As the end of 2022 approaches, I’d like to reflect on the year that has been.

The Central Coast will again be buzzing this summer, with high numbers of both locals and visitors enjoying the beaches, waterways and outdoors spaces, not to mention the fabulous array of restaurants, summer entertainment and facilities across the Coast.While this is the time for many to kick back and relax to enjoy time with family and friends – it is also the time to remember some key safety messages, ensuring you, your loved ones and the wider community remain safe.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said Coast Summer Safety is all about helping our community understand some key risks and providing simple steps to help keep everyone safe when out and about. “Council’s ‘Coast Summer Safety’ campaign will primarily be delivered via a targeted digital campaign in December, January and February and highlights messaging that’s relevant to this year’s season.

Central Coast Council is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Director of Corporate Services, Marissa Racomelara.Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer said Ms Racomelara brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role with over 14 years’ experience working in local government.“During her executive roles with local government, Ms Racomelara has gained vast experience in strategic planning, operational leadership, financial discipline and recovery, crisis management and working within corporate services,” Mr Farmer said.“Ms Racomelara’s work across local government in regional and city areas gives her a unique ability to understand the day-to-day needs and aspirations of different communities and groups.“I am confident that Marissa will add great value to the upward trajectory already being achieved by Council, and further help strengthen our commitment to continue to improve our operations and service delivery to the community.”ENDS

Council has released its 2022 Key Enabling Projects Prospectus – a document which outlines the key future capital works projects for the Coast, from infrastructure upgrades through to community sport facilities. The Prospectus identifies 12 key projects that will benefit the community for generations to come, and provides transparency about the organisation’s short- to medium-term capital works priorities.The 12 identified projects include:Gosford Waterfront revitalisationRoad renewalTuggerawong shared pathwayEsplanade boardwalk – The EntranceLake Munmorah recreation facilityColongra sporting complexWisemans Ferry Road upgradeWarnervale business precinctCentral Coast AirportTuggerah Lakes Estuary managementSewage treatment plant augmentation – GwandalanSewage treatment plant augmentation – Bateau BayWhile the prospectus contains an infrastructure wish-list that will benefit the entire Central Coast community, it’s important Council puts in place plans to ensure that areas of population growth will get the benefits they need.

Central Coast Council’s Annual Report 2021-2022 has been released, providing a comprehensive account of Council’s performance from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.Despite significant challenges presented during the 12-month period, including the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, La Niña wet weather conditions and Council’s financial situation, Council was able to achieve some significant outcomes.Highlights for 2021-22 include:Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022 (CCLEP 2022) and Central Coast Development Control Plan 2022 (CCDCP 2022) finalised, providing a uniform set of planning controls for the entire Central CoastPreparation and endorsement of the Central Coast Water Security PlanECO Destination Certification for the Central Coast, recognised by Ecotourism Australia (we are one of the first regions in the country to be recognised!) A full calendar of community events and activities even through COVID-19 restrictions, including Chromefest, the Harvest Festival, Taste of Toukley, Senior Week, Youth Week and many moreCompletion of the hallmark Woy Woy Town Centre WharfDelivery of essential and community infrastructure across the region, including play spaces, road upgrades, shared pathways and moreHere’s some of the achievements in numbers: 16,088,970 kerbside bin collections34,255 tonnes of household recyclables diverted from landfill59,294 tonnes of garden organics and biosolids diverted from landfill2,148 Active Kid and First Lap vouchers redeemed (valued at $214,800)722,821 attendances across Council’s six leisure centres and pools2,560 group fitness classes and 720 aqua fitness classes delivered3,283 building certification inspections undertaken488 new lots released2,883 development applications lodged24,086 community hall bookings19,748 open space and reserve bookings205 community leases managed85,668 potholes filled280 kilometres of road grading completed2.47 kilometres of drainage infrastructure constructedAnd much more, read on here:

The Central Coast will host the Rolling Sets Festival on Saturday 10 December 2022 at Memorial Park, The Entrance.

Social Spaces is back with six months of rolling family friendly events and activations starting this Thursday 1 December 2022.

