Central Coast Council has launched an interactive virtual tour of one of the Central Coast's dams and water treatment plants to coincide with World Water Day this Sunday, 22 March. Recent bushfire events and the current precautions against COVID-19 mean Council is unable to host physical community tours of our water supply.

Central Coast Council is set to commence construction on the Terrigal boardwalk project and rockpool restoration works in April 2020.The project, jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government, will deliver many benefits for the community.

Central Coast Council continues to take precautions in response to the rapidly evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation guided by State and Federal health departments’ advice.In addition to the changes to Council services announced yesterday, these are more changes as at 19 March:Postponement of some programs and activities at the Leisure Centres and Pools until 30 April, including all learn to swim programs delivered by our instructors in the water;

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews has called an Extraordinary Council Meeting for Monday 23 March 2020 due to the current situation regarding COVID-19.

In light of the advice from the Australian Government regarding COVID-19, Central Coast Council has made the difficult decision to cancel Flavours by the Sea.

Small businesses can discover how to slash their water, sewage and trade waste costs, thanks to Central Coast Council’s new business water conservation education program. Using a range of “smart” technology and physical plumbing audits, Council will help businesses monitor how they use water and identify areas of waste, including hidden leaks. Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the new program will not only help small businesses to reduce their utility costs and increase their profits but will also help further secure the region’s water supply. “We already work with big businesses which use high volumes of water, and now we would like to provide practical water-saving tips for smaller businesses,” Mr Loader said. “With more than 23,000 businesses on the Coast, a small water saving for each business can add up to a large saving for the region.” As part of the program, a “smart” water logger will be installed for up to two months on the business’ water meter.

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews is advising the community to continue to take precaution and follow good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of contracting the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. “We as a community need to remain calm, use precaution and take preventative measures to ensure in our day to day interactions we are reducing the risk of being exposed to COVID-19,” Mayor Matthews said.Good hand hygiene is likely the single most effective method for reducing the risk of spread of the viral illness, second is avoiding exposure.COVID-19 is having an increasing impact on the New South Wales community and the medical advice is rapidly evolving.

As part of its commitment to continual improvement, Central Coast Council is inviting community feedback on leisure and lifestyle facilities across the region.Community members can share their insights on Council’s leisure centres and pools, theatres and galleries and all Council-owned facilities by completing simple online or hard-copy surveys.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council is seeking to discover what is working well and areas for improvement.“Our numerous facilities across the Coast are well utilised by our community and we want to find out what we should keep doing and ideas for how the customer experience could be enhanced,” Ms Vaughan said.“The last surveys were completed in 2018 and we’ve addressed much of the community feedback provided, including a range of capital upgrades, improved programs and services.“For 2020 we have added a community facilities survey, which will give locals the chance to provide feedback on a range of facilities including community halls, community centres, youth centres, senior centres, sporting complexes and tennis facilities.”Community members can complete surveys on the following:Leisure Centres and PoolsLaycock Street Community TheatreGosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative GardenCommunity FacilitiesFeedback from surveys will be used to guide funding and resourcing decisions and to shape a number of key decisions including construction projects, programs offered and marketing.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council is committed to ensuring its cultural venues, assets and facilities are the best they can possibly be.“We have so many fantastic leisure and lifestyle facilities across the Coast and these surveys are an opportunity for us to check in with the community to identify strengths and opportunities, and shape plans for the future,” Mayor Matthews said.Community members have until Tuesday 31 March 2020 to complete the surveys which are available at yourvoiceourcoast.com/llcustomersatisfaction

Kariong Library will relocate to new premises in a move that will improve serviceability to the community at a reduced operating cost.After 16 years at its current location, Kariong Library will relocate to a new space in the Council owned Hill Youth Centre, 98 Mitchell Drive, Kariong on Tuesday 31 March.To ensure a smooth relocation, the existing Kariong Library branch will be closed from Tuesday 17 March.

