Central Coast Council has installed a new swing at Shaun Brinklow Park in Copacabana following the theft of an all abilities swing used by the local community.Mayor Jane Smith said she was pleased Council had moved quickly to restore the swing following the theft three weeks ago.“The theft of this swing was devastating to the local community and Council has moved quickly to replace it so the community can use it once again,” Mayor Smith said.“We are committed to providing modern and accessible play spaces for our growing community and investment in these facilities is a key priority of our Operational Plan now rolling out across the Coast.“We have modified our capital works budget to deliver a $250,000 upgrade to Shaun Brinklow Park so the community can expect an even better playground in the near future.“I am pleased this project will now move forward, and that community consultation on the design of the new park will soon be undertaken.”

Central Coast Council has committed a further $1.75million to the final stage of works in the overall road upgrade project for Tumbi Creek Road at a total cost of $3.9million. The final stage of the project is focused on the 600 metre section of Tumbi Creek Road from the Wyong Road intersection through to the Gregory Street roundabout and will provide traffic calming and improved access for motorists and pedestrians. Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said the multifaceted project includes a drainage upgrade, kerb and guttering, a roundabout, two raised intersections, new road pavement, and a new footpath and shared path. “This project will not only calm traffic but make it much easier for motorists to get into and out of businesses and homes on Tumbi Creek Road,” Mr Bolgoff said. “The new 600 metre footpath on the western side of Tumbi Creek Road and the shared path on the eastern side will make the area safer and more appealing for pedestrians and cyclists.” Mayor Jane Smith said the project would deliver significant benefits to motorists and pedestrians who use this busy Central Coast road. “This major upgrade will make this section of Tumbi Creek Road safer and much easier to navigate,” Mayor Smith said. “The new footpath and shared path will be most welcome to residents and visitors to the area. “Our community want to see better roads, footpaths, bike paths and shared paths and we are committed to delivering this important infrastructure, which includes a vibrant active transport network.” The project will be completed by late 2018, weather permitting.

New Chief Executive Officer presides over first Council meeting New CEO Gary Murphy was officially welcomed to the Central Coast by a unanimous vote at tonight’s Council meeting.Mr Murphy has been in the role for just over a week taking over from Acting CEO Brian Glendenning.Mayor Jane Smith said Mr Murphy’s had the full support of the Council and leadership and his extensive experience and passion for community made him the ideal choice to lead the Central Coast.“We need an experienced CEO who will deliver stability and certainty for the Coast and we have found that.“I look forward to working with Gary and delivering our first ever Community Strategic Plan for the Central Coast.“I think Brian and the entire leadership team for their outstanding leadership as we have transitioned to this period of the elected Council and a new CEO.”Mr Murphy is in the process of relocating to the Central Coast and has signed a five year contract.Rescission motion lost again in respect to the Aviation Hub Masterplan for Central Coast AirportA motion to rescind the 27 November 2017 Council resolution to suspend works at Central Coast Airport and divert funds to other employment generating projects has been lost for the second time.The original resolution, which still stands, reallocates $6 million from the Airport to an employment generating strategy for the north of the Coast.Mayor Jane Smith said Council remain steadfast in its view that better value for money for residents would be found beyond the airport.“Council must take the lead in advocating for its residents and making the right investment that will create the jobs the Coast needs now and as it continues to grow,” Mayor Smith said.‘There are other options for employment generation projects beyond the Airport that can and must be explored.”“The time for debate on the airport is over.“We now have our first ever Community Strategic Plan and the Operational Plan for the Coast and it is those Plans we must focus on delivering.

Music lovers are set for some great entertainment this weekend and early August as two of the Coast’s biggest free music festivals return with more locals and visitors expected to attend.Central Coast Council’s popular Winter Blues and Jazz Festival will be back on 13-15 July with its equally popular Country Music Festival to be held on 10-12 August.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said even more locals and visitors were expected to visit the Coast to enjoy the outstanding line-up of modern musicians who will challenge preconceived ideas about Blues, Jazz and Country music.“The Winter Blues and Jazz Festival and the Country Music Festival are popular free events run by Council which bring people together to celebrate music.” Mr Cannard said.“The Festivals both run for three days with many local venues featuring live entertainment in their establishments on the Friday, buskers and The Entrance Markets operating on the Saturday, and the main events taking to the stage on the Sunday.“Memorial Park will also come alive with food stalls, rides and activities this year, and Country Music Festival will give the community a sneak-peak of our 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.“There will be a lot for families, music and art lovers on the Coast over the next few months so keep an eye out on our webpage and Facebook for event updates.”The Winter Blues and Jazz Festival is held annually in July and is a celebration of Blues and Jazz music on the Coast.

