Whether you are sleeping rough or struggling to purchase your first home, an innovative new strategy will address housing insecurity on the Central Coast.Central Coast Council has placed the region’s first Draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy (the Strategy) on public exhibition and is inviting Coast residents to have their say before the strategy is finalised.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the Strategy had been developed after extensive consultation with key stakeholders in the housing sector.“We know there are no affordable housing options for people on very low incomes.

Council calls for report to ensure Coast’s water supply is secure for the futureCouncil is calling for a report to ensure there is a considered plan in place to secure the Coast’s water supply in light of the current drought conditions, possible approval of Wallarah 2 and effects of climate change.With NSW now in drought, the report will consider all water security options to increase efficiencies and seek alternate options to source water.

Central Coast Council is about to change the way we think about art with its new, free interactive chalk art event for the community.On 4-7 October the first ever ‘Chalk the Walk’ will turn the Waterfront Plaza at The Entrance into one giant canvas, creating a number of new ways for the community to get involved.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said the inaugural ‘Chalk the Walk’ event is a free event for the community uniquely designed to showcase the talents of the Coast in a fun and interactive way.“Council is delighted to launch this exciting new event which truly brings something unique to the Central Coast.” Mr Cannard said.“The inaugural ‘Chalk the Walk’ will feature two large 3D artworks by renowned street artist, Anton Pulvirenti, with another 20 chalk masterpieces being produced by local artists to make an interactive pavement gallery.“On Sunday, 7 October we also have a special opportunity for 10 young artists to register and take part in a major collaborative piece.

A group of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) adults who live on the Coast are now much safer in the water, thanks to funding from Central Coast Council.Council’s Community Grants Program provided $11,850 to Royal Life Saving NSW to run a 10-week swimming and water safety program for 50 adults.Royal Life Saving NSW Hunter/Central Coast Regional Manager Tanya Brunckhorst said the number of new migrants unable to swim is extremely high in comparison to other Australians, and members of the CALD community were often unaware of the importance of water safety.“In 2016-17, 93 people drowned in NSW, which is more than any other state or territory,” Ms Brunckhorst said.“A number of these drownings were people from CALD backgrounds.“The CALD swimming and water safety program has been a great success.

A floodplain risk management study for the Wallarah Creek catchment is currently being carried out by Central Coast Council, to identify the risk and impact of flooding during storm events.Supported by the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management program, the study forms part of a series undertaken across areas identified as a priority and will include the suburbs of Blue Haven, Wallarah and Bushells Ridge, along with sections of Doyalson, San Remo, Charmhaven and Woongarrah.Council’s Acting Director of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff, said the local residents are invited to participate and share any relevant information that may assist with the study.“Council is asking the community to assist by collecting information on their local flood knowledge and any past flooding experiences,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Residents in identified areas included in the study will be sent a survey to complete and return by post, or submit online via www.yourvoiceourcoast.com.“We are also encouraging the community to submit any photos or videos of flooding events in the study areas.”The study survey closes on Friday 21 September 2018.

Central Coast Library Service is encouraging the community to rediscover their local library during National Literacy and Numeracy Week, 4-10 September.Now in its twentieth year, National Literacy and Numeracy Week celebrates learning and raises awareness of the importance of developing reading, writing and mathematical skills.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Mrs Beth Burgess, said even though the week is a focus for schools, Council libraries offer a myriad of services for the whole community to inspire lifelong learning.“We are here to create dynamic learning environments that meet our community’s needs and help strengthen educational opportunities, regardless of age,” Mrs Burgess said.“With more than half of residents aged over 15 having not gone on to complete Year 12, we take on a crucial role in supporting literacy and numeracy skills, which have been shown to have a strong correlation with employment outcomes.“We try to instil a love of learning and reading in the early years and with this in mind we have specialised weekly programs for children from six months to five years.“Tomorrow we will be holding a special Literacy Skills event for pre-schoolers, where reading and dyslexia specialist, Rosemary Ruthven, will provide practical tips to help parents and carers develop childrens’ phonemic awareness.”Bookings are essential and can be made via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries or call 4304 7650.Library branches also run a number of bookclubs to encourage or continue an appreciation for reading at any age.“We run primary, teen, after hours and many daytime monthly bookclubs across our branches,” Mrs Burgess said.“I would encourage anyone interested in joining a bookclub to contact our Library Service for more information as these meet-ups are very popular and spaces are limited.“With around five per cent of residents from a non-English speaking background we also provide support to develop English skills with free access to NSW Adult Migrant English Service books, online courses and ESL Meet and Greet sessions at Gosford Library every Tuesday, 10am-12pm.“We also offer free access to Studiosity – an online service for students in years 3 to 12 as well as TAFE and first year undergraduate university students studying statistics, economics or accounting – that provides real time advice from professionals and 24 hour feedback on essays and assignments.“In fact, Maths is by far the most common subject that students seek help with, accounting for around 75 per cent of tutorials delivered so far this year.“There is also free access to the online program, 10 Monkeys, aimed at providing a fun and engaging way for primary school students to improve maths skills.“All this is just the tip of the iceberg – if you or your children need any assistance I urge you to come into one of our branches or browse our resources online.”To take advantage of the fantastic range of educational services and resources available, join online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/jointhelibrary

