Central Coast Council has taken steps to improve the development related application process with the launch of the NSW Planning Portal.Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the portal provides the community with consistency in processes across NSW.“The new online platform provides community and industry members with a digital experience that supports effective planning and decision making under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979,” Mr Cox said.“From 16 June, all development applications, complying development certificates and construction, subdivision and occupation certificates as well as appointment of Council as a private certifier can be submitted through the online portal anywhere, anytime.“Once registered, users can view, manage, track and progress applications online via their user dashboard.

Central Coast Council thanked the efforts of all blood donors and urged everyone to consider blood donation during National Blood Donor Week from 14 June.Red Cross Lifeblood Service spokesman John Feist said blood donation centres follow strict sanitisation protocols, and that additional hygiene measures have been implemented due to COVID-19.“Maintaining Australia’s blood supply is absolutely vital and helps save the lives of cancer patients, road crash victims, new mums and babies and many other seriously ill Australians,” said Mr Feist.“Over the last 12 months blood donors on the Central Coast rolled up their sleeves almost 12,000 times to help save the lives of some of Australia’s most vulnerable patients.  “In the last 12 months, Australia has faced unparalleled challenges, from devastating bushfires to the Coronavirus pandemic, yet one thing has remained consistent;

Following the latest easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Council will reopen additional facilities as outlined below with a range of safety measures in place.Peninsula Leisure Centre – reopened from Saturday 13 June 2020GymCreche (limited numbers)Group fitness (limited numbers)Indoor pools for lap swimming and rehabilitation (limited numbers)Leisure and play swimming not permittedLearn to Swim and Aqua Fitness programs start date still to be determinedCasual basketballLimited change rooms will be available24 hour gym start date to be advisedFor further information call 4325 8123Lake Haven Recreation Centre – reopened from Saturday 13 June 2020GymCreche (limited numbers)Group fitness (limited numbers)Casual basketball/squashLimited change rooms will be availableFor further information call 4304 8020Gosford Olympic Pool – reopened from Saturday 13 June 2020Outdoor pool reopened with updated restrictionsIndoor pools for lap swimming and rehabilitation (limited numbers)Leisure and play swimming not permittedLearn to Swim and Aqua Fitness programs start date still to be determinedLimited change rooms will be availableFor further information call 4304 7250Niagara Park Stadium – reopened from Monday 15 June 2020Bookings and casual programsFor further information call 4325 8194Gosford Regional Gallery – reopened from Monday 15 June 2020From 15 June – Coastal Sanctuaries by Robyn Pedley will be exhibited in the Foyer GalleryFrom 22 June – Emerging will be exhibited in the in the main GalleryLimited number of visitors in line with the four square metres per person requirement and timed entry to reduce queuesMust book onlineFor further information and to book visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/galleriesToukley Aquatic Centre – reopened from Monday 22 June 2020Indoor pools for lap swimming and rehabilitation (limited numbers)Leisure and play swimming not permittedLearn to Swim and Aqua Fitness programs start date still to be determinedFor further information call 4304 8060At all Council facilities reopening the following is in place/required for visitors, staff and volunteers:increased cleaning regimehand sanitiser units installedremoval of some seating and other touchable itemsaccess limited to ensure capacity limits are maintained – short waiting periods may be experiencedcontact details (name and mobile number or email address) will be recorded for a period of at least 28 days.

