Central Coast Council has a Risk Management Plan (Plan) in place as well as trained staff working with experts to remove asbestos containing material at Wamberal and Terrigal beaches.

Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith has welcomed the collaboration between Council and Transport for NSW which will see 49 mature trees retained at Kangy Angy around the proposed new access road to Orchard Road.Local residents have been calling for a change to the plans to save the trees and this has been achieved with a reclassification and redesign of the new access road to Orchard Road.

Central Coast Council is undertaking a floodplain risk management study around Lake Munmorah and Budgewoi Lake along with the suburbs of Wyongah, Kanwal, Toukley, Noraville, Norah Head and Canton Beach.The study, supported by the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program, will identify flash flooding ‘trouble spots’ and assess what measures are required to reduce the risk of flooding during significant storm events.Council Acting Director – Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff, said Council was seeking the community’s help to collect information on past flooding experiences and local flood knowledge.“Council is undertaking flood studies across all areas that have been identified as a priority and this study will focus on stormwater that overwhelms the drainage network causing flash flooding,” Mr Bolgoff said.“A paper survey will be sent to residences in the identified areas which we encourage residents to complete and return, or may be submitted online via www.yourvoiceourcoast.com.“Photos or videos of flooding events would also be of tremendous value and can be submitted by post or online.”The study survey is now open and will close on Friday 14 September 2018.

First Climate Change Policy for the Coast to build community resilience and zero emissions by 2050A draft Climate Change Policy aiming for zero emissions by 2050 has been developed by Council and will be exhibited for community feedback.Read separate media release in full hereCouncil to investigate community survey and election poll on continuation of amalgamationCouncil tonight formally acknowledged the worthy efforts of staff in amalgamating the former Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council and called for community input in the future of Central Coast Council.Council staff and the CEO will now bring forward a number of reports for Council consideration including:community questionnaires and surveys conducted by the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils prior to amalgamationrealistic estimate of the costs involved in amalgamating the two Councils and timeline for completionprogress on various aspects of amalgamationconducting a community survey to assess current community views of the amalgamationestimate of cost and process regarding a proposal for a poll to be held at an upcoming election (either Federal or State) to gauge community support or rejection of the continuation, or the reversal of, the amalgamation.Mayor Jane Smith said the community had strong views on the amalgamation process and how much it was costing - Council must listen to and be the voice of the community.“We need to understand the full cost of amalgamation and whether it is what the community really want so we can move forward in the best interests of the Central Coast.”“Community surveys were conducted pre-amalgamation by the former Councils but we have no real understanding about how the community are currently feeling about the amalgamation,” Mayor Smith said.“Staff have done an incredible job delivering services and infrastructure for our community and they should be commended.”Council recommends refusal of The Sporties, Woy Woy development applicationCouncil has endorsed a report by staff to the Hunter Central Coast Regional Joint Planning Panel (JRPP) recommending refusal of the application for development of a 63 bed integrated seniors living facility, new registered club and retail tenancies at The Sporties, Woy Woy valued at over $30 million.The report details 12 reasons the JRPP, as the consent authority, should refuse the application including failure by the applicant to meet basic statutory requirements under the Water Management Act 2000 and the proposed development contravenes clauses of the Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014 and State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability) 2004.

A draft Climate Change Policy aiming for zero emissions by 2050 has been developed by Council and will be exhibited for community feedback.This first consistent Policy for the Central Coast sets key actions on climate change as well as implements community initiatives for climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience.

