Report shows Council has been awarded more than $72million in fundingAs of February 2019, Council has submitted 101 grant funding applications and been awarded more than $72million in funding across 60 projects – according to a Council report detailing all current and future grant submissions.Mayor Jane Smith said that Council has proactively been applying for grant funding since the two councils merged, and will continue to do so.

The Coast community won’t have to travel far to get a glimpse of the rarely seen, behind-the-scenes process that has gone into making some of Japan’s most influential animated science fiction films, with a unique exhibition soon to be held right here on our doorstep.‘Anime Architecture’ impressed audiences in London and Berlin, with Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery and The Japan Foundation Sydney being the only two venues in Australia to showcase the exhibition.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture Tim Braham said because studios only look at the final product as the crucial work, the creative process that goes on behind-the-scenes is something rarely seen to audiences outside the studio.“Anime Architecture is an amazing exhibition that reveals some of the intricate creative processes behind Japan’s most influential animated science fiction films,” Mr Braham said.“The exhibition features intricately drawn cityscapes, hand-drawn backdrops and showcases a rarely seen selection of location photographs, concept sketches and full colour background illustrations.“The works of well-known Japanese animators Hiromasa Ogura, Takashi Watabe, Haruhiko Higami, Mamoru Oshii and Atsushi Takeuchi, who worked during the peak of hand-drawn animation, also feature in the exhibition.“It is truly exciting that we have been able to secure this very different exhibition for the community which offers an insight into the fascinating process before digital animation became mainstream.”Anime Architecture will run at Gosford Regional Gallery from 30 March until 19 May.Anime Architecture is presented in association with Les Jardins des Pilotes.

Gosford Regional Gallery has made it even easier for school-aged kids on the Central Coast to engage their imagination, learn and get creative.Run by Central Coast Council, the Gallery has joined the Creative Kids Program, which entitles a free $100 voucher to spend on creative activities.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture Tim Braham said it is important to continue creating opportunities for the Central Coast community to engage in art history, learning and education.“The Creative Kids Program is an initiative of the NSW Government and Gosford Regional Gallery has registered to be part of it, making it easier for school-aged kids on the Central Coast to get involved in creative and cultural activities,” Mr Braham said.“Parents, guardians and carers can claim a free $100 voucher per calendar year which can be used at the Gallery on any of our term art classes and we encourage the community to make the most of this great opportunity.”Council Mayor Jane Smith said by registering to be part of this program, Council is continuing to foster creative arts on the Central Coast.“Art plays an important role in our lives, in our personal development and in bringing people together,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is committed to providing outstanding quality and cultural experiences through the programs and exhibitions on offer at Gosford Regional Gallery and we will continue to look for valuable opportunities like this that encourage the creative, intellectual and emotional development of children and benefit the community.”The Creative Kids Program runs year-round and the voucher can be used at any time during the calendar year it is issued.

Central Coast Council has started a major upgrade of the Sewer Pump Station located in Woodland Parkway Reserve in Buff Point alongside the construction of new infrastructure to remove excess floating weed known as ‘wrack’. Council Director Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said it was exciting to combine an upgrade of important sewerage infrastructure with works to expand Council’s important wrack harvesting program. “We are investing $527,000 to upgrade our Sewer Pump Station located in Buff Point to ensure its ongoing reliability and performance,” Ms Nel said. “This is one of several Sewer Pump Station and Sewage Treatment Plant projects we are rolling out across the Central Coast. “Over the next four years we are also investing $11million in a region-wide sewerage infrastructure upgrade program. “Our Sewer Pump Station upgrade at Buff Point will be delivered without any interruption to regular sewerage services,” Ms Nel said.