The events sector has been hit hard by COVID-19 and this has included a host of events presented by Central Coast Council.To keep the events’ magic alive Council has looked to develop online versions of some of its most popular events including Live Well, Harvest Festival and ChromeFest.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said local providers had been engaged to capture event highlights and create engaging video packages.“Whilst COVID-19 restrictions are easing, it will be some time before our usual events schedule can resume and we have made the difficult decision to cancel all physical events to the end of October 2020 – this unfortunately encompasses our much-loved ChromeFest event,” Mr Cannard said.“We’ve been thinking outside the box to create new ways to bring some of our events safely into the living rooms of our community and those that would usually travel to the Coast to experience our events.“The Live Well Festival was the first to go online – with local health and well-being providers giving us insight into how we can make healthier choices and positive changes in our lives.“Harvest Festival is currently rolling out online and gives us a glimpse behind the farm gate through four engaging video packages – Taste of Harvest, Paddock to Plate, Embrace the Adventure and Farmers’ Story.“We’re currently working out how to showcase some of the best features of ChromeFest 2020 online – so that we can experience the ‘show and shine’ and ‘twist and shake’ fun of this great event from our homes.“Also stay tuned for updates on how we plan to deliver our events from November onwards in smaller innovative format programs that meet current restrictions.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Coast’s reputation as an events destination would continue to grow.“With restrictions easing, our stunning region is open for business and we’re thrilled to welcome back visitors to the Central Coast,” Mayor Matthews said.“Some of our flagship events may not be going ahead in their traditional formats this year however it’s exciting that we can partake in some of the fun from the safety of our homes.“We can also assure that our major events will return bigger and better than ever as soon as possible.”Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was providing funding from the Bushfire Community Resilience and Economic Recovery Program.“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives and livelihoods, but bushfire recovery and support remains front-of-mind for the NSW Government,” Mr Crouch said.“Council has received $25,000 to continue the Harvest Festival event in 2020 so that local businesses can be better promoted online and in a way that encourages our Central Coast community to buy local.”Online events are featured on Council’s new Coast Connect YouTube Channel – centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/youtube – and Harvest Festival and ChromeFest will be available on the Facebook pages for the respective events.For a full list of COVID-19 event cancellations and information on venue closures and re-openings please visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19.

Central Coast Stadium has received the go ahead to allow corporate guests into the venue.The Stadium will be the first venue under this year’s NRL Premiership to welcome corporate sponsors into the venue, ahead of three NRL events scheduled over the weekend.

While sportsgrounds and sport facilities have been closed in line with COVID-19 restrictions, Central Coast Council has completed the installation of a new multi-purpose digital scoreboard at Woy Woy Oval.Completion of the new scoreboard was made possible with combined funding from the Australian Government, Council, Woy Woy Rugby Union and Woy Woy Rugby League by way of a grant from the State Government.The multi-purpose digital scoreboard will deliver outstanding quality presentation of game scores with the ability to display player names or statistics and provide local Associations, Clubs and other users new opportunities to secure sponsorship.

Central Coast Council is hosting an online Innovation Breakfast Series event focused around the theme of ‘Future of Work’ on 18 June 2020.As we move through the economic challenges from the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, it’s important for us to reconnect and focus on how we can use innovation to get us through this difficult time and be stronger into the future.This free innovation breakfast brings guest speakers, Christina Gerakiteys (SingularityU) and Jessica Mizrahi (Deloitte) to talk through what the future of work might look like and how we can harness this information to propel our region’s businesses forward.If you’re a business owner or operator on the Coast or a community member who is interested, curious or passionate about innovation, join in for June’s Innovation Online Breakfast Series event.Event highlightsInsights from futurists and experts in the innovation space.A space to share your experiences, challenges and ideas and learn from an engaged community.Make a cuppa and join us for a fun, interactive and inspiring morning.Event detailsDate – Thursday 18 June 2020Time – 8.30am to 10amZoom link (to participate in event) – https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-Yw64mniSHeTMtRo-lYKXgRSVP – Register via Eventbrite by 17 June 2020Gain insights from experts in the innovation space, join the discussion, ask questions, and share your experiences, challenges and ideas.Make some toast, bring your coffee and join in via Zoom on Thursday 18 June, 8.30am to 10am for a morning of innovation and collaboration.For more information and to register go to Eventbrite

Council unveils long-term economic vision for public consultationCouncil are calling for public comment on the Draft Economic Development Strategy 2020-2040 and Economic Recovery and Resilience Framework which reflect on the changing economic conditions of the Central Coast accelerated by the impacts of COVID-19.The draft Economic Development Strategy reiterates the long-term objective that by 2040, the Central Coast will welcome nearly 88,000 new residents, grow the economy by over $21 Billion, and create over 72,000 new jobs from the pre-COVID-19 baseline.

The pelican has been synonymous with The Entrance for generations and now Central Coast Council prepares to cast its net in the search for a public artist to create a unique and engaging significant landmark Pelican sculpture.Until 29 June, submissions are invited from qualified and experienced artists for this art installation that will ultimately take pride of place in Memorial Park, The Entrance.

All levels of government offer an array of funding grants available for the community to apply for to support events, programs and other initiatives.

