Central Coast Council Offices and a number of services will close from midday Friday 22 December for the annual Christmas closure and reopen on Tuesday 2 January 2018.This includes Gosford and Wyong Offices, Libraries and works depots.Essential services will continue throughout the closure period including residential waste collection, water treatment and lifeguards will patrol beaches.All Council run leisure facilities will be closed on Christmas and Boxing Day but open other days with the exception of Lake Haven Recreation Centre which will also be closed on New Year’s Day.Gosford Regional Gallery will be closed on the designated public holidays – Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day but will be open the other days.Kincumber Transfer Station and Woy Woy and Buttonderry Waste Management Facilities will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day but is open on the other days for waste disposal.Central Coast Council management and staff would like to wish residents a safe and Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.Council will have emergency and essential services available as required.

Council moves towards progressive asbestos removal policy Council is looking to model progressive asbestos removal by unanimously calling for a report following consultation with a number of stakeholders including Cumberland and Parramatta Councils.Cumberland Council has recently offered free household inspections and free collection or disposal of small amounts of asbestos from residences during Asbestos Awareness Month.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was keen to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos in the community and the best way to dispose of it that protects people and the environment.“Council staff are to be congratulated for the work they have done to promote the importance of safe disposal of asbestos during Asbestos Awareness Month, and indeed throughout the year,” Mayor Smith said.“Council has called on the Chief Executive Officer to provide a report on what other Councils are doing in this key area so we can model best practice and a progressive approach to this key issue.“Any policy that is developed by Council will be subject to community consultation and we welcome their involvement in the process.”Council rejects proposed rescission of resolutions on the Central Coast AirportA motion moved by Councillors Best, Pilon and McLachlan to rescind the Council’s 27 November 2017 was lost, with 8 of the 15 councillors voting against the proposed rescission.Mayor Jane Smith said it was time for the Council to move on and look at other options to create employment for the Central Coast.“The Airport is not a priority project in the Central Coast Regional Plan,” Mayor Smith said.“It is time to move on and create job opportunities across the Coast – particularly in the Wyong Economic Zone.”The Council’s resolutions of 27 November 2017 also called for a report on the biodiversity of the Porters Creek wetlands and other employment generating options to be reported back to the 26 February 2018 meeting.Advisory Committees established for community input to drive the Central Coast forward Council has resolved to establish six new Advisory Committees of key stakeholders to give the community input into the decision-making processes of Council.Two Catchment and Coast Committees will be established – one for Brisbane Water and one for Tuggerah Lakes to assist Council in the development and implementation of Coastal Management Plans.Other committees include a Coastal Open Space (COSS) Committee, an Employment and Economic development committee, a Gosford CBD and Waterfront Committee as well as a Heritage Advisory Committee.Mayor Jane Smith said a more formal Committee structure will give active and interested community members a chance to be involved in driving the strategic direction and decision-making of Council on matters directly affecting them.“We are a large Council area, representing over 330,000 residents and we need to ensure we are representing the community’s interests in the best way we can,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“The Committee structure will give those with a real passion, interest and expertise in a key economic, environmental or development area a chance to have input into the decision-making table.”The establishment of other Committees will be considered at a Strategic Planning Workshop of Councillors in February.  A full report including the terms of reference and make-up of the Committees will return to Council for consideration.Recruitment of a permanent General Manager underwayThe search for a new permanent General Manager is underway with Council resolving to call for Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified agencies to undertake the recruitment.The current interim Chief Executive Officer, Brian Bell, was appointed by the former Administrator on a temporary contract which must expire on or before 13 September 2018.

From specialist adult learn to swim classes to a Central Coast Festival of women, a program to promote job creation and Aboriginal cultural training as well as a kid’s try-athlon, an Ecoline ‘Bush Tucker Trail’ to the Central Coast’s Academy of Sport’s Annual Program, the latest recipients of Council’s grants and sponsorship program cover a diverse range of projects and groups on the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council has adopted the Norah Head Village Centre Masterplan which will guide public domain improvement works in the Village Centre as one of the key actions of the Toukley Planning Strategy.

