Central Coast Council is launching an innovative program designed to encourage men to read to their children.Suitable for children aged 0-5 years and their families, Dad’s Read, originally developed by the State Library of Queensland, encourages Dads, male carers and relatives males to read to children.Dad's Read Family Storytime will be held on one Saturday a month from May to August and will run at Erina and Tuggerah Libraries.Council Section Manager, Library Services, Ms Andrea Edwards, said research clearly shows that when fathers are involved with their children’s literacy education from a young age their children demonstrated increased cognitive abilities, higher self esteem and greater social competence, and Council was keen to promote the program.“Council is committed to developing educational opportunities in the community,” Ms Edwards said.“Reading with your child strengthens their literacy skills and builds their self esteem around reading, which is a fundamental and necessary life skill in today’s complex, digital world.“It also strengthens the bond between fathers and their children and between male relatives and carers and young people.”Research confirms reading to children just 10 minutes each day strengthens literacy, models positive reading behaviour, and builds children’s self esteem about reading (especially for boys).

Anticipation is growing for the June long weekend when Central Coast Council hosts a unique event promoting the hidden gems in the valleys and mountains.The inaugural Harvest Festival will celebrate local produce on the Coast, focusing on this unique region, its people and culture over the long weekend – Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Festival will be the first of its kind on the Central Coast.“We received a lot of interest from our local producers wanting to show off their farms, produce and generally showcase what our picturesque valleys and mountains have to offer,” Mr Reynolds said.“Our staff have been working hard with our local producers, to create a great program of events with a bit of something for everyone from open farms to long lunches, bush tucker walks, live music, fruit picking, workshops and much, much more.“Festival-goers will be able to chat to local farmers, taste their produce and enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique aspect of the Central Coast.”The festival will take place over the June long weekend, with events held across the Calga, Somersby, Peats Ridge, Mangrove Mountain, Kulnura and Yarramalong areas.“The Festival is a great way to help shine a spotlight on these areas and their importance as tourism and economic drivers for our region.“The Coast is known for its beaches and waterways, but we are also surrounded by a hinterland full of hidden treasures – which will be the centre of attention in June.”The full Festival program is available at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/harvestfestival or keep up to date through the Facebook page at facebook.com/harvestfestivalcc.This event is proudly supported by Destination NSW.

Playgrounds and play spaces provide a creative space for children to use their imagination, and keep active in a fun environment with family and friends.We are creating a range of different playgrounds and play spaces to suit our community’s needs by upgrading existing facilities, and improving the quality of life of our community.In May and June, work is about to start on play spaces at:Bayside Drive, Green PointJarrah Drive, KariongCambourne Dr Reserve, LisarowLong Jetty Foreshore Reserve (nearest to the Long Jetty)Earl Street Reserve, Shelly BeachMahogany Place, SpringfieldCowper Road Reserve, UminaPangari Reserve, WyomingThrough a Family and Community Services grant (Social Housing Community Improvement Fund) we will also be making improvements to play spaces in Owen Avenue Reserve, Wyong;

Central Coast Council will hold an Extraordinary Council meeting on Monday 15 May 2017 to approve the exhibition of the draft Operational Plan and Budget for 2017-18.The meeting will be held at the Central Coast Council Chambers, 2 Hely Street, Wyong at 5.30pm.The Operational Plan incorporates the actions Council proposes to undertake during the next financial year including setting a budget, fees and charges, as well as detailing a capital works program to deliver infrastructure and services to the community.If the draft plan is approved for exhibition, submissions will be sought from the community during a 30 day consultation period.  All submissions will be considered prior to the adoption of the final plan and budget at the June ordinary meeting.The meeting will be open to the public and can also be viewed live on Council’s YouTube Channel.