New Chief Executive Officer presides over first Council meetingNew CEO Gary Murphy was officially welcomed to the Central Coast by a unanimous vote at tonight’s Council meeting.Mr Murphy has been in the role for just over a week taking over from Acting CEO Brian Glendenning.Mayor Jane Smith said Mr Murphy’s had the full support of the Council and leadership and his extensive experience and passion for community made him the ideal choice to lead the Central Coast.“We need an experienced CEO who will deliver stability and certainty for the Coast and we have found that.“I look forward to working with Gary and delivering our first ever Community Strategic Plan for the Central Coast.“I think Brian and the entire leadership team for their outstanding leadership as we have transitioned to this period of the elected Council and a new CEO.”Mr Murphy is in the process of relocating to the Central Coast and has signed a five year contract.Rescission motion lost again in respect to the Aviation Hub Masterplan for Central Coast AirportA motion to rescind the 27 November 2017 Council resolution to suspend works at Central Coast Airport and divert funds to other employment generating projects has been lost for the second time.The original resolution, which still stands, reallocates $6 million from the Airport to an employment generating strategy for the north of the Coast.Mayor Jane Smith said Council remain steadfast in its view that better value for money for residents would be found beyond the airport.“Council must take the lead in advocating for its residents and making the right investment that will create the jobs the Coast needs now and as it continues to grow,” Mayor Smith said.‘There are other options for employment generation projects beyond the Airport that can and must be explored.”“The time for debate on the airport is over.“We now have our first ever Community Strategic Plan and the Operational Plan for the Coast and it is those Plans we must focus on delivering.

Central Coast Council has committed a further $1.75million to the final stage of works in the overall road upgrade project for Tumbi Creek Road at a total cost of $3.9million.The final stage of the project is focused on the 600 metre section of Tumbi Creek Road from the Wyong Road intersection through to the Gregory Street roundabout and will provide traffic calming and improved access for motorists and pedestrians.Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said the multifaceted project includes a drainage upgrade, kerb and guttering, a roundabout, two raised intersections, new road pavement, and a new footpath and shared path.“This project will not only calm traffic but make it much easier for motorists to get into and out of businesses and homes on Tumbi Creek Road,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The new 600 metre footpath on the western side of Tumbi Creek Road and the shared path on the eastern side will make the area safer and more appealing for pedestrians and cyclists.”Mayor Jane Smith said the project would deliver significant benefits to motorists and pedestrians who use this busy Central Coast road.“This major upgrade will make this section of Tumbi Creek Road safer and much easier to navigate,” Mayor Smith said.“The new footpath and shared path will be most welcome to residents and visitors to the area.“Our community want to see better roads, footpaths, bike paths and shared paths and we are committed to delivering this important infrastructure, which includes a vibrant active transport network.”The project will be completed by late 2018, weather permitting.

Central Coast Council will kick off NAIDOC celebrations on the Coast with its annual Flag Raising Ceremony and morning tea on Monday 9 July from 10am in Wyong.NAIDOC Week runs from 8 to 15 July, celebrating Indigenous Australians’ history, culture and achievements.Indigenous flags will be raised in front of the Civic Centre in Hely St, Wyong followed by an official ceremony at The Art House.The morning will include guest speakers and morning tea, with the highlight being performances by local students from the Indigenous Dance Residency program.This year Council facilitated workshops where local high school students worked with professional dancer, Amy Minchin, a graduate of NAISDA, to mentor and teach local primary school students contemporary dancing with traditional elements.Now in its fourth year, this program involves students from Toukley, Brooke Avenue and Wyong Public Schools and Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Berkeley Vale.NAIDOC Week gives the community an opportunity to obtain a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture.This year’s theme is ‘Because of her, we can!, celebrating the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made to their communities.ENDSView 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 reminding residents of the risks associated with not disposing of asbestos waste responsibly after an amount of asbestos waste was found in a green waste bin earlier this week.The contaminated green waste bin was collected by Council’s waste contractor, Cleanaway, and as a result of incorrect disposal, this has contaminated the materials in the truck, as well as exposed asbestos to staff compromising their health and safety.Council Acting Senior Manager Business and Economic Development, Andrew Pearce, reminded residents to follow the proper protocol when disposing of asbestos.“Asbestos can be disposed of at Council’s Buttonderry and Woy Woy Waste Management Facilities by residents for a cost providing strict guidelines are followed and it is less than 10 metres square,” Mr Pearce said.“This includes notification being provided 24 hours in advance and asbestos must be wrapped in manageable bundles with two layers of plastic with a thickness of at least 0.2mm (builder's plastic) and sealed using adhesive packaging tape.Transportation of  more than 10m2/100kg of asbestos waste (friable and/or bonded) is required by law to be tracked via the WasteLocate app and can only be undertaken by a licenced asbestos removalist, unless in an emergency situation.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, reminded residents that asbestos may be present in one out of every three Australian homes.

