Central Coast Council has reaffirmed that it is willing assist the State Government to dredge the Ettalong Channel as long as it covers the full cost.Council is seeking to help the community better understand its position, through an education campaign including an online survey.Council has received three legal opinions about this issue and it is clear that the NSW government is responsible for the dredging of the channel for navigation purposes.

Construction is now underway at Central Coast Stadium to deliver two additional change rooms for the accommodation of multiple teams in time for the start of the 2018 A League season.Central Coast Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said that the delivery of these change rooms is another step Council is taking to continuously improve this important Central Coast asset.“The construction of these change rooms forms part of the Stadium’s long term strategy to provide ongoing improvements to the Stadium – something that is key to the longevity of the Stadium,” Mr Dowling said.“In addition to providing hirers with more facilities for use, these extra change rooms will improve both the appeal and functionality of the Stadium to a wider section of the community and in turn prove our reputation as a leading sporting, entertainment and recreational venue.”Mayor Jane Smith says that continuing to invest in upgrades to the Stadium is a key component to bringing in key events and tourism opportunities to boost the economy of the Central Coast.“Central Coast Stadium is an iconic asset for the Central Coast region and it is a priority for Council to continue to manage this asset as a quality venue for our community,” Mayor Smith said.“We would like to see more world-class sporting events on the Coast that grow interest in sport on the Coast.

Central Coast Council Lifeguard, James Koch, dominated at this year’s Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association’s (APOLA) Conference at Coffs Harbour on Friday 4 May.The Conference, held at Park Beach, saw James take out first place in the Lifeguard Carnival surf race, board race and lifeguard mission, a great achievement to see out the end of the beach patrol season.Mayor Jane Smith was pleased with James’ efforts and congratulated him on a well-deserved win.“We always knew our Lifeguards were the best in the business and James’ success across all events has confirmed this,” Mayor Smith said.“I would like to congratulate James on his win and the entire Beach Safety team for another great season.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Conference, attended by a number of coastal councils across New South Wales and Gold Coast City Lifeguards, focused on beach water safety programs and the role of knowledgeable bystanders and highlighted the importance of educating the public to look out for one another.“Keeping our community safe on local beaches is a top priority and a vital tool in doing this is educating all beachgoers about how to look out for one another when in and around the surf,” Mayor Smith said.“Having the knowledge to be able to identify rips and how to react in an emergency situation is a crucial step in minimising beach incidents, especially now the beach patrol season has finished.”Central Coast Council beach patrol season came to an official close on Monday 30 April with the past summer season seeing over three million people visit the Coast’s patrolled beaches.

Central Coast Council has appointed Mr Gary Murphy as the new permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO).New CEO Gary Murphy will commence his five year contract on Monday 2 July 2018.Mr Murphy has been a successful Chief Executive of local government organisations since 2003;

Central Coast Council will be holding a special memorial service next week, at Wamberal Cemetery, to honour mums who have passed on.Mother's Day is a day to recognise and thank our mothers for the innumerable contributions they have made to our lives.Mayor Jane Smith, who will be attending this memorial service, said that for some whose mothers have passed away, Mother’s Day can be a day of mixed emotions.“All over the Central Coast, families will come together to celebrate Mother’s Day, and pay tribute to the women in their lives.

Council is aware of community concerns in relation to the premises at 424 Mann Street, North Gosford.  Council is currently investigating these concerns and it is not appropriate for Council to comment on an ongoing compliance investigation.

This week, Central Coast Council kicked off $2,807,000 of important coastal foreshore and rehabilitation works at the southern end of Avoca Beach.  The works, funded by the NSW State Government as part of the Stronger Communities Fund, will improve the infrastructure and amenity of the area as well as to deliver important coastal protection and rehabilitation works to stabilise the foreshore.Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said that the upgrades will provide the community and visitors with a safer and more accessible foreshore area.“The first stage of works will deliver a more substantial rock wall next to the rock pool to stabilise the foreshore,” Mr Dowling said.“It will also see a relocation of the drainage outlet to the eastern end of the rock pool and renew the existing walkway between the surf club and eastern rock shelf incorporating initial landscaping.”“The second stage, scheduled to commence in April 2019, will further improve the area by rebuilding the small rock wall, adding a new larger ramp near the surf club, upgrading the beachfront walkway and providing additional landscaping.” Mayor Jane Smith said the project was an example of Council working together with the NSW State Government to deliver projects the community want and need.“The need for these works was identified in the Masterplan for Avoca Beach in 2012,” Mayor Smith said.“Since then, Council has consulted with the community about what they wanted to see at the foreshore and Hunter Park and I am really pleased to see community priorities, such as shade structures, shower and wash down areas, sitting steps and open grass spaces incorporated into the planned works.“Council staff also held a pre-construction Information Session attended by over 60 locals in early April where our Project Managers presented plans and discussed construction expectations with the community.

Central Coast Council Youth Services is seeking media and music industry sponsorship to partner with the Battle of the Bands and Discovered 2018 series.This will ensure these professional development programs and contests maintain a high standard of opportunity and professional experience for young people to showcase their unique talent and to deliver services to connect young people to the Central Coast arts sector.Expressions of interest close on 10 May.Download media sponsorship expression of interest information sheet Background InformationThe Creative Engineers project delivers professional development programs to connect young people to the Central Coast arts sector.The project has been developed to showcase young through a variety of projects.

Central Coast Library Service is creating a stress free HSC for students by offering a number of FREE events to help calm nerves, and maximise potential and results during this critical time.The free events are open to senior students from years 10 through to 12 and will be led by a series of experts to equip students with the tools they need to succeed.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said these events are a fantastic opportunity for students to get hints and tips from professionals without the cost.“We understand that the senior years of school are an important and often stressful time for many students and we are pleased to offer this special series of events for our community.” Mrs Burgess said.“The initiative is part of the Library’s investment to assist with meeting educational needs across the Coast and we encourage all year 10, 11 and 12 students to take advantage of these excellent learning opportunities.”Max your HSC marks – how to bounce back from the half yearly exams will kick-off the series this afternoon with Rowan Kunz, author of the book Secrets of HSC Success Revealed and founder of Art of Smart Education tutoring service, providing students with a toolkit of techniques to increase the efficiency of their study, improve their time-management skills and reduce stress.Award-winning author, Felicity Pulman, will also be running a creative writing workshop How to make good stories even better which will help participants generate ideas, flesh out characters and scenes, and address the basics behind every page-turning story.“According to the NSW Education Standards Authority, the Central Coast was one of the top 10 largest regions for HSC enrolments last year so programs like these are important.” Mrs Burgess added.“We remain committed to providing learning and development opportunities for students on the Coast and encourage them and their parents to take note of the free events and book now.”Events will be held in the Tuggerah, Toukley and Erina libraries.1 May              Max your HSC marks8 May              How to make good stories even better19 May            Activated HSC workshop - The Tempest24 May            Understanding PIPs and Society and Culture2 June             A Parent’s Guide to the HSC:

Council Staff Pop Ups coming to a shopping centre near youCouncil is holding a series of Pop Up Stalls at shopping centres across the Central Coast from May until December 2018 where the community will have a chance to talk one on one to Council’s Executive Leadership Team and Senior Managers.The Pop Ups were established in 2016 as part of Council’s Engagement program and proved as an effective and popular way of engaging with our community.Each monthly Pop Up sessions will provide a means of connecting the community to Council decision makers including the Executive Leadership Team and Senior Managers and will give residents the chance to ask questions, raise concerns and share what matters most to them.Consistent conversations with our community are one of the most important activities we undertake in Local Government.

Central Coast Council is asking for public comment on the first strategy to manage flying-foxes on the Central Coast.The Central Coast Flying-Fox Management Strategy, assisted by the New South Wales Government and supported by Local Government NSW, provides a framework for the management of all local flying-fox camps and their habitats.Council Director Assets, Infrastructure & Business, Mike Dowling, said the Strategy was developed in partnership with other regional councils to provide a consistent approach to flying-fox management.“Whilst the strategy has a local focus, our collaboration with Hunter Councils Environment Division acknowledges that flying-fox colonies extend beyond our region and confirms the commitment by Council to delivering a holistic and sustainable management approach,” Mr Dowling said.“Flying-foxes are key to the biodiversity of our region and play an important role as pollinators and seed dispersers for many of our native trees.“It is about ensuring the protection of these species with a strategy that proactively addresses the lack of understanding and potential conflicts in our urban areas.”The Strategy considers the four known active flying-fox roosting or ‘camp’ areas on the Central Coast - Watanobbi, Woy Woy, North Avoca and Wyoming - along with dormant historic or new camps which may become active in the future.Mayor Smith said that Council’s exhibition of the strategy will provide an opportunity for input from the community.“Community feedback is an important part of this process and we want the community to review the strategy and have your say,” Mayor Smith said.“Once the Strategy has been adopted, Council will be eligible to apply for funding to help manage issues that may arise from local flying fox populations.“Council will also undertake further education and engagement with the community as the Strategy is rolled out.”Details of the Central Coast Flying-fox Management Strategy and how to put in a submission can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.com.

Central Coast Council and NSW Police are working together to reduce speeding related crashes and fatalities in the region through a targeted education and enforcement campaign across May.Speeding is a factor in 23 per cent of crashes causing injury or ‘casualty crashes’ on the Central Coast, seven per cent higher than the NSW average.

Central Coast Council is working on its submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) review of water, sewerage and stormwater prices on the Central Coast.Council Director Assets and Infrastructure, Mike Dowling said the IPART pricing review would be the first for the merged Council and will set prices for customers from 1 July, 2019.“As Council is a designated Water Authority, prices for water, sewerage and stormwater services are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal,” Mr Dowling said.“IPART usually conduct a review of all of the water, sewerage and stormwater charges for our customers every four years and then set the prices for the next four year period.“Council is preparing a comprehensive pricing proposal for the current review.“Our community will have to a number of opportunities to input into our submission.

The Central Coast Series Champions for 2018 have been named in an exciting final at Bato Yard during National Youth Week 2018, scooping a total prize pool of $5000.Three heats were held at Wadalba Skate Park, Umina Skate Park and Bato Yard where young riders of all ages and abilities showed off their skills on BMX, skate, scooter or WCMX (wheelchair) for their chance to claim the Central Coast Series Champion title in the nail-biting final.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said the event continues to be extremely popular, with large crowds, strong competition and a lot of fun had by all those involved.“This event gets bigger and better each year with more competitors, the use of new venues and a larger prize pool.” Mr Cannard said.“It is an important event run by the Council during National Youth Week, providing a great opportunity for young people on the Central Coast to participate and showcase their talents.”National Youth Week is organised by young people, for young people aged 12-24 years in a number of communities across the state and country from 13-22 April.The Central Coast Council celebrated the important initiative with a wide range of events including the Central Coast Series to encourage the next generation of leaders to get involved and be heard.“Young people across the Central Coast were encouraged to share ideas, show off their talents, join in local events – but most of all have fun!” Mr Cannard said.“This year’s Youth Week was perfectly timed with the school holidays which kept everyone entertained during the break.“In addition to this major skate competition, we held a bumper calendar of events for the Central Coast community ranging from live entertainment, art competitions and more.”Other key Council supported events included the RISE UP & CREATE Exhibition Opening & Award Presentation at the Oasis Central which included a Youth Visual Arts Exhibition, and the popular GOATS Family Festival which celebrated its 20th anniversary with large crowds, live bands, market stalls, showbags, cultural performances, art, animals and rides.Free aspiring filmmaker workshops were also held at the Erina Centre and Lake Munmorah Community Centre for those interested in the craft and a short film created through one of our youth programs, Idea to Screen, aired on ABC iView last night.“‘I Dream’ gave young participants an insight into the film making process thanks to one of the many programs we run at The Hub, Erina.” Mr Cannard said“Youth Week is a great opportunity to promote a positive image of our young people and celebrate their contribution to the community.”We congratulate the Central Coast Series Champions 2018:SkateU’12:

Central Coast Council Administration Offices and a number of other services will be closed on 25 April for Anzac Day.

Council calls for urgent action on asbestos at Wamberal BeachA Management Plan will be developed and reported to the next Council meeting on how the asbestos issue at Wamberal and Terrigal Beaches will be resolved in the interests of public safety.Council has also requested that the Acting CEO proactively release the Wamberal Beach NSW Storm Erosion Remediation Report.Mayor Jane Smith there was genuine concern in the community about the potential presence of asbestos containing material at Wamberal and Terrigal Beaches, and that Council needed to  take decisive action to resolve it.“I commend staff, and particularly Acting CEO Brian Glendenning for their swift action in removing asbestos from these beaches and securing the beach for the safety of beachgoers,” Mayor Smith said.“Council has certainly been proactive in the short term but the focus now needs to be on coming up with a long term strategy that will satisfy beachgoers, local landowners and the community.“We are committed to continue to working with the State Government, particularly the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), to resolving this issue in the best interests of our community.”Council staff are currently conducting at least twice weekly inspections of Wamberal and Terrigal Beaches Council reminds residents to report any material potentially containing asbestos at either beach to the Environment Protection Authority or Council straight away and not remove the material themselves.The Council also requested that the Acting CEO publish an information sheet concerning the potential risks associated of contact with asbestos material, and distribute that information sheet to residents that live next to Wamberal and Terrigal beaches.Council resolves to deliver Regional Performing Arts Centre for Gosford CBD   Council tonight has reconfirmed a Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre (RPACC) will be built in the Gosford CBD.A rescission motion to move the site to Poppy Park instead was lost with the Mayor using her casting vote to confirm RPACC will be built as part of a cultural precinct starting at 51-71 Mann Street (Old Broadwater Hotel site).Mayor Jane Smith said with the discussion and debate now finalised, it is time to work together with the community and the state and federal governments to ensure this key project is delivered.“There is significant state and federal funding at stake that we will lose if we do not get on with delivering this project,” Mayor Smith said.‘We have run out of time to deliberate - it is time for decisive action.“The community has significant investment and interest in progressing this project and have waited long enough.“Our energy and focus must be on making it a reality and that is what we intend to do.“The RPACC will be key drawcard to the Gosford CBD and will help create an active and engaged arts and cultural hub in the region’s capital.“We can now move with confidence to the design phase and are committed to working with all our partners, including the Conservatorium of Music, to ensure we meet the needs of arts and broader community, by delivering an iconic and economically viable facility we can all be proud of.”The community and key stakeholders will be consulted on the detailed design as this project moves forward.Current construction schedule is the build is expected to get underway in January 2019 and will take 18 months.Council defers decision on Regional Library Council has deferred a final decision on a Regional Library to consider the commercial viability of a modern facility the community have said they want for the Gosford CBD.Following a detailed Councillor workshop, a further report on a revised proposal for a Regional Library in Gosford will be presented to the 28 May 2018 Council meeting.Mayor Jane Smith said that although this delays the final decision a little it provides a final opportunity for Councillors to look at a more detailed design in the context of a cultural precinct and reach consensus on a way forward.“We need to ensure we create a truly iconic building in the city centre, helping to attract business and investment to the area as well as increase connectivity amongst educational institutions,” Mayor Smith said.“This catalyst project for the CBD must be a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike creating a true innovation centre and drawcard to the city centre.“Libraries are at the heart of creating liveable, connected and sustainable cities and that is definitely what we want to see for the Gosford CBD.”Council Director of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, took the opportunity to emphasise that the development of the Gosford Regional Library is not dependent on the closure of any existing branches.“I want to be very clear – the development of a Regional Library is not contingent on branches in the Peninsula, or elsewhere, being closed,” Ms Vaughan said.“Our ability to meet contemporary and future needs of the region has been constrained for a long time due to our current library buildings size and capabilities.“This has highlighted an overwhelming need for us to provide a multi-use Regional Library where our community can meet, connect and learn.“Next financial year we will be carrying out a review of our current Library Services in order to create a better and more sustainable service for the community.“The review will include consultation with the community to gain an improved understanding of what resources and services they value and want to see from our Libraries.”First ever Central Coast Community Strategic Plan released Council has released One – Central Coast, a draft of the first ever Community Strategic Plan for the region.Read full media release here.New Chief Executive Officer recruitment on trackThe process to appoint a new permanent Chief Executive Officer for Central Coast Council is on track following a confidential discussion at tonight’s Council meeting.Mayor Jane Smith said she was pleased that the process of selecting a new Chief Executive Officer for Central Coast Council was on schedule and she expected an announcement to be made in the next few weeks.“With the assistance of the appointed recruitment agency, Davidson, the Councillor panel made up of myself, Deputy Mayor Holstein, Councillor Burke and Councillor Hogan conducted interviews with shortlisted candidates,” Mayor Smith said.“All Councillors were then invited to a second interview and presentation with the final shortlist and we are now in the process of completing final checks.“Following tonight’s meeting and the resolution of Council, we will complete the final checks and move to offer the Chief Executive Officer position to our preferred candidate.“This has been an important process and I look forward to being able to provide further information soon,” Mayor Smith said.Council calls on State Government to prioritise dredging of Ettalong Channel Council has reconfirmed its position that the State Government is responsible for navigable waters and should completely fund the dredging of the Ettalong Channel.Council will request that the NSW Minister for Roads receive a delegation from Council, to attempt to make dredging of the Ettalong Channel a priority for the NSW Government.Mayor Jane Smith said it was important the community understood the NSW Government collect significant fees from marine activities in Brisbane Water and it is that funding that should be put back into making the Channel navigable.“The State Government collects significant fees from maritime activities on Brisbane Water including licensing, boat registrations, licences issued to the ferry service itself and the use of moorings and other State-owned facilities – what we need to understand is just how much money that is,” Mayor Smith said.“I believe it will be more than enough to pay for the dredging without Council needing to take money from other essential services to pay for what is a State Government responsibility.“That is the position we will take directly to the Minister and we ask the community to join us and call on the State Government to prioritise dredging of the Ettalong Channel.”Council will publish a fact sheet for marine users and local residents detailing how dredging is a State Government responsibility and what they can do to request action.Council supports best practice in proactive release of information to the publicCouncil has resolved to support the development of a robust Proactive Release Program over the next 12 months to give the community greater access to a range of Council held information, including documentation that helps Council make informed decisions.The Program will create a framework to promote the efficient and useful release of Council information.

