The NSW Auditor-General has confirmed Council’s financial statements present fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of Central Coast Council as at 30 June 2017, and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the period 13 May 2016 to 30 June 2017 in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and Australian Accounting Standards.

Council’s strong financial position backed by Independent AuditThe NSW Auditor-General has confirmed Central Coast Council’s financial statements present fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of Council as at 30 June 2017, and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the period 13 May 2016 to 30 June 2017 in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and Australian Accounting Standards.Read separate media release here.Council confirms Ettalong Channel dredging is a State Government responsibility after considering external legal advice Council has maintained its long held view that it is under no statutory obligation to dredge the Brisbane Water Entrance Channel.The bed below mean high water level is NSW Crown Land, and NSW Roads and Maritime Services is responsible for the safety of navigational waterways and channel.

Central Coast Council will shortly commence stabilisation work on the $2,807,000 Avoca Beach Southern Foreshore RedevelopmentThe works, funded by the NSW State Government as part of the Stronger Communities Funding made available to all newly merged Councils, 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 and will take place in two stages.

Council has released the findings of the second round of engagement to develop the Coast’s first ever Community Strategic Plan with 91% of survey respondents saying they had ‘good’, ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ quality of life.Connected Communities Director, Julie Vaughan said Phase Two of the  project drilled down into the findings of the initial community engagement where Council received over 33,000 ideas and opinions from residents about what would make the Central Coast an even better place to live.“Phase Two was about going back to the community to unpack the key themes we defined in Phase One, looking at community priorities, community values and how the community feels about their quality of life here on the Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“The community was asked to rate their overall quality of life living on the Central Coast with 91% of survey respondents saying they had ‘good’, ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ quality of life, which is fantastic for the Coast.”“Quality of life appears to trend marginally upwards with age and be impacted by certain socio-economic factors, such as location of residence, employment status, level of education and home ownership – all important factors when looking at how we shape the future of the Central Coast.“Lifestyle and community, including attributes such as safety, sense of community and opportunities to participate in community life were the key drivers of quality of life.”“Transport and movement around the Central Coast were two of the top issues identified by residents as a priority issue over the next 10 years with natural environment, infrastructure, population growth, employment opportunities and housing also rating highly.“A key focus of the CSP will be to consider and balance the importance of both key priority issues as well as the key drivers of quality of life,” she said.During Phase Two, Council engaged with over 1200 local community members and key stakeholders via a comprehensive telephone survey, a series of six community workshops and meetings with the Community Reference Group.Mayor Jane Smith said the process to develop the Coast’s first ever Community Strategic Plan had engaged many thousands of people in the local community and, once completed, will be a true representation of what our community think, feel, want and value.“The central focus for the CSP engagement has been on genuine and meaningful dialogue” Mayor Smith said.“Council have strived to work together across organisations, groups and the broader community to understand community values, issues and aspirations for the future.“The Community Strategic Plan is the most important plan we have at Council as it defines and prioritises exactly what our community want.

Oh, what a feeling!

Discover the stories that inspired the acclaimed play A Town Named War Boy, when NSW State Library World War I curator, Elise Edmonds, visits Tuggerah Library on Wednesday 28 March.The talk will delve into personal accounts from ANZAC soldiers that served our nation and a small selection of diaries and original material will be on display.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said the Libraries were very pleased to secure this event offered in conjunction with the national tour of A Town Named War Boy.“This talk and display provides a rare opportunity to get a glimpse into how individual troops felt and lived while deployed on the front,” Ms Burgess said.“It really encapsulates the ANZAC spirit and looks at just how scared and vulnerable these men were, an aspect which is not often discussed.“We are incredibly lucky to have Elise present here as she is the mastermind behind one of the State Library’s most successful exhibitions.“Elise will also give insight into the origin of the pieces and how her work lead to the State Library’s collaboration to help create an incredibly moving experience for theatre goers.”In 2014 the State Library and the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) commissioned playwright Ross Mueller to create a new play based on the extensive World War I diary collection.A Town Named War Boy brings to life the private thoughts of young Aussie men that were sent off to war on the other side of the world and how those that made it back home dealt with the traumas of conflict, described by The Australian as “The most moving ANZAC tribute of all”.Tickets for performances on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 April are on sale now and can be purchased via thearthousewyong.com.au“As we head towards ANZAC Day in the last year of the centenary of World War I, there is no better time to learn more about our nation’s heroes,” Ms Burgess added.“This is a unique opportunity to hear these authentic stories that helped create the Australian identity.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents or call 4350 1560 to reserve a spot.To be one of the first to know about events, new releases as well as discover what resources and services are available sign up to Central Coast Council Library Service e-newsletter at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/enews and search #ccclibraries on Council’s social media pages.