Central Coast Council has welcomed today’s announcement by Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch confirming a $1,347,500 grant from the NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund for a regional inclusive play space to be built at Sun Valley Reserve, Green Point.Council will invest just over $400,000 to the $1.666million project to deliver an upgrade to the existing amenities, basketball court and carpark, and the construction of a safe, functional, inclusive regional play space consisting of play equipment, park furniture, drinking fountain, pathways, landscaping and fencing.Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to delivering enhanced recreational opportunities for its community and this funding would ensure a regional play space in an area of high need.“We know Coast families love their local playgrounds and this partnership with the State Government will now provide a regional play space and recreational area that this growing area of the Coast can enjoy,”“The Central Coast is home to a diverse and growing community and we are committed to ensuring we provide the services and facilities they need to thrive.“This is the community’s space and I encourage residents to have their say as this project comes to life.”Council will now move forward with the project and provide opportunities for the community to have their say through engagement activities to guide the development of this new space.This announcement also included confirmation of $55,000 funding to Council for equipment and facility improvements at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre.

Central Coast Council is looking to the community for feedback on the implementation of phase 1 of the Norah Head Village Centre Masterplan (the Masterplan), with a drop-in information session being held 28 February and interactive online map live until 21 March 2019.The Masterplan is a long-term 10 to 15 year plan for the future of Norah Head that provides a framework to address relevant community and environmental planning issues within the Village Centre.The plan aims to retain Norah Head’s distinct character of the area through the village centre, whilst improving links to surrounding unique natural features and open space areas, and enhancing social interaction through placement and improvements to public facilities and infrastructure.As part of Phase 1 of the Masterplan, concept drawings for parking improvements and pedestrian links between the village centre and Mazlin Reserve have been completed and are now open for feedback along with the design of Mazlin Reserve upgrade.Other planned works from Phase 1 of the Masterplan, which will commence in the coming months, include a three metre shared pathway on the eastern side of Bungary Road between Victoria Street and Maitland Drive, street plantings, parking improvements and a new amenities block in Mazlin Reserve.Works are underway on the stage one project to construct a footpath on the western side of Bungary Road between Victoria Street and Maitland Drive.Norah Head Masterplan drop-in session:Thursday 28 February, from 2pm until 6pmNorah Head Community Hall.For more information, and to provide your input via the interactive online map go to yourvoiceourcoast.com/norah-head-master-plan, up until 21 March 2019.

Council on track to meet increase in demand for housingCentral Coast Council has announced that it is tracking well to meet the annual housing target, following a report which highlights the number of development applications processed during October to December 2018.Mayor Jane Smith said that demand for housing on the Central Coast is increasing as the region continues to grow.“Council is committed to assessing development applications in a timely manner, and are tracking well against future housing projections outlined in the Central Coast Regional Plan developed in 2016,” said Mayor Smith.“During the October to December 2018 Quarter, Council approved 862 applications out of the 873 received, which included the creation of 197 additional residential lots and 576 dwellings.“Council approvals are an indicator of the demand for housing on the Central Coast, which is projected to increase by 2075 additional homes per year.”According to the Central Coast Regional Plan, the Central Coast is expected to increase by approximately 75,500 people by 2036, and will require 41,500 new homes.Since 2016, Council has approved 8,355 additional dwellings.Council’s Operational Plan on track and delivering for the communityCouncil’s delivery program is tracking well according to the quarterly report presented to Council tonight.The Quarter 2 business report details Council’s performance against the 2018-19 Operational Plan for the year to 31 December 2018.At the end of Q2, Council’s overall progress has tracked well.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to roll up their sleeves and help protect the region’s diverse natural environment by getting involved in the 30th annual Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 3 March.Volunteers are needed to become site supervisors and assist with sites across the Coast, from public bushland and parks to foreshore and coastal areas.Council Mayor Jane Smith said this national event is the lasting legacy of the late Ian Kieran and is a great opportunity to join with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to help Keep the Coast Clean.“Clean Up Australia Day started as a simple idea and turned into an annual reminder to think about how we can all work together to reduce litter,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place, and this is a chance for the community to come together and help keep it that way.“I would encourage everyone to get involved to help protect our local waterways, valleys and habitats of native animals and plants from plastics and pollution.”Over the last 29 years, volunteers have donated more than 33 million hours, at over 178,000 locations across the country, together removing the equivalent of 350 thousand ute-loads of rubbish.Council Mayor Jane Smith added that reducing and preventing litter as well as strengthening the community’s positive environmental behaviours were key objectives under the Green theme of the Community Strategic Plan.“Even though most people do the right thing by placing rubbish in the bins provided, litter continues to be an issue that Council cannot tackle alone,” Mayor Smith said.“Clean Up Australia Day acts as a reminder to think about how we can all work together to reduce waste in the home and our impact on the environment every day.“Staff have implemented some incredible initiatives to help residents eliminate daily plastic waste by providing keep cups to local cafes and reusable produce bags to local fruit and vegetable suppliers to give to their customers for free.“Thanks to a $36,000 NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Litter Grant, Council has distributed 2500 reusable litter bags, installed roadside signs reminding motorists how to report littering from vehicles and installed 19 dash cams in Ranger vehicles, increasing motorists chances of being caught littering.“Council also provides free e-waste recycling, drop off points for the recycling of batteries, light globes and mobile phones as well as twice yearly Chemical CleanOut events, with the next one scheduled for 2 and 3 March at our Long Jetty Depot.”To register a site or sign up as a volunteer this Clean Up Australia Day visit cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or call 1800 CUA DAY (282 329).ENDS