As people make plans for the long weekend and July school holidays, Council is sending the message loud and clear – the Central Coast is open for business for both visitors and residents.Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, many of the region’s major attractions have re-opened or will do so in the next few weeks, with adjustments to ensure they can meet current health regulations.On Monday 1 June, the Coast’s five holiday parks at Budgewoi, Canton Beach, Norah Head, Toowoon Bay and Patonga re-opened for business with strong support from visitors booking for the peak holiday periods.Additionally, the popular Gosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative Garden will reopen from 15 June.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council is taking a staged approach to reopening its facilities and is taking its responsibility to community health seriously.“We are excited to see our facilities reopening as government restrictions begin to ease and we have implemented a number of changes to help keep customers and staff safe while at our facilities - the safety of our customers and staff in our facilities has and always will remain the highest priority for Council,” Ms Vaughan said.“When the Gosford Regional Gallery opens, all visitors will need to book prior to visiting, to enable contact tracing should NSW Health deem it necessary.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said it’s heartening that local businesses are looking at innovative ways to meet their COVID-19 responsibilities and this will bring huge economic benefits to the region ahead of the holiday periods where tourist numbers are likely to surge as Sydneysiders plan travel within NSW.“We would like to thank our community for their efforts in following the guidelines of NSW Health and Federal authorities to slow the spread of COVID-19 on the Central Coast,” Mayor Matthews said.“Our region has shown its resilience during this extremely challenging time and we now warmly welcome visitors attracted by the very best that the Central Coast has to offer.“I also encourage local residents to consider ‘holidaying at home’ and support local attractions and businesses as they recover from a difficult few months.”Things to do, to explore the Central CoastThe Central Coast offers an abundance of beaches, waterways, hinterland, walking tracks, trails and cycleways.

Road maintenance and construction are part of the essential services Central Coast Council is continuing to deliver during COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and one of the major projects underway is an upgrade of the intersection of Bryant Drive and Lake Road, Tuggerah.The $1.9million project will improve access to Tuggerah Station and the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex and increase vehicle and pedestrian safety.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the works would deliver significant improvements to the high-traffic location.“This project also includes the provision of a pedestrian facility in Bryant Drive, and construction of new footpaths that will link to existing footpaths,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Tuggerah Station and surrounds is an important and busy location, particularly for the many community members who commute.“The impressive new Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex has made this location even more popular.“The works we are undertaking will make it easier to access these important facilities.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said this upgrade was one of many road maintenance and construction projects Council is delivering during this difficult time.“COVID-19 has changed our lives in unimaginable ways but Council has been resolute in our commitment to delivering essential services for our community and this includes a host of large and small road projects,” Mayor Matthews said.“These works will greatly assist our large sporting community in travelling to our fantastic new Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex once sporting events can resume.“Tuggerah Station is also used regularly by many members of our community – the upgrade of the intersection will ensure we can accommodate vehicle and pedestrian demand now and into the future.”Partial road closures will be in place during works – Bryant Drive, from the Super Centre entrance to Tuggerah Station carpark, and Lake Road, from Bryant Drive to the Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex.Traffic control will be in place and vehicles and pedestrians able to pass through under direction.

Central Coast Council Library branches at Erina, Tuggerah, Bateau Bay and Umina Beach are open to the public from today, Monday 1 June offering limited services to ensure staff are able to keep customers safe in line with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and while refurbishments undertaken at some branches during closure can be completed.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Council is taking a staged approach to reopening branches and in-branch services.“Our ‘Select and Collect’ service for pre-ordered items will be available Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm to ensure compliance with current social distancing requirements.

With the long weekend upon us the Central Coast welcomes the easing of travel restrictions that will enable visitors to come and experience what our region has to offer.The Coast is well positioned to capture demand out of Sydney and surrounds.

