Central Coast Council is celebrating the completion of the $1.1 million boat ramp and carpark upgrade at one of the Coast’s most popular reserves.The boat ramp next to Saltwater Creek reserve at Long Jetty has been re-opened to the public today and Council welcomes all locals and visitors to experience the new easy access to Tuggerah Lakes.Council’s Waterways and Asset Manager, Mr Peter Ham, said this work involved significant upgrades to the boat ramp, main car park and trailer parking facilities in the Saltwater Creek reserve area.“This new boat ramp and better trailer parking make it easier to launch your boat into the Tuggerah Lakes,” said Mr Ham.“Council has provided 10 designated trailer parking spaces that will enable plenty of manoeuvring room for cars and boat trailers ensuring safer access to the water.“In addition to the new boat ramp, boat owners can now enjoy the many facilities in the Saltwater Creek Reserve, including an open space reserve, barbeques, a BMX track and play spaces for children.”The main carpark has been significantly upgraded to provide 83 designated car spaces and can now better service this very popular park and shared pathway.The shared pathway through the site has also been realigned to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said these new facilities delivered on a Council promise to deliver more and better recreational opportunities for the community.“We want our residents and visitors to get out and experience all the great things there are to do on the Coast, Mr Reynolds said.“We know boating is a major pastime for our locals and having better boat ramps will mean the community can enjoy it more easily and safely.“Not only has this upgrade improved the safety and access for boat and trailer users in the area but has raised the profile of the area and will attract more tourism into Long Jetty.”The main carpark has re-opened to the public.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to recycle their old fridges and freezers and be rewarded for helping the environment at the same time.Residents with unwanted or old working fridges and freezers can organise to have their items collected through the Fridge Buyback program.Run under the NSW Government’s Energy Saving Scheme, the award-winning energy savings program collects unwanted and old working fridges and freezers (200L or more in volume) for free.The collected whitegoods are then degassed and the metal recycled.

If you have always wanted to know the secrets to cultivating a prize winning garden, now is your chance, as this year’s Garden Competition recipients generously open their green sanctuaries to the public on Sunday 25 September 2016.The 2016 Garden Competition, run by Central Coast Council, dug up a wealth of talent across the region and the public will have the opportunity to explore eight gardens as part of this year’s Open Garden day.This year’s Open Gardens showcase some of the most diverse domestic and commercial gardens in the region.

Kings and queens of the garden variety were crowned at Central Coast Council’s 2016 Garden Competition presentation evening on Thursday 15 September.The top gardens and gardeners were recognised across 13 categories at the ceremony held at the Laycock Street Community Theatre.There was not a leaf out of place as judging took place over a number of days in August, to reveal the best of the bunch in the former Gosford City Council local government area.The excellent design and wonderful outlook in John and Lesley Cleary’s garden won the judge over for the title of ‘Champion Residential Garden, Over 1,000 Square Metres’.Alva Bell took out the ‘Champion Residential Garden, Under 1,000 Square Metres’, where the judge noted that the pretty and colourful garden was obviously tended to with constant care.Woy Woy Peninsula Community Gardens took out one of the ‘Best Eco Friendly Garden’ awards for a wonderful community garden that showed passion and dedication.

As Bike Week steers into NSW, Central Coast Council celebrates with a collection of events from 17 to 25 September 2016.Zali, the Road Safety Zebra, is running a colouring-in competition and is also looking for your best bike safety tip.

Central Coast Council is getting on with the job of delivering essential services and quality infrastructure on the Coast, and this financial year is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.Council’s key priority this year is to improve our local roads and drainage networks, water and sewerage infrastructure, lakes and environment, open space and recreational projects, and to manage waste effectively throughout the Coast.Council is responsible for managing an expenditure budget of $724 million and over $11 billion in assets in the best interests of our community.A comprehensive and collaborative operational plan and budget identifying what our community wants, needs and values has been designed for this financial year.