A joint partnership between Central Coast Council, The Jimmy Jurd Fund and Centra Projects will see the delivery of a new play space to Chittaway Bay Lions Park, paying tribute to a special local resident.The play space will be upgraded in part from a fund set up for Jimmy Jurd, who at the age of one was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour, then inoperable in Australia.  Funds were raised for his treatment but Jimmy sadly passed before the treatment could start. A portion of the funds raised will now be used to upgrade this play space in his honour at the request of his family.Director of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, confirmed Council has awarded a contract for upgrades to the park.

Central Coast residents are being urged to prepare their homes and take care on Coast roads with heavy rain to hit the region from 8pm tonight.The Bureau of Meterology (BOM) has advised rainfall is expected to start from 8pm tonight and continue for the next twenty-four hours with the heaviest rain expected pre-dawn.BoM have advised 150mm to 200mm is expected to fall within the 24 hour period along with 4 metre swells on Coast beaches over the coming days.Residents are being urged to prepare their homes and gardens by clearing gutters and drains.

Central Coast Council maintained the NSW Government is responsible for dredging of the Box Head and Ettalong Channels, and that Council was willing to work with the NSW Government on a long term solution, at a round-table discussion on the issue today.Council is yet to receive formal notification from the NSW Government on the outcome of applications for grant funding, which if granted would allow the Council to purchase and operate a dredge for 5 years for the State.Mayor Jane Smith said Council recognised there was a need for dredging in order to maintain the Channels for navigation purposes and also emphasised it was essential to understand its legal position and cost implications to ensure the right decision was made.“Councillors need to have all the information in order to make informed decisions for the long term management of the estuary and the allocation of ratepayer money,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“That is why at our February 12 meeting the Council resolved to request a detailed briefing and report be given on current legal advice, dredging strategies, an understanding of how the estuaries function and cost implications of purchasing a dredge.“The information that I have received to date confirms Council’s long held view that the dredging of the channels is a State government responsibility.“The State Government also collects millions of dollars in fees from moorings, jetty rents and fishing and boat licenses in Brisbane Water and this revenue could and should be put back into maintaining the channels and the waterways to ensure these recreational activities can continue.“In addition, it is worth noting that our neighbouring Lake Macquarie Council does not pay for dredging, rather the State government covers that cost.“If Council must find the funding ourselves to dredge the channel, funding would need to be taken away from other priority projects our community have told us they want funded.“We need the State Government to come to the table with a solid funding package for the Channel and we are happy to get on board.”The round table today brought together key stakeholders including Parliamentary Secretary Scot MacDonald, Local Terrigal MP Adam Crouch, State Government Department representatives, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Fantasea Cruising, Mayor Jane Smith and Senior Council staff.Councillors will receive a briefing this week and a report is expected to the March 26 meeting to be held in Wyong.

