Facilities at Saltwater Creek Reserve have been greatly enhanced with a new boardwalk to be officially opened by Central Coast Council on Saturday 16 September.Part of a $354,000 project to rehabilitate the sensitive saltmarsh area, the 200-metre boardwalk features an education loop and conservation signage and has been designed to complement the nearby Saltwater Creek Bridge.Council Manager Waterways and Coastal Protection, Mr Peter Ham, said the boardwalk is designed to protect the sensitive foreshore habitat and is part of Council’s commitment to improve the amenity and recreational opportunities around Tuggerah Lakes.“This project is a truly collaborative effort, with funding from the Federal Government through the National Landcare Programme and Council’s commitment to improve the water quality and recreational opportunities around Tuggerah Lakes,” Mr Ham said.“The boardwalk took four months to construct and protects the sensitive foreshore plants in this area, as well as encourages community members to safely access and experience this scenic foreshore environment.“I encourage the community to come along to the opening of this fantastic community boardwalk and see for themselves – it is a great addition to our shared pathway network.”The opening event, to be held from midday until 3pm, will feature a free BBQ run by The Entrance Lions Club, Australian wildlife displays including lizards, pythons, frogs, possums, birds and a baby crocodile, environmental conservation talks and a fact hunt with prizes.The project involved extensive bush regeneration and:Works to enhance and protect two endangered ecological communities -- Saltmarsh and Swamp Oak Floodplain ForestThe provision of habitat for native wildlife through foreshore and forest improvements and installation of nest boxesImprovement to the amenity of the popular bike path running through the site by weeding, mulching and planting with native plants in surrounding reserve.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said investment in Tuggerah Lakes by Council and the Federal Government had reached over $30 million on the estuary and catchment in the past eight years and the results are really starting to show.“Water quality has improved in recent years, as shown in our annual Estuary Report Card, and new Gross Pollutant Traps and catchment improvement works have ensured thousands of tonnes of pollutants and litter have been kept out of the Lakes,” Mr Reynolds said.“The Lakes are one of our greatest natural assets on the Coast and this new boardwalk is just one of a number of new recreational facilities along the Lakes for the community to enjoy.”Located at the eastern end of Lucinda Avenue (opposite McLean Street), visitors can park at Saltwater Creek Reserve, walk past the BMX track and cross Saltwater Creek Bridge to arrive at the new boardwalk.This project was jointly funded by Central Coast Council and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.The Estuary Report Card on Tuggerah Lakes can be accessed on Council’s Love Our Living Lakes website.

Central Coast Council is supporting History Week, with Tuggerah library hosting a Rock and Roll display this week with photographs of 60s and 70s performers courtesy of late Gosford photographer, Les Allen.Rare photographs of legends such as the Bee Gees, Dinah Lee, Johnny O’Keefe, Little Pattie, Sandy Scott and many more performing at the Central Coast Leagues Club during the 60s and 70s are currently on display at Tuggerah library, and will shortly be on view at Gosford branch library.Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Libraries play an important role in the community in education and keeping history alive and that is worth celebrating.“Council libraries have lovingly preserved these fantastic images and are now making them available for the enjoyment of the community.

The Central Coast’s biggest free interactive sporting spectacular, SportsFest 2017, is happening at the EDSACC sporting precinct, Bateau Bay, on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September.This celebration of all things sport is a first of its kind for our region, featuring exhibition games, come 'n try sessions, stalls and displays, sporting heroes, autograph sessions, professional demonstrations, live entertainment and food markets.Council Unit Manager Open Space and Recreation, Mr Brett Sherar, said SportsFest is an opportunity for residents to enjoy, experience or participate in a range of both traditional sports and non-traditional activities and get active.“SportsFest encourages all residents to come together to engage in healthy and active recreational activity – from budding sports stars to volunteers to spectators – this festival showcases how sport involves our whole community,” Mr Sherar said.“Offering exposure to many traditional and non-traditional activities — from drill dancing to dragon boats, lacrosse to life-saving, roller derby to rugby, and oztag to orienteering — this all-inclusive celebration of activity will ignite the interest of sports enthusiasts, as well as people who may not be already engaged in traditional sports.”Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said, Council is committed to promoting an active and engaged community and has been pleased by the response from local and state sporting bodies to partner with Council in this endeavour.“We want our community to be active and connected and participation in sport really does deliver that,” Mr Reynolds said.“So do our sporting associations and clubs who have been keen to be involved to promote the benefits of their particular code, attract new members and sign-up volunteers through an exhibition of their sporting assets.“It gives local clubs a chance to show their passion for their chosen sport and for the community to come along and find out more about the different opportunities to get active across our region.”“This event has also been designed as a skill-sharing forum, where professional and top-level sports people can demonstrate expertise and act as mentors to future generations of our sporting elite.“It is a unique opportunity to come along and find out about the different sporting and recreational opportunities available on the Coast – you may just find that sporting pursuit you have been looking for.”The Entrance District Sport and Community Centre (EDSAAC) is the ideal venue for the festival as it is home to a variety of facilities including sporting fields, an indoor centre, netball courts, croquet fields, tennis courts and Bato Yard.SportsFest 2017 is proudly supported by Sport NSW, the NSW Government Office of Sport, Central Coast Academy of Sport and Star 104.5FM.To find out more visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/sportsfest