The Central Coast launches into the festive season on Thursday 1 December, with a fantastic array of Christmas offerings - designed to bring the community together and spread joy across the region.The much-loved Christmas tree and wreath installations return, as do sparkling decorations, all of which will be on display across Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Toukley.A series of seasonal events and activities will be available for the public to enjoy, including DIY Christmas photos, Christmas carols and other live entertainment, and of course, an opportunity to post a letter to Santa!The festivities kick off on Thursday 1 December running until Saturday 24 December across the four town centres.Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said individual businesses are also getting into the Christmas spirit across the four town centres with a trail of Christmas window displays.“For the first time businesses located in Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Toukley are taking part in the festivities with a Christmas Window Display Competition,” Ms Smith said.“Visitors and residents are encouraged to plan a ‘window display’ trail and vote for their favourite via a QR code for a chance to win a $250 gift card.“Voting opens 1 December and closes 19 December 2022 with the winners announced 21 December 2022.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Christmas activations will provide support and a boost for local businesses.“Christmas on the Coast activities will bring festive joy to our community and I encourage locals and visitors to spend time enjoying and supporting the businesses in and around our town centres,” Mr Hart said.Christmas calendar of events:Thursday 1 – 19 December - Across the four town centresChristmas Window Display CompetitionFreeSaturday 3 December – Alison Road, WyongWyong Community Christmas Carols and firework displayPresented by Community Bank Wyong5pm – 9pmFreeSaturday 3 December – The Village Green, ToukleyTinsel Time in ToukleyPresented by Together 4 Toukley and Toukley Neighbourhood Centre5pm – 9pmFreeSaturday 3 – 12 December – The Village Green, ToukleyChristmas photos and post a letter to SantaRefer to the program for timesFreeWednesday 7 and Sunday 11 December – The Village Green, ToukleyLive Entertainment – Carollers11am – 12pmFreeSaturday 24 December – Kibble Park, GosfordChristmas Eve Community CarolsPresented by Gosford Uniting Church and Gosford City Brass Band6.30pm – 9pmFreeSaturday 24 December – Memorial Park, The EntranceChristmas Eve Carols in the ParkPresented by JC Entertainment6pm – 9pmFreeTo find out more about Christmas on the Coast and other festive activities taking place this December, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/christmasonthecoastENDS

The Lakes Festival returned in full swing this month with over 20,000 people attending events surrounding our region’s waterways across the 10-day program.Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said Council delivered its biggest ever program of events for this festival, with over 30 individual events presented across the Central Coast.“The Lakes Festival is one our region’s biggest and most exciting events, with this year’s festival injecting $3,472,290 into our local economy," Mr Cannard said.“The Light Up The Lake event alone attracted an estimated 8000 attendees, which is an increase of 2000 since the event last ran in 2019.“This is a great feat and something that all Council staff and local businesses who were involved in the event should be proud of given the festival has been cancelled for the past two year’s due to the pandemic.

Central Coast Council is once again working with community leaders, to raise awareness and educate the community to help end family and domestic abuse. The Central Coast has the second-highest number of domestic violence incidences in NSW* and is overrepresented in breaches of apprehended violence orders.

Central Coast Council have identified twelve regional projects of significance that could benefit from funding over the next three to five years.The 2022 Key Enabling Projects Prospectus tabled at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting outlines the overall vision and details of projects ranging from infrastructure upgrades through to community sport facilities that will benefit the Coast’s residents for generations to come.With a State Election due in March 2023, this document will be a driving force to help Council advocate for projects that need to secure additional funds. It will also allow the community to learn more about these projects and how much funding is required to make them a reality.Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Key Enabling Projects Prospectus is an important milestone for Council that will allow improved visibility of the organisation’s short to mid-term capital works priorities. “I am particularly delighted that staff have been able to identify priority areas for investment in the northern areas of the Central Coast,” said Mr Hart.“While the prospectus does contain an infrastructure wish-list that will benefit the entire community, it is important that we put in place plans to ensure that areas of population growth will get the benefits they need. “Council will use this prospectus to advocate for projects that we feel will help our community,” he concluded.Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia Central Coast John Mouland is a key supporter of Council’s strategy.“The Central Coast is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.

Central Coast Council has announced Pacific Link Housing Limited as its partner in the first stage of Council’s Affordable Housing Land Proposal program.  This program is a key initiative from Council’s ground-breaking Central Coast Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy which was adopted by Council in 2019.The announcement of Pacific Link Housing, the only locally based Tier One Community Housing Provider, as the preferred partner, follows an Expression of Interest process.  Pacific Link Housing will now work with Council on the design and delivery of an affordable housing development on the identified site at Ashton Avenue, The Entrance.Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Strategy is a comprehensive plan addressing initiatives across the housing continuum, from homelessness through to home ownership, providing pathways for a range of households, from very low through to moderate incomes.He said the Strategy is structured around three strategic themes:Affordable Housing PartnershipsPlanning Mechanisms and Strategies to Increase the Supply of Affordable and Lower Cost HousingPrevention and Intervention to Reduce Homelessness“Affordable housing comprises various types of housing in both the private and public sector.

Central Coast Council has released its latest Annual Report, which provides a comprehensive account of Council’s performance from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.Administrator Rik Hart said the achievements were a credit to the staff who have delivered high quality services to the community while the organisation faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, La Niña wet weather conditions and the Council’s financial situation.“The last 12 months have seen Central Coast Council transition from “fixing the financial problem” to building long term financial sustainability.

