State-of-the-art integrated arts and culture precinct on the horizon for Gosford

Central Coast Council has requested a detailed design of an integrated arts and culture precinct for Gosford CBD following an intensive design workshop.

Councillors were presented with a number of design options for the regional library and the Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre (RPACC) at the workshop held on 9 May.

Mayor Jane Smith said that the outcome of this design workshop was a state-of-the-art integrated arts and culture precinct, right in the heart of Gosford.

“This is an excellent result for the community, as both the regional library and the RPACC are priority projects for Council to deliver,” said Mayor Smith.

“Delivering both of these facilities as one integrated arts and culture precinct will be a catalyst for the revitalisation of the Gosford CBD.

“The development of the library and the RPACC is essential as we work towards establishing a true capital for the Central Coast and creating the vibrant and sustainable region our community want and deserve.

“We will be creating an outstanding arts and cultural precinct that the Central Coast can be proud of, and will appeal to all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Schematic designs and an indicative cost estimate will be reported back to Council on the ordinary Council meeting of 27 August 2018.

Council notes proactive release of information and the establishment of a working group relating to erosion at Wamberal beach

Council resolved to note the proactive release by the Acting CEO of two documents, in redacted form, relating to Wamberal Beach erosion.

The ‘Wamberal Beach NSW Storm Erosion Remediation Report’ and the cost benefit analysis report from the Office of Environment and Heritage will be available on Council’s website in the very near future.

Full Media Release available on the Central Coast Council website.

Uptake of free residential Bulk Kerbside Rubbish Collections increases and Council calls for investigation on additional waste services

Central Coast residents are booking in more kerbside collections than ever before according to a report presented to Council.

Consultation showed the current service of six on-call bulk 2m³ kerbside collections per annum was the most optimal provision for the removal of garden organic or general bulk household waste that is not appropriate for residential bins.

Council has called for an investigation on the feasibility of an after-hours number for booking kerbside collections, and increased education around sorting of waste placed on the kerbside and any associated penalties. Staff were also asked to investigate options around the introduction of a recycle shop and other relevant options.

“One of the main issues we are seeing with this service is non-compliance with the guidelines for both garden organic and general bulk household collection,” said Mayor Smith.

“As a result materials are being left on the street for extended periods, leading to neighbours adding to the pile as well as increase in illegal dumping.

“To help overcome these issues Council will continue to work with Cleanaway to educate residents on the correct practices.

“We would also like to encourage our community to recycle as much as possible and to actively choose items with minimal packaging.”

The only difference to bulk kerbside collection services offered at the former Councils was additional kerbside collections for a fee in the former Wyong area, which is now an option for residents across the Central Coast.

To find out more on what materials are accepted and how to book visit 1coast.nsw.gov.au for details.

Council welcomes report on water infrastructure and drinking water quality

Council received a report outlining the average remaining life-span of water infrastructure on the Central Coast and measures used to ensure drinking water quality.

The average remaining life-span for Council’s $1.7billion of water assets includes 38 years for water mains, 20 years for water treatment plans, 17 years for water pump stations and water reservoirs, and two years for water meters.

Mayor Smith said extensive measures are in place to ensure Central Coast drinking water quality meets NSW Health requirements, including weekly sampling at 54 approved testing points across the Central Coast.

“The report demonstrates the meticulous measures Council implements to ensure our water meets NSW Health requirements,” said Mayor Smith.

Council investigates and monitors any reports of discoloured water and uses this data to help inform system maintenance and upgrade decisions.

This report followed Council’s recent endorsement of a Water and Sewer Strategic Business Plan to be submitted to the NSW Department of Primary Industries

Hely Street Carpark in Wyong will remain open to the public.

Council has confirmed the Hely Street Carpark in Wyong will remain open to the public.

The boom gates on the carpark will remain open to provide the community and visitors equal access to the Wyong CBD.

The carpark will remain open to the public 24 hours a day unless future changes are required due to the license agreement between Council and The Art House.