Funding commitments identified for the Central CoastCouncil has identified funding commitments for the Central Coast region from the New South Wales and Federal Governments in 2019 as a welcome development but says more needs to be done to ensure promises are delivered for the community.The bulk of the funding – $387million dollars will be invested in the duplication of the Central Coast Highway between Wamberal and Bateau Bay, which will see a dual carriageway along the full route between the M1 Pacific Motorway at Kariong and Bateau Bay, easing congestion and improving safety for motorists who use this section of the Highway each day.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council will continue to work with all levels of outcomes to deliver for the Central Coast community.“It’s fantastic that both the New South Wales and Federal Governments have recognised that the Central Coast is a growing region in its own right,” Mayor Matthews said.“These funds are important to help us deliver important infrastructure to our community, and we look forward to seeing these projects and associated benefits come to fruition in the coming years.”Council secures funding in December quarterCouncil staff sourced, developed and successfully received grants from the NSW and Australian Government across a broad range of areas in the December quarter.A report covering the period of October-December 2019 identified that $338,600 in funding was allocated to 19 projects, bringing the value of grants in the first two quarters to more than $9.9million dollars.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council will continue to apply for funding from the NSW and Federal Governments in order to continue to deliver important projects for the Central Coast Community.“It has been a huge effort from staff which has resulted in many elaborate andthoroughly considered expressions of interests, business cases and applications being submitted,” Mayor Matthews said.“It’s important that we advocate for funding and grant opportunities wherever we can to help us deliver on our goal of delivering services, programs and infrastructure for our community.”Council calls on State Government to allocate $50M to permanent solution for The Entrance ChannelFollowing a Mayoral Minute, Council will call on the State Government to allocate $50million from the 2020-2021 state budget towards a permanent solution for The Entrance Channel.Council acknowledged the ongoing clean-up efforts and support provided by Council Staff, community groups and volunteers following the recent floods on the Central Coast.Council noted that as of 27 February, 4,200 tonnes of additional storm waste has been sent to Council waste facilities collected from affected properties, 2,500 tonnes of wrack has been cleared from our foreshores and over 1,200 tonnes of debris has been collected from Central Coast beaches, with more expected to be cleared over the coming weeks.The 2018-19 audited financial statements for Central Coast Council and Central Coast Council Water Supply Authority functions presented to CouncilThe NSW Audit Office has issued unqualified audit opinions however noted a breach of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 from a self-reported error with administration fees which was corrected in the 2018-19 financial statements for Council.Central Coast Council 2018-19 fast facts:total income from continuing operations of $637.3millionnet operating surplus of $62.4million including capital grants and contributionsnet operating deficit of $5.1million excluding capital grants and contributionsnet assets increased to $7.2billion with Infrastructure, Property, Plant and Equipment totalling $7.1billionexceeded the Office of Local Government performance measures for own source operating revenue ratio, unrestricted current ratio, debt service cover ratio and cash expense cover ratioexceeded the building and infrastructure renewals ratio.Council’s Water Supply Authority 2018-19 fast facts:total income from continuing operations of $227.4millionnet operating surplus of $31.3million including capital grants and contributionsnet operating surplus of $5.4million excluding capital grants and contributionsnet assets of $3.6billion with Infrastructure, Property, Plant and Equipment totalling $3.7billion.Community facilities review concludesCouncil has developed a new Draft Facilities Leasing and Licencing Policy following an extensive review of the use and management of all community facilities.The review focused on the use and management of community facilities that operate under lease, licence, hire and volunteer models, consisting of over 300 community facilitiesDuring the review process community engagement was encouraged through stakeholder discussions, workshops and the opportunity to participate in an online survey.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the review was important to provide clear equity across Council’s portfolio of community facilities in a consistent and transparent manner.“Our community facilities provide opportunities for sport, recreation, cultural activities, events, meeting spaces, social gatherings, learning, volunteering and business premises,” Mayor Matthews said.“Council is committed to continue to provide community facilities at an affordable rate and to keep them maintained to a standard the community expects.”The new Draft Facilities Leasing and Licencing Policy is a good news story for the community with many organisations providing vital services and programs through the wide range of community facilities that are leased, licenced or hired.The Draft Facilities Leasing and Licencing Policy will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 60 days to enable community feedback.Outcomes of Urban Spatial Plan consultationCouncil considered the outcomes of the draft Urban Spatial Plan (USP) community consultation and public exhibition which was completed late 2019.More than 170 submissions were received online throughout the consultation process with stakeholders and the public also engaging through community information sessions.Community feedback and the USP will provide an initial framework for the development of the Central Coast’s first Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).The LSPS will focus on the vision and planning priorities for land use planning in the region over the next 20 years and together with Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) will identify the long-term social, environmental and economic aspirations of the community and provide a clear direction for growth that will inform future strategic plans and planning instruments.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Community Strategic Plan or ‘One Central Coast’ is a platform to build a region that all Central Coast Community members can be proud of.“The upcoming LSPS is an opportunity for the community to have their say and engage as we seek to make the Central Coast an even more liveable and desirable place to call home,” Mayor Matthews said.Council defers decision on consolidated planning controlsCouncil recommend changes to the draft Central Coast Local Environment Plan (CCLEP) and Central Coast Development Control Plan (CCDCP) and deferred its decision on the Plans.Councillors will receive a further briefing on the draft CCLEP and CCDCP and Councillors and Staff will meet with Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to discuss and outline a process to take key strategic planning processes forward.The draft CCLEP and CCDCP were developed following a period of public consultation, which generated over 700 written submissions.The purpose of the Plans is to consolidate and harmonise planning controls across the region and simplify planning processes and is the first stage in the Central Coast Comprehensive LEP Review.