Central Coast Council has put a rare collection of photographs on display depicting the history of death customs on the Central Coast, as part of History Week this week.The fascinating collection ‘In the Midst of Life’, with pieces rarely seen by the public, documents the ways in which death has been part of Central Coast life and reflects on the many ways that the deceased can be remembered.Council Local History Librarian, Geoff Potter said the unusual collection uses resources from the Library’s extensive Local History Collection and offers a unique perspective on our region’s historically significant cemeteries, lonely bush graves and funeral customs.“Death is an unusual topic for a display and can still be regarded as taboo by many people, but it is still an important part of our history and relics such as treasured family photographs, mourning cards and condolence cards may be kept as reminders.” Mr Potter said.“As funerals are rarely recorded, this collection is quite unique and reflects a side of Central Coast heritage and the funeral industry which is rarely seen.

Central Coast residents and community groups can now apply for a share in more than $1.7million to create community events, activities and initiatives.Applications open today for funding through the first round of Central Coast Council’s 2018-19 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.Council Director Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said this year’s program had been streamlined to ensure an even greater number of community projects will be eligible for funding.“Last year, Council introduced the coast-wide grants and sponsorship program, which was well received by the community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This year, we have refined the program so applicants will have greater clarity about the best funding category for their project.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Community Grants and Sponsorship Program offers fantastic opportunities to not only improve the lifestyle of Coast residents but to promote the region as a great place to visit.“We want to hear all ideas no matter how big or small, as we want to see programs that are dynamic, responsive and targeted to support and grow local community development, sporting, environmental, tourism and economic development initiatives,” Mayor Smith said.“With more than $1.7million up for grabs, this is a chance to think outside the square to deliver unique, big picture project or events to the Coast that really do make a difference,”“Together we can make the Central Coast the very best place it can be.”Applicants can apply for funds in the following categories:Community Support GrantsCommunity Events and Place Activation GrantsCommunity Infrastructure GrantsCommunity Development GrantsSocial and Creative Enterprises GrantsHeritage GrantsSponsorshipApplications in most categories close on Friday, 5 October 2018.

In March 2019, tourism stakeholders representing Local Government Areas from all around NSW will be able to witness first-hand many of the wonderful experiences and attractions the Central Coast has on offer, as Central Coast Council plays co-host to the LGNSW Tourism Conference at Crowne Plaza in Terrigal.Mayor Jane Smith said that co-hosting this conference with Local Government NSW is an investment in tourism for the region, which comes with many benefits.“Tourism is a significant industry on the Central Coast, and this conference provides an opportunity to share experiences, listen to experts and peers, and find out how other councils are engaging and working with their tourism industry,” said Mayor Smith.“Additionally, we are able to showcase to other local government areas, from all around the state, the little adventures and outstanding features and experiences available on the Central Coast including our beautiful beaches, exciting activities, natural environment and gourmet delights.”Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said that Council put forward an Expression of Interest to host the conference.“We are pleased we have been awarded the opportunity to hold the event on the Central Coast – it is a great opportunity to connect our tourism providers to people attending the conference, and is the perfect way to show them what the Coast has to offer and to learn from others.“Co-hosting this event with LGNSW, along with contributions from our local tourism industry, is another step taken by Council to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of this vital sector for the Central Coast economy – which is the overarching purpose of our five-year Destination Management Plan.”