The Coast continues to attract top class performers with two of Australia’s finest performers appearing at Laycock Street Community Theatre on 12 May.Singer Katie Noonan and guitarist Karin Schaupp met by chance at a festival some twelve years ago and have been formally collaborating as a duo since 2011.Since then Katie and Karin have produced two CDs, performed three sold out Australian tours and received two ARIA nominations.The pair will take the audience through the great South American dance forms and songs, including bossa nova, samba, salsa and tango, when they perform works from their latest co-creation, Songs of the Latin Skies, which they are touring nationally over the next few months.Council’s Connected Communities Group Leader Julie Vaughan said it was wonderful to have two of Australia’s most outstanding musical talents performing right here on the Coast.“Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp are each established performers of great acclaim and to have both of them appearing at Laycock Street Community Theatre is a rare opportunity to hear the crème de la crème of the music world,” Ms Vaughan said.“Katie Noonan is a multi platinum selling, ARIA award-winning artist and Karin Schaupp has won prizes in international competitions in Lagonegro, Italy and Madrid, Spain, where she was also awarded the special competition prize for the Best Interpretation of Spanish Music.”Works by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Luis Bonfa and Antonio Carlos Jobim will be featured.The duo’s rendition of Sting’s Roxanne on their first album, EP Songs from the British Isles, was in the top three of the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project Air It (a platform where producers access music for airplay) charts for four weeks.Their second album, Songs of the Southern Skies, featured home grown composers and songwriters from Australia and New Zealand and includes distinguished artists such as Iva Davies, Claire Bowditch, Diana Doherty and Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu.When:

Temporary traffic control measures will be in place along a section of West Street, Umina, from Sunday 30 April – Thursday 4 May, while Central Coast Council completes essential pavement stabilisation works.The project, being carried out between Barrenjoey Road and Morris Street, will be undertaken at night to minimise the impact on local traffic.Crews will also manage the project schedule to ensure there is minimal impact on nearby residents as a result of these works.Warning signs will be in place for the duration of the works to notify motorists of the changed conditions and traffic will be detoured around The Esplanade.Works will be undertaken between 7pm – 5am for the duration of the project.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.

Lake Haven Library will be closed for refurbishments from 17 - 31 May.During this time returns can be made via the returns chute and items can be renewed and reserved online.The library will reopen on Thursday 1 June.The refurbishments include a new service desk, self service reservations, a new popular reads section and new public catalogues.The smaller service desk will make more space available for the community in the library.The existing 12 public internet stations will be moved to a different part of the library and will be housed in purpose-built computer furnishings.

Draft Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan to be sent to the Minister for the EnvironmentA Plan to manage the coastline of the former Gosford City Local Government Area (LGA) was considered by the Council, and will now be sent to the NSW Minister for the Environment for certification.The Draft Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan will not take effect until it is certified by the Minister.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Plan provides the foundation for the development of appropriate planning controls that will protect the coastline now and into the future.“This will be welcome news for those who live along the coast as it will provide firm guidelines on what can and cannot be built on privately owned or public land,” Mr Reynolds said.“The Plan sets out clear roles and responsibilities of private landowners, Council and other public authorities to plan and manage the coastline as well as respond to coastal hazards as the need arises.“Our beaches are one of our greatest natural assets and we need to ensure there is a proper framework in place that balances the need for sustainable development where it can happen while ensuring our coastal environment is protected and enhanced now and well into the future.”The Draft Plan was originally prepared by the former Gosford Council and submitted to the then Minister for Planning and Environment, who returned it requesting revision in consultation with a NSW Government Agency concerning the management of land at Patonga and Pearl Beach.