With only six weeks to go, the countdown is on for the Queen’s Baton Relay and Central Coast Council would like to acknowledge the community representing the Coast on the world stage.The Queen’s Baton Relay recognises the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life, from youngsters to some of Australia’s most accomplished legends, such as the Coast’s local hero and Central Coast Citizen of the Year, Lester Pearson.Lester will be joined by 16 other batonbearers nominated by their peers, including:Rae Anderson, WamberalMargaret Beardslee, Killarney ValeMary Betts, JindaleeBenjamin Brown, Bateau BayGraeme Carroll, Woy WoyAngela Deacon, DavistownChristopher Dodd, SpringfieldDimity Douglas, LisarowSara Evans, Hamlyn TerraceStuart Hayward, AlisonMaria McConville, Green PointJamie Pittman, ShortlandKallan Strong, WadalbaPeter Thomson, ErinaTeigan Van Roosmalen, Bateau BayPhil Walker, Blue BayThe Baton will start its journey in Australia on 25 December, 100 days before the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.The Baton will make its way to the Central Coast on Saturday 3 February 2018 when it runs through Gosford town centre, starting at Laycock Street Theatre and visiting Central Coast Stadium and the picturesque waterfront along the way.To celebrate its arrival, and commemorate this momentous occasion, Central Coast Council will host a free family fun day at the stadium with activities and entertainment for everyone.Find out more about this historic event for the Central Coast by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/QBR2018

The holiday spirit comes alive this summer as Central Coast Council delivers activities and events at The Entrance, from Christmas Eve right through to Australia Day.Central Coast Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said The Entrance is set to shine with a fun packed summer of events aimed at entertaining the whole family.“The annual Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations at The Entrance are the perfect opportunity to bring family, friends and the community together to celebrate the end of another year,” Ms Vaughan said.“Join in the magic of Christmas with a visit from Santa, and special guests performing your favourite Christmas Carols live on stage on Christmas Eve.“The Entrance is always a favourite holiday spot for residents and visitors alike and Council is pleased to activate the area this summer with a range of free activities for the whole family.”Carols by Candlelight — Sunday 24 December Bring a picnic rug and your best singing voice down to Memorial Park from 6pm and join in an evening singing along to the Christmas classics, including a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm.

Central Coast Council’s motion calling on the NSW Department of Planning to create a new zone to protect conservation lands has been unanimously endorsed at the 2017 Local Government Conference.

From February 1, Council will partner with Cleanaway Pty Ltd to deliver essential waste services across the Central Coast.For most residents, there will be no impact or disruption to the current service.We will continue to offer general waste, recycling and green waste collection services as well as six free kerbside bulk waste collection services per year.What does this mean for you?For most residences, there will be little or no disruption to your current service.However, streamlining our routing across the former Central Coast local government areas will mean a change to the bin collection day for some residences.Letter notifications are being sent to all affected residences whose bin collection day will change.

With the summer holiday season upon us, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to dispose of their litter in bins provided and make sure they only camp in designated camping areas.Council Manager, Environment and Certification, Mr Jamie Loader, said that whilst Christmas is a time of good cheer, the incidences of dumped rubbish and illegal camping increase during this time, and we want everyone to avoid the fines that apply to those who don’t do the right thing.“The festive season means more parties, more family get-togethers, more food than you’d usually eat … and, sadly, more waste dumped than at any other time of the year,” said Mr Loader.“If you are getting together with your family and friends at one of the Coast’s great locations, like our parks, reserves, beaches, or rock platforms, make sure you clean up after you leave and if bins are full or unavailable, take your rubbish with you.“Council is also reminding the camping community to make sure they only set up camp in areas designated for overnight camping.“Illegal camping can be disruptive to the use of public spaces by the community and in some cases, potentially dangerous.“Specific camping areas are set up with amenities, provision of bins for rubbish and lighting – that way campers are safe and the community retain full access to public space throughout the holiday period.”Council rangers will be out in force this holiday period targeting littering and illegal camping hotspots including Picnic Point at The Entrance, Karagi Reserve at North Entrance, Jenny Dixon Reserve at Norah Head, Avoca Rock Platform and Gosford and Woy Woy Waterfronts.

