New drainage to reduce recovery time for local sporting fields  

Field closures due to wet weather could become a thing of the past after council upgrades the drainage at two local sporting fields.

Gavenlock Oval is often closed following a rain event due to its location near Narara Creek and poor natural drainage. With a new sand link drainage system, installation of a new irrigation system and other works, recovery time for the playing fields will now be significantly faster allowing the oval to be open earlier after rain.

Rogers Park in Woy Woy will also get new sand link drainage and irrigation to reduce closure times as well as a relevelling of playing fields to improve the playing surface.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said council is committed to enhancing local sporting fields to keep the community active and to nurture sports at a grassroots level.

“We want to create sustainable and quality fit-for-purpose facilities that enhance the sporting opportunities for our growing community,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Our fields need to be able to recover quickly after rain so that local kids do not miss out on the opportunity to play a sport they love.

“These upgrades mean they will still be able to play after a little bit of rain and will also give more certainty and create a sense of pride to the local sporting clubs who call these grounds home.”

The Gavenlock Oval upgrade starts next month and is expected to take six weeks.  Central Coast Football Club and Gosford Football Club have been consulted on the works are contributing funds to the much needed upgrade.

Works at Rogers Park will start in November and take 16 weeks. The works have been funded from the Landfill Rehabilitation Scheme as part of the Domestic Waste Management Charge.

Development of Somersby Industrial Park continues apace

Council has tonight awarded a tender to continue the upgrade of essential infrastructure works to keep development of the Somersby Industrial Park moving.

Construction started on this project last year with a number of drainage, road and sewerage upgrades either finished or almost complete.

This next stage will upgrade the stormwater drainage, sewer, water mains and roadway along Somersby Falls Road, between Myoora Road and Yanda Road.

The development of the Park is supported with just over $8 million in funding from the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund, with council funding the remaining $15.7 million.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the park would provide the ultimate gateway to the region and was the catalyst needed to help deliver thousands of local jobs.

“By ensuring we have the essential infrastructure in place first we can meet the park’s expected development needs and ensure its success,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Already around 130 local jobs have been created with almost 960 more expected as it develops and 2,100 when the whole project is complete – creating a massive employment boost to our region.

“It will also be welcome news for those thousands who commute every day as this project presents a real opportunity for a local job on the Coast.”

The Industrial Park was established more than 30 years ago on 271 hectares. It is considered an ideal location for industrial development due to its proximity to the M1 and Sydney. Interest has already been generated from businesses wishing to relocate from Sydney or to start up a new business close to Sydney.

Central Coast now a key region with own airport

The Central Coast is one of the largest regions in Australia - it is time to put it on the map.

Tonight Council formally renamed Warnervale Airport to Central Coast Airport to better reflect its identity and location.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the name change doesn’t alter the operations of the airport but is a reflection of the new focus of the Council to start marketing the Central Coast as a region in its own right.

“Every other major region in Australia has its own airport and the Central Coast should too,” Mr Reynolds said.

$1.45 million road upgrade at Wyongah gets green light

Council has awarded a $1.45 million tender to Robson Civil Projects for the upgrade of Kilpa and Murrawal Roads in Wyongah.

Traffic calming devices will be installed, road conditions improved and stormwater drainage upgraded in response to community concerns about safety on the popular thoroughfare.

A number of residents contacted council in late December 2014 concerned about speeding on the road and were consulted throughout the development of the project as well as having  significant input into the final design.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this was a great example of council listening to and working with the community to make local roads better and safer for everyone.

“Motorists will not only experience a safer and better road surface but an upgrade to the stormwater drainage system will also improve flooding issues in the area,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Our community wants better and safer roads and this is a great example of the new Council delivering the projects and services our community need, want and value.”