The cancellation of popular events has been one of the many necessary requirements of managing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) but Central Coast Council have been looking at ways to bring highlights of the popular Harvest Festival into local homes through an exciting new online format.Community members will be able to explore the four event hubs of Harvest Festival through video packages featured on the Harvest Festival Facebook page and Council’s new Coast Connect YouTube channel.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said while locals and visitors may not be physically heading up to the beautiful Central Coast hinterland this June long-weekend they would still be able to take a glimpse behind the farm gate.“Harvest Festival is one of our most popular events – both with Coasties and tourists – and we know it’s disappointing that the physical event can’t go forward but we’re thrilled to bring some of the magic of Harvest directly into our homes,” Mr Cannard said.“We’ve worked with our event hub partners to create four video packages – Taste of Harvest, Paddock to Plate, Embrace the Adventure, Farmers’ Story – and each of these highlights packages will be available on the Harvest Festival Facebook page from June 6.“Experience the best of the ‘paddock to plate’ approach and cooking demonstrations using delectable local produce, discover hidden waterfalls, pick seasonal fruit (virtually), get to know some of our incredible local farmers as they take you onto their properties, and much more.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said Harvest Festival Online would continue the annual tradition of celebrating the spectacular Central Coast hinterland.“We may not be donning our winter woollies to head up our beautiful hinterland region but we will be able to experience some of the amazing local sites of the incredibly popular Harvest Festival from the safety and comfort of our living rooms,” Mayor Matthews said.“Harvest Festival shines a spotlight on one of the Coast’s hidden gems – our beautiful, fertile and productive hinterland – and it is very exciting that we can experience on online version of this event in 2020.“I’d encourage Coasties to sit down with their loved ones and enjoy this great content which showcases our farming and rural communities – an important part of what makes our region so special.”Tune in for the first video package on Saturday 6 June and then each Saturday for the next three weeks after that for a new Harvest Festival experience.Harvest Festival can be viewed on the Harvest Festival Facebook page and Council’s Coast Connect YouTube Channel – centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/youtube

Central Coast Council are calling on the community to think big and make their mark on the future of Gosford’s Kibble Park.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Kibble Park plays an important role as the heartbeat of Gosford but it hasn’t lived up to its full potential and is due to be revitalised as a thriving, safe and welcoming place for work, play and social connection. “The community has told us that Kibble Park is in need of a face lift to help breathe new life into the City, so we are developing a Place Plan and Concept Design for Gosford’s Kibble Park to identify future initiatives and projects that will increase this area’s activation, social connectivity, improve the visitor experience and provide a boost for local businesses," Ms Vaughan said.“To ensure these plans reflect what past and future users want to see, we are now providing online consultation opportunities for the community to share their ideas and aspirations for this vital public space.” This round of community consultation is running online until 15 June at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/kibblepark.Mayor Lisa Matthews said whilst the COVID-19 pandemic still impacts the way we work, connect and socialise, Council are continuing with essential works, projects and planning to cater for the future needs of our community as we move into a recovery period.“I encourage the community to jump online and share their vision for Kibble Park’s future so we can create a rejuvenated, activated and engaging park for all the community to enjoy and be proud of,” Mayor Mathews said.Go to yourvoiceourcoast.com/kibblepark for more information and to have your say.The draft Place Plan and Concept Design will both be made available for the community to provide feedback on before being finalised.

It might look a little different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Central Coast Council is still celebrating National Library and Information Week this year in an online extravaganza.The week (25-31 May) is designed to promote the range of services that libraries offer to their local area.

Central Coast Council is continuing to progress with developing a Masterplan to upgrade and redesign Mt Ettalong Reserve to make it more accessible, functional and safe for the community.Between February and March 2020 Council conducted an initial survey to understand how the community uses Mount Ettalong Reserve and what changes they would like to see incorporated into the Masterplan for its redesign.Due to the restrictions on public gatherings Council was unable to deliver a planned community engagement workshop, however public submissions are still welcomed on the project online.Phase two of consultation with the public involves Council seeking feedback on the draft concept designs, which have been informed by the results of the initial surveys.Our community can explore the concept plans for Mount Ettalong Reserve Masterplan and fill out the feedback form by Thursday 4 June to have their say:

Central Coast Council acknowledges that today, 26 May is National Sorry Day.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said National Sorry Day is an opportunity for Council and our community to reflect and remember the grief, suffering and injustice experienced by the stolen generations.“The stolen generations are those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were separated from their families as children.

A new district level playspace is coming to Tunkuwallin Oval Gwandalan and Central Coast Council is calling on the community to have their say to help shape the new precinct plan.Council is undertaking a series of community engagement opportunities to understand how Tunkuwallin Oval is currently being used and to ensure the local community’s vision and future needs are met.The first round of consultation is running until 4 June 2020, and the community is invited to jump online and share their opinions to help design the draft Precinct Plan.This draft Plan will be presented to the community for further input.