Council on track to meet increase in demand for housing

Central Coast Council has announced that it is tracking well to meet the annual housing target, following a report which highlights the number of development applications processed during October to December 2018.

Mayor Jane Smith said that demand for housing on the Central Coast is increasing as the region continues to grow.

“Council is committed to assessing development applications in a timely manner, and are tracking well against future housing projections outlined in the Central Coast Regional Plan developed in 2016,” said Mayor Smith.

“During the October to December 2018 Quarter, Council approved 862 applications out of the 873 received, which included the creation of 197 additional residential lots and 576 dwellings.

“Council approvals are an indicator of the demand for housing on the Central Coast, which is projected to increase by 2075 additional homes per year.”

According to the Central Coast Regional Plan, the Central Coast is expected to increase by approximately 75,500 people by 2036, and will require 41,500 new homes.

Since 2016, Council has approved 8,355 additional dwellings.

Council’s Operational Plan on track and delivering for the community

Council’s delivery program is tracking well according to the quarterly report presented to Council tonight.

The Quarter 2 business report details Council’s performance against the 2018-19 Operational Plan for the year to 31 December 2018.

At the end of Q2, Council’s overall progress has tracked well. Of the total 157 actions, 8 projects are completed, 137 projects are on target, 7 projects are delayed and 5 are on hold.

The Q2 year to date operating surplus (excluding capital grants and contributions) is favourable to the budget by $14.5 million, consisting of an actual surplus of $123.3 million compared to a budgeted surplus of $108.8 million.

Mayor Jane Smith said the Operational Plan is Council’s service contract with the community and it is important Council demonstrates accountability and transparency in reporting.

“Every project promised, every dollar allocated is outlined in the Operational Plan. This is important for transparency to the community,” Mayor Jane Smith said.

“We are focussed on delivering projects the community told us matter to them and that align with the vision of first ever Community Strategic Plan (CSP), to create a ‘smart, green and liveable region with a shared sense of belonging and responsibility,” said Mayor Smith.

“We are on track to deliver and will continue to do so.”

Council moves to secure State funding to ‘Renew Our Libraries’

Central Coast Council has joined more than one hundred other councils supporting the NSW Public Libraries Association and Local Government NSW campaign to ‘Renew Our Libraries’.

Jane Smith said that libraries have evolved rapidly over the last five years and funding was not keeping up with community expectations.

“Libraries are a vital component of our social infrastructure, and the need to fund these valuable centres of lifelong learning has become critical,” said Mayor Jane Smith.

NSW Government contributions of $23.5 million are the lowest in Australia by State, providing only 7.8 per cent of the funds to support over 360 libraries, compared to local government contributions of over $314 million a year.

Major parties have committed to some funding, however the campaign calls for those commitments to be doubled, continue past 2023, be protected by legislation and indexed to ensure libraries can continue adapting to the growing needs of communities.

“Council will join other councils to seek bipartisan support from the State Government for ongoing and indexed increases in State funding as part of a sustainable investment model,” said Mayor Jane Smith.

“Ongoing additional funding is needed to provide this essential community service,” said Mayor Jane Smith.

Residents can participate and sign the petition at renewourlibraries.com.au

Creating career opportunities for young people

Central Coast Council has reaffirmed its commitment to creating career opportunities for young people on the Coast.

On Monday night, Council endorsed a report into the future management of Council’s apprenticeship and trainee program.

From December this year, Council will directly employ apprentices and trainees, drawing on Group Training Organisations for administrative support.

Apprentices and trainees are currently employed by two Group Training Organisations, with Council acting as the young people’s host employer.

Directly employing apprentices and trainees means they will have clear career pathways and opportunities once they complete their training.

Council backs Rotary’s focus on women

Council last night voted to provide $3,800 to support the Central Coast International Women’s Day Expo which will be run by the Wyong Tuggerah Rotary Club.

The funding was given from the Community Support Grant Program which provides support for community groups to deliver activities which require less than $5,000 of funding and/or in-kind support.

Mayor Jane Smith said it is great to see community groups tapping into Council’s community grants funding.

“We are currently taking applications for all our grants and sponsorship programs, but organisations need to act quickly because most programs close on 28 February,” Mayor Smith said.

“However, applications can be made all year round for small funding amounts through the Community Support Grants Program.”

For information, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/funding.

Terrigal water quality audit underway

Central Coast Council recognises community concern over water quality at Terrigal Beach and The Haven.

Council is undertaking a systematic audit to identify the potential source of the enterococci bacteria found in routine water testing at Terrigal Beach.

The initial stage of the audit involves scientific sampling of the stormwater drains and seawater in wet and dry weather conditions. The results of these samples will inform further testing and monitoring as well as any expansion of testing into the stormwater catchment as required.

Council is awaiting further information on the details of the NSW Government audit announced this week.