Central Coast Council is making it even easier for residents to correctly dispose of household batteries, light globes and mobile phones with 13 new ‘Problem Waste Units’ across the region.The new units at Council’s Gosford and Wyong administration centres and library branches help to provide safe and convenient drop off points for the recycling of these common household items.Council Acting Senior Manager Business and Economic Development, Andrew Pearce, said the new units will improve upon the existing free disposal options already offered.“We already had recycling options available in our offices and libraries for these items, but this is the first time you will be able to drop off batteries, light globes and mobile phones at all locations,” Mr Pearce said.“A recent report from the CSIRO found Australian’s only recycle two per cent of lithium-ion batteries purchased with 3,300 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries landfilled annually. “We are really hoping these new units will encourage more people to take up the opportunity to responsibly dispose of these problem wastes to be recycled.“After items are dropped off they are transported to a specialised facility to recover materials for reuse, with any materials from the batteries and phones that cannot be recovered disposed safely into approved landfill sites.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was committed to ensuring the Central Coast reuses and recycles as much as possible and this initiative was designed to make it easier for residents to responsibly dispose of these common and problem household wastes.

Central Coast Council is inviting young people aged 14-24 to be part of a Youth Action Team which will make youth-led initiatives happen in our community.Applications have opened for membership of Y4Y (Youth for Youth), a team of 10-12 young people who will advocate, advise and act on youth issues.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Council hoped the team would attract a mix of members who will represent the needs of young people from across the Coast.“During its 15-month term, Y4Y will help develop the Council’s youth strategy, run a youth forum and develop other events, resources or activities for young people,” Ms Vaughan said.“We are looking for young people who are keen to develop leadership skills and want to be actively involved in enhancing the Coast as a great place to live, work and play.As part of achieving the team’s purpose to ‘make it happen’, members will meet regularly, attend a leadership camp and participate in skills development.Mayor Jane Smith said Y4Y provides a way to engage and empower young people.“Young people aged between 12 and 24 represent 15.3% of the Coast population or more than 50,000 people,” Mayor Smith said.“They are an important part of our community, both now and in the future.“We are committed to providing our young people with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and to effectively contribute to the community.”Applications close 17 October.Detailscentralcoast.nsw.gov.au/Y4YFAQsWhat will Y4Y do?Provide opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills.Create youth-based initiatives and ideas for our community.Develop and deliver events such as an annual youth forum, activities and resources for young people.Recognise, celebrate and promote the efforts and achievements of young people.Who can be involved?Young people aged 14-24 who live, work or study on the Central Coast.Young people who want to make a difference and can commit for 15 months.Young people who want to grow their leadership skills.Key datesApplications close:

The most successful Household Chemical CleanOut event for the region was held over the first two weekends of August, with a record breaking 130 tonnes of chemicals dropped off.In total 3104 vehicles, the second highest number on record, passed through the gates over the four days of the bi-annual event hosted by Central Coast Council in conjunction with NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).Mayor Jane Smith said this was a fantastic result and praised Central Coast residents for their commitment to responsibly disposing of hazardous waste.“With the highest amount collected in the event’s eighteen year history, I am really pleased the message about correct disposal of chemicals is getting out there,” Mayor Smith said.“Paints accounted for more than half of all chemicals, with over 75 tonnes dropped off - other popular items included oil and fuels, gas cylinders, lead acid batteries, automotive products and pesticides.“Many of these highly volatile products can react with other chemicals presenting a danger not only to our Waste Management Facilities, but also staff and customers at these locations.“Any materials dropped off over the two weekends will now be safely disposed of by the EPA contractor, and materials such as paint tins, lead acid batteries and motor oils will in fact be recycled or reused.“So by taking part in these events residents are not only helping to reduce pollution and keep hazardous materials out of our landfills, but are proactively allowing for reusable materials and precious metals to be recovered.”The next Chemical CleanOut events will be held next year on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 February at Gosford Showground and Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March at Council’s Long Jetty Depot, 1 Morris Place, corner of The Entrance and Wyong Roads, Bateau Bay.Council Acting Senior Manager Business and Economic Development, Andrew Pearce, reminded residents there were other opportunities to drop off particular items year round.“Our Waste Management Facilities accept car batteries and up to 20 litres of motor oil each visit, free of charge,” Mr Pearce said.“We also accept LPG gas bottles of up to nine kilograms and fire extinguishers for a charge of $6 per bottle in addition to the mixed waste fee – residents are reminded gas bottles must be handled and stored separately and not mixed in any other waste.“Recycling units are now also at our Wyong and Gosford administration buildings as well as across our library branches where the community can drop off household batteries, light globes as well as mobile phones and their accessories for free.”Sign up to Council’s enews at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or follow our social media accounts for updates on our reuse and recycling initiatives.Chemical CleanOut events are part of the NSW Environment Protection Authority ‘Waste Less, Recycle More’ initiative funded from the waste levy.