Central Coast Council has started construction of Stage 1 of a $2.2million project to ease traffic congestion in the Terrigal CBD, which continues to grow as a tourism, residential and commercial hub for the region.The project has been made possible by the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund and focuses on Church Street, Campbell Crescent, Kurrawyba Avenue and the Terrigal Esplanade.Council Acting Director Assets Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said this important project would be delivered in a way that will minimise the impact on residents, tourists and local businesses.“We understand how important it is for our community and tourists to be able to access Terrigal and the many businesses that operate in the area,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Traffic control will be on site to keep traffic flowing, there will be minimal impact on parking, and we will wrap up this stage of the project by October and the start of the busy summer period.”Mayor Jane Smith said the project would help ensure Terrigal’s position as a destination of choice for the Central Coast community and tourists.“Terrigal is a much loved and often visited location on the Central Coast and this project will deliver significant traffic flow improvements,” Mayor Smith said.“Council has spent a lot of time consulting with the community to design a project which will keep Terrigal well and truly open for business during these important works.”Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the traffic flow improvements would improve beachfront access for locals and visitors alike.“As one of the most visited tourist destinations on the Central Coast it is vital that Terrigal be easily accessible to all, and I am pleased that Council widely consulted on these traffic changes and adapted the plans accordingly,” Mr Crouch said.“I strongly encourage local residents and business owners to continue providing feedback to Council to ensure the delivery of this project aligns with our community’s expectations.The project focuses on a 500 metre stretch of road from Campbell Crescent around Church Street to Kurrawyba Avenue and includes a new roundabout, new pedestrian traffic lights, modified kerb and guttering and a new road pavement.Traffic looping is currently a major cause of congestion in Terrigal and this will be addressed by preventing traffic from turning right onto Terrigal Esplanade from Campbell Crescent.Measures to minimise the impact of construction on the area will include a small daily construction footprint, maintaining traffic flow and pedestrian access and conducting critical works at night on the quieter trading evenings in Terrigal.If for any reason the works are delayed, the construction area will be minimised and work will recommence after Easter 2019 to avoid the busy holiday periods.

Central Coast Council is bringing the popular outdoor ice skating rink back to Gosford and turning Kibble Park into a wintery wonderland for the Coast to enjoy.From 11-18 July, families can head down to ‘Winter in the Park’ and join in the many free activities including snow play, live shows and entertainment.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said families are invited to come along and make the most of this free event with the family.“This is a fun, free event run by Council which brings families together during the colder months.” Mr Cannard said.“We receive a lot of positive feedback on running these types of events which help keep the family entertained, create memories, build a stronger community and support local businesses.“There will be free activities, live entertainment, food stalls as well as the popular outdoor ice skating rink and we invite families on the Coast to save the date, come down to Kibble Park and join in the fun.”DJ Jazzy and some of the Coast’s local dancers will be performing the exciting ‘Whacky Winter Wonderland Show’ and for the aspiring young DJ’s on the Coast, there will be the opportunity to test your DJ skills on the latest equipment.Papa Smurf and Smurfette will be making an appearance with a special stage performance, the GBID Mad Hatter's Tea Party will be back, the Fun Engine Fire Education Truck will open its doors to those who are keen to learn more about fire safety, and on 11 and 13 July, Star 104.5 will run some free arts and craft activities and set up ‘The Star Chalet’ with marquees, lounges, props and music.To view the full program or for more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/eventsThe outdoor ice skating rink will be open daily from 10am-8pm with 45 minute sessions starting on the hour.

Central Coast Council has distributed 2,500 reusable litter bags to local businesses in the vicinity of roadside litter hotspots in an effort to remind motorists to dispose of waste responsibly.This is one approach Council has taken as part of a multi-pronged litter prevention project, to help protect and enhance the local environment.Council Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess, is encouraging motorists to utilise the bags that are available around the three roadside litter hotspots at Blue Haven Link Road, Somersby Industrial Park and Kariong M1 on ramp.“Littering of single use containers and bottles has become and major issue in these locations as identified in the Central Coast Roadside Litter Project,” Mrs Burgess said.“These bags provide motorists and their passengers a cleaner alternative to keeping containers, coffee cups and drink bottles without the worry about any leftover food or drinks spilling in their vehicles.“Once motorists reach their destination, the bags can be easily picked up in one go for rubbish to be disposed of responsibly – the bags can then be rinsed and reused.”The bags were purchased as part of a $36,000 NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Litter Grant to help tackle the growing issue of roadside litter on the Central Coast.Grant funding has also gone towards the installation of roadside signs at each target site reminding motorists how to report littering from vehicles as well as 19 new dash cams in Ranger vehicles, increasing motorists chances of being caught littering.Mrs Burgess emphasised the issue of litter is not one Council can tackle alone and urged all residents and visitors to make sure they are doing their part to help protect our waterways and valleys from plastics and pollution.“Council are leading by example, monitoring and cleaning up target areas, providing free reusable coffee cups and increasing Ranger patrols,” Mrs Burgess said.“We need the whole community to get behind this project to help stop littering and help preserve our local environment.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/littering to find out where reusable litter bags are available, information on helping to prevent litter and how to report littering from a vehicle.This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy, an extension of the current Mountain District Roadside Litter Project and supports Council’s promotion of the EPA’s Don’t be a Tosser campaign.

As of 1 July 2018, parents are now able to redeem their Active Kids Rebate for Central Coast Council’s learn to swim and sporting programs at five leisure centres.The $100 voucher – which can be used on fees for after-school, weekend sport and structured physical activity programs – will be redeemable at Gosford Olympic Pool, Peninsula Leisure Centre, Toukley Aquatic Centre, Lake Haven Recreation Centre and Wyong Olympic Pool.Council Connected Communities Director, Julie Vaughan said that having the Active Kids Rebate redeemable at these five leisure centres is one way Council is able to help encourage and enhance the physical activity of children and young people on the Central Coast.“Now, every family on the Central Coast with a child enrolled in school from Kindergarten to year 12 will be able to access the Active Kids Rebate at our leisure centres,” Ms Vaughan said.“The cost of swimming lessons can sometimes be prohibitive for parents but by using this voucher you can help teach your child the invaluable skill of being able to swim and stay safe in our pools and beaches.”Mayor Jane Smith said it is welcoming news that Council is now able to support this initiative through its leisure centres.“Council aims to provide outstanding leisure opportunities and programs in swimming, fitness and sports for all of the Central Coast community, in a healthy, fun filled and family friendly environment,” said Mayor Smith.“Being able to redeem this $100 voucher at five of our leisure centres means that Council is able to help kids on the Coast get more active!”A NSW Government initiative, the Active Kids Rebate is a voucher system provided to parents/guardians of school enrolled children.One Active Kids voucher is available for every child in the family annually over the next four years.Parents are able to apply for and download their vouchers from the Service NSW website.

Straight from the horse's mouth – Central Coast Council is proud to support the third annual Horses Birthday Festival on the Central Coast.The 2018 Horses Birthday Festival is on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July at Glenworth Valley and celebrates the standardised birthday for every horse in the southern hemisphere (1 August).Council Director, Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the Festival is an innovative, popular event that is unique in New South Wales.“Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures is one of the Central Coast’s leading tourist attractions and the Horses Birthday Festival is a fun, unique event that helps position our region as a year-round holiday destination.” Ms Vaughan said.“Council is proud to support these types of events that bring our community together and attract visitors to the Coast during the off-peak season to drive economic and tourism objectives for the region.

Central Coast Council Library Service launched its museum-quality Spike Milligan Exhibition at Woy Woy Library last week at a special event.Council has created this new Exhibition paying tribute to the beloved entertainer, his family and the Woy Woy region as well as changes to the amenity and functionality of the Library.Council Local History Librarian, Geoff Potter, said the Exhibition holds a culturally significant collection of family photographs, recordings and memorabilia, with something for everyone.“This unique Exhibition offers a visually engaging, informative and interactive experience to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike,” Mr Potter said.“A feature of the Exhibition space is a small theatrette where a brand new short film ‘The Milligans of Woy Woy’, which has been created especially for this project, will be shown.“This important collection pays tribute to the legacy of the world-famous comedian Terence ‘Spike’ Milligan and the lives of his parents Flo and Leo and brother Desmond, shedding light on the development of the wonderful Milligan world view.“Spike and his family had a very special connection to Woy Woy and the surrounding suburbs.“His parents emigrated to Australia in 1950 and even though it took almost a decade for Spike to visit his parents, when he finally did it is no surprise he fell in love with the area.“Even though he was born in India and grew up in England, Spike considered the Central Coast his home and he loved nothing more than to visit family, write and relax here.“Spike was supportive of many local organisations including the Woy Woy Little Theatre, Woy Woy Rotary Club and the Gosford City Orchestra as well as a major activist in the 1970s campaign to preserve Riley’s Island near Davistown from real estate development.“Many remember his role in helping to preserve the former St.