Council is seeking community input in how Council meetings should run with a revised Code of Meeting Practice now on exhibition.

The financial reports for Central Coast Council from amalgamation until 30 June 2017 have been referred to external audit following tonight’s Extraordinary Central Coast Council meeting.Council’s total income for the 13.5 month statutory reporting period is $723.7 million, including $90.3 million of capital grants and contributions and operating expenses of $568.0 million.

Central Coast Council Library Service is creating Christmas magic this December, giving joy to young children and working to provide hope to those less fortunate in our community.Council Libraries have partnered with Coast Shelter for the fourth annual book drive, a welcome reminder to give to those less fortunate Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said.“We are putting the call out to the community to donate items or their time to help us spread cheer to those in our community who may feel alone this holiday season,” Ms Vaughan said.“The book drive is an amazing opportunity to bring beautiful books into the lives of families and those spending time in temporary accommodation on the Central Coast.“New books ranging from lifestyle to young adult, children’s picture books to adult fiction are all welcome.“We are also collecting new store-bought food items and new toys on behalf of Central Coast Community Shed, who will distribute to members of our community who need a little extra support this time of year.“They have also requested donations of pet foods, play toys, leads, collars and even flea and tick treatments to help companion animals over the holiday season when pets often find parties, fireworks and absence of owners a little stressful.“If you are not able to purchase new items, we are also encouraging members of the community to donate their time to create holiday messages for residents of local nursing homes.“Makerspace tables or events have been set up across our library branches for all ages to come in and make a card or two with the materials provided over the next couple of weeks.“If you are not able to pop in we are more than happy to accept cards from individuals, schools or community groups.”New books and Christmas cards will be accepted at any one of Council’s Library branches until Monday 11 December, with items for Central Coast Community Shed being accepted until Monday 18 December.The jolly man himself will also be stopping off at the Libraries for special Christmas storytime sessions, which kicked off this week.“Our Christmas storytime sessions are one of the highlights of our yearly calendar of events,” Council Unit Manager Libraries, Michelle Swan-Beardmore said.“Children absolutely love the Christmas stories, songs and carols, and their faces light up with sheer excitement when Santa arrives with his sack of presents.“At the conclusion of storytime, every child is invited to meet Santa to receive their gift of a new book to encourage a love of reading.“It is an utter privilege for us to be able to bring such pure happiness into the hearts of the children in our community.“Our Libraries are so much more than books – we are a centrepiece of the community, supporting the young, young at heart and everyone in between through our events, services and initiatives.“I would invite everyone to become a member of our Library to discover what we can offer.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries for dates, times and details of the above events or to become a member.ENDS Christmas storytime sessions:Thursday 7 DecemberUmina Library, 10.30amTuggerah Library, 11amMonday 11 DecemberGosford Library, 10.30amTuesday 12 DecemberErina Library, 10.30amWednesday 13 DecemberKincumber Library, 10.30amBateau Bay Library, 11amThursday 14 DecemberThe Entrance Library, 11am

A number of Central Coast Council’s facilities and services will be closed to the public on Friday 8 December for an award approved Union Picnic Day.This includes the Gosford and Wyong Offices, Libraries, works depots and all Council run child care centres.Kincumber Transfer Station and Woy Woy and Buttonderry Waste Management Facilities will operate as normal.The following facilities and services will be open and operating on the day:Lifeguards services on patrolled beaches from 9am to 5pm and The Entrance Ocean BathsCouncil Leisure Centres including Peninsula Leisure Centre, Gosford Olympic Pool, Niagara Park Stadium, Lake Haven Recreation Centre, Wyong Pool and Toukley Aquatic CentreGosford Regional GalleryLaycock Street Community Theatre’s box office will be closed but the theatre will be open for rehearsals and performances.Council will have its on-call and essential services available as required.