Central Coast Council will celebrate the cultural diversity across the Central Coast with Flavours by the Sea as part of Harmony Day celebrations on Saturday 24 March.The message of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’, and aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster a sense of belonging.Council’s Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said the day is a chance to celebrate the many cultures that make up Australia and the Central Coast and it is a great time to reflect on the importance of inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.“Our diversity makes Australia a great place to live,” Mr Cannard said.“To celebrate we are hosting an event called Flavours by the Sea - a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate the region’s diversity with a taste of the world food, music and art.“Our annual event has been revamped and will see local acts mixing with some of the country’s best entertainers as well as giving people the opportunity to taste their way around the world at our amazing food stalls.“I encourage everyone to come along and celebrate the different cultures this event has to offer in recognition of how diverse our community is becoming.”Council Mayor Jane Smith said as the population on the Central Coast grows, so does the diversity.“One of my favourite roles as Mayor is to conduct citizenship ceremonies which highlight how diversity and multiculturalism is thriving on the Central Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“Already this year we have seen more than 150 residents become Australia Citizens with a special ceremony on Australia Day.“There will be another five ceremonies this year – which means we will see more than 400 people who have decided to make Australia, and the Central Coast, their home.“Australia is such a vibrant and multicultural country, it’s great to see it being embraced on the Central Coast.”Council has secured national artists, Harry James Angus (of The Cat Empire) and King Tide, to headline the entertainment at Flavours by the Sea.The popular Harmonic Forest is back - an installation of illuminated prefabricated trees narrating live visual stories.Festival goers will be invited to participate in a free workshop to create designs and images that will be projected as part of the ‘Harmonic Forest’.Flavours by the Sea will be held at Memorial Park, The Entrance on Saturday 24 March from 3.30-8.30pm.Find out more details at:

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Scot MacDonald MLC today announced Central Coast Council has received $700,000 in funding to upgrade the amenities in Central Coast Stadium as part of the NSW Liberal National Government’s $200 million Stronger Country Communities fund.“The project will involve upgrading the existing amenities block to a first class standard” Mr MacDonald said.“Works include a full overhaul of the existing amenities including ceiling rectification, installation of new light fittings, hand dryers, tapware and plumbing.”“Central Coast Stadium regularly hosts a range of sporting matches and music events, so I’m really pleased that funding from the State Liberal Government is going towards improving this facility,” Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch MP said.“This is one of several projects receiving funding through round 1 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, and there is now an additional $200 million available for community projects through round 2 of this fund.”Mayor Jane Smith applauded the announcement, saying that the Stronger Country Communities Funding was illustrative of the State Government’s support for the development of infrastructure in regional communities.

The auditor’s report for the first consolidated Central Coast Council financial statements will be presented at the next meeting on Monday 26 March 2018.The report and financial statements for the 13.5 month statutory period confirm a total income from continuing operations of $723.7 million, a surplus of $65.4 million and an asset base worth $6.9 billion.These are the first consolidated financial statements for Central Coast Council and are from 13 May 2016 until 30 June 2017.The audited financial statements and the auditor’s report are available for inspection at Council’s Offices in Gosford and Wyong and Libraries and online at yourvoiceourcoast.comAny person may make written submission to Council with respect to the audited financial statements until Monday 2 April.Also available for inspection are the audited financial statements and auditor’s report for activities as a water supply authority under the Water Management Act 2000, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983.

Central Coast Council is warning beach goers against swimming and recreational fishing at Terrigal, Avoca and Copacabana beaches following the discovery of marine algal blooms.The red coloured algae that has appeared on some of  Central Coast’s beaches has been identified as Trichodesmium erythraeum, commonly referred to as ‘red tide’ or ‘sea sawdust’.