Central Coast Council is urging pedestrians and motorists to take extra care around Terrigal Haven as works get underway to install 5 new CCTV cameras.Works include Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) from the bottom to the top of Terrigal Skillion to accommodate the installation of a new camera tower at this location.Access to the top of the Skillion will be closed from Monday 11 September to Wednesday 13 September while the underground boring is being carried out.Some parking spaces along Loop Road around The Haven, adjacent to the Rugby Oval and Skillion, will be impacted by these works.

Time is running out to make that next big idea happen with Central Coast Council’s 2017-18 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.With more than $1.4 million available to help support and grow community run local events, initiatives and projects, interested applicants are encouraged to get their applications in by the end of the week.There are six new categories for applicants to choose from, with Round One applications for most of the Program closing this week, Friday 15 September.These include:Community Partnership GrantsCommunity Development GrantsPlace Activation GrantsAwarding Sponsorship Program.Applications open all year round include:Community Support GrantsHeritage GrantsThere is also up to $30,000 available for applicants to the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program to improve community infrastructure and services in the suburbs of Chain Valley Bay, Summerland Point, Gwandalan or Mannering Park.

• Construction complete on amenities building at Umina Beach’s McEvoy Oval• New modern facilities will support local sporting and community events• The Federal Coalition Government invested $304,000 into this jointly funded projectBrand new facilities at McEvoy Oval, in Umina Beach on the NSW Central Coast were unveiled today after the completion of an $800,430 upgrade funded by Federal and NSW Coalition Governments and local sporting organisations.Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the new building was an investment in grassroots sport for the region.“These great new facilities will benefit both local sports and the greater community, promoting the growth of Umina Beach and the surrounding areas,” Minister Nash said.“I aim to build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren want to either stay in or come back to, and access to great sporting facilities does just that.”Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks, a long-term supporter of the project, joined the community for the opening and said the new building included a clubroom, canteen, storage rooms, and male and female amenities.“I’ve been hearing from many local families and organisations on the Peninsula about how the previous amenities building was run-down and unsafe – so it’s great to be able to open this new facility for Umina Beach,” Mrs Wicks said.“Not only is McEvoy Oval home to over 1,500 sporting participants per year, it’s also used by local schools for carnivals and gala days.

Time is running out to plant ideas with Central Coast Council for the 2018 Harvest Festival Central Coast.Council is encouraging as many local producers as possible to be part of the popular event following a fruitful first year festival earlier this year.Council Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the inaugural Festival saw more than 10,000 people visit 23 events and activities over two days in June.“This was a great way to launch the Festival, and we want to see it grow again next year,” Ms Vaughan said.“We would love to have more farm gate sales and tours added to the 2018 program.“Feedback we received shows visitors want to have a look beyond the gate and see how our local farms work – how it’s grown, produced and harvested, from the farm to the plate.“We understand some produce won’t be in season in June, and that’s ok.

Central Coast Council is committed to providing better roads for local residents by investing $189 million this financial year.

Central Coast Council is one of 46 councils across NSW going to the polls, this Saturday 9 September, to decide who will represent their communities for the next three years.On Saturday, almost 100 polling booths will be open across the Coast from 8am til 6pm.

Central Coast Council representatives will today attend the funeral of former Councillor Bob Ward to pay tribute to his commitment to Council and the community.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said he found Bob Ward’s local knowledge and passion for the Central Coast invaluable when the new Council was formed and he had left a lasting legacy to be proud of.“Bob was well liked and respected for the work he did in the community.  He was a real gentleman,” Mr Reynolds said.“He was keen to serve on the Local Representation Committee and his advice and commitment served the new Central Coast Council well.“As well as his role on the Local Representative Committee, Bob served as one of Council’s representatives on the Joint Regional Planning Panel where he brought his dedicated local experience to bear on important development proposals.“I would like to thank him for his dedication and service to the Coast community in a number of roles over a number of years.“Bob has left a long and lasting legacy as a passionate advocate for the Central Coast community and will be missed.”“On behalf of Central Coast Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family and friends at this time.”Bob Ward was elected to Gosford City Council in September 2012 and was Deputy Mayor for 2 years.