Central Coast Council has announced it is working with multiple providers to deliver 100 Gigabit per second connectivity to the Central Coast.Access to a 100Gb/s connection will enable high-speed, high-performance fibre optic data network for Central Coast businesses, providing access to 100Gb/s data speeds and a range of high performance services.Council CEO Gary Murphy said this enabling infrastructure was a key component of Council’s strategy to generate economic returns for the Central Coast."We will partner with a commercial provider to install the 100Gb/s network to give business on the coast a distinct competitive advantage."We are confident in the coast’s affordability, lifestyle, natural beauty and welcoming community making it a desirable destination.   Being able to enable better business digital infrastructure is a game changer,” said Mr Murphy.The 100Gb/s network moves business traffic from the internet to dedicated links and interconnects.   It helps businesses overcome cloud connectivity issues due to ever-increasing domestic traffic caused by streaming television, online gaming, and high definition multimedia.  It provides another choice for cloud connectivity for businesses.“Council is involved for more reasons than facilitating a competitive business edge,” said Mr Murphy. "44,200 Central coast residents live the commuter life daily.   This means over a quarter of our workforce commute outside the Central Coast.  The impacts of this are beyond travelling time to and from work – sometimes up to five hours per day - whether by car or public transport.  Our research shows leaving the coast for work can impact on family and social relationships, mental health wellbeing and community betterment.  This all has serious impacts on the quality of life for our residents.  That is why Council is driving this initiative,” said Mr Murphy.Mr Murphy added that research showed more than fifty per cent of commuters could do their work remotely, or if better enabled, their businesses could be predominantly based on the Central Coast.“As a snapshot, the potential impact to local businesses per day from the loss of the commuting population has been calculated as $400,000 in coffee and lunches, and $35,000 in haircuts daily.  This is a significant loss for Central Coast businesses in that money not being spent here on the coast.  “There are many other multiplier economic impacts such as business supplier chains and health service providers that could impact from more residents being able to work physically on the coast instead of commuting.

Gosford Regional Gallery will feature three exciting exhibitions from March, all focused on showcasing the work of up-and-coming artists.Explore the work of finalists for EMERGING, The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize and A Central Vision 2020.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Tim Braham said community members and visitors are invited to explore diverse works using a range of mediums.“EMERGING is an exhibition of the incredible contemporary work of the four finalists vying for this prestigious $5,000 prize,” Mr Braham said.“The works of this year’s finalists for EMERGING span digital media, textiles, sculpture and conceptual art and explore a host of challenging social and political issues.“We are also hosting the works of the finalists for another prestigious prize – The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize – if you love contemporary photography, don’t miss this opportunity to explore the work of the 30 finalists.“This year entrants for the sought after $50,000 photographic prize have explored the experience living in Australia – the places, people and lifestyle that make our lovable country quintessentially Australian.

The second of the 17 Climate Action Planning community workshops will be on at Doyalson RSL on Wednesday 11 March.Following Central Coast Council’s adoption of a Climate Change Policy last year, the community is encouraged to become actively involved in the program’s next phase.

The benefits and importance of a healthy lifestyle will be front and centre from March 28 when Central Coast Council brings an extended program of the popular Live Well Festival to Gosford.Last year’s inaugural festival was well received by the community and this year’s event is expected to be bigger and better with the inclusion of a week of activities leading into the main event day on Sunday 5 April.Council Section Manager Place Activation, Cobey Linsley said the event is not only a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the health industry to come together and network but for people to embrace the healthy lifestyle of the Central Coast.“Our main event day program will focus on four key health HUBS – Eat, Move, Think and Love Your Earth.

Central Coast Council is aware of an increased number of discoloured water incidents across the region.