Council commits to strong action on climate changeCouncil will explore the option to join the Cities Power Partnership (CPP) and develop a policy including mitigation and adaptions measures in a bid to take strong action on climate change.In January 2018 the Climate Council released a report confirming the 2013-2017 period has been the hottest on record with 2017 the third hottest year on recordMayor Jane Smith said climate change is real and action needed to be taken to mitigate its effect on the region’s water resources, coastal ecosystems, infrastructure, health, agriculture and biodiversity.“The effects of climate change pose a serious threat to our way of life on the Central Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“Climate change is a risk to our economic prosperity so doing nothing is not an option.“We want our legacy to be that we stood up and said we value our way of life and want to protect it for the generations to come.“Council needs to take the lead on this and develop an action plan to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and get our industry, businesses and community on board as well.”CPP is a national local government program that focusses on supporting the emission reduction successes of local councils in Australia.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Scot MacDonald MLC has welcomed the announcement that Central Coast Council will receive $50,000 under the fourth and final round of the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund (SHCIF) for upgrades to Jarrett Street Reserve in Gosford North.The funding will provide for the replacement of soft fall materials to rubber soft fall to improve safety and attractiveness of the reserve for social housing residents.Round 4 of the SHCIF, which completes the delivery of the NSW Government’s election commitment to building stronger social housing communities, delivered grants of between $35,000 and $50,000 to support local organisations improve the lives of the most vulnerable across NSW.Mr MacDonald said the funding provided through the SHCIF would help improve the lives of social housing residents in Gosford, by not only providing improved facilities, but also better connections with the wider community.“The SHCIF is a great Government initiative which funds projects to bring the community together,” Mr MacDonald said.“I am pleased that social housing tenants that live in Gosford and their neighbours will see the impact of the funding through improvements to facilities that can be enjoyed by everyone.”Minister for Social Housing Pru Goward said the final round of funding would add to the already successful projects that were making a real difference to social housing communities across the state. “The SHCIF was a wonderful example of how Government can work with communities, local councils and the private sector to deliver projects which strengthen ties between people in and around social housing properties,” Ms Goward said.“I congratulate the successful recipients of Round 4 grants and look forward to seeing the projects improve the lives of the most vulnerable in the community for years to come.” Central Coast Council’s Director Assets, Infrastructure & Business, Mike Dowling, said that the announcement of funding was a very pleasing result that will provide benefit to the community.“Improving quality of life for those in our community who need it most is a great priority to us;

Central Coast Council is continuing to implement innovative methods to reduce the amount of waste directed to landfill with the recent purchase of a specialised materials handling excavator.Sorting through household kerbside collection waste at Buttonderry Waste Management Facility, the excavator is recovering scrap metal, mattresses and other recyclable products that would otherwise be directed to landfill.Council Waste Services Unit Manager, Andrew Pearce said that since it started operating in September last year a number of environmental, social and economic benefits had been realised.“In the first five months of operation, the excavator has successfully recovered more than 1,000 tonnes of scrap metal and 1,400 mattresses,” Mr Pearce said.“The mattresses are shredded to both recover the metal and to achieve improved compaction in the landfill until such time as we can find a market for this material.“From this we are able to gain additional economic benefits from the sale of scrap metal, saving of valuable landfill space, as well as refund of the Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) waste levy.”The purchase of the excavator was made possible thanks to a $200,000 grant awarded through the EPA’s Resource Recovery Facility Expansion and Enhancement Grants Program.Mr Pearce added he was hopeful that Council would be successful in obtaining further grants under the EPA’s Waste Less Recycle More program.“We have since conducted further trials on construction, demolition, commercial and industrial waste at our Buttonderry Waste Management Facility,” Mr Pearce said.“These trials have recovered approximately 50 tonnes of cardboard, soft plastic, untreated timber and hard plastic.“We are currently analysing the results from the latest trial to inform future business decisions and identify new markets for recoverable products.”Each household receives six free kerbside collections of general household or green waste every twelve months from 1 February that can be booked via 1coast.com.auENDSPhotos of excavator available on request.

Central Coast Council will formally recognise the new Central Coast Status of Women Advisory Group at a special function tonight, Monday 5 March.Members of the Group will provide advice, advocate and raise awareness of issues that affect women on the Central Coast as well as promoting local networks and events that celebrate women in the community.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Council was overwhelmed by the response from the community to be part of a group to empower and support women across the Coast.“We received a large number of applications from women wanting to step up and represent women on the Central Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“The 10 successful applicants bring with them a vast range of skills and experience, and represent a diverse range of backgrounds, age groups and areas of the Central Coast.“The Group will identify strategies to develop social, economic and personal leadership opportunities for women.”Councillor Lisa Matthews will chair the Central Coast Status of Women Advisory Group and will be joined by fellow Councillors and Julie Vaughan as well as the successful 10 members of the community, including:Councillor Chris HolsteinCouncillor Jillian HoganCouncillor Jilly PilonCouncillor Kyle MacGregorCouncillor Doug VincentChristine Arnaldi, Hamlyn TerraceSharon Walsh, SaratogaMiranda Cashin, Avoca BeachDanielle Habib, Chittaway PointBelinda Kimpton, WyomingSally Jope, Umina BeachSharryn Brownlee, WoongarrahMargot Castles, Shelly BeachDanielle Hobday, Mangrove MountainCourtney Jones, ToukleyMayor Jane Smith said with International Women’s Day on Thursday 8 March, this is the perfect time to announce the new Advisory Group for women on the Coast.“The Status of Women Advisory Group will work to foster participation from women to establish networks, create and participate in organised women’s events and promote a regional focus,” Mayor Smith said.“We want to see the Status of Women Advisory Group develop connections and networks across the Coast as well as promote women in leadership positions – and I think the Group we have selected will do just that.”Find out more on the Central Coast Status of Women Advisory Group by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/SOWAG 

