Over 33,000 ideas and opinions from residents have been distilled into seven key themes Central Coast Council will use to shape the future of the coast in the region’s first ever Community Strategic Plan.The Community Strategic Plan is designed to capture the community’s vision for the Coast and identify key social, economic, environmental priorities as well as long-term strategies for the Coast for the next 10 years.Council Mayor Jane Smith said the plan is the overarching guide Council will use to determine how, where and what it spends its funds on to meet the wants and needs of our growing community.“Council spent three months earlier this year talking with the community about what they love about the Central Coast and what could be done to make it even better,” Mayor Smith said.“We went directly to the community and captured a record 33,000 separate ideas and opinions about what would make the Central Coast an even better place to live from face to face conversations, online surveys, commuter surveys and meetings with hard to reach communities.”These ideas have been distilled into seven key themes -Natural environmentLifestyle and communityBuilt environmentServices and facilitiesActivities and entertainmentTransport and movement around the local government areaEconomyConnected Communities Group Leader, Julie Vaughan said the initial phase of developing the coast’s first Community Strategic Plan had been a great success.“The community responded enthusiastically to the first phase of data collection and we would now like to invite individuals, community groups, business groups, State agencies and non-government agencies to join us at a Community Workshop to explore the themes in detail as part of the next phase of the project,” Ms Vaughan said.“This next phase is crucial as we start to drill into the detail of how we, along with our stakeholders and other partners will deliver our community’s aspirations for the Coast over the next ten years.”To register for a community workshop, visit yourvoiceourcoast.com and select the venue you wish to attend.Community workshops dates and venues are below:Saturday 18 November – 1pm to 4pm at The Erina CentreTuesday 21 November – 10am to 1pm at Smartwork Hub GosfordTuesday 21 November –  6pm to 9pm at Umina Beach Surf ClubSaturday 25 November –  9:30am to 12:30pm at The Entrance Community CentreTuesday 28 November  – 10am to 1pm at Wyong Civic CentreTuesday 28 November  -   6pm-9pm at Blue Haven Community CentreRegistration is required to attend a workshop.

Local high school students will get a taste what it’s like to be a Councillor next week when Central Coast Council hosts its annual Future Council.Future Council is a partnership program between Central Coast Council and Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre for Years 9 and 10 students on civics and citizenship and local government decision making.  Students will debate real local issues they are passionate about and will cast a vote on behalf of their community, just like a real Councillor, with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor in the Chair.

With the swimming season upon us, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to ensure their pool fences are up to standard to keep young children safe.

Expressions of interest have been invited to fill community stakeholder positions on the Mangrove Mountain and Spencer Advisory Committee.

After weeks of anticipation, the mysterious egg being cared for by Central Coast Council childcare centres and libraries hatched over the weekend revealing a platypus.

Central Coast Council’s expertise in planning has been recognised at the Local Government NSW Planning Awards announced yesterday.The Planning Awards recognise excellence in planning and development services delivered by individuals and councils.

The collaborative approach carried out by Central Coast Council to design and build Bato Yard was recognised at an international awards ceremony last week.Council received a Highly Commended Award for the ‘People Powered Skate Place’ in the Infrastructure category of the IAP2 Australasia (International Association for Public Participation) Showcase of Core Values Awards.

Council to review future of Central Coast AirportCouncil will receive a briefing on a detailed Masterplan for the development of the Central Coast Airport, and will formally consider whether the Masterplan is publicly exhibited at its Ordinary Meeting on 27 November 2017.Only routine maintenance works will be undertaken at the Airport in the interim. Council further requested the Department of Planning be invited to provide a briefing to Councillors on options for the Airport.Councillors will also be provided with a briefing on the proposed strategic development of the Wyong Economic Zone prior to the November 27 meeting. The Council also requested the Chief Executive Officer make available to the public, including on Council's website, all information concerning the WEZ that can be made available.

