Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Gosford Art Prize, with $28,000 in prize money awarded to artists from across the Central Coast and beyond.This year 133 finalist artworks were selected for exhibition by a panel who aimed to include a variety of styles, content and techniques.

Get ready to once again enjoy American classic cars, vintage glamour and the sound of rock ‘n’ roll as the Central Coast Council’s annual ChromeFest returns in-person to The Entrance, October 21 to 23!After two years of being online due to the pandemic, excitement is building from car enthusiasts across Australia, local businesses and the community in general as the three-day tribute to hot-rods and everything 1950s and 60s event takes shape.Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said festival attendees can once again bask in the beauty of hundreds of show cars on display.“When you combine classic chrome with rock ‘n’ roll, vintage glamour and the beauty of The Entrance, you have quite a weekend on your hands,” Mr Cannard said.“Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, you won’t be able to resist lining the streets to watch the classic cars cruise through The Entrance.Mr Cannard said registrations are now open for eligible cars to be part of the spectacular, and encourages bookings for accommodation for participating car owners, general car enthusiasts and visitors to the Central Coast, to be made early.“In the past the ChromeFest weekend has attracted over 50,000 visitors, so planning ahead is important.“We invite locals and visitors to partake in a fun weekend that offers something for everyone – Show N’ Shine, vintage glamour fashion parade, retro market stalls, three outdoor stages with live entertainment, The Entrance Hotel Hub, roving entertainment, live caricature drawings, a walk down memory lane, paint and chrome workshops, the new speciality car zone plus more!Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said ChromeFest has become one of the Central Coast’s most successful events.“Not only does ChromeFest inject a great deal of money into our local economy –over $14 million in 2019 – it reintroduces tourists to The Entrance and surrounds, which has so much to offer!“ChromeFest has always been a huge and very successful event, and given that due to the pandemic, car enthusiasts have had to cool their heels by attending ‘on-line’ for the last two years – we expect this year’s ‘in-person’ event to bigger than ever.”ChromeFest 2022 highlights include:iconic car displaysretro market stallsthree outdoor stages boasting undercover dancefloors and live entertainmentvintage glamour fashion paradeNSW Pin Up Pageant Grand finalKittens & Chrome one on one hair and make upPaint N Chromesoaking up the atmosphere of this nostalgic event at outstanding cafes, restaurants and bars throughout The Entrance.ChromeFest is a free three-day event – Friday 21 October to Sunday 23 October – held at The Entrance and presented by Central Coast Council, with support from a range of sponsors.Road closures will be in place during the event.

The Central Coast’s reputation as a gourmet foodie destination continues to grow with the Central Coast named ‘Outstanding Region’ in this year's delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards. The Award announced on 18 August, is the latest in a string of achievements by Central Coast Council and the Destination Central Coast team that are elevating the region nationally and globally as a world-class destination to live, work and play. Spokesperson for Destination Central Coast and Council Director, Melanie Smith said it was thrilling that the work the team has been doing to support and grow the visitor economy is being recognised at such high levels, particularly in the food, wine and gourmet experiences sector. “In a relatively short period of time since bringing the function of tourism marketing and management in-house in July 2020, Council has developed a powerful Destination Central Coast brand that has united our industry, elevated our tourism offering and is turning heads. “This latest accolade puts the spotlight on our brilliant producers, restaurateurs and our foodie industry, which the team have been focusing on growing and developing. “From research we knew that food and gourmet experiences was the second biggest reason for travel and yet the traveller perception for the Central Coast was that our food and wine offerings were ‘stuck in the 70s’ with 0 percent of survey respondents believing they could have a quality food experience in region. “We knew this wasn’t a true reflection of the Central Coast industry, considering we had several Hatted restaurants and many casual dining options that wouldn’t be out of place in Surry Hills.

To raise awareness about the experiences of people with invisible disabilities, Council has joined the ‘Think Outside the Chair’ movement;

Council has joined the ‘Think Outside the Chair’ movement with a pilot awareness campaign to challenge community perceptions and change attitudes and behaviours towards people with invisible disabilities (also known as hidden disabilities).Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Mel Smith said invisible disabilities may not be immediately apparent.

 Council has received a $935,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund to build a new community hall at Norah Head, with preliminary plans now available to view and open for community consultation. Plans to build a new multi-use hall were outlined in the Masterplan for Norah Head Village 2017, followed by extensive community consultation in 2019.