Central Coast residents may begin to notice in-depth road analysis taking place in a street near them, with Council commencing a comprehensive road condition assessment across its entire sealed road network.Comprising more than 2200 kilometres of sealed road pavement, the project will provide a road condition assessment that will underpin the future allocation of funds and resources.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the data collected will be used to develop future road renewal programs and determine the most effective way to treat and manage Council’s road assets.“Our road network if joined would stretch from the Central Coast to the Cape York Peninsula,” said Mr Reynolds.“The condition assessment is an extensive undertaking, but once completed we will have data on every road, to assist in programming future works effectively and efficiently.“In the meantime, we will continue our works to maintain and improve our road assets, with more than 500 road renewal or upgrade works this financial year, and an even greater number expected to be carried out in the year ahead.”Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the project will result in high definition video imagery for all Council roads and ensure accurate measurement of road defects using advanced laser technology.“Council has engaged data collection specialists to undertake this comprehensive assessment by using the latest technologies to provide an accurate overview of our entire road network,” said Mr Dowling.“This information will enable us to effectively allocate funds and resources to support our future Capital Works programs.“This approach is considered industry best practice and it’s the first time work of this detail has been undertaken on the Central Coast — with the results feeding into a comprehensive roads program for next year and beyond.“In addition, we will be taking the opportunity to catalogue, map and assess all regulatory signage, line marking and raised pavement markers to provide a comprehensive picture of all road-related assets.”Council continues to encourage residents to support the maintenance and development of our road network by reporting any potholes.

Work is underway to reconstruct a fire trail in the Glenning Valley/Fountaindale area, for improved and safer access to fire fighters for hazard reduction work and emergency fire fighting.The Pleasant Valley Fire Trail is currently inaccessible to emergency service vehicles and land management crews, due to poor surface conditions and erosion.The trail was identified by the Bush Fire Management Committee as an extreme risk area, and the upgrade will complement the trail network in the area.The work involves the reconstruction of approximately one kilometre of fire trail to link to the existing trails, and will see concrete pavement, two coat bitumen seal and gravel surfaces installed, as well the construction of turning bays and passing areas to comply with Council’s Fire and Land Management Trail Construction Guidelines.Work is expected to be finished at the end of July.With the official Bush Fire Danger Period declared over, there’s still the chance for potential fires to threaten property and lives.Even though a fire permit is no longer required, residents are encouraged to notify their neighbours and local fire authority 24 hours before lighting a fire, and check whether a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate or other approvals are needed.

Important upgrade works will soon be underway on The Ridgeway, Lisarow, between Macdonalds Road and Tapley Road.The project will see substantial earthworks to accommodate a new road alignment and width, construction of street drainage, kerb and gutter, and a new road pavement.Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling said the project will substantially improve road safety in the area.“Crews will be undertaking a significant realignment and construction of the road surface, we’re expecting the project will take around 6 months to complete,” said Mr Dowling.“The Ridgeway is a popular road for local drivers and we’re working hard to provide the safest road surface possible as we continue to invest in our road network.“This project is part of a $62 million investment from Central Coast Council into roads and drainage Capital Works across the region.”Crews will soon be on location to begin site establishment works, with the section of road to become single lane (operated by interim traffic signals) from early May.Mr Dowling added that the project will also include guardrail and signage installation.“This project is about ensuring a safe road environment for the area as it continues to develop and grow,” Mr Dowling said.“With a single lane in place for an extended period, we would encourage motorists to allow some extra travel time – particularly during peak periods.“Warning signs will be in place to notify drivers of the changes to traffic conditions and I’d ask everyone to take care when travelling near the construction site.”Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience while these important works are carried out.

Central Coast Council in partnership with the NSW Department of Education (DET) has begun a range of upgrade works at Ernest Street, Erina primarily between Erina High and Woodport Public School.The project will see the installation of a new roundabout, intersection improvements at James Sea Drive, road reconstruction, kerb and gutter, footpath and landscaping works.Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the works would help to ensure pedestrian and motorist safety during busy school pick-up and drop-off times.“Ernest Street is a busy local thoroughfare and this project will greatly assist in improving safety and alleviating congestion,” said Mr Dowling.“In addition to the road reconstruction works, we will also be creating additional kerbside parking and providing a more substantial ‘kiss & ride’ area to meet the needs of both schools.”Works in Ernest Street have been funded through the NSW DET with a $435,000 contribution, with Council providing $215,000 through its Capital Works Program as well as in kind project support.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that the works would benefit local residents and the entire school community.“These works will provide families from Erina High and Woodport Public School with the assurance that their trip to and from school will be a smooth one,” said Mr Reynolds.“This is a great example of various levels of government working together to ensure a project meets the needs of the community.Mr Dowling also encouraged motorists to take care if travelling around Ernest Street during the construction period.“Establishment works are currently underway and we expect that crews will be working on this project until August,” Mr Dowling added.“There will be some minor delays, particularly during school hours and I’d like to thank the community for their patience during this time.“Traffic control measures and warning signs will also be in place to notify drivers of any changes to traffic conditions.”