Avoca Beach will become the backdrop for some of the world’s best surfers when it hosts the VISSLA Central Coast Pro, presented by Slimes, from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 March.

Community members are now being called on to submit Expressions of Interest for six key Advisory Groups across the Central Coast.The six Advisory Groups will be responsible for providing advice and feedback to Council and will be made up of community representatives, Councillors and Council staff from relevant areas.Mayor Jane Smith said Advisory Groups have been established in the key strategic areas Council is focussed on progressing and are a chance for community members to be actively involved in finding solutions.“This is a real opportunity for those with a real passion, interest and expertise in our environment, waterways, economic development and heritage to bring that to the table and directly feed into Council decision-making.“We are a large Council area, representing over 330,000 residents and we want to provide as many avenues as possible for community voice and representation and these Groups are one part of that.” Mayor Jane Smith said.The six Advisory Groups are:Catchments and Coast Committee Brisbane Water and Gosford Lagoons - responsible for promoting linkages and co-operation between the community, Council, State and Federal Governments, and other key stakeholders in the development and the implementation of coastal, estuarine, catchment and floodplain management plans;Catchments and Coast Committee Tuggerah Lakes - responsible for promoting linkages and co-operation between the community, Council, State and Federal Governments, and other key stakeholders in the development and the implementation of coastal, estuarine, catchment and floodplain management plans;COSS (Coastal Open Space System) Committee – responsible for providing advice and feedback on championing biodiversity conservation outcomes with the broader community of the Central Coast, providing advice and feedback to Council on the development and implementation of the COSS Strategy for the Central Coast including the expanding COSS;Employment and Economic Development Committee - responsible for providing advice and feedback on ensuring employment and sustainable economic development initiatives of Council align with the Central Coast Community Strategic Plan.Gosford CBD and Waterfront Advisory Committee - responsible for providing advice and feedback on initiatives to promote and appropriately develop and activate the Gosford CBD and waterfront;

Central Coast Council is calling on local residents to roll up their sleeves and help protect our natural environment by getting involved in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 4 March.Across the Coast 125 sites have been registered (60 community sites, 17 youth sites and 44 schools) and all need volunteers to help with the clean-up.Council’s Director, Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Clean Up Australia Day is the perfect way for the community to come together and help clean up the Coast.“It’s great to see so many people taking pride in their local community and working together to clean up and protect our natural environment,” Ms Vaughan said.Volunteers are needed to assist with sites all across the Coast from public bushland and parks to foreshore and coastal areas.Council’s Mayor, Jane Smith, who will be volunteering on the day, said this weekend is a great chance to get involved and support your local community.“Clean Up Australia Day started as a simple idea and has now become an annual reminder to think about how we can all work together to reduce litter and to look at how our daily actions can impact on the environment,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“Last year more than nine tonnes was collected on the Central Coast alone, showing there is a real need for this national day of action.“We are lucky to live in such a beautiful and diverse area, from beaches to waterways, and bushland to national parks.Our native plants and animals deserve a clean and rubbish free environment in which to flourish, just like we do and I encourage everyone who can to get involved.”In 2017 an estimated 566,000 volunteers removed 14,139 tonnes of rubbish at over 6,200 sites across the country.For more information or to find a site or register as a volunteer go to cleanupaustraliaday.org.auor contact Council on 4350 5555/4325 8222.