An Extraordinary Meeting of Council is being held this Thursday 7 December to present the Draft Financial Reports for the period from the date of amalgamation to 30 June 2017.The draft Financial Reports are available on Council’s website and comply with the Local Government Act 1993, Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, Local Government (Council Amalgamations) Proclamation 2016, the Office of Local Government prescribed Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting and relevant accounting standards.  The draft Financial Reports can be found under Council meeting at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.The draft Financial Reports for the 13.5 month statutory reporting period reflect a total income from Continuing Operations of $723.7 million, including $90.3 million of capital grants and contributions, operating expenses of $568.0 million and a net operating surplus of $65.4 million before grants and contributions provided for capital purposes and gain on local government amalgamation.  Council received a total of $11 million in one off operational grants being $10 million as part of the New Council Implementation Fund and $1 million from the Stronger Communities Fund for a community grant program.  Council also received in June 2017 $12.5 million in Financial Assistance Grants for the 2017-18 financial year.  Accounting standards require Council to recognise this income in the year received.  Council’s operating surplus before grants and contributions provided for capital purposes, gain on local government amalgamation and additional income received in the 2016-17 statutory reporting period is $41.9 million.The $6.7 billion gain on local government amalgamation reflects the net value of assets and liabilities transferred from the former Councils to Central Coast Council at the date of amalgamation.

Central Coast Council has installed water tanks in strategic rural locations across the region to help better serve the community during the fire season.Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling said that the installation of the water tanks would reduce turnaround times for fire trucks during an emergency.“Council is working closely with the Rural Fire Service to identify high risk locations without access to the town water supply, so that we can help better serve these communities during an emergency,” said Mr Dowling.“Residents in Dooralong and Holgate can now be confident that the local Rural Fire Brigades have better access to water for firefighting purposes with two 35,000 litre tanks in operation in both of these communities.“We often take for granted access to water during emergencies, however for the fire fighters in these communities it can take more than 30 minutes to leave a fire, refill and return before continuing the fight.“These tanks provide enough water for 23 firefighting tanker loads of water and will reduce the turnaround time significantly.”Council will also be commissioning water tanks at Mount Elliot and the northern end of Holgate before the end of the season.

Central Coast Council’s $15 million upgrade to the Wyong South Sewage Treatment Plant is complete.Council’s Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said the upgrades to this essential service would benefit residents now and into the future.“Wyong South Treatment Plant receives the equivalent of around four and a half Olympic size swimming pools of sewage every day, and this will increase as our community grows,” said Mr Dowling.“Undertaking this upgrade ensures the treatment plant will be able to handle this growth without compromising the quality of water returned to the environment.“The plant uses organic materials to remove the majority of odours from the inlet works in a newly constructed hybrid bio trickling filter system.

Sightings of the American corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus), on the Central Coast are on the rise.Classified as a serious invasive species, these snakes have the potential to cause serious damage to the Central Coast’s natural environment and native species.Central Coast Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling is calling on the community to be vigilant and report any sightings of the snake.“We are seeing more corn snakes as the weather warms up, with four being spotted on the Coast so far.