Central Coast Council is inviting the local community to check out the recently upgraded Lake Haven Recreation Centre during an open day on Saturday 2 March. The whole family is welcome to try out any of the programs and facilities the centre has to offer for free including indoor sports courts, fitness classes, fully equipped gym, outdoor courts and the climbing wall.

The very best food, music and art from around the world will be celebrated by close to 4,000 people on the Central Coast next month at Flavours by the Sea 2019.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the free community event, which will be held on Saturday 16 March 3.30-8.30pm at Memorial Park, The Entrance, truly highlights and celebrates the diverse culture of the Central Coast.“Flavours by the Sea is a popular event that brings our community together to celebrate our differences,” Mr Cannard said.“This year, a relaxed dining area will be set up with a number of different food trucks forming a festive flavour alley including Mexican, Vietnamese, Asian, South American and specialty desserts.“Free mandala colouring activities will be available and there will be live music and entertainment featuring Yolngu artist Gawurra Gaykamangu, who is known for his masterful performances that powerfully express the culture and music of the small communities of the Northern Territory.”Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith said Flavours by the Sea also celebrates Harmony Day and the theme of ‘everyone belongs’.“Our very own vision for the Central Coast, developed through our Community Strategic Plan, reflects the values and aspirations of Harmony Day as we create a smart, liveable region with a shared sense of belonging and responsibility,” Mayor Smith said.“Our growing diversity, community spirit and great natural environment makes our region a great place to live and I encourage everyone to come together to celebrate that this Harmony Day.”To make this event more inclusive and accessible for everyone in the community, the ‘Including You’ accessibility tent will be set up.

Central Coast Council is looking for individuals who have a head for business and a heart for the community to be part of its upcoming Social Enterprise Launch Pad program.The program will support entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organisations as they explore sustainable business concepts which have a positive social impact within the community.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the free Social Enterprise Launch Pad program will appeal to multiple audiences.“There are two groups which are perfectly suited to develop social enterprises – not-for-profit organisations and small businesses,” Ms Vaughan said.“Not-for-profits are encouraged to look at sustainable business models that can provide alternative income streams, while creating employment and educational opportunities for the community they serve.“Likewise, small business owners who have a strong social conscience can shape their service and develop new approaches which can have a positive social impact in their community.”Examples of successful social enterprises include not-for-profit organisations which provide supported employment for ventures such as cafes or upcycling donated goods, to education initiatives and programs with a positive environmental impact.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was committed to supporting new social enterprises on the Coast because of the economic advantages they would bring but also because of the social benefit to the broader Central Coast community.“Building a successful social enterprise not only positively impacts the group it is designed to serve, but also contributes to our economic growth by creating local jobs on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.The Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program will kick off on 27 March, with a series of seven steps which support entities to shape their ideas to be ‘launch’ ready.