Central Coast Council is seeking expressions of interest from local businesses interested in hiring a 20ft pop-up bar container at various locations across the Coast throughout the 2022-23 financial year.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Mel Smith said hiring the bar container provides local businesses the opportunity to help enhance visitation to the region’s Town Centres and offer renewed chances for communities to unite. “We are thrilled to be facilitating the Coast’s incredible line up of businesses creating new, pop-up experiences for communities across the region,” Ms Smith said.“Local businesses can now apply to have the pop-up container delivered to an approved location of their choice and can enjoy the convenience of a highly-equipped pop-up bar with flexible options to hire for up to three months at an affordable cost.“With the impacts of floods and intense rain this year, we’re looking forward to seeing local businesses present their communities with new opportunities to get out and renew social connections while experiencing the vibrancy our stunning Central Coast landscape has to offer.“We encourage interested local businesses to submit their big ideas before Wednesday 31 August and help encourage visitation to our region and town centres.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said local eateries and businesses can have confidence that Council is keen to continue prioritising opportunities which connect them to Central Coast communities. “This initiative aims to shine a light on the spectacular mix of businesses and venues that call the Central Coast home, and I look forward to seeing the impact this has on town centres and communities across the region,” Mr Hart said. “This is a chance for businesses to express their interest in offering residents and visitors a new, pop-up experience and to get involved in delivering engaging spaces that boost the local economy, and further contribute to the overall ambiance of our Central Coast community."Local businesses interested in hiring the equipped pop-up bar container throughout the 2022-23 financial year can complete an Expression of Interest online by 5pm Wednesday 31 August 2022.

Gosford Waterfront has long been identified as having significant potential as a regional attractor and key public open space.

Central Coast Council has partnered with an array of local artists, venues and organisations to host the first ever Central Coast Music Festival when it takes centre stage at Gosford in September with an array of live music and workshops, culminating with a major concert.The Central Coast Music Festival will debut on Saturday 10 September and deliver a live music festival unlike any other event in the region.

Council has completed the bulk of upgrades to amenities at the iconic, heritage-listed Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, with further upgrades scheduled to take place over the coming months.The changerooms and public toilets have received a refresh, while a new parents room has been installed.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the upgrade has helped refresh the facilities and comply with accessibility standards.“The Grant McBride Baths is a much-loved local spot which provides a space for locals and visitors to get active outdoors while connecting with other members of the community,” Ms Smith said.“These upgrades provide a refresh of the existing facilities and improve accessibility to the changeroom and public toilets, making them available for use to the whole community.”Further works at Grant McBride Baths are planned to occur later this year, including a replacement of the roof and eaves of the hall adjacent to the baths, the connection of hot water to the hall and one shower in each of the male and female changerooms and replacement of safety fencing.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said investing in this historical venue provides value for the Central Coast community.“The iconic Grant McBride Baths are positioned along the pristine coastline at The Entrance and has long been a popular swimming spot for locals and visitors to the Central Coast,” Mr Hart said.“First constructed in 1938, these ocean pools are rich with local history and make up an important part of the social fabric of The Entrance.”The ocean pools are free to use and open year-round (subject to maintenance and cleaning) and supervised with various patrolled hours throughout the season.For more information search ‘Grant McBride Baths’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or read the FAQs here.ENDS

Central Coast Council, Resilience NSW, Service NSW, and other agencies will remain on ground at recovery assistance points (recovery hubs) to offer face-to-face recovery support and access to information and services for flood-affected Central Coast residents.Recovery assistance points remain open at The Entrance, San Remo, Chittaway and Wyong from Monday 8 August.

Council has reached a significant milestone with the consolidated Central Coast Local Environment Plan and Central Coast Development Plan finalised and in effect from 1 August 2022.  The Central Coast Local Environment Plan is the primary legal planning document for guiding land use and planning decisions made by Council.

Central Coast Council is seeking expressions of interest from local businesses, community groups, and organisations to become an event partner of the 2023 Harvest Festival - one of the largest and most successful events on the Central Coast.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Mel Smith said Harvest Festival grows in popularity each year and attracts thousands of people to our region’s hinterland from near and far.“Harvest Festival celebrates the Central Coast’s picturesque and fertile hinterland across the June long weekend, with a focus on farm, friends, food and fun.

Community groups and not-for profit organisations can apply for up to $30,000 out of a total pool of $40,000 for community projects in Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park as part of a joint initiative between Central Coast Council and Delta Coal from 1 August to 31 August 2022.Council’s Community Partnerships Unit Manager, Glenn Cannard said the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program aims to support not-for-profit community organisations to deliver projects that improve community infrastructure and services in Chain Valley Bay and surrounding suburbs.“Since 2017 the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program has provided funding to a range of local groups and organisations to improve and enhance the local community,” Mr Cannard said.

Flood-affected residents on the Central Coast continue to recover following the recent weather and flooding event.Council would like to remind local impacted residents of the support available to assist them during their recovery.