Central Coast Council has recently won two NSW awards for its Estuary Education Programs and is now a finalist for Australian Environmental Educator of the Year.Council’s Environmental Education Officer, Nick Carson, received the Government Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Education in NSW and won the overall award for NSW Environmental Educator of the Year at the Australian Association of Environmental Education (AAEE) Awards.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said it’s great to see Council’s environmental education programs recognised as one of the best in the state.“Nick Carson is already well known on the Central Coast as a leader in environmental education and it is great to see his work being recognised at a state level,” Ms Vaughan said.“His passion comes across in his presentations when he’s educating about why our natural environment is so important.“Over the last six years, an evaluation of the estuary education programs shows an increase of more than 90 per cent in the community’s knowledge and the changes in their perceptions of the importance of the estuary and its management.“This recognition is well deserved and testament to the quality of the staff we have here at Council who are passionate about what they do in the area they live in.Nick, with support from colleagues in the Learning Community team and Waterways and Asset Management Section, designed and implemented a number of innovative and hands on projects to encourage positive behaviour change for the communities of the Tuggerah Lakes and lower Lake Macquarie catchments.These projects include running interactive tours, developing two Multi-Touch Books for young children about our wetlands and advertising through a comprehensive media campaign, like the animated film movie-goers may have seen in the cinemas, as well as creating partnerships with agencies such as Take 3, the Community Environment Network (CEN), Waterwatch and other government agencies.Mayor Jane Smith said she has worked with Nick on a number of projects in the past and is pleased Council’s environmental programs are getting such significant recognition.“I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than Nick to receive these awards for educating our community on the importance of protecting our natural environment,” Mayor Smith said.“I was lucky enough to be a part of the development of the Wetland Multi Touch Books with Nick which are a great educational tool and a key reason why his work is being recognised beyond the Coast.“I want to personally congratulate him on these outstanding awards, it’s certainly well-deserved with all the great work he does in our community.”The Australian Environmental Educator of the Year Awards will be announced at the national conference in October 2018 on the Gold Coast.The Multi-Touch Books are now available to download for free on the iBookstore, just search for Central Coast Council.

Central Coast Council has started the countdown to ChromeFest – a three day event that is fast-becoming one of the biggest events on the tourism calendar for the region and nation-wide.In its 9th year, ChromeFest will see Memorial Park and the streets of The Entrance lined with hundreds of classic cars from 27-29 October and attracts over 50,000 people every year from all over Australia.With the Show ‘n’ Shine show in full swing on Sunday 29 October, a free shuttle bus service will be on offer as a number of road closures will be in place for the show.The buses will leave every hour from Darren Kennedy Oval, Evans Road Toukley and EDSACC Oval, Yakalla Street Bateau Bay, taking visitors straight to The Entrance for ChromeFest.The three day festival is more than just cars and engines, The Entrance also comes alive with market and retro stalls, rock ‘n’ roll bands, dance displays, vintage fashion parade, free live entertainment and activities as well as the Show and Shine presentation.Check out the full program online at chromefest.org

Central Coast Council has moved to assure ratepayers its investment portfolio is on track to deliver sound returns for the community.As at August 2017 43.84% of Council’s investment portfolio was held in the BBB credit rating Category compared to its own guideline of 40%.The financial institutions issuing fixed income investments and bonds are considered investment grade (IG) if its credit rating is BBB or higher by Standard and Poor (S&P).  Generally the financial institutions are assessed by the rating agency as having adequate capacity to meet financial commitments and repayment of the invested funds.There was a downgrading of some bank’s credit rating in May 2017 by S&P, which in turn has downgraded the rating of some of Council’s investments but Council has confirmed in a public report that this will be rebalanced favourably by the end of the month.  Council has reported the rebalancing of the investment portfolio in each of its monthly investment reports since the May 2017 report presented at the Ordinary Meeting held on 28 June 2017.Council intends to hold these term deposits until they mature and as such the value of these term deposits are not impacted by this rating change.Council Chief Financial Officer, Ms Vivienne Louie, said Council’s investment portfolio is in accordance with the Ministerial Order and will be within Council’s investment guidelines by October 2017.  Over 50% investments are held with AA financial institutions.“Council is not concerned the investment portfolio is currently predominantly in the BBB Category as we believe those financial institutions are safe to hold our investments,” Ms Louie said.“Our investment portfolio is structured on rolling maturity dates to ensure Council has sufficient funds to deliver the Operational Plan.“Our Operational Plan is our contract with our community and we must deliver.“At certain times of the year Council may have more cash than we require to meet our obligations so we invest the additional funds to obtain the best return for our community.“Staff always review the investment portfolio to ensure any new investments proposed are in accordance with the Ministerial Investment Order and Council’s Investment Policy.“We review credit ratings of financial institutions who are taking investments, review the interest rates offered for the maturity dates required and the amount of our investment portfolio already held with each financial institution.”Before entering into any investment transaction with a new institution there will be a diligent review of the creditworthiness of that institution.