Central Coast Council will shortly commence construction of one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects - the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline.The pipeline will boost water supply to the Central Coast’s rapidly growing northern suburbs, improve water security for the entire region and represents the next major step to enhance the Central Coast’s water supply network.According to Mayor Lisa Matthews the 9km pipeline will deliver significant benefits to the Central Coast community.“The Coast’s population is on the rise, especially in our northern areas and this pipeline will ensure these areas have a safe and secure water supply into the future,” Mayor Matthews said.“The pipeline will also enhance the water transfer capability between Central Coast Council and Hunter Water, which further improves water security for the two regions and meets our commitment under the Hunter-Central Coast Pipeline Agreement.”Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said he was excited about the project kicking off in March after an extensive period of planning, design and community consultation.“The pipeline route will pass through several different environments including rural land holdings, the outer edge of the residential area of Watanobbi, and along the fringes of the environmentally sensitive Council lands of Porters Creek Wetland,” he said.“Council has spent a lot of time getting the construction techniques and the pipeline route right, talking with the community about the project, ensuring we consider impacts on residents, the environment and the broader community.”Council is inviting the community to attend the final round of Drop-In Sessions prior to construction commencing next month.

The Central Coast’s premiere multicultural event – Flavours by the Sea – returns to The Entrance this March to celebrate the diverse cultures of the Central Coast.Central Coast Council’s Flavours by the Sea embraces the ‘everyone belongs’ message of Harmony Day by showcasing amazing music, art, cultural features and delicious food from across the world.Council Section Manager Place Activation, Cobey Linsley said community members and visitors are invited to come together for a joyous event that embraces the diversity of our region.“Flavours brings us together for a day to experience the rich cultural mix of the Coast,” Ms Linsley said.“This event is built on the Harmony Day message of ‘everyone belongs’ and is an opportunity to savour and celebrate the flavours of the world right here on the Coast.“Close to 4,000 people enjoyed Flavours in 2018 and we are expecting similar numbers at this year’s event.”Live performances at the event include three community groups, Yalalinya Dancers, Berias Masseque & The Afro Fusion Band and Monsieur Camembert.Attendees can chill out in the relaxed dining area after a visit to the festive ‘flavour alley’ which will feature Mexican, Vietnamese, Spanish and Argentinian food and specialty desserts.Mayor Lisa Matthews said that Flavours by the Sea helps to build a sense of belonging for an increasingly diverse Central Coast.“This event lets us experience the wealth of wonderful cultures that are part of our region and help to make the Coast such a great place to live,” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage everyone to head down to The Entrance and join in this wonderful celebration of diversity.”Flavours by the Sea is on Saturday 21 March 2020 from 3.30pm to 8.30pm at Memorial Park, The Entrance.More information is available at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/flavoursbythesea

Central Coast Council, in partnership with Mattress Recycling Australia, is trialling a new process that recycles 100 percent of mattresses dropped off at Kincumber Waste Management Facility.The trial aims to minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill, reduce methane gases being produced from decomposing mattresses and recycle end-of-life waste products by turning them into a resource.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said that Council annually receives more than 20,000 mattresses across its three waste management facilities.“Historically mattresses were sent to landfill, however, over the last four years we have been stockpiling and bulk shredding these mattresses to recover the metals for recycling and reduce the amount sent to landfill,” Mr Pearce said.“Under this new trial we are collecting and bulk transporting the mattresses to a dedicated resource recovery facility where the mattresses are processed into separate commodities for which there are end markets.“During the initial three-month trial at our Kincumber Waste Facility we have collected and transported 2,240 mattresses or 56 tonnes of mattresses, helping to save 1,792 cubic metres of landfill.“This trial ensures 100% of the mattress materials are reused and recycled with the stripped metals reused as railway wheels, foam repurposed into carpet underlay, material utilised in decorative wall panels and the remaining products, including floc, wood and plastic, processed as biofuel.“An added benefit is that we have been working with a contractor who is creating employment opportunities to achieve social outcomes, including employment and skills development for those with disabilities and the long term unemployed.“We are now investigating the possibility of extending the trial to our Woy Woy Waste Management Facility, which will then help us inform future business decisions, including whether this approach can be rolled out across all our Waste Management Facilities.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said it was vital that Council continued to find new and innovative ways to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Central Coast Council is asking residents to have their say about a proposed plan for Mount Ettalong Reserve.

