Central Coast Council was the first of the 19 new NSW councils visited by Local Government Minister, the Hon Paul Toole MP, today.Minister Toole met with Administrator Ian Reynolds, CEO Rob Noble and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and 35 Central Coast Council staff this morning to see first-hand how the new council was going and to present a cheque for $20 million to fund community infrastructure and help with merger costs.Administrator Reynolds said the funding was welcome news for staff and the community who had come together quickly to embrace the new council.”The Minister experienced the enthusiasm staff have for the new council, most of them live on the Central Coast and want to see this area thrive and prosper.“That is also the word on the street – everyone I have spoken to has embraced the change as they see it will mean bigger and better things for the Central Coast.”Minister Toole echoed the Administrator’s comments and said the Central Coast Council is shaping up to be an amalgamation success story and a credit to staff who had been working together for months beforehand to make it happen.“I got to see for myself this morning the enthusiasm of staff and respect for the new administration and I am impressed.“I was at a Chamber of Commerce dinner last night and they had nothing but praise for the way the new Council has hit the ground running.“We wanted mergers to lead to stronger communities and deliver better services and infrastructure for residents.“The new Central Coast Council is well on the way to achieving these goals.”Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it was a truly exciting time for everyone on the Central Coast especially the staff at the new Central Coast Council.“I congratulate the staff for working so collaboratively in the lead up to the creation of our new regional council,” Mr Crouch said.“They have a truly exciting opportunity ahead to deliver for our entire community, and from what I have seen they are more than up to the task.“I believe it speaks volumes that the first visit by Local Government Minister Paul Toole to a new council in NSW was to the Central Coast Council.”

Central Coast Council has today announced an interim leadership team to deliver the newly merged Council’s plans for the Coast.The appointments follow an intensive, merit based, internal recruitment process.Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said the new leadership team was created to best support the outlook and vision of the new Central Coast Council.“My vision is to build on the tradition of strong leadership of the two former Councils as we move to a new era for the Central Coast,” Mr Noble said.“I have chosen leaders who are customer-focused, collaborative, passionate and professional and can lead and support this Council and our community through this change creating an organisation that cares about people, places and quality of life on the Central Coast.”The new Executive Team for the Central Coast Council is:Chief Financial Officer – Stephen NavenGroup Leader Customer and Community Relationships – Judy JaegerGroup Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business – Mike DowlingGroup Leader Environment and Planning – Scott CoxExecutive Manager People and Culture – Kellie ReevesExecutive Manager Governance – Brian GlendenningExecutive Manger Transition and Business Performance – Janine McKenzieThe eighth position, a Chief Information Officer, is yet to be appointed.Four senior staff have chosen to leave the organisation altogether, including Paul Anderson, former General Manager of Gosford City Council who has decided to pursue opportunities outside of the public sector.Mr Noble said he had nothing but thanks and praise for the senior staff who have served the community so well for many years.“Each and every one of them has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Central Coast community and I thank them for that.”

Central Coast Council is appealing to the community to report any unusual activity observed along Sparks Road Warnervale Tuesday night following the discovery of a massive amount of illegally dumped waste.The dumping is thought to have occurred sometime between 5 and 6pm, Tuesday 14 June, and judging by the huge scale of waste a large truck must have been involved.Council’s Section Manager Ranger Services, Ms Rennae Projceski, said the site was inspected this morning by a Regional Illegal Dumping officer, who estimated around 30 tonnes of rubbish has been dumped near the airport.“The waste is covering a massive area, measuring more than 62 metres in length, 6 metres deep and 1.5 metres high,” Ms Projceski said.“With such a huge amount of waste being dumped along a main road during peak hour, someone must have seen something.“Illegal dumping not only costs ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to clean, but also poses series serious environmental and health risks for the community.“We are currently searching through the waste to try and identify the dumper as our community shouldn’t have to foot the bill for those that do the wrong thing.“If you have any knowledge of the dumped waste along Sparks Road please call our Customer Contact team on 4350 5555.”On the spot fines for illegal dumping can be anywhere upwards of $2000.Ms Projceski said there is never an excuse for illegal dumping with the number of waste disposal options available to the community.“Alongside comprehensive garbage collection, residential properties are also entitled to six free kerbside collections each year,” Ms Projceski added.“We also manage three waste facilities;