Central Coast Council has completed more than $308,000 worth of upgrades to a range of community infrastructure, thanks to $168,000 in contributions from the second round of the Department of Family and Community Services’ (FACS) Social Housing Community Improvement Fund (SHCIF).Provided for projects that make physical improvements in social housing areas, including construction of new capital works, or refurbishment, upgrade and repairs of existing facilities and public spaces, the Fund has assisted the recent renewal of five local infrastructure upgrades.Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said the fund supports stronger and safer communities through improved amenity and enhanced community facilities.“The SHCIF has completely or partially funded a range of local infrastructure upgrades to the benefit of social housing tenants and the broader community,” said Mr Dowling.“Grants up to $50,000 have been utilised to improve community facilities including play spaces, skate parks and reserves through the installation of pathways, seating, shade shelters and playground improvements, making these facilities safer and more accommodating for all users.”Completed projects include:Woodward Avenue Reserve, Wyong – installation of new pathway and seating – 100% SHCIF fundingLake Haven Recreation Centre play space – installation of new play space and rubber softfall – 55% SHCIF fundingAvery Street play space, Killarney Vale –  installation of rubber softfall – 100% SHCIF fundingBerkeley Vale skate park Stage 2 – extension of existing skate park including a new shade shelter and seating – 30% SHCIF fundingOwen Avenue play space, Wyong –  timber edging replacement, installation of play equipment and seating –100% SHCIF fundingCouncil has been successful in securing further funding under Round Three of the SHCIF, with six successful projects set to receive upgrades in 2018.

Westbound travel lane of Georgiana Terrace between Mann Street and Baker Street in Gosford will be closed for four weeks from today (Thursday 19 October 2017) to facilitate the final stages of works on the Australian Taxation Office building.There will be no access onto Georgiana Terrace from Mann Street for the duration of the works.Traffic will not be able to turn right from Baker Street onto Georgiana Terrace.Traffic management and detour signage diverting traffic from Mann Street via Donnison Street will be in place for the duration of the works.Council apologies for the inconvenience and advises motorists to take extra care in the area.

Central Coast Council’s vision to create a state-of-the-art sporting complex is closer to reality with the laying of turf for the five of nine playing fields planned for the site.Construction is on track for the grand $23.71 million sporting complex which will boast a premier ground plus 8 playing fields, cricket pitches, public amenities including change rooms, canteen facilities, store rooms and parking.Council Manager Open Space and Recreation, Mr Brett Sherar, said the quality of the sporting experience is directly related to the quality of the playing surface and Council was leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of the perfect playing field.“Spring is the perfect time of year to lay good turf and this is the start of what will be a 12 month process to create the perfect playing field,” Mr Sherar said.“We want to attract significant sporting competitions from around Australia and we can do that by establishing our reputation as having first class surfaces.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Complex was the biggest infrastructure project to be delivered on the Coast in the 2017-18 financial year and will deliver significant economic benefits to the region.“The economic benefits that will flow to the Central Coast from hosting major sporting tournaments are huge – in tourism dollars and in creating local employment opportunities,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“We have already significantly increased our funding for tourism marketing and having world-class facilities here on the Coast will further increase our visitor appeal.“Attracting sporting talent to the region to use this facility will be a great opportunity to inspire young people and the broader community to also get involved in local sport.“We need more visionary infrastructure like this on the Coast and we will continue to look to partner with the Federal Government to deliver it for our growing region.The Tuggerah Regional Sporting Complex has been jointly funded by the Australian Government investing $10 million through the National Stronger Regions Fund, and Council contributing $13.71 million and is on track to be open by September 2018.