Central Coast Council congratulates the management and board at The Art House for winning both the Excellence in Large Business and Wyong Business of Year Award at the Wyong Business (Chamber of Commerce) 2022 Annual Business Awards event recently – providing recognition of the high quality of programs and services delivered and valuable contribution this arts and cultural hub delivers for our community. The Art House Executive Director, Anne-Marie Heath said it is an honour to receive these awards for excellence from the local business community.“Our team is very proud and grateful to receive Business Wyong’s Excellence in Large Business Award, but most of all we were completely surprised and excited to have also received the main award of Business of the Year!” Ms Heath said.“It is very rewarding that The Art House is recognised for its service to the community as an arts organisation but as also for our business operations.“These awards are reflective of the wonderful Art House staff and their contribution and commitment in ensuring the Art House is shining in every moment, and the great support of the Board.”Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart said The Art House is an exciting performing arts centre which brings world-class performances to local audiences and attracts visitors to our region.“The success of The Art House creates a ripple effect of economic benefits for our community with the provision of local jobs, which leads to more local business spending, and support to surrounding hospitality businesses from audiences that come from near and far,” Mr Hart said. “The management and staff of The Art House provide excellence in service and programming that matches the architectural distinction of the venue, and I’m delighted for the team on their well-deserved wins.”The Art House is owned by Council and managed by an independent not-for-profit entity with an independent board of directors.

The consolidated Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022 (CCLEP 2022) and Central Coast Development Control Plan 2022 (CCDCP 2022) have come into effect today, 1 August 2022. The consolidated CCLEP and CCDCP provide a consistent planning framework for the region, which leads to greater efficiencies in preparing and assessing development applications - benefiting the Central Coast community, investors and Council staff.

In recognition of the challenges residents with flood impacted properties on the Central Coast are facing, Council is offering an extra two months (with no accrued interest) to pay their first 2022/23 rate instalment.Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the deferral is being offered to residents with properties listed under the SES rapid damage assessment.“We anticipate this offer will benefit around 1000 property owners on the Central Coast who have been directly impacted by the recent floods in July 2022," Mr Hart said.“It has been an extremely challenging time for many on the Coast, particularly for those who the SES has recognised as having significant damage to their properties.

A silver lining to the recent heavy rainfall received on the Central Coast has meant that our dam levels have reached a record breaking high – with the Upper Mooney Dam and Mangrove Creek Dam at full capacity and Mardi Dam at 83.2%.

Council’s Asset Sales Program exceeds target, reaching $62 million in sales Council has reached a key milestone in its Asset Sales Program with the sale of two parcels of land at Doyalson and Bateau Bay, increasing total land asset sales to over $62 million.The land at Doyalson consisting of four lots sold for a combined $5.5 million (excluding GST), which matched the independent valuation price, while the land at Bateau Bay sold for $1.83 million (excluding GST), which exceeded the independent valuation price by $1.28 million. Council Administrator, Rik Hart said these sales exceed the targets in Council’s Financial Recovery Plan and help bolster Council’s financial sustainability into the future. “The sale of underperforming land assets, or assets which are surplus to current or future needs, has been a foundational pillar of Council’s financial recovery and strengthens Council’s financial sustainability into the future,” Mr Hart said.“Council has undertaken due diligence in all sales, including the review of sites against Council resolutions and historical records, abiding by all legislative requirements, and conducting extensive community consultation to ensure the community has had the chance to be part of the decision-making process.“The purchasers of these land assets are bound by all zoning and usage requirements, including any applicable environmental zoning. “Council remains committed to being transparent with the community throughout its Asset Sales Program, and I encourage people to review the in-depth information on Council’s website.”The following land has been sold and will be removed from Council’s land register:A) 200 Thompson Vale Road, Doyalson (Lot 762 DP 746526)    740 Thompson Vale Road, Doyalson (Lot 78 DP 755245)    740 Thompson Vale Road, Doyalson (Lot 32 DP 586913)    1550 Thompson Vale Road, Doyalson (Lot 31 DP 586913)B) 10A Cynthia Street, Bateau Bay (Lot 17 DP 262327)For more information about the Asset Sales Program including detailed frequently asked questions (FAQs), search ‘Financial Recovery Plan’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au. Community feedback sought on draft Flying of Flags policy and Street Banner Poles policy and guidelines for community useCouncil is seeking feedback on the Draft Flying of Flags Policy, Draft Street Banner Policy, and Draft Street Banner Guidelines, which will be placed on public exhibition online at yourvoiceourcoast.com between 27 July and 23 August 2022.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said these draft policies were developed in response to community interest and we are now encouraging further feedback from the whole community during the public exhibition period.“Council proudly flies the Australian Flag and has a firm commitment to ensuring our national flag flies continually and appropriately while complying with the State and Federal Government protocols, and in accordance with the Australian Flags Booklet publication of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Premiers Department of New South Wales publication ‘Flags and Emblems of NSW’.