Central Coast Council is calling on community groups and not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding for community projects which will directly benefit the suburbs of Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park.Up to $30,000 per project is available through the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program which is a joint initiative between Council and Lake Coal Pty Ltd.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the annual grants program was part of the consent conditions when Lake Coal’s project was approved in 2013.“This community funding program ensures the four suburbs closest to Lake Coal’s operations directly benefit from that economic activity,” Ms Vaughan said.“Local residents and organisations can apply for funding for projects which enhance and build the capacity of those communities.”Grant applications open on 14 August and close on 21 September 2018.Information sessions will be held on:Monday 13 August, 7pm Summerland Point HallTuesday 14 August, 7pm Chain Valley Bay Community CentreWednesday 29 August, 7pm, Mannering Park Community HallWednesday 12th September, 2pm-4.30pm, Wyong Civic Centre (drop-in).Funding guidelines and applications for the Chain Valley Colliery/Lake Coal Community Fund are available at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/grants.For further information, email community.grants@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or phone 4325 8940. ENDS View all Central Coast Council’s recent media releases at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.auTo keep up to date with Council’s breaking news like/follow our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Central Coast Council is inviting local farmers, businesses and event organisers to help make Harvest Festival 2019 the best yet by participating in its highly successful annual event.Over 16,000 people attended the event this year, a 60 percent increase on the year prior, boosting the local economy by $3.7 million.

To make Toukley Town Centre a more vibrant place to visit and spend time, Central Coast Council is looking to the local community for ideas and feedback on two different projects – the redesign of the Village Green and the reconfiguration of the Coles carpark.Mayor Jane Smith said that the successful delivery of these two projects will not only improve public spaces within the town centre, but it will also be a large step towards activating Toukley.“By relocating the existing amenity block from the Village Green to the Coles carpark, we will have a great new space that we can activate for our local residents and visitors.“As such, we would like to hear from the community about their ideas on what they want to see in this new Village Green space, so it will be a place designed by the community, for the community.“The second project is the reconfiguration of the Coles carpark, making it safer for pedestrians.

Locals, visitors, families and lovers of Country music are making their way to the Central Coast for the annual, three-day Central Coast Council Country Music Festival which kicks off tomorrow evening and runs over the weekend.9,000 people attended the popular free Country Music Festival last year with even more Country music fans expected to gather and enjoy the 2018 event.Council Section Manager Place Activation, Ashlee Abbott, said a new movement of Country music performers inspired by today’s pop, rock and alternative genres have been brought together for the community to enjoy.“The Country Music Festival is a popular free event run by Council which brings people together to celebrate contemporary Country music.” Ms Abbott said.“A massive line-up of quality Country Australian performers will take to the main stage on Sunday, 12 August including Adam Eckersley, Homegrown, Peter Denahy, Gretta Ziller, Andrew Swift and Brad Cox – 2018 Toyota Star Maker winner.“New this year, Festival goers will also get a sneak-peak of the talented artists who will be involved in Council’s free four-day pavement art event – ‘Chalk the Walk’ – to be held on 4-7 October 2018.“We believe events like this are important in bringing our community together and in supporting local people and local businesses and I invite the community to join us for this great family weekend of free entertainment.”On Friday, 10 August and Saturday, 11 August local venues will feature live entertainment in their establishments including a mix of known and up-and-coming performers such as Chelsea Berman, Whiskey River, Red Dirt Band, Roadhouse, Keep It Country Trio, Peter Stefanson, Neilly Rich and Redneck Gentlemen.Also on Saturday, talented buskers will bring the streets to life with Country music as Festival goers check out The Entrance Markets, food stalls, rides and activities.Don't miss a great family weekend of free entertainment!

Central Coast Council was alerted to a burst water main at The Round Drive, Avoca Beach at approximately 6.20am on Wednesday 8 August.A Council team was sent to site immediately to repair the main, which was caused by the root system of an approximately 20 metre high gum tree directly above the main.Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said Council has a solution to minimise the risk of future water main breaks at Avoca Beach.“We have a plan in place for Avoca Beach and we will action this plan as soon as possible in light of recent breaks and associated property damage in the area,” said Mr Bolgoff.“Our plan for maintaining and improving the Central Coast’s water and sewer system includes a region-wide water mains renewal program that began in July this year and has been prioritised based areas that have experienced higher numbers of water main breaks in recent times.”Council has already completed replacement of 575 metres of pipeline along The Round Drive and had identified plans to replace a further 1600 metres of pipework which is currently planned to commence in October this year.The new pipework will be constructed in the roadway, which will preserve trees and minimise water supply disruptions to customers during construction.