Central Coast Council was alerted to a burst water main at Hillcrest Road, Empire Bay at approximately 3pm on Monday 18 February 2019.Customers across Empire Bay and Davistown were impacted by the break as it was a large main servicing both suburbs.

Council approves West Street Umina shop top housing developmentCouncil has approved a development application for a shop top housing development in West Street Umina comprising two shops, 20 residential units and car parking.No.

The Central Coast Series skate, scooter and BMX competition is back for another year, with the total prize pool doubling this year, to more than $10,000!Central Coast Council will host three heats across three different venues where young riders can enter in one or all competitions for a chance to claim the Central Coast Series Champion title.Rather than competing in a final, this year’s Champion and division winners will be determined by an accumulative tally across all three heats.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the competition for riders aged 5-24 has grown in popularity each year.“Originally, the Series was held during Youth Week to activate our skate parks and now it’s held across the Coast over three months, giving more opportunities to our young riders,” Ms Vaughan said.“As the competition grows, so does the prize money and the number of competitors.”The event is aimed at beginner, intermediate and sponsored riders, so provides an opportunity for young people of all skill levels to participate and compete.This year the Central Coast Series will be held at:Drop in at DalbsHeat 1 – Waldalba Skate Park, Saturday 23 FebruaryUminafiedHeat 2 - Umina Skate Park, Saturday 9 MarchBeast of the BowlHeat 3 - BATO Yard, Saturday 13 AprilEntry is open to all riders aged 5-24 years in skate, scooter and BMX as well as WCMX Wheelchair (BATO only).

Central Coast Council has welcomed funding of almost $4million for the redevelopment of the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf following its successful bid for grant funding under the NSW Government’s Regional Communities Development Fund.Council’s Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the redevelopment of the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf will provide much needed improvements and ensure a safe, usable and accessible facility for recreational users and ferry operators.“Council has for many years sought to improve the current infrastructure facilities of the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf and today we are delighted to welcome funding from the NSW Government to progress with major upgrades,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The improved wharf will be able to operate in all weather and tide conditions enabling water access for the community particularly users of the ferry services.

Wamberal Lagoon remains closed as a precautionary measure following a sewer main break last week. The break caused some sewage flow into the Forresters Creek inlet into Wamberal Lagoon, adjacent to Malkana Avenue, Forresters Beach. The broken pipe was fixed at that time containing the outflow to the immediate area of Forresters Creek. Council has continued to sample and monitor the water quality at the site whilst the clean-up and remediation process continued.

Central Coast Council welcomed 22 young people to its staff this week as part of its popular workforce development program.At a special ceremony last week, Mayor Jane Smith welcomed the group and congratulated 11 others who successfully completed training programs with Council during 2018.During their 12 months with Council, university students complete internships or scholarships in areas as diverse as engineering and commerce to environmental sustainability and social science.Meanwhile, nine young people are starting apprenticeships or traineeships this year.

Central Coast Council has relocated the southern Chemical CleanOut event from Gosford Showground to the Mount Penang Gardens Event Park, Kariong with the northern location remaining at Long Jetty Depot.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the new location offered logistical ease for the community as well as additional capacity onsite, which is fantastic news given the last event recorded the heaviest amount of chemicals collected on record.“The Chemical CleanOut event will be held at Mount Penang Gardens Event Park, Kangoo Road, Kariong on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 February 9am-3.30pm,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Council’s Long Jetty Depot, will host a second weekend of the Chemical CleanOut event on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March from 9am-3.30pm.”“Items accepted as part of the Chemical CleanOut include car and household batteries, batteries, smoke detectors, pesticides, gas bottles, fire extinguishers as well as fluorescent globes and tubes.”Mayor Jane Smith encouraged residents to use this opportunity to clear their properties of any unwanted or out of date chemicals in order to correctly dispose of hazardous items from around the home, garage or shed.“A recent waste audit showed that paints and motor oils are still being found in our domestic waste and recycling streams which is a concern,” Mayor Smith said.“Many may not be aware that putting these chemicals in your garbage bin, pouring it on turf or down drains can contaminate our landfill sites and waterways, causing serious environmental effects.“Disposing of chemicals responsibly through this free collection will ensure your home is safer and you will also be doing your bit to help protect the local environment we all love.”Only household quantities are accepted.