Central Coast Council Libraries will soon be boasting one of the largest library catalogues in the State when their streamlined system goes live this Wednesday 18 October.Thanks to the upgrade current members of Central Coast Libraries North or South will be able to access all libraries across the region with the one card, instantly doubling the amount of resources available to them.Council Mayor Jane Smith said this superior system demonstrates how far Council has come to create a more connected region for the benefit of its residents.“The launch of this bigger and better system means we are now able to deliver greater access to a wider range of services for our community,” Mayor Smith said.“Members now have access to more than 320,000 items across 11 branches, two community branches and the amazing suite of online resources.“This increase in services will greatly benefit parents, children and schools to access more great reads and educational resources, including the online tool Studiosity.“Previously not available to those from Central Coast Libraries South, this excellent online tool allows students in years 3-12 to converse with tutors in real time to gain assistance in a range of subjects – a fantastic study aid for those currently sitting their HSC and needing some last minute help.“Members will also see an increase in the eBook and eAudio collections, with over 18,000 titles now available, which can be read or listened to with the simple click of a button.“Things synonymous with our libraries haven’t changed – storytime, free internet and wifi, books, graphic novels and more are still available.“Connecting our residents through cultural, historical and community-focused hubs is what our libraries are all about and this upgrade is something to be celebrated.“I would encourage everyone in our community to become a member and rediscover what their local library can offer.”With the launch of the new system members will now be able to reserve available items for free.

Central Coast Council presented Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) with a $201,000 cheque at North Avoca Surf Club, for the first installment of a three year sponsorship funding agreement.Announced in July 2017, the funding will assist SLSCC with maintaining vital beach safety services across 15 surf clubs on the Central Coast.Council Mayor, Jane Smith, said the funding program will allow for the development and growth of Surf Life Saving on the Coast.“The sponsorship funding will assist Surf Life Saving with continuing to provide the community with essential beach patrol services, life saving equipment and educational swim between the flag messaging” said Mayor Smith.“Local surf clubs are vital to the overall services provided to our community.

The winners of the 2017 Council Environment Program were announced today at a student leadership day at Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park.Six schools from around the coast were recognised for their participation and creativity around this year’s theme Our Green Classroom, which aimed to encourage outdoor learning.Niagara Public School received the Innovation Prize for their Future Earth competition where students made boomerang bags for local supermarkets, built bird habitat boxes and conducted a school wide energy audit.Wyoming Public School displayed the most involvement in the Biggest Green Classroom, with the entire school conducting all lessons outside during international Outdoor Classroom Day.Brisbania Public School won the Most Improved School, for enthusiastically involving themselves in all activities offered.The overall Environmental School of the Year awards went to Chertsey Primary School (Small School of the Year) and Wyoming Public School (Large School of the Year).Pretty Beach Public School won Best Performance after taking on the ABC War on Waste Challenge, with a very informative and impassioned speech on our need to avoid plastic bags and single use plastics in order to reduce the amount of plastic rubbish ending up in our oceans.Mayor Jane Smith said the initiative runs parallel with school environmental educational programs.“Council’s School Environment Program aims at building an understanding, appreciation and concern for our natural environment,” said Mayor Smith.“The program is designed to integrate with the programs offered by local schools and the Department of Education.“It’s imperative that we impart this knowledge in our schools so kids are aware of their environment, how to look after it and the impact it has on their lives.“Their involvement means they are learning how to recycle better, consume less, be water wise, reduce waste and energy, and enjoy nature.“Most of all they learn that small changes can make a big difference and that they have the ability to protect the environment.”Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the program is especially important in this day and age.“In the age of technology, this year’s program encourages schools to spend more time outdoors and less time in front of the screen,” said Ms Vaughan.“Outdoor classrooms are part of a worldwide education movement aimed at increasing learning outside.