Council is holding a number of free family history research workshops in May, including the first-ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workshop for the region.The workshops are being held due to strong interest from the community and will take place at Tuggerah and Bateau Bay Libraries.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said researching family history helps us to gain a sense of who we are and where we have come from.“Tracing ancestors and finding out about extended family enables us to build a strong sense of place and identity in the community,” Ms Vaughan said.Staff from the Indigenous Services Branch of the NSW State Library will lead the two hour session and will explain why research needs to start in the present and work backwards.They will cover resources and techniques needed to search library collections and other significant resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history.Language materials, pictures, manuscripts, missionary records and electoral rolls will be discussed at the free workshop, which will take place on 3 May from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Tuggerah Library.Martyn Killion from NSW State Archives and Records will run a workshop on The Colonial Secretary’s Records on 17 May from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Tuggerah Library.The Colonial Secretary’s records form part of the Archives Resources Kit, which contains more than 1565 items, including microfilms and immigration records.Tuggerah Library is one of a select pool of libraries across the state that holds part of the kit and Gosford Library is one of only 40 libraries in NSW to hold a full kit.A workshop for those who are new to family history research will also be held on 4 May from 10.30am to 12pm at Bateau Bay Library.Council Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said Central Coast Library Service holds a range of family history workshops throughout the year.“We encourage residents to join their local library and take advantage of these free workshops,” Mr Reynolds said.Bookings are essential for all workshops.Please call Tuggerah Library on 4350 1560 or Bateau Bay Library on 4350 1580.

As part of this year’s ANZAC Day activities, a number of road closures will occur on the Central Coast on Tuesday 25 April 2017.Terrigal road closures: From 5am, closures will be in place from the roundabout on Terrigal Drive to The Esplande, and traffic will be diverted up and over Barnhill Road.

In commemoration of ANZAC Day on Tuesday 25 April, services are being held across the Central Coast.These services provide community members the opportunity to come together to pay their respects to our fallen servicemen and women, and acknowledge those who fought to defend our country and protect our way of life.ANZAC Day event locations for 2017 include:DoyalsonThe dawn service will be held at 5am at the RSL Club Cenotaph, with breakfast served immediately afterward.

Central Coast Council is providing increased parking options for patrons attending ANZAC Day events in Terrigal on Tuesday 25 April.Changes to the construction timeline for the $2.3 million upgrade of Wilson Road Carpark have enabled the bottom two levels of the carpark to remain open on ANZAC Day, with Council also offering additional parking at The Haven that will not be subject to usual parking restrictions, and transport options from Terrigal Haven to the event.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council supports ANZAC Day events across the Central Coast and is implementing measures to ensure considerable parking spaces will be available in Terrigal this ANZAC Day.“Council works together with local law enforcement, the RSL and its sub-branches, as well as local community organisations to ensure ANZAC Day activities are successful right across the Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“In addition to the lower two levels of the Wilson Road parking station remaining open, we’ve also reconfigured parking at The Haven to provide additional parking not subject to usual parking restrictions, and will be providing a free shuttle bus from The Haven from 4am until 12noon to assist anyone planning to attend the Dawn Service.“This has resulted in considerable parking spaces becoming available in Terrigal this ANZAC Day.”The substantial upgrade of the Wilson Road Carpark will support continued growth within the Terrigal CBD, creating 110 more permanent parking spaces for residents and visitors to the area.For full project details, including maps detailing ANZAC Day parking options, visit yourvoiceourcoast.com

