Council remains committed to sustainable water supply management

The Central Coast will remain on Level 1 Water Restrictions until at least November 2020.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Central Coast community are passionate about water conservation and have fully embraced Council’s ‘Live to 150L’ campaign.

“Thanks to everyone’s ongoing conservation efforts, our dam levels have remained steady. This combined with good infrastructure and the introduction of water restrictions, has helped to reduce pressure on our water supply,” Mayor Matthews said.

“Council’s decision to remain on Level 1 Water Restrictions until November is the next step in protecting our precious water supply now and in the future.

“Ahead of the summer holiday season Council will re-evaluate our water levels and consider the best course of action for our community. It is important that we proactively manage our water supply and together we can make sure every drop counts,” said Mayor Matthews.

Under Level 1 Water Restrictions, residents can reduce outdoor water use by:

• using a watering can, bucket or a hose with a trigger nozzle
• only watering gardens and lawns before 10am or after 4pm
• washing vehicles on the lawn
• sweeping instead of washing paths, driveways and buildings.

For further information about water restrictions including eligibility for exemptions, and useful information about saving water both indoors and outdoors, visit Love Water Central Coast website. 

Consolidated draft Land Transaction Policy to go on public exhibition

Council’s draft Land Transaction Policy will be placed on public exhibition for the community to view and submit comments.

The consolidated policy provides a framework for Council which will inform decision and directions regarding Council’s property portfolio in a consistent manner across the Local Government Area and in accordance with relevant legislation.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said this draft policy was another move towards consistent policy direction across the region in all areas of Council business.

“Council staff have been working hard since the amalgamation of the two former Councils, to review and develop consolidated policies for the one Central Coast region to not only provide fair governance but to create a framework which is contemporary and relevant,” said Mayor Matthews.

This draft policy is a consolidation of the former Gosford City Council’s Land and Property Transactions Policy and Wyong Shire Council’s Property Transactions – Sales and Acquisitions with other policies informing its development. 

Gosford Regional Library forges ahead

Central Coast Council continues to move forward with the long-awaited Gosford Regional Library and Innovation Hub at the Parkside site, Donnison Street, Gosford.

The lead consultants for the project, Lahznimmo Architects were appointed on 1 April 2020 to develop the designs and associated documentation for statutory submissions and calling of construction tenders for Gosford Regional Library.  Work is on track to report back to Council in August 2020 prior to the Development Application submission. 

Mayor Lisa Matthews said she was pleased to see the progress for this catalyst project to enhance the Gosford city centre, but more importantly to deliver for the Central Coast community.

“This is an important project that will help meet the ongoing social, recreational, educational and technological needs of our growing community and improve our residents’ quality of life,” said Mayor Matthews.

“Even more so, we need spaces and places where our community can meet, connect and learn.  We have the funding and project plans in place and we are getting on with delivering a regional library for the community.”

Council has a $7million funding agreement with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development for the Gosford Regional Library.  The criteria for this funding means that there will be a Library building that is a minimum of 4000m², including multiple meeting spaces, large function space, Council customer service centre, incubator spaces and maker/creator spaces.   This funding is a contribution towards this project.

High demand for grants to support community’s most vulnerable during COVID-19

In the first month of Council’s Working Together Staying Strong COVID Grants Program, 11 community projects received a total of $83,874 to help vulnerable and at-risk community members cope during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council established the $300,000 grant program in response to the increased local demand COVID-19 has placed on critical support services. The program is open until 30 September or until all funds are allocated.

Grants recipients in May 2020 were:

• Wyong Neighbourhood Centre: ‘Talk2Me’ – counselling service, $10,000
• Southlake Marketplace: essential food pack deliveries, $8,190
• Top Blokes: online mental health support for young males, $6,780
• The Fathers Table - food hampers, $6,500
• The Entrance Public School P & C Association: food hampers, $10,000
• Meals on Wheels Central Coast: food hampers, $4,088
• St Vincent de Paul ‘Vinnies Wyong Supporting the Homeless’: sleeping bags, blankets and food for homeless and/or rough sleepers, $7,500
• We Care Connect: winter clothing, bedding and supplies for children $3,000
• St Vincent de Paul ‘Vinnie’s # Keeping Safe #Emergency Accommodation’ – supporting emergency accommodation in relation to domestic violence $10,000
• Coast Shelter: outreach delivery service to provide food hampers and welfare checks to homeless people $8,688
• Central Coast Primary Care - essential items for homeless people, $9,128.

For information about Council’s grants programs, go to Grant and Sponsorship page on Council's website.