Central Coast Council will be holding a special memorial service on the eve of Father’s Day at Noraville Cemetery and Memorial Gardens to honour dads who have passed on.Father's Day is a day to recognise and thank our fathers and grandfathers for the innumerable contributions they have made to our lives – the advice, dad jokes, stories, encouragement and love.Mayor Jane Smith, who will be attending the memorial service, said that for those whose fathers have passed away, Father’s Day can be a day of mixed emotions.“All over the Central Coast, families will come together to celebrate Father’s Day, and pay tribute to the men in their lives.

Central Coast Council was alerted to a burst water main at The Round Drive, Avoca Beach at approximately 6.20am on Wednesday 8 August.As this was a large main, a sudden release of water impacted three properties on The Round Drive.There has been some water damage across the three properties including to the ground floor of property one, the garage of property two and the garden of property three.

This August, Central Coast Council is celebrating their fifth year of hosting birthday parties at Niagara Park Stadium, and are marking the occasion with a $100,000 upgrade.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that these upgrades are the perfect way to celebrate this half-decade milestone at Niagara Park Stadium, as they will enhance the party experience for everyone.“In addition to installing air-conditioning and a modern kitchen in the party rooms, other recent upgrades have included installing $54,000 worth of fans into the sports hall, allowing for cooler temperatures for birthday parties during the summer months,” said Ms Vaughan.“However, the birthday present sure to excite the kids the most will arrive at the stadium in September – two new inflatable jumping castles, one complete with a slide.”Mayor Jane Smith said that this August also marks the fifth anniversary of Council managing Niagara Park Stadium.“Since 2013, as managers of Niagara Park Stadium, Council has delivered over $500,000 worth of upgrades to this facility including new sports equipment, a signage upgrade and the installation of wireless scoreboards,” said Mayor Smith.“Council aims to provide as many opportunities in fitness and sports for our community, in a healthy, fun-filled and family-friendly environment.“These ongoing upgrades at Niagara Park Stadium show Council’s commitment to deliver more recreational and leisure opportunities on the Coast.”Parties at Niagara Park Stadium are suitable for groups of no less than 10 and up to 15 children (required for team sports), and are available for children aged six-years and over.

Central Coast Council is conducting daily beach inspections at Terrigal and Wamberal to identify and safely remove building waste – some of these waste items have been identified as asbestos containing materials.Following recent storm events and increased swells, there have been increased sightings at the intertidal line of the waste material washed in from offshore.Though materials identified so far have been labelled by experts as low-risk, trained Council staff will continue to undertake daily physical inspections on an ongoing basis.Council is working constructively with the Department of Industry & Lands, given Council and that Department manage different parts of the beaches.While the source of the material is being investigated, additional precautionary measures, including external air-quality assessments conducted by an occupational hygienist, will shortly be undertaken.