Council is on track to pay down some debt earlier than planned as it continues to reinforce long term financial sustainability.Council CEO David Farmer said the organisation’s financial performance was currently exceeding planned forecasts.“Our strong financial performance means that we can allocate surpluses to pay down some debt earlier than originally forecast and set aside funds for future needs, while we continue to prudently manage other financial challenges such as rising costs due to inflation,” Mr Farmer said.At last night’s Council Meeting, the Council adopted an updated Restricted Funds Policy to include two new internal restrictions, Emergency Loan Repayment and Future Projects Reserve, and also approved the allocation of funds to these.Funds of $50M have been allocated to Emergency Loan Repayment and will be used to pay down a portion of the emergency loans in December 2023.  This is when Council will refinance the balance of the second emergency loan which will have an outstanding balance of $82.6M in December 2023.  Council secured $150M in emergency loans in late 2020 to reimburse restricted funds unlawfully accessed.

I am delighted to announce Pacific Link Housing as Council’s partner in the first stage of its Affordable Housing Land Proposal program. This Council program is a key initiative from the Central Coast Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy, and is a truly ground-breaking initiative which directly addresses the critical need for housing here on the Central Coast. A site at Ashton Avenue, The Entrance will be provided to Pacific Link Housing to provide a mix of affordable housing for the Central Coast community – approximately 40-50 homes – filling a desperate need as the Coast struggles with an affordable housing crisis. Council’s Strategy provides a comprehensive plan addressing initiatives across the housing continuum, from homelessness through to home ownership, providing pathways for a range of households from very low through to moderate incomes. As Pacific Link Housing’s Chairman, Wal Edgell, has said, the proposed development will benefit all of community, from both a social and economic perspective, and provide secure housing to those in greatest need in our community.I am extremely proud of Council’s resolve in tackling the issue of housing on the Central Coast, and with this announcement, we’re walking the talk.

The Central Coast is once again being recognised as a leading New South Wales destination, with the exciting announcement that Central Coast Council – Destination Central Coast taking home Silver in the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards held on 17 November at Luna Park, Sydney.This highly respected Silver Award is the second consecutive win for Council’s Marketing and Tourism team in the Local Government Award for Tourism category, with Council taking out Bronze in that same category in the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards.Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the successful win acknowledges some major milestone achievements this year for Council’s in-house team.“In 2022 we have achieved Australian ECO Destination Certification as well as Outstanding Region in this year's delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards, and global Top 100 List status two years running.“The Silver Local Government Award for Tourism celebrates the outstanding innovation and resilience of our region's tourism industry, and the progressive steps Council is taking to continually develop and strengthen the Central Coast’s visitor economy.”Presented by NSW Tourism Industry Council and powered by Business NSW, the annual NSW Tourism Awards recognises businesses who exemplify quality tourism, with excellence, leadership and innovation awarded across 25 categories.Other local Central Coast tourism operators were also successful in their respective categories including the Australian Reptile Park at Somersby and NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort at Umina both winning a Silver Award at the ceremony.Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures also won the Ground Swell 2022 Commendation Award presented by Take 3 for the Sea, for their significant contributions to visitor litter reduction and environmental stewardship.“Council congratulates these local businesses for their exceptional commitment to delivering visitors and guests a high-quality tourism experience, and as a result achieving this level of recognition.”Council Administrator Rik Hart said these latest wins in the NSW Tourism Awards add to the Central Coast’s growing list of accolades.“Silver Award status highlights the important role Council's staff play in driving the region's visitor economy, tourism industry capability and positive reputation forward, and their commitment and collaboration throughout 2021 and 2022 to achieve state level recognition.“As we come to the end of 2022, all of us at Council are looking forward to continuing to deliver the best tourism services and experiences to our community and visitors alike in 2023 – including going for Gold at next year’s industry awards!”Mr Hart added that with Council proudly taking home the Silver Local Government Award for Tourism 2022, this now adds to the previous finalist and awards achieved in just two years of rebranding the destination, including:NSW Tourism Awards 2021 Bronze Winner, Local Government Award for TourismGreen Destinations Top 100 List finalist in 2021 & 2022Finalist in NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2021 & 2022‘Outstanding Region’ in 2022 delicious.

Central Coast Council now has a new phone number – 02 4306 7900, which is replacing the previous 1300 number.Council’s CEO, David Farmer, said the change is part of Council’s customer experience improvement program and includes a key customer service technology makeover.“We partnered with the NSW Department of Customer Service’s Government Technology Platforms (GTP) group to deliver better-quality customer service technology,” Mr Farmer said.“This was set in motion by one of our staff who investigated if we could partner with the NSW Department of Customer Service to help provide a call centre solution.“Instead of just changing our phone number, Council staff took it a step further and upgraded the entire customer service technology to improve the customer experience;

The Gosford waterfront revitalisation concept plan has entered its second month of consultation with several thousand people so far contributing their thoughts and opinions on the design through Central Coast Council’s engagement program.Community consultation opened on 18 October and already the message from the community is clear:

The Little Terns have arrived at The Entrance North to begin nesting and Central Coast Council wants to remind everyone on how they can help protect the endangered species during this critical time.Little Terns migrate from South-east Asia to Australia each year and are protected under both State and Federal threatened species legislation.

This week, Council unveiled one of its most significant projects recently undertaken: