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.

Council calls for urgent report on best site for the Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre for the Coast  Council tonight reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre (RPACC) for the Central Coast with a call for an urgent report on all possible sites for the Centre to come before the next Council meeting.The Leagues Club Field on the Gosford Waterfront was resolved as the preferred site by Council, under Administration, in February 2017.  Tonight, Council asked the Acting CEO to report on other potential sites including those owned by Council and on Crown Land that could house the RPACC.Mayor Jane Smith said it was important that the question of the site be resolved once and for all and that Council was open to other sites as long as it meets the operational needs of Council and the requirements of the significant Federal and State Government funding.“Council is conscious and grateful for the funding commitments of the State and Federal Governments for the Centre so we are very keen to get it moving,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“We want to create a world-class, financially viable facility that the Central Coast can be proud of.”Council is in the design stage of the project and is currently conducting stakeholder workshops with representatives in the arts, cultural and conference sectors as well as State and Federal Members on what they want to see the RPACC deliver.“The RPACC is a priority project for Council and one that we want to deliver for our community,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“Getting the venue specification and business model right is important for the RPACC’s longevity and overall success – ensuring the community can see the full value of this cultural facility for generations to come.”Council approves amendment that brings consistency to tree management on the Central Coast Following community consultation, Council has adopted an amended Chapter in the Wyong Development Control Plan 2013 (WDCP) that is consistent with the Tree and Vegetation Management Chapter of the Gosford Development Control Plan  2013 (GDCP).The approved amended chapter re-worded Chapter 3.6 of the WDCP to be consistent with Chapter 6.6 of the GDCP.  One impact of the amendment was to remove the previous control introduced by the former Wyong Shire Council which allowed a landowner to remove any tree or vegetation on a residential property (less than 1500 square metres) without an application.The amendments were exhibited in December 2017, with 119 submissions received with 84% of those submissions in favour of the proposed change.Mayor Jane Smith said that it was an important step for the Central Coast to have a consistent approach to tree management controls that demonstrated best practice in sustainability and that enhanced and protected the local environment.“Trees and the greenery of the Coast is one of the reasons people love living here and we need to ensure it is protected and enhanced,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“We have undertaken initial consultation with the community on this issue, heard their comments and concerns and have a clear mandate to continue down this path of policy alignment.”“It is imperative that Council establish clear and consistent policies for our residents that align with community sentiment and deliver for the coast.The Acting Chief Executive Officer will organise a workshop for Councillors on implications of the new policy with a further report to come to Council.A report will also come to Council in relation to developing an Urban Forest Policy to protect and enhance the environmental amenity, ecological value and scenic character of the area.Council’s development approvals streets ahead of Regional Plan targetsCouncil’s quarterly report into the activities of the Development Assessment and Environment and Certification Units reveal 6,181 additional dwellings have received approval since the commencement of the Central Coast Regional Plan, more than 2031 ahead of the target of 4150.894 development applications were determined in the final quarter of 2017 alone including 155 additional lots and 599 dwellings including secondary dwellings, detached dwellings, dual-occupancies, multi dwelling housing and units within residential flat buildings.Mayor Jane Smith said as the Central Coast community grows, Council is committed to facilitating development that provides a variety of housing to suit the needs and lifestyles of the community, support local jobs and services while protecting and enhancing the local environment.“We know from the Central Coast Regional Plan, the Coast is expected to grow by approximately 75,000 people by 2036 taking our population to over 415,000,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“To meet these needs, the region will require 41,500 new homes by 2036, an average of 2075 new homes per year over the 20 years life span of the plan.“We can meet this need, whilst still maintaining the Coastal lifestyle we enjoy and value, through a shared and collaborative process between the development sector, the State Government, Council and the community.”The report also detailed the significant reduction in outstanding development applications from over 800 at the time of the Council amalgamation to 496 in January 2018.  An average long term target is 450 applications, which, when met, will mean the Central Coast will deliver one of the most efficient assessment systems in NSW.Council updated on Operational Plan progressCouncil tonight received its quarterly report detailing Council’s performance against the 2017-18 Operational Plan.At the end of Q2 (31 December 2017) Council’s overall progress has tracked well, with 67 projects on target and 7 behind.

The Central Coast Series skate, scooter and BMX competition is back for another year – bigger and better than before with new venues and a total prize pool of $5000!Central Coast Council will host three heats across three different venues where young riders can enter in one or all competitions for a chance to claim the Central Coast Series Champion title.Council’s Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said the competition has grown to a regional comp spread across the entire Central Coast.“Originally, the Series was held during Youth Week to activate our skate parks and now it’s being spread across the Coast giving more opportunities to our young riders,” Glenn said.“This year we have a new venue at Wadalba and we are starting the competition earlier providing more opportunities for our young riders to compete as well as having the final series the highlight event in Youth Week.“Bato Yard is the premier riding facility on the Coast, so it’s only fitting we host the final series there too.“As the competition grows, so does the prize money and the number of competitors.”The event is aimed at beginner, intermediate and sponsored riders to provide an opportunity for young people to participate and compete.This year the Central Coast Series will be held at:Drop in at DalbsHeat 1 – Wadalba Skate Park, Saturday 3 MarchUminafiedHeat 2 – Umina Skate Park, Saturday 10 March Beast of the BowlHeat 3 – Bato Yard, Saturday 14 April Central Coast Series FinalBato Yard, Saturday 14 April Entry is open to all riders aged 5-24 years in skate, scooter and BMX as well as WCMX Wheelchair (Bato only).

In conjunction with the current solo exhibition Ian PROVEST:

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to correctly dispose of chemicals lurking in and around the home, garage or shed for free at the next bi-annual Chemical CleanOut.Residents have the opportunity to drop off chemicals over two consecutive weekends at both Gosford Showground car park on Saturday 24 or Sunday 25 February and Council’s Long Jetty Depot at the corner of The Entrance and Wyong Roads on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 March, between 9am and 3.30pm.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce, said this is great opportunity for residents to safely dispose of household problem wastes which are otherwise unable to be collected through Council’s kerbside waste and recycling collection services.“We accept materials such as pool chemicals, car batteries, acids and alkalis, solvents, pesticides, chemical cleaners, motor oils, herbicides, paints, hobby chemicals, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, fluorescent lights and household cleaners,” Mr Pearce said.“Incorrect disposal of chemicals, such as dumping, placing in the bin or pouring down drains, are not only offences that attract fines and penalties, but they can also cause serious environmental effects by contaminating our waterways and landfill sites.”Council Mayor Jane Smith said the CleanOut provided a great opportunity for residents to remove unwanted household chemicals in a responsible and environmentally friendly way.“These events allow residents to not only get hazardous materials out of harm’s way, but also do their bit for the environment,” Mayor Smith said.“The community’s response to chemical collections has been outstanding — over 200 tonnes of unwanted chemicals were dropped off last year, which we’re looking to replicate again this year.“Chemical Specialists will be on hand to unload the waste products, making the drop off as hassle free as possible — it is a simple and safe solution.”Only household quantities are accepted.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to provide feedback on the draft concept plans for the long awaited Gosford Regional Library, now on exhibition until Sunday 11 March.Two concept plans for the state-of-the-art facility designed for the Donnison Street site at Gosford are now available to view to gauge public preference.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said this was an important project for the Central Coast community, helping to meet a range of long-term community needs.“This is a vital development for the Central Coast that will deliver employment opportunities and economic stimulus and will be a focal point for library services across the region,” Ms Vaughan said.“We have come up with two options both of which will provide an Innovation Hub for small and start-up businesses and creative endeavours as well as help support commuters and entrepreneurs by encouraging enterprise development and embracing innovation."What we want to know from the community is whether they would prefer to see a three storey building plus mezzanine or ten storey building that has the capacity to house additional commercial space for lease.“We are committed to the revitalisation of the Gosford CBD and growing it as the region’s capital and this project is one part of how we are accomplishing that.”Mayor Jane Smith said the community has significant investment and interest in progressing this project and it was important to get the balance right and deliver an innovative and sustainable learning space for the community.“This is a catalyst project for the revitalisation for the Gosford CBD and one that Council can and must get right for the community,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“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.“The Regional Library will deliver an engaging space and enhanced library experience for the Central Coast community where people can learn, create and connect.“It will become a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike and is proposed to be a true innovation centre and drawcard to the CBD.“This project has been in the pipeline for a long time and we want to assure our community it is happening."Each of the two options requires a different level of investment from Council and so it is important that the community provides input.”“At this point in time we are seeking input on the preferred option for a way forward for this catalyst project for the CBD and will be holding information sessions for the community to see the plans for themselves and ask any questions they have.”Information sessions will be held at the Smart Work Hub located in the Imperial Centre Gosford on Thursday 1 March at 1pm and Tuesday 6 March at 6.30pm.Federal Member for Robertson, Mrs Lucy Wicks said this is a great opportunity for the community to have their say on the Regional Library project, and it is good to see Central Coast Council kicking off consultation this month.“The Coalition is determined to deliver on our commitment to this initiative, which for many years has been a community-led vision that will help deliver jobs, connectivity and opportunity for our city,” Mrs Wicks said."This project is shaping up as being another important part of Gosford’s rejuvenation.”Details about the concepts plans, frequently asked questions, information sessions and how to make a submission can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.comThe project will be financed through $8.1 million raised by the former Gosford City Council Special Rate Variation with an additional $7 million Federal funding through the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s Community Grants Program.

Following an audit facilitated by Central Coast Council and conducted by an independent authority, some equipment in fourteen play spaces on the Central Coast will be removed immediately.

Night roadworks will be carried out on a section of The Ridgeway at Lisarow from this Sunday 18 February - Thursday 22 February 2018, while Central Coast Council completes upgrading roadworks.Weather permitting, the works will be carried out between Macdonalds Road and Tapley Road from 7pm – 5am to minimise the impact on local traffic.During this time, all travel lanes on The Ridgeway between Macdonalds Road and Paroo Road will be closed to general traffic (except for local residents and emergency vehicles).Compulsory detours will be in place with traffic detoured around Macdonalds Road and Fagans Road.Local resident access will be available at all times from the Paroo Road end of The Ridgeway.Warning signs will be in place for the duration of the works to notify motorists of the changed conditions.Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience while these important works are carried out and apologises for any inconvenience.

Central Coast Council representatives will today attend the funeral of the former Member for The Entrance, Mr Grant McBride, to pay tribute to his service and commitment to the Central Coast community.  Council Mayor Jane Smith said Mr McBride was renowned for his commitment to the community and a strong advocate for The Entrance and the Central Coast more broadly.

Council committed to consulting on development to move the Coast forwardCouncil is committed to creating a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast with Gosford as the regional capital and consultation with all stakeholders as a core principle.Council is currently reviewing its section 94 contribution plans, preparing a consolidated Local Environment Plan for exhibition including a developer and community forum and is set to consult on an adjustment of the threshold for referral of a development application to Council to 15 objections.Read separate release in full here.Council proactively releases documents relating to the Wyong Employment Zone and defers budget allocation to Airport On 23 October 2017 Council resolved to request that its CEO authorise proactive release of information relating to the future development of the Wyong Employment Zone (including the Central Coast Airport) on Council’s website and for public viewing at Council’s chambers.

At tonight’s Council Meeting, Council awarded more than $30,000 to 13 community groups as part of the 2017/18 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.The successful applicants received funding under the Community Support Grant Program and the Heritage Grant Program for a range of programs, events and projects, including:Brentwood Residents Activities Group – Story of Sheila HallGosford Regional Community Services – improve learning facility for the groupErina Baptist Community Care Ltd – Clean Up SurroundsDisabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc Central Coast – Summer equipment renewal projectCWA of NSW Mannering Park Branch – purchase of Defibrillator for all hall users/rates rebateDavistown Progress Association Inc – rate assistance Davistown Progress HallAnglican parish of Wyong – new chairs for church hallMusicians Making a Difference (MMAD) – Access All Areas Community Festival on Mann StreetGosford Regional Community Services – Place Making Project SupportEttalong Baptist Church – Ettalong community eventHistoric Boatshed, Mangrove Walk, Hardys Bay – conservation of valuable heritage building‘Lerida’, Narara – research history on property, people and history of the areaWesleyan Chapel, Gunderman – repairs to help conserve the historical building.Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to supporting the community through its Community Grants and Sponsorship Funding program.“We are receiving a wide range of great applications from our community that are all aimed at putting the Coast on the map and making it a better place to live, work and visit,” Mayor Smith said.“Our grant program helps our community deliver quality programs, projects or events that build connections, celebrate our local community and build capacity across the entire Central Coast community.“Round two of our Grants and Sponsorship Funding program is now open and I encourage everyone with a big idea to have a look into how Council can help make your project become a reality.”Come along to the final information session on Thursday 15 February from 5.30-7pm at the Erina Centre (next to the Library) and find out how the 2017/18 Community Grants and Sponsorship Funding program can get that next big idea off the ground.Drop-in sessions will also be held from 2-4pm on Thursday 22 February at Blue Haven Community Centre and on Friday 23 February at Kincumber Library, where applicants can get last minute advice from staff with their proposed application.Applications close Wednesday 28 February, find out more by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/makeithappen

Council is committed to creating a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast with Gosford as the regional capital and consultation with all stakeholders as a core principle.Council is currently reviewing its section 94 contribution plans, preparing a consolidated Local Environment Plan for exhibition including a developer and community forum and is set to consult on an adjustment of the threshold for referral of a development application to Council to 15 objections.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was committed to facilitating development that will meet the needs of the growing population of the Coast while maintaining the lifestyle and sense of community that people love about living on the Coast.“Council’s priority is sustainable development that delivers liveable and vibrant communities, jobs for now and the future and protection of our environment,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“We can get there through a shared and collaborative process between the development sector, the State Government, Council and the community.“There is a need for the development industry to start looking forward and delivering real and sustainable development, particularly in the Gosford CBD, where there are developments that have been approved which are not being built.”“Gosford CBD can and must realise its potential as a true liveable city and the capital of the Central Coast.“I will be inviting innovative leaders in the development industry with a clear vision for sustainability to join me at a round table to discuss what sustainable development looks like for our region and how we can achieve it.“Our community must have a say in how development in their local areas is shaped.

  Building Pathways to the FutureCentral Coast Council has launched the ‘Our Coast, Our Pathways’ project, which will see the development of a Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) and Central Coast Bike Plan for the Central Coast.Together, the Plans will guide Council’s ongoing provision of an active transport network for footpaths, bike paths and shared paths across the Central Coast.Central Coast Council’s Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff, said that the Plans accord with Council’s vision of creating a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast and will deliver on previous consultation outcomes, which reinforced the importance of transport and movement around the Central Coast.“The feedback from the first phase of our engagement was loud and clear;

The Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival is returning to Wyong, following its huge success last year to transform the historic town into a hub of music, history and entertainment this Saturday 17 February.Central Coast Council is working with local businesses to activate three laneways and have visitors immerse themselves in an abundance of colour, sounds and smells, while enjoying all the free activities and entertainment the Festival has to offer.Guests and stallholders will celebrate the fantastic food and entertainment from around the region with beautifully designed stalls and dining under the stars precinct created to soak up free live music across multiple stages, roving entertainment, aerial circus precinct and art installations on local buildings.To accommodate the festival a number of road closures will be in place early on Saturday:Alison Road, Wyong (between Pacific Hwy and Hely St) from 6.00am – 11.30pmBakers Lane, Wyong (between Pacific Hwy & Rankins Court) from 11am – 11.30pmRobleys Lane, Wyong (between Pacific Hwy and Hely St) from 11am – 11.30pmPeters Lane Wyong from 11am – 11.30pmThe festivities themselves kick off at 4pm and go until 10pm.Follow the Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival Facebook page for more information or go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

BATO Yard, the region’s biggest and best Skate Park, will play host to the first ever Australian Skateboarding Federation (ASF) sanctioned Australian Championships of Street Skateboarding on April 28.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will take on the Canberra Raiders at Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium in April, just over 110 years to the day since the Rabbitohs first match played back in 1908.The Rabbitohs will take on the Raiders on Saturday 21 April at the family-friendly time of 3pm at the picturesque stadium on the NSW Central Coast.The Club will also celebrate South Sydney’s first match which took place just over 110 years prior, against North Sydney at Birchgrove Oval on Easter Monday April 20, 1908.Tickets for the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ return to Central Coast Stadium go on sale today from 2pm AEDST to Club Members with tickets to the general public going on sale tomorrow, Wednesday 7 February from 2pm AEDST, with a huge crowd expected in Gosford for the Rabbitohs’ clash with the Raiders.In previous seasons the Rabbitohs have regularly sold out home games at Central Coast Stadium and a big crowd is expected again for the first game of NRL football at the stadium in 2018.International stars such as Greg Inglis, Sam Burgess, Dane Gagai, Elliott Whitehead and Jordan Rapana are expected to play in this match, so it is one not to be missed in Rugby League heartland on the Central Coast.Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly says the Club is looking forward to bringing the Rabbitohs back to Gosford.“I’m originally from the Central Coast and I understand how much the community in and around the Central Coast region love Rugby League.“It’s this passion for the game from the local people that has me and the rest of our Club really excited about bringing the NRL back to Gosford in 2018,” Solly said.“Central Coast Stadium is one of the best stadiums in the State and we’re expecting to see a lot red and green support in the stands in April.“We have a strong Membership base in and around the Central Coast with about 10% of our Members coming from this region.“Central Coast Stadium is an important part of Rabbitohs history.

Whether your child has just started ‘big school’ or doing their HSC, Central Coast Council Library Service has the resources to help students excel in 2018.Council Unit Manager Libraries, Ms Michelle Swan-Beardmore, is encouraging parents of young children to take advantage of the range of electronic educational resources available.“We have a suite of online programs available to introduce children to learning in an interactive and enjoyable way,” Ms Swan-Beardmore said.“With coding so prevalent these days we have introduced Rainforest Coding, where children as young as five are introduced to the programming language ‘Scratch’.“Those six to 10 years struggling with their maths will benefit from 10 Monkeys, our new learning tool where they will learn basic skills in a fun game like environment.“To assist with literacy development children can enter the vibrant and interactive online ‘reading room’ of Story Box Library.“Here children can connect, engage and be inspired by a diverse range of Australian storytellers, with access to activity ideas to help make reading fun.“All you need to access any of these great resources is your membership number!”Ms Swan-Beardmore added there was also an array of in house and online resources to assist older students.“Our most popular homework help tool for students in years 3-12 would have to be the amazing online resource Studiosity,” Ms Swan-Beardmore said.“With just a click of a button, students are connected to professional tutors who offer real-time assistance with homework, assignments, essays, study skills and more.“The best thing about it is students aren’t given the answer, but rather the tools to figure out the answer themselves, developing their problem solving skills and helping to reinforce what they have learnt.“Studiosity also provide a free writing feedback service where students can upload draft essays and reports to obtain expert advice to help maximise their marks.“To help users get the most out of this fantastic program, Erina Library will be hosting a live demonstration for parents, carers, teachers and students Thursday 22 February, 5.30 until 6.30pm.”Bookings are essential and can be made via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryeventsStudiosity guarantees a safe online learning environment for all students.

Central Coast Council will shortly commence consultation with the community on a series of projects in and around the Terrigal commercial precinct.

Excitement is building on the Central Coast for the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay this Saturday, 3 February.The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Commonwealth Games tradition that celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class event of sports and culture to come.To celebrate the arrival of the Baton, Central Coast Council will be hosting a free Family Fun Day at Central Coast Stadium.The Stadium will be a hive of free activities and live entertainment, including headline acts The Ruiins and the Sea Gypsies, from 10am-2pm.The Relay will start at Laycock Theatre at 11am and make its way through Gosford towards the Stadium for a special ceremony, before leaving and making its way along the waterfront towards the historic Gosford Pool.Seventeen local heroes have been nominated to carry the baton as part of this historic occasion for the Central Coast.To keep them safe on the trip, road closures will be in place throughout the Gosford CBD.

Central Coast Council is calling on local community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals with great ideas to improve the community to apply for funding as part of the 2017/18 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.Having awarded more than $600,000 to projects in Round 1, there is still more than $700,000 available for allocation to community projects and initiatives across seven funding categories in Round 2 – which opens on 1 February.Council’s Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said each of the categories have been tailored to deliver the greatest benefit to the community.“This program is all about giving the community more opportunities to apply for funding to enable their great ideas, community projects, events, programs and initiatives,” Mr Cannard said.“We want to hear all ideas, no matter how big or small, for dynamic, responsive initiatives that support and grow local community development, sporting, environmental, tourism and economic development capacity.“In this round of funding, on top of our other funding options, we also have more than $250,000 to give away with the final instalment of the Stronger Communities Funding from the NSW State Government.“Before you put your application together, come along to one of our information sessions and find out more about the program and which category best suits your needs.”To help applicants get a better understanding of each category and how to apply to make their project happen, information sessions will be held on:Thursday 1 February 1.30-3.30pm – Gosford Smart Work HubThursday 1 February, 5.30-7.30pm – Central Coast Council, Wyong officeMayor Jane Smith said this is a chance to think outside the square to deliver unique projects or events to the Coast that really makes a difference.“There’s never been a better time to help improve the lifestyle on the Coast through targeted community project funding or projects made possible through the Stronger Communities Fund,” Mayor Smith said.“We recently awarded more than $600,000 in round one to over 70 Central Coast based groups, clubs and organisations through our community grants and sponsorship program.“Looking through the list of recipients, the sheer breadth of projects they cater for in our community very comprehensive.“I really encourage anyone that needs that extra financial assistance to make their idea happen to get their application in by the end of February.”To find out more on Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program and the funding opportunities available, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/makeithappenFunding applications close 28 February 2018.