Council has released One – Central Coast, a draft of the first ever Community Strategic Plan for the region.The plan represents the culmination of 18 months of extensive consultation with the community and establishes a road map for the future of the Central Coast over the next decade.Mayor Jane Smith said the process to develop the Coast’s first ever Community Strategic Plan has engaged many thousands of people in the local community and is a true representation of what our community think, feel, want and value.“The release of the first Community Strategic Plan for the Central Coast is significant in many ways,” Mayor Smith said.“It is the first single plan that defines the priorities of our community and represents a considered and evidence-based roadmap for the future of the Central Coast.“It defines the environmental and social qualities the community have told us they love about the Central Coast and provides a clear path of action for what Council needs to prioritise and deliver to meet the needs of our growing population.“As inhabitants of the sixth-largest urban area in Australia, we have the opportunity to harness and direct our potential more than ever before.”The draft Plan comprises five key themes based on this vision that encapsulate the voice and values of the Central Coast community:BelongingSmartGreenResponsibleLiveableThe Plan also defines a Community vision - “We are the Central Coast.

Central Coast residents have provided near record levels of feedback on the future of the region’s footpaths, bike paths and shared paths.

Central Coast Council is partnering with The Art House to put on a showcase of work by some of the region’s most talented artists and launch a new creative program.For one night only, Thursday 26 April, The Art House will feature six films and a live performance created by professional artists on the Central Coast – including the premiere of the film The Central Coast:

In commemoration of ANZAC Day on Wednesday 25 April, Central Coast Council is supporting events being held at a number of venues across the Central Coast.Services will be held on Wednesday 25 April at Davistown, Doyalson, Empire Bay, Gosford, Ourimbah, Terrigal, The Entrance, Toukley, Woy Woy and Wyong.To carry out the Dawn Services, Main Marches and Main Services safely, there will be a number of road closures in place to accommodate the crowd numbers for this significant celebration.Doyalson8.15am - Southbound lanes from Raw Challenge and Wyee Rd.