With summer upon us, Central Coast residents and visitors are reminded of the importance of beach safety and swimming between the flags.As holidaymakers flock to the region, Central Coast Council is encouraging beachgoers to be safe and take care, by following these simple safety tips:Only swim at a patrolled beachesOnly swim between the red and yellow flagsRemember - if the lifeguards can’t see you, they can’t save youIf you get into difficulty, remain calm, float, and raise your arm to signal for help.Never swim if you’re feeling unwell or have been drinking alcoholMayor Jane Smith said it was important for beachgoers to swim between the flags and to understand the two main types of flags used on our beaches.“With an anticipated 1.3 million visitors using our patrolled beach locations throughout the busy Christmas holiday period, it’s necessary that people are advised about the importance of beach safety,” said Mayor Smith.“The red and yellow flags indicate supervised areas patrolled by Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving members that are safe for swimming.“To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, surfers and board riders are asked to remain outside of the black and white flags that are located next to the red and yellow flags.“These black and white flags are used to ensure board riders don’t impact safe swimming areas and will now be used consistently at all beach locations by Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving.”Council lifeguards patrol 15 locations from Monday to Friday, while Surf Life Saving members patrol on weekends and public holidays.“We also have a lot of visitors to the coast who may not be aware of our patrol locations and times, so we have to work together to spread the word,” explained Mayor Smith.“Having streamlined hours to align with Surf Life Saving across all 15 locations makes this easier and safer for all.”Beach patrol hours during non-peak holiday times (23 September 2017 until 15 December 2017 and 1 February 2017 until 30 April 2018) are 9am to 5pm.During the summer peak holiday period, between 16 December 2017 and 28 January 2018, all locations will operate from 9am to 6pm with Terrigal, Avoca and Umina beaches operating from 8am until 6pm.There will be additional patrols at Budgewoi Beach and Ficus Avenue (Avoca Beach Lifeguard Tower) during the holiday periods, and Entrance Ocean Baths will be patrolled from Monday until Sunday.All locations will align with the peak and non-peak patrol hours.“As we head into the busy patrol season, I’d like to remind beach goers about the vital work Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving members do to keep us safe,” said Mayor Smith.“In addition to providing vital search and rescue services, and emergency medical care when required, they also play an important role in educating the public in beach and water safety.“I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the fantastic work they do each and every day.”

The Central Coast is set to showcase its unique culture and landscape on a world stage as Gosford plays host to the 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay on Saturday 3 February.A Commonwealth Games tradition celebrating diversity and community spirit, this year’s Relay started on 13 March at Buckingham Palace in United Kingdom and will travel for 288 days and 230,000 kilometres before making its way to the opening ceremony of the Games on 4 April 2018 at the Gold Coast.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said 17 outstanding locals have been selected to proudly carry the baton when it comes to the Central Coast in February.“Council is honoured to host this event that gives our outstanding Coasties a chance to represent their community and get into the spirit of the Commonwealth Games,” Ms Vaughan said.“This is a huge international event and gives the Central Coast a chance to shine on the world stage.”The relay will start at 11.30am from Laycock Street Theatre, with baton bearers travelling down Mann Street through to the free ‘Family Fun Day’ event at Central Coast Stadium before completing the final leg along Gosford waterfront to the historic pool.Mayor Jane Smith said the event is a remarkable opportunity to showcase the wonderful natural assets the Central Coast has to offer along with our world-class sporting facility at Central Coast Stadium.“This is the first time the Central Coast has been a part of this international event and it is a real honour to be chosen,” Mayor Smith said.“I encourage our community to get behind this event and come along with friends and family to show their support.”Coinciding with the Baton entering Central Coast Stadium, a formal ceremony will take place to welcome the baton as part of the Family Fun day that includes free live music and interactive activities for all ages.Find out more about the Queen’s Baton Relay, including local batonbearers and the free Family Fun day event, by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/QBR2018

Gosford Regional Gallery is offering a rare glimpse into the lives of two of Australia’s most famous artists – Sir Russell Drysdale and Brett Whiteley - over summer.Central Coast residents will get an opportunity to see paintings by Russell Drysdale developed right here on the Coast, and paintings of Brett Whiteley’s never seen here before.Council Mayor, Jane Smith, described the two iconic exhibitions as a major event for the Central Coast.“We’re very honoured to host both exhibitions at the Gosford Regional Gallery,” said Mayor Smith.“They celebrate the talents and lives of the late Brett Whiteley and Sir Russell Drysdale.“These iconic artists had distinguished careers in Australia and internationally, and have each won many prizes and awards.