Committee formed to take action over dumping at Mangrove Mountain and Spencer An Advisory Committee has been established by Council to oversee actions and address issues relating to the Mangrove Mountain Golf Course and dumping at Spencer.The Mayor, three other Councillors, Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel, community stakeholders and independent experts will make up membership of the Committee with all minutes and resolutions to be reported publicly to an open Council meeting.Mayor Jane Smith said there was a great deal of concern in the community in relation to the serious allegations raised in the ABC Four Corners story relating to waste issues on the Central Coast.“The community want to see action on these issues,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“There are ongoing investigations by Council and external agencies relating to Mangrove Mountain landfill and alleged illegal dumping at Spencer, and these important legal processes must continue.“By establishing this Committee we are ensuring we are doing everything we possibly can to bring all the parties to the table to resolve these issues in the best interests of the community and the Central Coast.“Most importantly of all, all activities will be publicly reported to Council to ensure the community is kept up to date on the progress of this Committee.”The first meeting must be held within a month and the minutes of the Advisory Committee reported to Council.Council calls for urgent meeting with the State Government on Kangy Angy rail maintenance facility Council has called for an urgent meeting with Transport NSW, within the next fortnight, on its plans for a rail maintenance facility at Kangy Angy.The call is in response to landowner concerns relating to the environmental sensitivity of the site at Kangy Angy and the need to explore other options for the rail maintenance facility.Mayor Jane Smith said Council had acted quickly and would progress community concerns relating to the location of the facility directly with the State Government.“Landowners feel they have been railroaded in this whole process and their voices remain unheard,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“If a meeting cannot be held within a fortnight than we will be calling on all work relating to facility to cease until a meeting can take place.”“We are asking Transport NSW to come to the table with Council to hear firsthand community concerns and to discuss the future of the proposed railyards, particularly in other locations.”Council is looking to Transport NSW to revisit other site options outlined in previous consultant reports.Fees set and changes to expenses deferred for new Central Coast CouncillorsCouncil has now set the annual fee to be paid to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors based on a determination of the NSW Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.All Councillors will be paid $28,950 a year with the Mayor to receive $104,847 and the Deputy Mayor $37,383.  The recommendation is consistent with the resolutions of other Councils of a similar size including Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown and Northern Beaches Councils.Mayor Jane Smith said the fees were a matter of public interest and that further expenses suggested for the Mayor and Councillors would be deferred for further consideration and review by staff and Councillors.“We are all pleased and honoured to have been elected to serve the people of the Central Coast,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“The fees have been set to reflect the high demands placed on us in the execution of our civic duty and the fact that I will be a full time Mayor serving the needs of the community every day.”“Additional expenses have been suggested to help fulfil Mayoral duties as the head of what is now a major regional Council, with a diverse and growing population.”“I want the public to have confidence their elected officials are claiming reasonable expenses directly related to their role in the service of the community.”Additional expenses being considered include a prestige vehicle for the Mayor to undertake civic duties and business class travel when representing the Council at state and national forums.

Legendary Choirboys lead singer and Beyond Blue Ambassador Mark Gable is sharing his experiences with mental health at Kincumber Library this week as part of Mental Health Awareness month.Mr Gable will be at Kincumber Library this Wednesday, 11 October, for an up close and intimate discussion on the impacts of depression and the importance of mental health.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the libraries are pleased to be welcoming such a Coast legend who is willing to open up about his struggles with mental health.“The personal and intimate setting for the evening will be a meaningful way to have a real and honest discussion about mental health,” Ms Vaughan said.“Kincumber Library is pleased to be hosting such an event, which will really connect the community here on the Coast to an issue that affects many people in many ways.”Choirboys lead singer Mark Gable said he had experienced depression through his career and talking openly about it leads to better understanding in the community.“I hope what I have to say will somehow help those who have experienced similar issues with mental health as me,” Mr Gable said.“It is not an easy road, but it can be made easier by the simple process of talking about it.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the announcement by Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, of $250,000 to help Clean4Shore continue their Central Coast waterways cleaning program.This program, which aims to protect, enhance, rehabilitate or restore ecosystems and natural habitats, control or eradicate weeds and invasive species and conserve biological diversity, has been successful in helping maintain the overall health of local waterways, including our lagoons, Brisbane Waters and the Lower Hawkesbury River.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was pleased with the announcement and welcomed the opportunity to continue its working relationship with Clean4Shore for the next three years.“Our environment is a unique and delicate biological infrastructure requiring ongoing care and maintenance to ensure it long term health and prosperity,” Mayor Smith said.“This program, with its focus on involving the community, including school students and local volunteers, not only helps deliver cleaner waterways but also provides ongoing education and training for locals invested in preserving our wonderful natural environment.”In addition to the program focus on preserving the coastal waterways habitats, Clean4Shore actively promotes and recognises the role of indigenous people in conserving biological diversity, promotes and encourages ecologically sustainable practices and facilitates adaptation to climate change.“Central Coast Council is committed to delivering a vibrant and sustainable community for all its residents and this funding announcement for the Clean4Shore program supports this vision,” Mayor Smith said.