Central Coast Council Library Service are inviting the community to jump on board one of the most popular hobbies in the world and discover their family history this August.To celebrate there will be a number of events to help the community become super sleuths when it comes to discovering their family history.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, encourages anyone looking to get started or delving further into their family history research to book into one of the many sessions on offer.“Researching family history can provide a greater understanding of where you come from and helps create a stronger sense of self and identity,” Mrs Burgess said.“Family history is like detective work – it requires hard work, patience and often has surprising discoveries along the way.“Our events provide a great opportunity to help navigate your way through the many records and collections, which can otherwise be an overwhelming and time-consuming process.“The first event on how to use asylum, hospital and care records in your research booked out so don’t delay – make sure you secure your seat online today.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents for all events and bookings.Council Section Manager Library Futures and Planning, Benjamin Hartley, said the libraries’ passionate staff thrived on providing community members with the tools to help uncover their hidden family gems.“Gosford and Tuggerah Libraries are our history hubs with an array of print and digital resources, which even includes Convict Tickets of Leave,” Mr Hartley said.“NSW State Archives Kit, index books, microfilms, electoral rolls, immigration documents, magazines and free online access to ancestry are also available at these two locations.“All our branches also provide in branch access to Find My Past – as these platforms are very popular I would encourage community members to book ahead.“To help meet the needs of our community, we boast an amazing collection of online family history guides, databases and photographs from our Central Coast Memories collection that can be accessed anywhere, anytime via our website.“This includes free access to numerous family and general history online magazines, including the very popular ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ publication through RBdigital.”To access RBdigital simply go to centralcoast.rbdigitalglobal.com on your PC or tablet to register with your library membership details, then download the app through Google Play or the App Store.Those who have any history queries can email history@centralcoast.nsw.gov.auDuring August Central Coast Library Service will be hosting the following events:Family History for Beginners – Wednesday 8 August, 10.30am-12pm at Tuggerah Library or Tuesday 14 August, 10.30am-12pm at Kincumber LibraryFamily History Online – Tuesday 21 August, 10.30am-12pm at Kincumber LibraryUsing Trove (digitised newspapers) for Family History Research – Wednesday 22 August, 10.30am-12pm at Tuggerah Library or Thursday 23 August, 1.30-3pm at Toukley LibraryENDSImages from Central Coast Memories available on request.

Last financial year, Central Coast Council invested over $1.7million into upgrading its six leisure centres across the region, and is set to deliver another $2.08million worth of upgrades in the coming year.Connected Communities Director, Julie Vaughan said that Council’s aim is to ensure the sport, leisure, recreation and aquatic facilities are high-quality, open spaces that are well maintained and activated.“Last financial year saw us completing a myriad of projects, ranging from installing air-conditioning, replacing fencing and purchasing inflatable devices, through to upgrading CCTV systems,” said Ms Vaughan.“We also upgraded the gym equipment at Peninsula Leisure Centre, retiled Toukley Aquatic Centre and Wyong Olympic Pool and upgraded the toilet facilities at Gosford Olympic Pool.“Upcoming project highlights for the next year include a $1.29million upgrade to the Lake Haven Recreation Centre building as well as new gym equipment for its fitness centre, installation of solar pool heating at the Peninsula Leisure Centre and Toukley Aquatic Centre, and an upgrade to the outdoor seating and grandstand area at Wyong Olympic Pool.”Mayor Jane Smith said that Council is committed to continually investing in upgrades to the leisure centres.“With the goal to continually improve the physical and social wellbeing of the Central Coast community, Council is committed to providing high quality and outstanding leisure facilities,” Mayor Smith said.“Investing $3.78million across our six leisure centres will further provide residents and visitors of the Coast with terrific facilities and classes.”

After the popularity of last year’s inaugural event, SportsFest is back again in September, and will showcase a variety of Central Coast sports and recreational opportunities.This family-friendly event will be held over the weekend of 22-23 September, from 10am-5pm, at Bateau Bay’s EDSACC sporting precinct on the Central Coast Highway.Central Coast Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said that this is a not-to-be-missed event.“SportsFest’s festivities will include interactive sporting activities, professional demonstrations, live entertainment, market and food stalls and a dedicated KidZone,” said Mr Bolgoff.“Over 40 sporting codes and numerous related organisations have already secured their place as exhibitors so there’s sure to be something for everyone’s taste – from the water to the court, from traditional to the more obscure and everything in between.”Mayor Jane Smith says that Council is proud to be running SportsFest again this year and looks forward to promoting a fun and free community event that promotes healthy living.“SportsFest encourages residents of all ages and ability to get connected and active in our sports community, through active participation, volunteering or spectator support,” Mayor Smith said.“We are pleased to invest in an event that not only will appeal to all ages, but also supports local businesses, groups and organisations that encourage active lifestyles.”SportsFest’s proud partnerships include NSW Office of Sport, Sport NSW, Central Coast Academy of Sport and official media partners, Star 104.5 FM.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/SportsFest or facebook.com/SportsFestCentralCoast

