Council’s Operational Plan 2019-20 to deliver $792M for the Central Coast community

Central Coast Council tonight adopted its Operational Plan for the 2019-20 financial year which will deliver $792.0million worth of investment in essential services and capital works.

The Plan forms the second year of Council's Delivery Program 2018-21 and will deliver $556.4million in essential services and $235.6million in capital works in the priority areas of roads; water and sewerage service infrastructure; protecting and enhancing the local environment; community facilities and open space and recreation infrastructure.

Council’s operating income for the 2019-20 financial year is $537.8million, leaving an estimated budgeted operating deficit of $18.6million before capital grants and contributions.

Mayor Jane Smith said the Plan continued Council’s commitment to prioritising key community needs and aspirations for the Central Coast in line with the Community Strategic Plan - Council’s contract with the community.

“The Plan details projects and initiatives we will deliver over the next year with a strong focus on delivering community infrastructure, addressing the demands of an ever growing population and meeting sustainability principles,” Mayor Smith said.

“We are projecting a larger deficit that first forecast in the draft plan due to an increase in the emergency services levy payable to the NSW State Government and an adjustment to Council’s income and expenditure in line with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) final determination released in May.”

Hundreds of projects are planned across the Coast in the $235.6million capital works program.

For more details, see the full media release.

Terrigal water quality audit continuing

Central Coast Council tonight received a comprehensive report into the actions undertaken by staff to investigate water quality at Terrigal Haven over the Easter long weekend.

Council was assured that the water coming from the drains over that weekend was not sewage. The source and nature of discharges from the ‘seven drains’ seen over previous weeks are continuing to be investigated as is how they may affect local water quality.

The Terrigal Catchment Audit will give Council a better understanding of not only the sources and effect of the discharges but also if remediation action is required.

The report highlighted the water quality at Terrigal Beach has consistently been rated as ‘good’ over the past few months, as per the guidelines used for the Beachwatch program, and currently does not pose any health risk to beach users.

Council wishes to remind residents and visitors concerned about flows from the stormwater drains to call 1300 463 954 at any time, so that staff may investigate these issues as they occur.

Five community development programs recommended for Council funding

Council has allocated $105,061 in funding to five projects through its second round of Community Development Grant Program for 2018/19.

Mayor Jane Smith said the funding will be used to enhance residents’ quality of life.

“Council’s Community Development Grant Program supports projects that help improve the quality of life of residents, provide community capacity with buildings and projects and enhances the natural qualities of the Central Coast,” Mayor Smith said.

Community Development Grant program funding will go to the following applicants:

• Community Environment Network – Connecting and caring for our Coastal Lagoons $29,582
• Road Safety Education Limited – RYDA road safety education program $8,800
• Symphony Central Coast Incorporated – Telling stories through music $30,000
• Lifeline Direct T/A Lifeline Hunter Central Coast – Inter-generational Community Outreach training $27,200
• Pacific Link Housing – Copnor Garden Transformation $9,479

For information about Council’s grant program, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/grants.

Ten heritage projects to receive funding from Council

Council has allocated $26,766 in funding to 10 projects through its Heritage Grant Program for 2018/19.

Mayor Jane Smith said the funding will be used to conserve the heritage significance.

“The recipients will use the funding to launch events, run programs, and upgrade and maintain facilities,” Mayor Smith said.

“These grants are recommended to organisations and volunteer groups that provide a community benefit to residents by educating and maintaining the history on the Central Coast.”

Heritage Grant program funding will go to the following projects:

• Point Clare Cemetery – launch event for new guided tour website $1,000
• Convict Footprints Comes To The Coast – writer/research and director component of cultural tourism project $4,000
• All Saints Anglican Church – reconstruction work for roof feature items $3,500
• “Fenton” Blackwall NSW – restoration of the old sandstone wall and steps $2,600
• Central Coast Conservatorium – clear trees that are impacting a heritage sandstone fence $3,476
• Village Café Noraville – upgrade of façade with heritage colour scheme $650
• Norfolk Island Pine Trees, Booker Bay Cemetery – Tree Impact Assessment $220 (x two)
• Former Grafting Shed/Admin Building – conservation works - $10,000
• Patonga Project Exhibition – promotion of area and restoration works of Patonga War Memorial $1,100.

For information about Council’s grant program, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/grants.

Central Coast Water Management Advisory Committee established

Central Coast Council will establish a Central Coast Water Management Advisory Committee to provide advice on the management of our water supply and related matters including:

• the efficient delivery of water supply, sewerage and drainage services
• water conservation, demand, the sustainable use of water and use of recycled water
• catchment management
• implementing Water Sharing Plans relevant to the Central Coast
• developing an Integrated Water Management Plan with a long term focus

Mayor Jane Smith said at the time of amalgamation the former Gosford Council Water Supply Authority and Wyong Council Water Supply Authority were formed as a single Water Authority under Central Coast Council and there is need for a specialist committee to manage the security of our water supply.

“Council is responsible for the delivery of water supply and sewerage services within the Central Coast Local Government Area and is the third largest urban water supply system in NSW,” Mayor Smith said.

“Managing the security of our water supply is a key priority of Council and the community as identified in the Community Strategic Plan, and this is another step we are taking to ensure this resource for future generations.”

The Central Coast Water Management Advisory Committee will comprise of the Mayor, nominated Councillors, Council’s CEO and other members of the community with specific knowledge, skills and/or experience that can contribute to the social, economic and environmental considerations of the committee.

‘One Central Coast’ – Council looks to harmonise liquid trade waste charge

Central Coast Council has endorsed a new Liquid Trade Waste Policy which looks to harmonise liquid trade waste management for the community across the Central Coast.

The new policy is another way Council is moving forward as ‘One Central Coast’ and listening to community feedback for consistency in pricing of its essential services. It is also another way Council is ensuring the protection of the Coast’s sewerage infrastructure, natural environment, and both public and worker health and safety through proper controls and sound regulation.

The new Liquid Trade Waste Policy will be placed on public exhibition and the community will be able to review the policy and submit feedback on yourvoiceourcoast.com

Community benefits from 62 play spaces constructed across LGA since amalgamation

Council is committed to maintaining and building safe and quality play spaces for the benefit of our community and visitors to our region.

Since the amalgamation of the former Wyong Shire Council and Gosford City Council in 2016, Central Coast Council has constructed 57 local play spaces (52 replacements and 5 new) and five District level play spaces, undertaken 12 partial play space replacements or additions, and installed outdoor gym equipment at five locations.

In the same period, only 14 play spaces were removed, which were undertaken in accordance to the playground strategy, with five of these scheduled for replacement in FY2019-20, two replaced with natural play spaces, two moved to sites nearby, and the other five removed due to either outdated or unsafe equipment.

Mayor Jane Smith said play spaces were an important part of Central Coast life.

“Research has shown that play has many benefits for children, families and the wider community, as well as improving health and quality of life,” Mayor Smith said.

Council will continue to invest in providing these outdoor active spaces across the whole Coastal area to promote active and connected lifestyles.”

Council establishes Innovation and Futures Reference Group

Council has voted to establish an Innovation and Futures Reference Group to provide input and advice to Council’s newly created Innovation and Futures Directorate.

The Group will be responsible for providing advice and feedback on the development of a long term Strategy for the Coast with a minimum ten-year time horizon, building a sustainable and innovative economy, helping develop new and innovative technologies and businesses to create jobs for the future and delivering on the key Community Strategic Plan objectives.

Membership of the group will include the Mayor, Councillors, the CEO and relevant academic and industry experts.