Council remains opposed to Wallarah 2 coal mineCouncil concerns about the effect of the mine on the drinking water catchment, environment and residential areas are central to its submission to the amended Wallarah 2 project.Wallarah 2’s modified plans have recently been put on exhibition.

Central Coast Council will maintain its position as one of the largest Councils in NSW and the biggest outside of Sydney after the release of new population figures for NSW this week.The Coast’s population is projected to increase by 75,500 to 415,050 by 2036 according to the latest figures released by the NSW Department of Environment and Planning.

An exciting new ‘place marketing’ campaign called This is the Life is being launched today to promote the Central Coast.‘Place marketing’ is where a region looks to positively change perceptions of its area, to help deliver new social and economic outcomes.Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds, said now is the perfect time to promote positive perceptions about the Coast and make a strong stand as a region in our own right.“The Central Coast has changed a lot over the past twenty years;

Central Coast Council has commenced a $750,000 road upgrade to Gosford Avenue at The Entrance to make it safer for motorists.These road works are a priority under Council’s Capital Rolling Works Program and will focus on the busy section from Boondilla Road to Boomerang Road.Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock, said Council is committed to improving its road network and making The Entrance safer for all motorists.“We understand this popular thoroughfare is an important connection for motorists to access the Central Coast Highway and we are aiming to finish this work within the next three months,” Mr Baverstock said.“The speed limit will be reduced to 40km/h and motorists may experience short detours in late August when the work begins.“Council will ensure the safety of all pedestrians and road users with the use of traffic control during this time.”Motorists will not only experience a safer and better road surface but an upgrade to the stormwater drainage system that will improve flooding issues in the area.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said Council is committing more funding than ever to local roads and it is really starting to pay off.“Our community wants better roads and this is a great example of the new Central Coast Council delivering the projects and services our community need, want and value.”This financial year Council will spend over $60 million in capital projects on the Central Coast road network.To find out what is planned go to www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council has invested $330,000 for the construction of 400 meters of shared pathway connecting locals with the new skate park at Bato Yard.This 2.5 meter wide footpath connects local residents, school students and shoppers with local facilities and is part of 4.5 kilometres of footpath Council will build in 2016.Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock said, this footpath is one of the shared pathways missing links that Council is joining together to improve access to facilities in the Bateau Bay area.“This pathway will transform the area, making it safe for pedestrians and cyclists to connect with local facilities and each other,” said Mr Baverstock.“Bato Yard is proving hugely popular with residents and visitors alike and this is a great way they can get there easily and safely.”Council’s Administrator, Ian Reynolds, said Council is committed to delivering better shared pathways to connect the community together and deliver projects that the community, need, value and want.“Shared pathways provide many benefits to our community, improving the health and wellbeing of local residents, increase recreational activities and sustain an alternative transport system in our community,” said Mr Reynolds.“By investing in this type of infrastructure it attracts visitors to the region, increasing tourist dollars and creates opportunities for our growing community.”The next missing link to be built in the area is Shelly Beach Road and the popular Rocket Park with construction to take place between 2017 and 2018.

Temporary traffic controls will be in place along part of Showground Road at Narara next week while Central Coast Council completes important road pavement improvement works.One lane of Showground Road – between the Narara Creek road bridge and Maliwa Avenue – will be closed between 7am and 5pm each day from Monday 12 September 2016 until Saturday 17 September 2016.However, the completion of these works will depend on any unforeseen delays such as wet weather.Traffic controllers will be on-site to manage two-way traffic in the area via Stop/Slow controls during this period.Warning signs and other traffic control measures will also be in place and motorists are being advised to expect delays.The works are part of Council’s current Local Road Treatment Program, which improves road surfaces and ride-ability for motorists.Council apologises for any inconvenience to the community while these important works are carried out.