Registrations are now open for The Hub Erina’s most prestigious musical competitions, Battle of the Bands and the SeaFM DISCOVERED Series, both commencing this July.Battle of the Bands is open to unsigned bands of all genres, with band members aged 12-24 years, and the SeaFM DISCOVERED Series is open to unsigned singer/songwriters and cover version vocalists aged 7-24 years.Council’s Director Community Growth, Judy Jaeger said these contests build on existing programs in the youth sector to provide a platform for young people to showcase their passion and talent.“These competitions allow talented young people to showcase their skills in an intimate performance space and can provide further opportunities for young performers from our local community.“With amazing prize incentives, professional development opportunities and the chance to connect with industry professionals, Battle of the Bands and the SeaFM DISCOVERED series offer our aspiring stars a platform to launch their musical careers,” Ms.

Central Coast Council will receive $20 million from the NSW Government to help fund vital infrastructure, community projects and merger costs.Ten million dollars has been allocated under the Stronger Communities Fund (SCF).

Temporary traffic controls will be in place along part of Cullens Road, Kincumber while Central Coast Council carries out works to replace the existing safety barrier.Works are commencing today and are expected to take approximately three (3) weeks, with crews working Monday through to Saturday, weather dependent.Traffic controllers will be on-site to manage two-way traffic in the area via Stop/Slow controls during this period in order to undertake the works safely.Warning signs will also be in place and motorists are being advised to expect minor delays.Local residents in the vicinity of the works will still be able to access their properties.Council thanks community members for their cooperation and apologises for any inconvenience while these important safety works are carried out.

Central Coast Council is calling on all skateboard, BMX and scooter riders to send in a video clip showing off some serious skill for a chance to win the ultimate Bato Yard prize pack.Live to Ride opens today to all riders of all abilities and ages.Council’s Team Leader Community Education, Danielle Hargreaves, is encouraging riders from beginners to competitors to get out there and film how you live to ride to be in the running to win a VIP experience at the official opening of Bato Yard on Sunday 14 August.“It doesn’t matter if you’re just learning or can already master complicated moves, the competition is open to everyone,” Danielle said.“And this is one prize everyone will want to win!“The winners will receive an exclusive VIP experience at the official opening of Bato Yard which includes a prize pack full of goodies and merchandise as well as the chance to meet with the professional riders performing on the day.“All you need to do is film yourself either skating, scooting or BMXing and send it in.“Videos can be shot on smartphones, tablets, go pros, camcorders or any other videoing device you have and should be between 90 seconds and two minutes long.”The competition closes 5pm, Monday 18 July.

Central Coast Council has started the final stage of work to complete the makeover of a popular road at The Entrance.Bay Road is used by many as an alternate route to and from The Entrance town centre and is in desperate need of repair.Council’s Construction Section Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock, said this is the second and final stage of a $3.5 million upgrade to Bay Road.“This stage of works will cost $1.9 million and will continue on from where we left off last year – just north of Richard Street to the Dening Street intersection,” Mr Baverstock said.“Motorists will notice more than a smoother surface to drive on, we are also improving the drainage system as well, as there has been flooding problems in the past.“As well as improving the road surface in Bay Road, we are extending it to include the intersection of Dening Street as well as part of Dening and Fairport Avenue.”Work is expected to be finished in October.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council is getting on with the job of delivering services the community need, want and value.“We know residents want better roads and we have a plan in place to deliver,” Mr Reynolds said.“Next financial year there is a strong focus on key community priorities with more than $150 million dedicated to improving our road and drainage networks, including Hastings Road Terrigal, Goobarabah Close Lake Haven, The Ridgeway Lisarow and Bligh Close Tumbi Umbi, to name a few.”Other major road projects happening around the Central Coast at the moment include:Killarney Vale – Norton AvenueNorah Head – Maitland StreetPalmdale – Palmdale RoadSaratoga – Davistown RoadWamberal – Dover RoadWest Gosford – Faunce Street West

