Community members to provide advice and expertise to six Central Coast Advisory Groups

Council have appointed over three dozen community members to positions across six Advisory Groups providing them the opportunity to offer their advice and expertise to Council across key strategic areas of focus.

Community members appointed to the Catchment and Coast Committee – Brisbane Water and Gosford Lagoon, and the Catchment and Coast Committee – Tuggerah Lakes, will now have a voice on all matters relating to Council’s responsibilities surrounding sustainable management of its coastal, estuarine, waterways, catchment and flood-liable areas.

Mayor Jane Smith said these Groups are a chance for community members to be actively involved in finding solutions to the key strategic areas Council is currently focused on progressing.

“This is a great opportunity for these community members to bring to the table their passion, interest and expertise in our environment, waterways, economic development and heritage and directly feed into Council decision-making,” Mayor Jane Smith said.

“We are a large Council area, representing over 330,000 residents and we need to ensure we are providing as many avenues as possible for community voice and representation and these Groups are one part of that.”

The Heritage Advisory Committee appointed ten members of the public as a voice for all matters relating to Heritage on the Central Coast.

Other Advisory Groups that have appointed community membership include the Coastal Open Space System Committee, the Employment and Economic Development Committee and the Gosford CBD and Waterfront Committee.

Councillor membership for each of the six Advisory Groups has also been determined.

Council declares land as a public road to relocate and replace Sohier Park Bridge

Council has declared part of the Council-owned land – located at 4 Brownlee Street, Ourimbah – as a public road for the purpose of road widening to accommodate a proposed new bridge in Ourimbah.

This dedication of land as a public road is a necessary step towards the successful relocation and replacement of Sohier Park Bridge, situated over Bangalow Creek in Ourimbah.

Mayor Jane Smith said that the works will replace the existing wooden bridge.

“The proposal will enable the existing bridge to remain in use during construction.”

“Council is committed to delivering better and safer roads and this proposal delivers on that promise.”

New policy adopted for consistency in donating and naming public facilities across the Coast

Central Coast Council has created a new policy to ensure the naming and donation of public facilities are dealt with consistently across the Central Coast.

This new policy will apply to all applications around the donation of park furniture and trees in public reserves, the naming or re-naming of Council owned facilities and the placement of memorials in areas under the care, control and management of Council.

Mayor Jane Smith said there is always considerable community interest in how public facilities are named and are a key way the contribution of community members can be honoured.

“This new policy will provide Council with a clear way forward to deal with these issues consistently and ensure they are a fitting tribute to those who have contributed to the Central Coast community,” Mayor Smith said.

“Most importantly, it will provide clarity, transparency and consistency in the decision-making processes as all requests must come to Council for consideration.”

Community members will also be able to donate to the Gosford Foundation Trust for the former Gosford Local Government Area in order to receive a tax deduction.

The former Wyong Shire Council had developed the Policy for Naming of Public Facilities and the former Gosford City Council had developed the Memorial and Donation of Park Furniture and Trees Policy.

These two policies have now been consolidated into one policy, titled the Policy for Memorials, Naming of Council Facilities and Donations of Park Furniture and Trees.

Council awards more than $40,000 in community grants

Council has awarded more than $40,000 to 16 local community groups as part of the Community Support Grant Program.

Council’s Community Support Grant provides support for the community to deliver activities which require a small amount of funding and/or in-kind support.

Mayor Jane Smith said it’s great to see the community taking advantage of the funding opportunities available to help make their big ideas happen.

“Our Community Grants and Sponsorship Funding give our community more opportunities to support their events, programs and initiatives,” Mayor Smith said.

“”We are proud to support the local community groups deliver quality programs, events or projects that benefit our community here on the Coast.”

Council will allocate $48,319.49 to the following successful recipients:

• Art Studios Co-operative Ltd for Australian Spirit/NSW Regionals Touring Exhibition
• Bateau Bay PCYC for Nations of Origin – Darkinjung: Sport, Cultural, Education and Leadership Program
• Bonsai Society of the Central Coast Inc for the Central Coast Bonsai Exhibition
• Central Coast Community Council for the 13th Annual Multicultural Expo
• Central Coast Paddlers Inc for uniform replacement
• Chain Valley Bay Progress Association Incorporated for Chain Valley Bay Free Children’s Library
• Empire Bay Progress Association for ANZAC Day road closure barriers
• Gosford Showground Trust for the Central Coast Regional Show 2018
• Loving Nutrition/Multiple Sclerosis Limited for Community nutrition cooking classes
• Mannering Park Amateur Sailing Club for Youth Storm Sails and Life Vests
• National Seniors Australia Central Coast - Wyong Branch Incorporated for the purchase of printer and office supplies
• Probus Club Wyong to grow and continue to operate Probus Club of Wyong Inc with office equipment and material
• Rotary Club of Erina for Century Challenge Cycle Ride
• Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) for the Terrigal SLSC Pool Rescue Team Training Program – hire of Gosford and Woy Woy pools
• Toukley 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre Inc to upgrade equipment – Table Tennis tables
• Tuggerah Lakes Society for the 2018 Community Art Fair and community workshops.

Council’s Community Grant programs have been designed to provide support to our community to deliver quality programs, projects or events that build connections, celebrate out local community and build capacity across the Central Coast.

The Community Support Grant is open all year round for applications of up to $5,000. To find out more on Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/makeithappen

ENDS

__________________________________________________________________

View all Central Coast Council’s recent media releases at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

To keep up to date with Council’s breaking news like/follow our Facebook and Twitter pages.