Work is starting on the installation of 450 ‘smart parking’ sensors that will help ensure Central Coast residents and visitors spend less time stuck in traffic.Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the project would see the installation of 250 parking sensors in the Terrigal CBD and 200 sensors in the Gosford CBD, allowing drivers to link to available parking information via apps.“This project is designed to solve the perennial problem of finding a parking spot – it’s a great example of how the Turnbull Government’s $50 million Smart Cities and Suburbs Program is helping to make our cities and regional areas more liveable,” Mr Fletcher said.“The Smart Cities and Suburbs Program supports exactly this type of clever solution to local problems, with the ultimate goal of spreading good ideas to other cities, suburbs and regions.“This particular initiative is big news for the local area as it will help reduce heavy traffic congestion in the heart of Terrigal and Gosford.”Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said up to 30 per cent of traffic congestion in the business centres of the Central Coast was due to people looking for free parking spaces – a problem the smart parking initiative would soon address.“Central Coast residents park around train stations before commuting to Sydney or Newcastle in their thousands every day, making finding a parking space at Gosford and other centres problematic, but we are now partnering with Council to help resolve these long-standing issues,” Mrs Wicks said.“I have heard from the community about the struggle for car parking in Gosford and Terrigal and that’s why I am delighted to see work starting for locals across the Central Coast as it will help reduce heavy traffic congestion in the heart of our business centres.“As well as reducing congestion, this project will help reduce air pollution, improve road safety and boost ease of access to local businesses for potential customers.”Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith said adequate and available parking was key to activating town centres.“We believe these innovative parking sensors will go a long way to alleviating the frustration of finding a parking spot,” Cr Smith said.“Earlier this year, we talked to the Terrigal community about the benefits of these sensors as part of Let’s talk Terrigal and we will shortly be engaging in a similar way with consumers of parking in Gosford as part of developing the Gosford short term parking strategy.“Similar sensors are already working well at The Entrance and thanks to this funding, visitors to Gosford and Terrigal will benefit too by getting real-time information about the availability of parking via an app which will identify available parking spots.“We welcome the Australian Government’s investment in this initiative, which will help us make a real difference to the lives of local residents in terms of saving time, reducing frustration and minimising town-centre congestion.”The project is one of 49 under Round 1 of the Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program - forty per cent of successful Round 1 projects are located in regional areas like the Central Coast.More information is available at https://cities.infrastructure.gov.au/smart-cities-program.The Turnbull Government has committed $104,735 to the project while the Central Coast Council and Reino International Pty Ltd will together contribute $150,812.

Several major road upgrades on the NSW Central Coast are now complete, including works on Ryans Road in Umina Beach, Davis Street in Booker Bay and the intersection of Langford Drive and Woy Woy Road in Kariong.Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said completion of these key local road projects showed the Turnbull Government’s commitment to supporting jobs and investment opportunities on the Central Coast.“These upgrades will ensure Central Coast residents and visitors can now get around more safely and efficiently – whether it’s a parent trying to get their kids to school on time, or a tradie able to get to four jobs in a day rather than three,” Mr Fletcher said.“The Turnbull Government is committed to improving infrastructure on the Central Coast, from our $196 million investment in upgrades to the M1, to our co-funding of a business case into whether we can get faster rail from Newcastle to Sydney.”Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said the intersection upgrade in Kariong was a fantastic outcome for the 3,000 residents who signed our petition to address this intersection, which is close to a community centre, a childcare centre, a school, homes and businesses.“Works included the construction of a roundabout and the realignment of nearby Dandaloo Street to create a more cohesive access point for all incoming traffic.

Central Coast Council has excavated and removed timber material that has been largely buried underneath the sand on Terrigal Beach for almost 80 years.