terrace to ascertain the best planning controls to use.The review found the Housing Code and Dwelling Houses and Ancillary Structures already in the DCP provided all the controls needed and would be used as the benchmark going forward.Administrator Reynolds said:

Central Coast Council has welcomed Federal Labor’s promise to deliver a Commonwealth Institute of Higher Education in Gosford if elected.Labor has promised to work with council, the University of Newcastle and Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council to deliver a 800 student place campus with a funding injection of  $30 million.Administrator Ian Reynolds said with the region’s predicted population of 415,000 residents by 2031, more educational and employment opportunities were definitely needed for the Coast.“This Federal Election has certainly shone a spotlight on the challenges facing our great region and presented a number of alternatives to address them,” Mr Reynolds said.“We need to invest in the future of our region.

NAIDOC Week, 3-10 July, marks a significant event for Indigenous Australians, celebrating their history, culture and achievements.Central Coast Council will kick off NAIDOC celebrations on the Coast with its annual Flag Raising Ceremony and morning tea on Monday 4 July from 10am at the Wyong office.This year’s theme is ‘Songlines:

Central Coast Council met with representatives from Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council today to discuss the Land Council’s projects on the Central Coast.The meeting comes on the eve of NAIDOC Week and recognises the importance of the Land Council to the future of the Central Coast.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he welcomed the opportunity to meet with such a key landholder on the Coast so early in the life of the new council.“Darkinjung have a number of projects in the pipeline in support of Indigenous people on the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“The projects are also aimed at supporting the need in our community for housing and other facilities to meet the needs of our growing population.“I look forward to working with them in a cooperative manner as they progress their planning program.”Darkinjung’s, Chairperson Ms Tina West and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sean Gordon, said as the largest private land owner in the region the relationship between Darkinjung and the newly formed Central Coast Council is significant in terms future planning and development for the Aboriginal community socially, culturally and economically.

As part of Central Coast Council’s Little Coast Kids commitment to provide dedicated childcare educators, three new trainees started work earlier this month.The trainees were selected through an innovative recruitment process in partnership with Training Services NSW and TAFE Ourimbah, delivering career opportunities for the local community.Council’s Section Manager Care and Education, Mrs Beth Burgess, said the selection of trainees helps ensure the provision of the best childcare possible.“Ten candidates went through four weeks of training provided by TAFE, which also included eight days of work experience at one of Council’s four Little Coast Kids Centres,” Mrs Burgess said.“This process allows us to get an idea of each applicant’s level of commitment and see how well they interact with the children and other staff.“Rather than selecting trainees solely through an interview process this method assists us to select the most suited and enthusiastic applicants for the positions allowing us to continue to provide superior care within the industry.”Council’s Organisational Development Partner, Mrs Linda Sutton, said the successful partnership between Council, Training Services NSW and TAFE Ourimbah has helped deliver local job opportunities.“Thanks to funding received through Training NSW we have been able to create entry level positions to help our community get a leg up in the very competitive job market on the Central Coast,” Mrs Sutton said.“This process also improves job prospects for the unsuccessful candidates who went through the selection process as all candidates now possess a four week statement of attainment in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.“TAFE Ourimbah will now continue to provide high quality training to the successful candidates through the remainder of the Diploma.”The successful applicants, Amanda Bailey, Stephanie Fisher, Rebecca McGuire-Read, will be placed at either the Wyong or Kanwal Little Coast Kids Centres. 