With the second term of the 2017 school year kicking off next week, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to slow down near schools and put the safety of children first.Monday 24 April is a gazetted school day which means 40km zones will be back in force, as will parking zones around schools.Parking zones around schools are in place for the safety of children, but also assist with traffic flow during busy drop off and pick up times.As the school term begins, Council Rangers and Parking Officers will carry out extra patrols to enforce parking restrictions around schools, helping to ensure a safe start to the school term.Council is encouraging everyone to take care when driving through school zones, stick to the speed limit, follow directions from crossing supervisors and avoid any dangerous manoeuvres.Double Demerits will also be in force from Friday 21 April to Tuesday 25 April 2017 (inclusive) and will apply if a motorist is caught speeding in a designated school zone on Monday 24 April.For more information on how to park safely around schools, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Following extensive community consultation, Stage 2 of the planned upgrade for Scenic Highway at Terrigal commenced on Monday 10 April.Inclusive of embankment lowering, footpath construction and the introduction of a pedestrian refuge island, Stage 2 is part of a comprehensive program of works designed to improve pedestrian and motorist movements.Council’s Group Leader of Business, Assets and Infrastructure, Mike Dowling, said the works will improve visibility and provide an improved pedestrian environment for people crossing the Scenic Highway near the intersection of Bellevue Crescent.“Following tree removal works carried out in Stage 1 in January, this next phase of works will dramatically increase sight distances around the location,” Mr Dowling said.“The installation of a pedestrian refuge island and footpath will also help to enhance accessibility.”Mr Dowling added that Council moved quickly on key elements of this project, while important planning and approvals were completed for the remainder of the works.“The Central Coast Traffic Committee unanimously supported the works in March this year,” said Mr Dowling.“We were able to install new 50km/h signage and pavement marking before Christmas, commencing our program of improvements and reinforcing appropriate speed limits to all drivers on this section of the Scenic Highway.”In addition, a review of the Scenic Highway, from Charles Kay Drive to The Terrigal Esplanade has also been undertaken and Council is considering the recommendations, amidst wider traffic management planning.Stage 2 is scheduled for completion in June 2017.Works will take place from 7am – 3pm, with single lane traffic during construction — traffic controllers will be on site and motorists should expect some minor delays during this time.Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience while these important works are carried out.

Residents are advised that Central Coast Council will be closed for the Easter period, from Friday 14 April until Monday 17 April (inclusive).Essential services will continue during the closure, including waste collection, water treatment and lifeguards.For any urgent council-related emergencies during the period such as water main breaks, residents can contact 4325 8222 (Gosford office) or 4350 5555 (Wyong office) 24-hours a day.Council Libraries will be closed from Friday 14 April until Monday 17 April (inclusive), however return chutes will remain open.Central Coast Council management and staff would like to wish residents a safe and happy Easter.

Central Coast Council is undertaking a $2.3 million upgrade to improve the capacity of the Wilson Road car park at Terrigal.This substantial project started in March 2017 and will include construction of an additional level, the installation of a lift within the carpark, CCTV cameras and the provision of additional disabled spaces on each floor.The project will support continued growth within the Terrigal CBD, creating 110 extra parking spaces for residents and visitors to the area.Council has now successfully negotiated a variation in the program for the additional (fourth) level of the carpark with the facility to now remain open until Wednesday 26 April, 2017.The existing level 3 of the carpark will remain closed, with levels 1 and 2 available for the community during the entire school holiday period.In addition, Council has taken steps to reconfigure parking at The Haven to provide extra untimed spaces for those attending the Terrigal ANZAC Day Dawn Service and a free shuttle bus to run from The Haven to The Esplanade from 4.30am so attendees can easily get to the Cenotaph for the service.The change in the construction program, along with altered arrangements at The Haven will ensure that 500 parking spaces will be available for ANZAC day.Council would like to thank North Construction and their associated contractors for their cooperation in delivering this essential infrastructure project.