Central Coast Council is preparing to deliver one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects – a nine kilometre water pipeline from Mardi to Warnervale.The $61million project will boost water supply to the Central Coast’s rapidly growing northern suburbs and improve water security for the entire region.Council Director Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline project is the next major step to enhance the Central Coast’s water supply network.“The pipeline will run from the existing Mardi Water Treatment Plant through to Sparks Road at Warnervale, which will provide water supply to Warnervale Town Centre and the rapidly expanding northern growth corridor,” Ms Nel said.“The project will enhance the water transfer capability between Central Coast Council and Hunter Water, which further improves water security for the two regions.“Extensive investigations and planning have been undertaken to ensure we deliver a vital piece of infrastructure whilst also protecting the environment.“A range of innovative techniques will be used to deliver the pipeline including the use of trenchless methods.”Mayor Jane Smith said Council’s investment in the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline would deliver multifaceted benefits.“This project will ensure we can service our growing northern suburbs and increase water security for our entire region,” Mayor Smith said.The design phase of the project has been completed and construction is expected to commence in 2020.The community can find out more about the project and ask questions at Drop-In Information Sessions:Saturday 16 February 2019, 9am-11am, Watanobbi Community Centre (1 Harrington Close, Watanobbi)Thursday 21 February 2019, 3pm-5pm, Tuggerah Library (Westfield Tuggerah).Further project information is available at yourvoiceourcoast.com/M2WP.

Central Coast Council and Cleanaway are celebrating the one year anniversary of their business partnership providing high levels of household waste services to the Central Coast region.Council Director, Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said this working relationship was an excellent example of good governance and great partnerships that provide high level customer experience, value for money and quality services, a key objective of the Community Strategic Plan.“Thanks to this positive working relationship we have successfully delivered a reliable, safe, cost effective and environmentally responsible domestic waste collection for our community,” Mr Bolgoff said.“It is a substantial task to ensure household waste is efficiently collected, with an average day consisting of 56,000 household bins being emptied, 90 new bins delivered or repaired as well as 650 bulk kerbside collections removed, which doubles over the summer months.“Residential properties receive six free kerbside collections every twelve months, and with the anniversary of the contract, this also marks when household kerbside collections renew.“Over the last year the 72 collection vehicles travelled 2,998,080 kilometres to empty bins across the Central Coast, which is the equivalent of driving around the world more than 74 times,” he said.Mayor Jane Smith said these collections also contribute to keeping unwanted waste out of landfill with more than 31,000 tonnes of recycling recovered from yellow lid bins, saving over 225,000 cubic metres of landfill space.“This is thanks to residents correctly sorting and disposing of their waste and helping us work towards more than 45 per cent of domestic waste being diverted from our landfill sites each year, a key deliverable of our Community Strategic Plan,” Mayor Smith said.Michael Sankey, Regional Manager, Cleanaway Solid Waste Services NSW said Cleanaway and Council’s joint commitment to resource recovery has seen a dramatic reduction in contaminated bins.“Since we commenced our bin tagging program in July 2018, contamination has dropped from one in four bins to one in ten,” Mr Sankey said.“This is an incredible result, seeing more than 100 percent improvement in the Central Coast community to get educated and get it sorted.“We have also recently relaunched the improved, mobile responsive 1Coast website.“The key improvement residents will find is the more streamlined process to book in their own services, including kerbside collections.“We are committed to creating an enduring relationship with Council in order to continue delivering high levels of household waste services across the Central Coast and can’t wait to see what we achieve in the next twelve months.”To book a bulk kerbside collection or check what items can be placed in household bins visit 1coast.com.au or call 1300 126 278.