Central Coast Council’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gary Murphy officially started in his new role today, taking over the reins from Brian Glendenning.Mr Murphy said he is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of leading one of the largest councils in the state.“I believe in collaboration.

With HSC trials just around the corner, Central Coast Council Library Service are doing their part to reduce stress felt by students and parents with free online tutoring at the click of a button.The hugely successful ‘Studiosity’ program provides instant support from qualified professionals alleviating the worry students often feel while studying alone.Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said students feel enormous amounts of pressure to perform and get the marks required for university entry.“With Studiosity, students can study efficiently and obtain real-time assistance to ask questions they are not able to direct to their teachers, parents or friends,” Mrs Burgess said.“Students can also upload draft essays and written assignments and receive expert feedback within 24 hours, perfect for improving English papers.“With this amazing free service for library members, parents can rest at ease knowing professionals are there to help with advanced HSC subjects.“Free services like this are essential for our community to succeed, building confidence in students and supporting families during this critical year of study.”Last year, students who logged on to Studiosity through Council’s Library Service portal reported a 100 per cent satisfaction for feedback to their uploaded draft essays and written assignments.Studiosity Partnerships Director, Scott Harrison guaranteed parents that only vigorously screened, suitably qualified and trained individuals make it to become a Studiosity Subject Specialist.“Every applicant goes through a gruelling series of checks and tests to ensure students are being helped by quality professionals such as school teachers, university graduates, and professionals who really want to help students succeed,” Mr Harrison said.“What makes Studiosity different to other online learning tools is that students are never told the answers.

The 2018 Harvest Festival Central Coast, held over the June long weekend, attracted over 16,000 people and boosted the economy of the Central Coast by $3.7 million.This is the second year Central Coast Council has hosted the unique event with local producers promoting the hidden gems of the region’s hinterland.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said this was a fantastic result for the community and for the Central Coast as a whole.“We saw a 60 percent increase in visitors from the inaugural event last year which attracted 10,000 people – this is a fantastic result and shows word is spreading about this great Festival.“For the second year, event statistics show a high level of interest from out-of-region visitation to our local farming properties and this has positively impacted local businesses and the economy.“Harvest Festival is an innovative event model built around community partnerships and ownership.

Central Coast Council is offering young singers and singer/songwriters the opportunity to step into the spotlight through a unique competition starting on Friday 6 July.The Discovered vocal competition is a professional development series which helps singers aged 7-24 years find their voice, develop their skills, step up to the microphone and onto the road to potential stardom.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the competition had proved hugely successful and many past participants have gone on to compete in national competitions such as ‘The Voice’ and ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ and to make their mark in the music industry.“Discovered is much more than just a singing competition, which really is the key to its success,” Ms Vaughan said.“It is a stepping stone to future stardom with every young person who enters receiving feedback about their performance and how they can further develop.“The workshops also connect them with experienced professionals who can provide valuable insights into the music industry.”Based at The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue, the Discovered program has been running for seven years.

Council has adopted an increased capital works budget for the next financial year by $50,000 from the publically exhibited capital works budget and allocated funding to major projects following community consultation on its three year Delivery Program and one year Operational Plan and Budget.Council received 173 submissions during the exhibition period of the plan and has allocated, from the Shared Pathway and Footpath Program, $250,000 to Shaun Brinklow Park at Copacabana and $150,000 for the concept design and community engagement for the Tuggerawong Pathway including detailed design of stage 1.

In an effort to attract more high-quality acts and performances to The Entrance, Central Coast Council is set to start construction this July on a roof extension over the existing Memorial Park stage facility.Council Director, Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said that the extension is a welcome upgrade to Memorial Park and The Entrance Town Centre.“By providing enhanced protection to stage users from climatic events, Council will be able to better facilitate the execution of a broader range of attractions, events and activities on the stage,” Ms Vaughan said.“Additionally, the extension of the stage roof will provide an improved amenity in The Entrance Town Centre, with the upgrade also including accompanying infrastructure, such as additional power outlets and lighting.”Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to increasing tourism opportunities in the region, and the roof extension, along with other projects in Memorial Park and The Entrance Town Centre, is aligned with this commitment.“The visitor economy on the Central Coast makes a positive contribution to the community through building local pride, youth employment, and supporting local events and community infrastructure,” Mayor Smith said.“This project will increase economic, community and tourism development opportunities within The Entrance Town Centre, by allowing Council to host more significant and major events.”This project will cost $190,000 from Council’s capital works budget and is due to be completed by September 2018.