Central Coast Council has welcomed the significant investment in the local road network in the NSW State Government’s budget to improve community connectedness and well-being.The Baird Government delivered a $125 million roads funding windfall with a number of number of notable inclusions to benefit Central Coast residents including:$25 million for the Wyong Road Intersection upgrade$20 million for Ourimbah Street, Lisarow to Glen Road, Ourimbah$12 million for the upgrade of Mingara Drive to Tumbi Road$1.5 million to continue planning the upgrade of the intersection of Empire Bay Drive and Scenic Road and Cochrane Street, Kincumber$500,000 to plan a future upgrade to Terrigal Drive between Chetwynd Road and Duffy’s Road$400,000 design of traffic lights on Terrigal Drive and Tarragal Glen Avenue, Erina ( current roundabout at Erina Fair/McDonalds), to improve local connections and support active transport$500,000 drainage upgrade on Central Coast Highway at WamberalCouncil’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said council was pleased with this important cash injection into the Coast’s road network, confirming the region’s significance in the eyes of the State Government.“The number one issue raised with me since I came here as Administrator is roads – our community want better roads to connect their homes and jobs and improve their access to the great recreational opportunities the Coast offers" Mr Reynolds said.“Council plans to deliver over $120 million in roads projects next financial year and it is heartening to see the State Government is willing to match this spend to deliver better roads for our community.“The investment in Wyong Road will be particularly welcome as local residents and workers will know only too well.”Administrator Reynolds confirmed the commitment of $133 million to continue the $348 million redevelopment of Gosford Hospital is particularly welcome news as improved health services were needed to meet the needs of the region’s growing population.“I understand this investment is the single biggest investment in the budget for any hospital in the State,” Mr Reynolds said.“This clearly shows how important our growing region is to the State Government and highlights the value to the community of the recent merger.“331,000 residents can now demand services with one voice and the State Government is listening.“An equal commitment to the redevelopment of Wyong Hospital is also needed and council will continue to push for this infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the community in the north of the Coast.”

Central Coast Council has secured over $800,000 from the Australian Government to tackle road safety issues at seven notorious black spots.Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester approved the funding under the 2016/2017 Black Spot Programme for road safety projects in Somersby, Wyoming, Lisarow, Gosford, Patonga, Narara and Avoca Beach.Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds said the support from the Australian Government for these important works was very pleasing.“With this much needed funding now signed and sealed, we’re keen to get on with delivering these vital safety improvements so that the benefits are passed on to road users as soon as possible,” Mr Reynolds said.“Improving the road surface and installing new safety barriers and signage at these black spots will make sure motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are safer when they’re out and about on the Coast’s local roads.“I would especially like to thank the Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester for delivering this funding, as well as NSW Roads and Maritime Services for supporting these black spot nominations.”The latest approved projects for the Central Coast are:$55,000 to install a safety barrier and signage on Debenham Road (west of Kowara Road) at Somersby$35,000 to upgrade the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Cary Street at Wyoming$207,000 to install a safety barrier and improve the road surface and signage on The Ridgeway (east of Bishendens Road) at Lisarow$95,000 to improve the road surface and signage on Mann Street (near Gertrude Street) in Gosford$185,000 to improve the road surface and signage on Patonga Drive (south of Karool Road) in Patonga$77,000 to improve the road surface and signage on Mangrove Road (south of the Pacific Motorway) at Narara$163,000 to install a safety barrier on Avoca Drive (west of The Round Drive) in Avoca Beach

Central Coast Council was the first of the 19 new NSW councils visited by Local Government Minister, the Hon Paul Toole MP, today.Minister Toole met with Administrator Ian Reynolds, CEO Rob Noble and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and 35 Central Coast Council staff this morning to see first-hand how the new council was going and to present a cheque for $20 million to fund community infrastructure and help with merger costs.Administrator Reynolds said the funding was welcome news for staff and the community who had come together quickly to embrace the new council.”The Minister experienced the enthusiasm staff have for the new council, most of them live on the Central Coast and want to see this area thrive and prosper.“That is also the word on the street – everyone I have spoken to has embraced the change as they see it will mean bigger and better things for the Central Coast.”Minister Toole echoed the Administrator’s comments and said the Central Coast Council is shaping up to be an amalgamation success story and a credit to staff who had been working together for months beforehand to make it happen.“I got to see for myself this morning the enthusiasm of staff and respect for the new administration and I am impressed.“I was at a Chamber of Commerce dinner last night and they had nothing but praise for the way the new Council has hit the ground running.“We wanted mergers to lead to stronger communities and deliver better services and infrastructure for residents.“The new Central Coast Council is well on the way to achieving these goals.”Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it was a truly exciting time for everyone on the Central Coast especially the staff at the new Central Coast Council.“I congratulate the staff for working so collaboratively in the lead up to the creation of our new regional council,” Mr Crouch said.“They have a truly exciting opportunity ahead to deliver for our entire community, and from what I have seen they are more than up to the task.“I believe it speaks volumes that the first visit by Local Government Minister Paul Toole to a new council in NSW was to the Central Coast Council.”