Central Coast Stadium is proudly continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting local football, as local rugby league, union and soccer teams take to the field this September for their junior division grand finals.Central Coast Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said that supporting the local teams with their junior grand finals is a long-standing tradition for the grounds of the stadium.“Local rugby league and union teams have played their junior grand finals on the grounds of Central Coast Stadium – formerly Grahame Park – for decades before it was even built,” said Mr Bolgoff.“Since its construction in 2000, the stadium has been proud to honour the legacy that came with the hallowed grounds of Grahame Park, and support our local rugby and union football clubs.“In 2014 the stadium took the next natural step in supporting our local teams and welcomed soccer teams from Central Coast Football to the grounds for their soccer junior grand finals for the first time – and they have been back to the stadium every year since.”Central Coast Stadium will play host to the following grand finals:2 September:

Central Coast Council is offering young musicians the chance to battle it out for potential future stardom and thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.Now in its 14th year, the Battle of the Bands helped launched the career of chart topping band Short Stack.This year’s competition kicks off on Friday 21 September.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the competition had proven hugely successful and many past participants had gone on to compete in national music competitions and to make their mark in the music industry.“An important part of Battle of the Bands is the access it provides to young musicians for professional development with music industry professionals,” Ms Vaughan said.The competition gives bands more than just the opportunity to compete for up to $3,000 in spending money.

Central Coast Council, with the assistance of environmental specialist consultants, is digging test pits and undertaking air quality monitoring along Terrigal and Wamberal Beach this week as it implements parts of the recommendation in the risk management plan.

Council’s Q4 DA approvals valued at over $241millionCouncil’s Quarter 4 report into the activities of the Development Assessment and Environment and Certification Units reveals the total estimated value of approved development in the quarter at over $241million.In the April to June 2018 quarter 883 development applications were determined including 353 additional residential lots and 492 dwellings including secondary dwellings, detached dwellings, dual-occupancies, multi dwelling housing and units within residential flat buildings.Mayor Jane Smith said these results follow similar figures reported for the previous quarter where $242million of development was approved and showed that the Coast was continuing to grow with over $1.1billion worth of development approved in 2017-2018.“Council is committed to enabling development that provides a variety of housing to suit the needs and lifestyles of the community,” Mayor Smith said.“The community have told us through the Community Strategic Plan that they want balanced and sustainable development which means ensuring land use planning and development is sustainable and environmentally sound.“We know that by 2036 the region will require 41,500 new homes, an average of 2075 new homes per year over the 20 years life span of the plan,” Mayor Smith said.“So far, Council has approved 7,179 additional dwellings and is tracking well against future housing requirements outlined in the Central Coast Regional Plan.Council has also reduced the average number of calendar days (net) taken to determine a development application from 50 in 2016-17 to 39 in 2017-18, a decrease of 20 percent.The approvals valued at over $241million span residential, commercial, retail, office, tourist, community, industrial and infrastructure developments.“Council is committed to growing the Central Coast through appropriate development that is supported by residents and maintains the Coastal lifestyle we enjoy and value.”Council to award $1.78million in community grants and sponsorshipsCouncil will provide up to $1.78million in grants and sponsorship for community events, activities and projects during 2018-19.This is an increase of $300,000 on last year’s budget and means even more high-quality projects will receive Council support this year.Council voted to increase the funding following a review of the coast-wide program which began last year.The external review found the Central Coast’s program was comprehensive when compared to similar local government areas, and received overall positive feedback from community members.However, it recommended the following changes:• Simplified program structure and information about available funding• Greater efficiency and streamlining of the administrative and assessment process• Improved communication about applications and assessment decisions• Alignment with, and achievement of, the program aims and the One – Central Coast Community Strategic Plan.As a result, the names, funding and eligibility criteria have changed in several categories within the grants and sponsorship program.

Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets go head to head tomorrow in Maitland.

Central Coast Council is urging all residents and businesses to use water wisely in the wake of the state-wide drought impacting NSW.Council Senior Manager for Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said that whilst total water storage levels for the Central Coast are in a relatively healthy position, Council is closely monitoring water levels.“Our total water storage levels are currently at 59.8 percent,” Ms Nel said.“The infrastructure we have built over several years and the strategies we have implemented mean that our total water storage levels are currently in a good position.“This being said, the prolonged dry weather has had an impact on our total water storage levels.“If the current dry conditions continue it may be necessary to introduce water restrictions in the future.“In the meantime, we want our community to continue to use water when they need to, but to remember to use it efficiently.“It’s easy to forget the simple ways we can reduce our water usage – like turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers or using a trigger nozzle on your hose – but these actions can make a difference.“By simply taking a few steps to be more water wise, we can help conserve this precious resource for the future.”Water restrictions were last introduced on the Central Coast in 2002 when total water storage levels dropped to approximately 43 percent during the Millennium Drought.The point for introducing water restrictions is based on a range of factors including water demands, seasonal outlook, population growth and best practice water resource management.To help the community use water resources wisely, the Central Coast has permanent water wise rules including:

Central Coast Council is inviting lovers of comedy and history to an open day to celebrate the recently unveiled Spike Milligan Exhibition Space at Woy Woy Library on Saturday 1 September, 9.30am-12.30pm.The first 100 attendees on the day will receive a limited edition commemorative Milligan tote bag.Benjamin Hartley, Section Manager Library Futures and Planning wanted to thank the community for their patience while this one-of-a-kind space in honour of the comedic legend was created.“This event is our way of showing our appreciation to the community for their understanding while we carried out works to provide a more active and flexible learning space,” Mr Hartley said.“The permanent Spike Milligan Exhibition provides a unique collection of memorabilia that pays tribute to the beloved entertainer, his family and their special connection to Woy Woy and the surrounding suburbs.“Come along and view the exhibition at your own leisure or join our incredibly passionate and knowledgeable Local History Librarian, Geoff Potter, who will be guiding visitors through the display and answering questions.“The brand new short film ‘The Milligans of Woy Woy’, which was created especially for the Exhibition, will be on loop in the small theatrette.“Art displays created by local schools, which will be incorporated into the Milligan collection, will also be revealed.”The morning will offer numerous 'Spike' themed activities for the children to enjoy including face painting, craft and a special Ning Nang Nong Storytime that will be held on the new deck at 10.30am.The morning will also celebrate the 70 year anniversary of Woy Woy Library, which was the first branch to open its doors to the Central Coast community on 13 August 1948 in the former Woy Woy Shire Council Chambers building, from where the library operates today.The Spike Milligan Exhibition and refurbishment was made possible thanks to an $188,429 Library Council of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grant and Central Coast Council.Find out more about the Milligan's connection to the region at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/spikemilliganexhibition/ENDSPhotos of Spike Milligan and the Exhibition are available on request.

Central Coast Council understands community concern over the use of herbicides in light of recent news coverage around the USA civil law suit connected to ‘RoundUp’ a commonly used herbicide.Council’s Unit Manager of Natural and Environmental Assets, Luke Sulkowski, said that the health and safety of Council workers and the community are taken very seriously and Council ensure responsible practices are in place for the safe use of herbicides whilst protecting the environment.“Council applies herbicides containing glyphosate for the purpose of weed control within the Central Coast Local Government Area.