Central Coast Council was represented recently at a global innovation program for young professionals designed to generate fresh ideas for solving complex community challenges.The Smart Seeds program brings together bright young minds from different disciplines and sectors to develop innovative concepts to address real life problems.Central Coast Council’s Water Operations Engineer, Ms Sogol Ghobad, was accepted into the 2016 program covering the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the Hunter Region.Participating in the ‘Seven Year Storm’ challenge, Ms Ghobad worked with a multidisciplinary team over ten weeks to develop ideas for building community resilience.

Central Coast Council’s Group Leader of Customer and Community Relationships, Ms Judy Jaeger, is leaving council after almost forty years of dedicated service in local government.Ms Jaeger has led the delivery of many of Council’s most popular and important community services including libraries, sport and recreation, arts and culture and community and economic development as well as some of its critical business operations like information technology procurement, fleet and property management.Council’s CEO, Mr Rob Noble, said he has known Ms Jaeger for many years and is personally and professional sorry to see her leave the organisation.“I wish Judy nothing but the very best as she moves on to the next stage of her life,” Mr Noble said.“I thank Judy from the bottom of my heart for her tremendous commitment, passion and service to the Central Coast Council, its people and the broader community.“She has left a lasting legacy due to her commitment to delivering projects that enrich the lives of the community and have made the Central Coast a better place to live, work and play.”Judy Jaeger has led key projects for the Central Coast including the Gosford Regional Library, Woy Woy Oval upgrade, redevelopment of Ettalong Beach foreshore reserve, Lisarow Sporting Precinct and successful Gosford Smart Work Hub.Ms Jaeger was instrumental in finalising an ongoing agreement with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage for critical conservation work in Rumbalara Reserve to ensure this unique part of the Central Coast is protected for future generations.A new Disability Inclusion Action Plan is underway and will ensure people with a disability have equal access to council’s essential services, thanks to Ms Jaeger’s strong leadership in this area.“I know Judy would say that one of her proudest achievements, amongst many, at Council is facilitating the first Tiny Homes pilot project in Australia right here on the Central Coast,” Mr Noble added.“Houses specifically for the homeless will be built on land council has provided – delivering a real and lasting solution to the growing problem of homelessness on the Coast.“Many other Councils said no to the project, but not Judy, she championed the project and in the next few weeks it will be a reality.

Central Coast Council has begun upgrading Robson Avenue at Gorokan giving this busy thoroughfare a $220,000 face lift.Work on this road will include some kerb and guttering, lowering of water services, stabilising the existing road surface as well as sealing and asphalting to improve the current road conditions.Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock said, Robson Avenue connects motorists to local schools, day care centres and businesses in the area and the upgrade will make it safer for the community.“We know traffic speeding along Robson Avenue has created some safety concerns for residents and motorists in this area,” said Mr Baverstock.“Community safety is a key priority of council which is why we are investing $220,000 to upgrade this road.“Motorist will feel safer on the improved road conditions and enjoy a smoother ride.“Work is expected to take up to three weeks to complete and we ask motorists to be patient as they experience a 40 km/h speed limit during this time.“We understand this is a busy area and Council will ensure the safety of all pedestrians and road users with the use of traffic control during this time.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said, council is committing more funding than ever to local roads this financial year and will continue to improve the safety of roads on the Central Coast.“This is only one of many road upgrades council has planned for the Coast and we are looking forward to delivering these essential projects which increase the safety and wellbeing of our community,” said Mr Reynolds.“Council is working hard to improve our local roads and would like to call on all of our community to slow down when driving, take care and drive to the conditions of the road.“I believe we can all make a difference with road safety and every dollar and every decision needs to count.”This financial year council will spend over $60 million in capital projects on the Central Coast road network.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to help enhance our natural environment by getting involved in a number of free events as part of National Landcare Week (5-11 September).Council’s Landcare Coordinator, Ms Rebecca Dugan, said the events will showcase the great work the Landcare, Bushcare, Coastcare, Dunecare, Tidy Towns and Friends of Cemeteries volunteers are doing in the community and celebrate their achievements.“Last financial year, volunteers from our groups contributed more than 28,000 hours on the ground to help enhance our local environment across the Coast,” Ms Dugan said."Our groups do an amazing job and a few of them were recently recognised at the Keep NSW Beautiful Blue Star Sustainability Awards.“We are a project partner of the Floating Landcare initiative which won the Community Environment Achievement award and also saw Mannering Park Tidy Towns receive a Highly Commended in the same category.“We were also a finalist in the Going Green Environmental Education category with Ourimbah Public School’s Rainforest Access Project.”Council will be hosting a Floating Landcare event on Wednesday 14 September and Saturday 22 October and residents are encouraged to come along and see the Coast’s waterways from a different angle.“It’s a great way to see Tuggerah Lake and the Hawkesbury from a different perspective and visit some beautiful locations only accessible by boat or kayak – and of course helping make a difference by restoring the local environment in those hard to get to places,” Ms Dugan said.“If water isn’t your thing, but you’d still like to be involved, you can book into one of our Bushcare Major Day Out events at Tumbi Creek, Wyoming and Mataram Ridge.“Volunteering for Landcare and Bushcare activities have been known to improve mental and physical health and well-being as well as being a great way to give back to the Coast’s environment that we all enjoy.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said these events are a great way to get a taste of what Landcare is all about.“Landcare and Bushcare are wonderful examples of the power of volunteering on the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“If you have a passion for our environment and are looking for a way to stay active, in touch with your local community and meet like-minded people, joining a local Landcare or Bushcare group could be the answer.“We support all our volunteers and encourage anyone with an interest in the natural environment to come along and find out more about our program.“Our volunteers play an important role in creating the community we have, and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their contribution to making the Coast a wonderful place to live.”There are more than 70 groups established across the Central Coast.