Central Coast Council would like to congratulate Mr Ian English, who took out first place in the 2016 annual EXPOSURE competition for his unique photograph Burnt toast.Announced at a well-attended ceremony Friday night, the image displays a thoughtful juxtaposition of calm and disarray, encapsulating his audience into a world of wonder.Council’s Grants and Events Coordinator Mrs Ashlee Abbott said with such a high calibre of entrants this year the judges were set the almost impossible task of selecting a winner.“In our fourth year we received over 400 entries from amateur and emerging photographers from all over Australia as well as some international submissions,” Mrs Abbott said.“The quality of images just keeps getting better, with more expressive, personal and imaginative photos received than ever before.“We would like to congratulate all the winners and thank everyone who entered.”Prize winners in the 2016 EXPOSURE competition are:First Prize overall – Ian English for Burnt toastSecond Prize overall – Hayley Spindler for Little Murri Warrior (Wyong Creek)Third Prize overall – Amie Lambert for He foughtHighly commended Postcards of The Shire – John Chapman for Aiming HighHighly commended Through the Generations – Sarah Harris for A moment in timeHighly commended A Picture Tells 1000 Words – Kimberly Starr for Soul CatcherHighly commended The Natural World – Patricia Smith for Silvereye on PodsMrs Abbott also made special mention to our local prize winners, Hayley Spindler and Amie Lambert.“Their images truly demonstrate the outstanding talent we have in our own backyard, capable of competing on an international stage,” Mrs Abbott added.“I would encourage everyone to come along and view the 145 exceptional short listed entries now on exhibition at the Entrance Gallery.“There is such a diverse array of images on display, many of which reflect our beautiful Coast, you will be left talking about them for weeks.”The exhibition will be open to the public until Sunday 26 June, 10am – 4pm weekdays and 10am – 3pm weekends.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the bipartisan interest from Federal political parties to partner with the community on the proposed development of a performing arts centre for the Central Coast.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said it was a testament to the extraordinary artistic talent in the region that there was such a high level of funding commitment from both sides of politics for a cultural venue.“As we have seen with the recent opening of The Art House in Wyong, the performing arts industry is thriving on the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“It is great to see both sides of politics acknowledge the significant contribution arts makes to a community and their willingness to support the infrastructure for it to grow on the Central Coast.”Council notes that today’s funding announcement by Federal Labor refers to the site of the proposed ATO building in Gosford being the preferred site for the performing arts centre.This week, the Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel deferred consideration of the application of the ATO building in Gosford pending receipt of further information.   The panel advised that it expects to consider the matter further, hopefully reaching a determination later this month.

Take flight with your imagination with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s acclaimed production of The Little Prince, adapted by Simon Clarke from the original story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.One of the most widely read books in history - 140 million copies sold worldwide and printed in more than 250 languages and dialects’ including braille - this exquisite tale tells the story of a curious prince who leaves his tiny home planet and journeys across the universe, discovering that adults have very strange ideas about the things that really matter.With its timeless message about the importance of friendship, The Little Prince is an adventure that celebrates the richness of human feeling and imagination.Council’s Manager of Culture Phil Cantillon said Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is Australia’s champion of puppetry and a leader in puppetry internationally.“This production is a beautifully vivid work which reminds us all of the magic of the imagination.  It speaks strongly about what really matters in life;

Central Coast Council has been working with the region’s young and emerging theatre makers to create a performance showcasing their talents.Periphery is the latest production created by local actors, musicians, writers and directors in conjunction with Tantrum Youth Arts and developed by Joshua Maxwell – a talented young director, theatre designer and writer.Council’s Community and Cultural Programs Section Manager, Mr Glenn Cannard, said there is only one place Periphery can really shine and that’s at The Art House.“Periphery is an innovative project supported by Council to help develop and encourage our future artists,” Mr Cannard said.“Being an innovative project, it’s only fitting we showcase these works at The Art House, the Coast’s newest performing arts centre.“The cast and crew have been through a number of Masterclasses and rehearsing for months and can’t wait to show everyone their new work.”Periphery will bring together short plays written by locals, verbatim excerpts from local heroes, short video interviews and musical interludes locally composed and performed by a cast and crew aged between 15-25 years old.The Periphery showcase is free and will be performed on Friday 17 June and Saturday 18 June from 7-8pm.“A special performance will be held for schools only on Friday 17 June from 11am-12.30pm,” Mr Cannard added.“After the performance students will have the opportunity to stay for a Q&A session with the crew.”Tickets to see Periphery are available from The Art House box office or by calling 4335 1485.Periphery:

Most Coasties with a Facebook account have seen the thought provoking messages posted on the Gosford Anglican Church noticeboard.Tuggerah Library will be hosting the man behind the sign, local treasure and Father of the Anglican Parish of Gosford, The Venerable Rod Bower, next Wednesday 15 June, 1.30-3pm.Tuggerah Library Supervisor, Ms Susan Davy, said even though he may not be known by name in the community, people are aware of the inspirational messages he conveys.“Whether you've heard of him or not, the majority of our community has seen the images of the at-times controversial noticeboard out the front of the Anglican Church at Gosford,” Ms Davy said.“Father Rod is not your typical minister – when other churches remain quiet he gives the marginalised a voice and makes sure his view is known.“Facebook images of his Parish’s noticeboard have gone viral due to the messages advocating a number of social justice and human rights issues.”In February this year Father Rod was lucky enough to attend the 12th Doha Interfaith Conference in Qatar where discussions revolved around the theme Spiritual and Intellectual Security in the Light of Religious Doctrines.Participants in the conference include Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders alongside leading scholars, academics, educators, activists, specialists and media.“We are incredibly lucky Father Rod will be sharing his learnings from the conference on how social media as well as conversations between people of different faiths and cultures can both positively and negatively impact how we act and think,” Ms Davy added.“He will also talk about how our nation’s current affairs inspire him to make a difference.“This is a rare chance to tap into the discussions from one of the largest international religious conferences and gain insight into one of our most motivating local treasures.”Seats are limited for this amazing event.

Former Councillors given opportunity to play a key advisory role in Central Coast Council Expressions of Interest (EOI) will be sought from former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councillors to become members of a Local Representation Committee.The establishment of the Committee is strongly recommended by the NSW State Government as a vehicle to provide advice to the Administrator on local views and issues.  The NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet has issued Model Terms of Reference for the Committee which (amongst other things) provide that these committees should primarily be comprised of former Councillors who have demonstrated a commitment to the success of the new amalgamated Councils.   These terms of reference were adopted tonight.The Local Representation Committee will not exercise any decision making function of the Central Coast Council nor will its recommendations bind council – it will be there to provide important local advice only.The outcome of the EOI process and membership of the Local Representation Committee will be reported back to the Extraordinary Meeting of Council to be held on Wednesday June 29.Administrator Ian Reynolds said:

Central Coast Council is calling on around 3000 landowners in the region’s south to help it identify the most appropriate zoning for land that was deferred from the Gosford Local Environment Plan in 2014.Manager of Sustainable Corporate and City Planning Matthew Prendergast said the Environmental and Urban Edge Zone Review will strike the right balance between protecting important environmental areas and managing the future growth expected across the region.“Our aim is to identify land with significant environmental value that needs to be safeguarded and ensure urban growth is managed and delivered in the right areas where vital services, facilities and other infrastructure can be accessed,” Mr Prendergast said.“By confirming the most appropriate zoning for these deferred lands, we will be able to update the Local Environment Plan, fulfill the NSW Government’s planning requirements and give many landowners more certainty.“Feedback from landowners and the wider community is a key part of this review.”A dedicated site on council’s Have Your Say consultation hub has been created with plenty of detailed information and ways to get involved, as well as an interactive mapping tool for the review area.Visit www.haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.au and click on the link to the Environmental and Urban Edge Zone Review.“As part of this process we are considering the principles and recommendations that came out of the review of environmental zones on the far north coast of NSW,” Mr Prendergast added.“Plus, the community can be assured that council’s vast Coastal Open Space System (COSS), which currently includes over 2,500 hectares of land across the former Gosford City, is protected and is not being reviewed as part of this process.“We are working with the NSW Government, in particular the NSW Minister for Planning, to get the best outcome for the community and council when it comes to safeguarding COSS land.”