Central Coast Council is hosting another Chemical Cleanout event on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 of September at Gosford Showground, following a successful event held at Charmhaven in August.Almost 1400 residents used the opportunity to dispose of over 63 tonnes of chemicals at Council’s Charmhaven Depot – representing a 40% increase on last year’s event.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said household Chemical Cleanout events are a free service for the safe disposal of a range of common household chemicals, many of which could cause harm if not disposed of correctly.“Keeping old chemicals can increase the risk of poisoning around the home.

Magpie breeding season is here and Central Coast Council is reminding the community to report any hot spots and take precautions around places where magpies nest.Native birds, such as Australian magpies, are highly protective of their eggs, nest and young and will often swoop at unsuspecting passers-by if they feel threatened.Council’s Manager Open Space and Recreation, Mr Brett Sherar, said magpies are usually friendly but become very protective and even aggressive during the breeding season which runs from now until the end of September.“It is during this time that fast moving objects such as people and bikes and anyone really who moves directly towards their nests are perceived as threats and are likely to be swooped,” Mr Sherar said.“Dog walkers and prams are also a common target.“Swooping may seem frightening to us, however we need to appreciate it is a natural instinct for a magpie to protect their territory and offspring.“Other native birds that are also common culprits on the Coast include plover, butcher birds and kookaburras, but even invasive species like Indian Mynas can attack at this time of the year.“Don’t try to scare off the bird.  Wildlife is protected and there are serious penalties for taking, harassing or injuring native wildlife.  Taking this action can sometimes lead to a more serious and sustained attack as well.“Our advice is to try to avoid nesting areas where possible, even taking a detour from your normal path.  Most magpies only swoop within about 50 metres of their nest.”Tips for surviving the magpie swooping season include:Avoid the swoop area, try walking or riding in a different directionCyclists should wear a helmet.  It is better to dismount and walk your bike past a swoop areaTravel in a group.  Most birds only swoop individualsDo not panic and run.  It will only encourage a swooping bird to continue its attackWear a hat in an area where there are sweeping concernsHolding a stick or umbrella over your head will often cause the bird to keep its distance.“If you know of areas near you with a lot of swooping activity, please contact us so we post warning signs for other passing by,” Mr Sherar added.Council will be erecting warning signs of known swooping areas on public land.  If residents have a particular concern about a swooping bird they should contact Council on 4350 5555 or 4325 8222.

Central Coast Council is encouraging classic car owners to register their pride and joy for this year’s annual ChromeFest.In its 9th year, ChromeFest will see Memorial Park and the streets of The Entrance lined with hundreds of old classic cars from 27-29 October.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said ChromeFest is fast-becoming one of the  biggest events on the Coast’s and national tourism calendars.“ChromeFest attracts over 50,000 people every year from all over the state, and even has interest from inter-state as well,” Mr Reynolds said.“Memorial Park at The Entrance is the perfect venue for this event and continues to prove to be a great hub to host free events such as this one for the community and visitors alike.

Central Coast Council has set a solid foundation for the new Council to build on according to a report presented by the Administrator to the final Council meeting before the Local Government elections on September 9.The report details the good governance arrangements in place across Council, the fully funded record capital works program rolling out across the Coast and the enhanced service delivery and community infrastructure delivered by staff as key highlights of the Administration period of the new Central Coast Council.Administrator Ian Reynolds said the achievements were a credit to the over 2000 staff who have delivered high quality services to the community while the organisation was undergoing major internal transformation.“The priority of this Administration period has been to build a solid foundation for the newly elected Council in September 2017 and I believe that has been achieved,” Mr Reynolds said.“Both former Councils did almost everything differently and there are currently over 150 internal projects underway to bring processes and systems together.“New legislative and governance requirements are now in place so we can operate as a single Council, we have implemented a new brand, vision and values and aligned customer service processes so that residents and businesses can deal with Council more efficiently.“The community can have confidence that Council’s finances are sound and strong.“As a unified Council we have hugely increased buying power which is already paying off with a record $208 million capital works program rolling out across the Coast.”Progress has been made on key projects during the Administration period including a successful first year of operation of The Art House at Wyong and the award-winning regional skate place at Bato Yard.

