Council confirms support to end commercial and scientific whaling

Council has confirmed its support for the Australian’s Government’s advocacy at the International Whaling Commission for an end to all commercial and scientific whaling.

Council will write to the Central Coast Federal Members of Parliament and the Federal Minister for the Environment adding its voice and concern to the international condemnation of the death of 330 minke whales reported by the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee.

Council further recognised the outstanding success of the recent 2018 Whale Dreamers Festival held at the Norah Head Lighthouse attended by thousands.

Mayor Jane Smith said there was widespread community concern about the reports of the deaths of minke whales, due to the increasing popularity of the annual Whale Dreamers Festival and annual whale migration, but the Edogawa sister-city relationship was not the place to raise it.

“We don’t want to see this important sister-city relationship politicised in this way – the relationship is about cultural respect, understanding, cultural exchange and friendship,” Mayor Smith said.

“It is a friendship that has delivered many benefits for the Central Coast including the establishment of the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens, Mayoral and dignitary visits, staff exchange and the youth exchange program.

“A number of students are here this week from Edogawa, staying with local families and enjoying all the cultural and other natural experiences we are fortunate to enjoy here on the Central Coast.”

“I look forward to our community continuing to enjoy the benefits of that relationship for many years to come.

“The Federal Government is already advocating, on behalf of Australia, at the International Whaling Commission to end the practice of scientific whaling and they have Council’s full support.”

Council submission supports revitalisation of Gosford City Centre with Council remaining as the consent authority

Council will continue to collaborate with the Department of Planning and Environment and the Central Coast Regional Corporation on the revitalisation of Gosford City Centre but has raised some concerns about the process and proposed planning controls in a submission on Phase 2 of the NSW Government Architects Urban Design Implementation Framework (UDIF).

The UDIF Phase 2 Report details the NSW Government Architect’s decision making framework,  changes to land use zones in the Gosford City Centre, car parking requirements,  solar access, view corridors, street wall heights and character, bonus provisions, place making, development contributions and provision for infrastructure.

Mayor Jane Smith said whilst Council agreed that the revitalisation of Gosford was a priority for the economic development of the Central Coast, there were some areas of the Phase 2 Report that were concerning and required further investigation and clarification for the community.

“Council must remain the consent authority for all development applications for the Gosford City Centre, except of course those currently determined by the Joint Regional Planning Panel,” Mayor Smith said.

“Any proposed changes to planning controls in Gosford should not be implemented until a traffic and parking strategy has been developed and adopted by Council – we need a holistic and well thought through solution to the issue of parking in the CBD.”

“Variations to development controls could stretch as far as Point Frederick which are clearly outside the boundaries of the Gosford CBD – which is where the focus needs to be.

“Overshadowing is a real concern we have identified with new solar access control to replace the current controls which may reduce the level of solar access to Kibble Park – the public heart of the CBD.”

“No further reduction in the development contribution with the City Centre should be allowed and that the entire levy needs to be allocated to the local contribution plan developed by Council so we can have a direct say in prioritising infrastructure and public open space in the CBD.”

“Since January 2015, there have been Council has already approved $1.79 billion worth of developments approved in the Gosford CBD, so we are not standing in the way of development - we need to ensure the Phase 2 Report recommendations build on this strong foundation and reflect community expectations and aspirations.”

The submission will now be finalised and forwarded to Ms Lee Shearer, Coordinator General of the Central Coast.

Council requests the CEO proactively release further information to the public

Council resolved to request the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gary Murphy, proactively release further documents. If released, those documents may be published on Council’s dedicated “proactive release” page on its website.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council was leading the way in local government in its commitment to releasing information so the community could have faith in the council decision-making processes.

“We want to be proactive and release information that will inform our residents about the history of projects and the basis of decisions, I commend the staff on championing this program” Mayor Smith said.

“This is what the community want and Council will continue to work on identifying documents that are appropriate for proactive release to keep the community informed.

Two reports recently made available on Council’s website are:

• Wamberal Beach Cost Benefit Analysis August 2017
• Wamberal Beach Storm Erosion report July 2016

Documents relating to the Wyong Employment Zone and the Central Coast Airport have previously been proactively released, along with a significant number of other documents.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer will consider the proactive release of the lease to Australian Amphibian Industries (AAI) and the agreement for lease between Council and AAI as authorised by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal as well as a number of planning and strategic documents relating to the Gosford CBD.

All proactively released documents can be found on Council’s website at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/proactiverelease

Council committed to household recycling program

Council remains firmly committed to offering its very successful household recycling service, which collects around 37,000 tonnes of recyclables each year through domestic waste and public litter bins.

“With our current contract due to expire next year, now is the perfect time to look at what other Councils are doing and how we can deliver an even better recycling service for our community,” Mayor Smith said.

“Council staff will also be developing a Waste Management Strategy this financial year to further investigate recycling options and reduce waste diverted to landfill.”

“There will be a review of our Procurement Policy to identify opportunities to increase the requirement for the use of recycled products.

“We will continue to work with neighbouring Councils to identify long term opportunities that deliver the best value for our community.”

Under Council’s current contract recyclables are not permitted to be landfilled. Glass, cardboard and 75 per cent of mixed plastics are processed in Australia, with any contaminated or waste materials diverted to local facilities. No recyclables are currently exported to China.

Council Climate Change Policy will commit to net-zero emissions by 2050

Council is developing a Draft Climate Change Policy that will meet the NSW State Climate Change Policy direction to achieve a net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Policy which will be a framework for Council to undertake key actions on climate change as well as implement community initiatives for climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience.

Mayor Jane Smith said she was pleased Council was continuing develop a policy with targets consistent with the State Government Policy on Climate Change and an action plan to mitigate and adapt to the real effects of climate change.

“We need to be responsible and stand up for our way of life on the Coast and protect it for generations to come, Mayor Smith said.

“We need real actions and I am looking forward to seeing the Policy and engaging with our community on the best way forward.”

Council grants preserve history and support community projects

Council has allocated $80,196.20 in funding to 27 projects through its Community Support and Heritage Grant programs.

The funding will be used to run programs, purchase equipment, subsidise costs or to upgrade or maintain facilities.

Mayor Jane Smith said it is great to see the diversity of organisations accessing grants funding to create programs and facilities which enhance community life or maintain the Coast’s historic places.

“These grants are being given to organisations and volunteers who provide services to our growing and diverse population,” Mayor Smith said.

“Council’s funding creates strong connections within the community.”

Community Support Grant program funding will go to the following organisations:

• Ourimbah Lisarow RSL Sub Branch - defibrillator $1,229
• Lutanda Children’s Services - tools for volunteers $4,727.78
• Shoebox Revolution - premises $4,940
• Tempo Terrific - development of band repertoire $3,410
• Toukley & Districts Art Society - purchase of refrigerator $1,099
• Central Coast Kids In Need - Adam Molch Hillier Memorial Surf Classic $2,317
• Coast Shelter - Coast Connect Day 2018 $3,500
• The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (NSW) - Connecting Community Through Song social inclusion project $3,100
• Country Women’s Association of NSW - rates subsidy $1,385.70
• The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (NSW) - Engaging Fathers $5,000
• Tuggerah Lakes Art Society - Carnevale 2018 $2,739
• Chain Valley Bay Progress Association - Joshua Porter Reserve enhancement celebration $2,870
• China Australia Friendship Association - 2018 Central Coast Chinese Cultural Festival $4,380
• Coast Shelter - Coast Shelter Community Festival $5,000
• Empire Bay Probus Club - multi-media projector and portable screen $994
• San Remo Neighbourhood -  Mannering Park Progress Sustainability Project $500
• Wyongah Progress Association - rates subsidy for hall and tennis court $1,525.72
• The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (NSW)  - 'Odd Socks Day' $3,240
• Mannering Park Public School P&C Association - fete $2,100
• Central Coast Cyclones Veterans Cricket Club - Australia Versus Wales over 50’s international cricket trial match $1400
• Scholarships in Radiation - twilight soiree $1280

Heritage Grant program funding will go to the following projects:

• Central Coast Surf Clubs – Central Coast surf clubs’ publication $5,000
• St David’s Presbyterian Church – maintenance $1,875
• Scandrett’s boatshed, wharf and slipway – maintenance $5,000
• Holy Cross Catholic Church – repair and restoration of church heritage monuments $5,000
• St Paul’s Heritage Church – lighting $1584.

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