Residents in Avoca, Copacabana and MacMasters Beach are being urged to minimise their water use due to emergency works on the local drinking water supply network.Central Coast Council crews are working hard to repair a large submerged water main that crosses Avoca Lake.The water main – which supplies drinking water to the Avoca, Copacabana and MacMasters Beach reservoirs – broke earlier today.At this stage, crews are expected to be on-site over the next two days to fix the damaged main.Council is urging residents to conserve water to make sure the current storage levels in these reservoirs can continue to supply these areas if repairs take longer than expected.Avoca Lake will be opened to lower its water level and then closed again so the repair works can be undertaken.Council apologises for any inconvenience and thanks the community for their patience during this period.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the announcement of disaster assistance to residents affected by the recent storms that swept through the region.This will provide relief to a number of residents, particularly those who experienced coastal erosion damage at Terrigal, Avoca and Wamberal.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the relief funds were very good news to the hundreds of residents affected by the recent storms and to council.“Council and the community are still counting the cost of these devastating storms and so this is very welcome news indeed,” Mr Reynolds said.“This time it was those living or owning businesses close to our iconic beaches that sustained the most damage and my heart really does go out to them.“Our local road network also sustained major damage and now we will be able to apply for funding for repair work instead of it coming out of our own coffers – so I am particularly pleased about that.“It is great to see our State and Federal counterparts acknowledging the significant impact on communities of this natural disaster and also great to see their willingness to lend a helping hand.”Residents affected by the recent storms should contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 678 593 or visit www.emergency.nsw.gov.au Information about emergency readiness and storm preparation can be found at  www.wyong.nsw.gov.au/emergency and www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/community/community-safety/emergency-services.

Central Coast Council’s first draft Operation Plan 2016-17, which outlines their annual spend, including the management of over $11 billion worth of assets, is now on public exhibition.The comprehensive plan combines the former local government area plans of Gosford City and Wyong Shire to set out the actions and projects a Central Coast Council will deliver to the community.Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said the Plan details a commitment to continuing the services and service levels of the former councils for 2016-17.“This draft plan outlines how we will deliver more than $540 million on essential services and $183 million on a quality infrastructure,” Mr Noble said.“There is a strong focus on key community priorities with more than $150 million dedicated to improving our road and drainage networks, including Hastings Road Terrigal, Goobarabah Close Lake Haven, The Ridgeway Lisarow and Bligh Close Tumbi Umbi, to name a few.“We will also ensure attention remains on maintaining our unique environment, enhancing community facilities as well as developing our open space and recreation assets.”Key projects identified include the replacement of three existing amenities buildings, construction of a new multi-purpose building and upgrade of sporting fields and car park at Adcock Park, as well as new facilities to be built at Halekulani and Tuggerah alongside planned upgrades at Cambourn Drive Playground Lisarow, Swadling Park Toowoon Bay and McEvoy Oval Umina.“Everything we are doing is designed to improve the quality of life for our residents, while helping to create jobs and opportunities for our growing community,” Mr Noble said.“I would encourage anyone interested in the future of the Central Coast to take a look at the plan and have their say.”The draft plan can be viewed at both Council Civic Centres, all library branches excluding Mooney Mooney or online at http://haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.auSubmissions can be made online at http://haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.au, via email to ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or post to PO Box 20 Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21 Gosford NSW 2250.All submissions must be received in writing by 9am, Monday 27 June 2016.

One of the Central Coast’s most popular sporting and recreational facilities, Niagara Park Stadium, is set to host several major sporting events this month.Kicking off the premier sporting schedule is the Football NSW Futsal Schools Championships starting today until 10 June.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the decision by striking garbage truck drivers to return to work today.The drivers are already back on the job and have started with bin collections from last Thursday (when the strike began) and will work to catch up what has been missed since then.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the end of industrial action would come as a relief to residents“I am pleased for residents this strike is finally over and they now have surety their bin will be picked up,” Mr Reynolds said.“Council’s role here has always been to ensure we have a reliable and efficient waste and recycling service for our 331,000 residents and that will not change.“My door is always open to those willing to deliver that for our community.”Residents should leave their bin out on the kerb until it is collected by Remondis drivers.Council has opened its waste management facilities at Buttonderry, Woy and Woy and Kincumber for residents wishing to dispose of their red lid bin waste sooner for free until the end of the week (Friday).