Registrations for the 2017 Garage Sale Trail have opened, and Central Coast Council is setting its sights on being the number one sustainable region in Australia.The Trail is the biggest reuse, recycle and environmentally sustainable garage sale in Australia.  Over 150 Councils and five State and Territory Government Departments participated last year Australia-wide.Over 20 garage sales have already been registered across the Coast from Coasties getting rid of old stuff and raising money for great causes.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council is pleased to again participate in this annual event which encourages the community to reuse and recycle their unwanted goods instead of sending it to landfill.“For the first time, the Trail is extending over the entire weekend of Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October,” Mr Reynolds said.“Last year the Coast recorded 201 individual sales and 116 group sales, with approximately 8,000 Coastal shoppers out and about supporting the event – all across just one Saturday.“Council is encouraging residents, businesses and community groups to get together to sell off their unwanted goods and be part of the solution to creating a more sustainable Central Coast.”“We are aiming to go even bigger this year and take the number one spot as Australia’s most sustainable region, so we need as many registered sales as possible.”The Wyoming Girl Guides were amongst one of the first stalls to register, and they are raising funds for an upcoming camp.“The Garage Sale Trail is getting bigger, and the publicity of getting the community out and about and connecting is great for Girl Guides to raise money and also our profile locally,” Jenny Rees, Girl Guides Wyoming said.The first 1250 people across Australia to register in the second hand goods frenzy will receive a free seller pack, which gives sellers all that is needed for a successful weekend of sales.For more information on the 2017 Garage Sale Trail, and to register, visit garagesaletrail.com.au

Central Coast Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of $250,000 from the Public Reserves Management Fund Program to assist with works at Terrigal Rock Pool.Council Group Leader, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling said the works will deliver a secure, long lasting rock pool for the community.“Council has long recognised the need for investment in Terrigal Rock Pool and we are very pleased that we can now undertake this renovation as a result of NSW State Government funding,” he said.“Terrigal Rock Pool is a very popular area for locals and tourists alike.

The Central Coast Council election is on Saturday 9 September.

It’s a dog’s life for our furry, four-legged friends in the Budgewoi area, as Central Coast Council constructs a fenced Off-leash Dog Area at Buff Point Oval.Dogs across the Coast will ‘dig’ the new project, which will see a 50m x 50m fenced area constructed at the southern end of the oval – an already existing and popular off-leash location with many local dog owners.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the project had been in response to a number of community requests for a fenced area.“We have received a number of requests from residents for a fenced Off-leash Dog Area in Buff Point, which is already widely used by the surrounding community,” said Mr Reynolds.“After extensive community consultation, the feedback was overwhelmingly in favour of installing this new facility for the community.“The design will incorporate existing trees on the western side of the site to provide shade during the summer months and we’re investigating the installation of bench seating and a water connection nearby.”The soon-to-be constructed area at Buff Point will complement existing fenced locations at Tuggerah Oval and Sensory Park, Narara.Manager of Open Space and Recreation, Mr Brett Sherar, said the northern end of Buff Point Oval will still be zoned off-leash and be available for a wide range of community uses.“The new fenced Off-leash Dog Area will help to effectively separate users at this popular location, which is also used for pre-season training, children’s activities and Landcare initiatives,” said Mr Sherar.“Many of the requests we received for a fenced area came from elderly members of our community, meaning they can now safely take their dog off-leash – avoiding a trip to Tuggerah Oval.“The entirety of Buff Point Oval remains zoned as an off-leash area, with owners of larger dogs able to make use of the ample space available at the northern end.”For more information on the Off-leash Dog Area at Buff Point Oval, or any other off-leash locations around the Central Coast visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council has taken out one of the top honours at the 2017 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) Australasia Excellence Awards, held in Perth last night.Following on from its win in the 2016 NSW State Awards, the Wyong CBD Drainage Upgrade won Best Public Works Project ($2.0M – $5.0M), beating leading contenders from across Australia and New Zealand.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this award is a major achievement and recognises council’s exceptionally high standards of service delivery.“This prestigious award offers global recognition and acknowledges council’s outstanding work in delivering essential services to our community” said Mr Reynolds.“Being recognised for delivery of a premier public works project in Australasia is a testament to the ability of our staff to deliver world-class infrastructure at a local level.“This extensive upgrade has been a crucial element in supporting the transformation of the Wyong CBD into a thriving commercial centre, and sets a firm foundation for urban renewal for our region.”Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said this achievement is particularly exceptional, as the project was completed entirely by council staff.“This award realises the hard work, skills and commitment of council staff, particularly as all of the works, including planning, design and construction, were completed in-house,” said Mr Noble.“This is an exceptional achievement and showcases the depth of talent that exists within Central Coast Council.”The multi-million dollar project was split into five stages and saw drainage systems with three times the capacity of previous infrastructure installed throughout the Wyong Central Business District (CBD).

Entries are now open for the 35th annual Grandma Moses Art Competition and Exhibition, showcasing the best of the Central Coast’s artistic seniors.Central Coast Council is offering a prize pool this year – with over $3000 on offer and the chance for residents, fifty years and over, to have their artistic talent recognised.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the competition proves age is no barrier to success.“This annual competition provides an opportunity for our local seniors to let their artistic talent shine,” Ms Vaughan said.“There are five different categories, including novices, for those who are new to painting.“The prestigious competition has been running for 35 years and continues to attract more entries each year and we are looking forward to seeing what this year brings.”The competition takes inspiration from the life and work of Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, who took up painting as a career at the age of 78.