Coast locks in Cultural PlanThe importance of art and culture to the local community has been reaffirmed after the formal adoption of the Central Coast Cultural Plan 2020-25.The Cultural Plan canvassed opinions of the cultural sector and broader community and builds on the vision for the Central Coast as a cultural growth hub, previously outlined in the ‘One Central Coast Community Strategic Plan 2018-28’.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Cultural Plan is a fantastic opportunity for the diverse arts and cultural sector to work towards a shared vision with Council over the next five years.“The Cultural Plan will position arts and culture as key to strengthening the community, increasing the region’s economic development and supporting its potential as a creative destination,” Mayor Matthews said.“Moving forward we will look to create opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to learn, create and be heard, participating in, and contributing to, the cultural life of the Central Coast in the process.”The Draft Plan was on public exhibition between September and November 2019.Council further supports local programs and organisationsCouncil demonstrated its ongoing commitment to programs and organisations that benefit the local community through the announcement of successful grant and sponsorship recipients.The successful applicants for the ‘Round 1 Grants and Sponsorship Program’ and the December round of the ‘Community Support Grant Program’ will benefit from additional funding and/or in-kind support to deliver their activities, which have been recognised as benefiting the community.Sponsorship helps bring major events to the Central Coast and will bring economic benefits to the region.Grant programs are provided to support the community to deliver programs, projects or events that build connections, celebrate our local community, align with the One Central Coast Community Strategic Plan and build capacity across the entire community.Applications for Round 2 of the Grants and Sponsorship Program are currently open and will close on 29 FebruaryRound 1 Grants and Sponsorship Program Recipients:Glenworth Valley Horse Riding – Horses Birthday Kids Festival – $15,000 over two yearsGosford Race Club – Gosford Standalone Race Meet – $24,200 over two yearsSurfing NSW – 2021 Central Coast Pro QS3000 – $50,000 over one yearNaughty Noodle – 2020 Coastal Twist Festival – $50,000 over one yearThe Opportunity Collective – Central Coast Women's Leadership Mentoring Program 2020 – $19,267 over one year.Community Support Grant Program Recipients:Avoca Beach Hockey Club – Community Come and Try Hockey Avoca Beach – $4,509.14Wyong Creek Literary Institute – Rates Subsidy – $1,239.44Rotary Club of Gosford City – Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) 2020 – $550.00Tuggerah Lakes Art Society – Women in Art Exhibition and Artisan's Market – $2,473.00Wyong Garden Club – 40th Birthday Celebration – $1,940.00Wingers Softball Club – Uniform upgrade – $1,500.00.Council approves $174.8million in Development Applications for December QuarterCouncil revealed it approved $174.8million of Development Applications in the October to December 2019 period.Council remains committed to assessing development applications, which respond to the need to providing for a variety of housing choice to suit the needs and lifestyles of the community, support local jobs and services while appreciating and protecting our environmental assets.Terrigal water quality audit continues to progressWater quality at Terrigal Beach and Haven continues to improve with 94 percent of dry weather samples found safe for swimming according to a new report.An update to the comprehensive Terrigal and Coastal Lagoons Audit detailed that work on the first phase of the project conducted throughout 2019 was progressing well.Key findings include:94 percent of dry weather samples at Terrigal Beach and Haven given a ‘Good’ rating15.7 kilometres of sewer pipes have been inspected3.61 kilometres of sewer pipes were identified as needing upgrades – 1.15 kilometres have been relined10 properties with illegal connections from stormwater to sewer identified2.3 kilometres of stormwater pipe inspected.Mayor Lisa Mathews said the joint Council and NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment project would continue to deliver answers for the community.“Our waterways are fantastic assets and through the project we have identified a number of illegal connections plus some assets and infrastructure needing repair,” Mayor Matthews said.“A team of scientists from the Department and from Council are working collaboratively with technical experts and operational staff to assess possible sources of pollution in each catchment, determine the impact on long-term water quality, and prioritise remediation works and we look forward to work progressing the next stage of the audit.”Council to investigate new animal impound facilitiesCouncil will investigate the development of new animal care facilities across the Central Coast to ensure welfare standards now and into the future.Increasing demands are anticipated and the project will also explore the creation of a single centralised facility that will include all animal holding and article impound requirements.There are nine Council facilities used for management of impounding functions, which include:Council administration building at WyongCouncil administration building at GosfordAnimal Care Facility at CharmhavenAnimal Care Facility at ErinaVehicle Impound WyongVehicle Impound West GosfordArticle Impound Facility WyongArticle Impound ErinaLivestock Impound Mardi.The next stage of the project will identify potential sites for new animal care facilities, before a conceptual design is developed and brought to the community for feedback.Council delivers Second Quarter Business ReportThe 2019-20 Second Quarter Business Report was tabled at the 24 February Council meeting.