Spring has sprung and local residents are being reminded about the free collection service to rid their homes of unwanted chemical products.Residents are encouraged to drop off their chemical products collected from homes, garages and cars at the upcoming Household Chemical CleanOut event hosted by Central Coast Council.Due to the popularity of previous events, the EPA and Central Coast Council have organised a weekend event where households now have two days to drop off their waste.Materials such as pool chemicals, car batteries, acids and alkalis, solvents, pesticides, chemical cleaners, motor oils, herbicides, paints, hobby chemicals, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, florescent bulbs and household cleaners can be dropped off at the Gosford Showground car park on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September, between 9am and 3.30pm.Central Coast Council Waste Officer Sanchaya Parajuli said the event is a great opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted chemicals.“The program is a convenient way for residents to get rid of problem waste and safely dispose of chemical products that may otherwise take up valuable space in their garages or be dumped illegally,” Mr Parajuli said.“Residents now have the entire weekend to drop materials off.

Households all over the Central Coast are gearing up to make the Coast the biggest Garage Sale Trail yet.The Garage Sale Trail is an annual event encouraging locals to participate in the biggest reuse, recycle and environmentally sustainable Garage Sale in Australia.

Temporary traffic controls are in place along part of Davistown Road, near the intersection of Elvys Avenue in Yattalunga, as Central Coast Council continues to undertake road reconstruction works.This section of Davistown Road has been reduced to one lane, to ensure the safety of motorists travelling through the area.

Central Coast Stadium is giving local junior football, rugby union and rugby league stars a chance to walk in the footsteps of their heroes during the upcoming finals series.The region’s top sporting venue will host three local junior finals series over two weekends, commencing on Saturday, 3 September.Spectators can experience the finals events, which will feature up to eight games each day.Manager of Central Coast Stadium Kath Casey said the fixtures will give the young players and spectators a fantastic local sporting experience.“Central Coast Stadium is very proud to host the local junior finals for three of the region’s most popular codes,” said Ms Casey.“Although Central Coast Stadium has hosted the CCJRU and CCJRL finals for many years, this is the first time we have hosted all three codes for the junior finals, with the addition of CCF in 2016.“Teams from all over the Coast will battle it out to be crowned premiers.