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.

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 with a series of place-based community workshops kicking off.Throughout 2020, Council staff will be conducting 17 community workshops and running online consultation to build a whole-of-community approach to climate action.

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.

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

Central Coast Council has expressed concern at the worrying trend of social media comments inciting violent behaviour towards Councillors and staff ahead of Monday night’s Council Meeting.Council CEO Gary Murphy said that whilst the community can disagree with recent Council decisions, any behaviour threatening harm would not be tolerated.

Central Coast Council wishes to correct the record in relation to information provided to the Mayor that was shared with the media.In an Office of the Mayor media statement issued on 14 February 2020, it was mistakenly stated that Council had been waiting for NSW Government funding since June 2019.   Whilst Council submitted an application to the NSW Government’s Rescuing our Waterways Fund in November 2019 when the formal funding program had opened, Council had also proactively submitted a prior request for funding in June 2019 outside of the program open period.  Council was advised on 13 February 2020 that the funding application was successful and granted $600,000.

Central Coast Council, The Office of Emergency Management and Disaster Welfare will visit Mangrove Mountain on Wednesday 26 February from 5-8pm for residents requiring assistance and support following the flood and storm event.Council staff and other agencies will be on hand to provide residents with information and advice around recovery and clean up, as well as direct assistance with their properties.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said residents are encouraged to visit the centre for assistance.“As our community continues to clean-up after the storm, I’d like to remind residents that there is help out there for anyone that needs it,” Ms Vaughan said.“We want to make sure that any affected residents receive the right support and their lives return back to normal as soon as possible.

Due to limited public gallery capacity at Council Meeting Chambers and to ensure the safety of the community, attendees wishing to participate in the Public Forum and the Council Meeting will be required to sign-in in person on the day of the meeting.

Residents in the areas around Terrigal and the coastal lagoons are reminded they can drop in and have their water quality questions answered at Central Coast Council and the NSW Government’s final community information sessions.The Terrigal and coastal lagoons audit is a comprehensive monitoring program investigating water quality at Terrigal Beach and Haven, and Wamberal, Terrigal, Avoca and Cockrone Lagoons.Council’s Acting Unit Manager Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski said the program, which began in January 2019, is progressing well.“A team of scientists, technical experts and operational staff from Council and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment are working together to assess possible sources of pollution in each catchment, determine the impact on long-term water quality, and prioritise remediation works,” Mr Sulkowski said.“It’s been a busy summer for staff who have been regularly monitoring water quality as well as popping up in the community to answer any questions locals and visitors have as we progress deeper into the audit program.”Another initiative that has played an important part of keeping residents informed throughout the program is a new interactive pin map.

Central Coast Council and the Central Coast NSW State Emergency Service (SES) held a press conference in Wyong today to update the community on clean up and recovery efforts following the severe wet weather that has seen the region impacted with significant rainfall and king tides.Residents are being urged to contact Disaster Welfare on 1800 018 444 for any assistance if you require support.Over 650 trees and branches have fallen on public land or required maintenance and pruning due to structural defects, nearly 1,600 calls have been logged with the SES and thousands of people were left without power, with many people still impacted.Central Coast Council Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council is coordinating assistance and working closely with the NSW SES, Ausgrid and other agencies to support our community in our time of need.“It has been a tough few months for our community.

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews has welcomed the natural disaster declaration for the Central Coast announced by the State Government today. The declaration means that residents who have been affected by the recent event can get assistance and support to recover.

Solutions for the future of The Entrance channelCouncil has heard loud and clear from its community that a long term solution is required for The Entrance channel.The first step will be to set aside budget funding and to also seek grant funding to help guide the actions needed to improve the condition of the Tuggerah Lakes system and The Entrance channel.Preliminary designs for a long-term solution to the channel’s silting will be developed, while a dredging program will be considered in the short-term.Council will draw on previous studies conducted into the 2013 and 2015 to help guide the work.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the weekend’s storm event had been very distressing for all affected residents.“The Entrance channel has been a longstanding issue for the Coast community, and we all want to see the area thrive and residents able to feel secure,” she said.“Finding the best solution is a difficult and complex challenge and we are committed to getting it right.

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews has welcomed confirmation that Council has been successful in securing $600,000 in funding from the State Government to dredge The Entrance Channel. Central Coast Council applied in June 2019 for funding under the State Government’s Rescuing Our Waterways Program to continue its dredging program and will match the grant with $600,000 of its own funding. Mayor Lisa Matthews said it was great to see the long-awaited funding finally flowing for The Entrance Channel and the State Government on board to helping find a solution.

In a first for the region, two schools have joined Central Coast Council’s pilot program with Plastic Police® to create a localised circular waste stream to build roads out of soft plastics.Budgewoi Public School and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School have joined the program that will see waste from common lunchbox items such as chip packets, muesli bar wrappers, sandwich bags recycled into a road resurfacing product called Reconophalt.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said roads outside both schools had been renewed using Reconophalt during the summer school holidays to ensure there was no disruption to school communities.“As a result of high traffic flow, school drop off points require increased amount of road maintenance,” Mr Bolgoff said.“There are added benefits to using Reconophalt in our road projects beyond the reduction in waste as they become more durable with the plastic added.“The formulated mixture of recycled products in Reconophalt increases the lifespan of the road, as it is less likely to buckle and crack.  “One of the most common questions we have received from the community since we have started the trial is how they can get involved, which we will announce in the coming months.”The Reconophalt used to pave each of these streets when combined with bitumen contained 15 percent recycled materials, which included: Soft plastic bag and packaging equivalentsGlass bottle equivalentsUsed toner equivalentsReclaimed road (asphalt)Lukela Avenue, Budgewoi221,05341, 1765,04028 tonnesMelbourne Street, East Gosford301,95856,2476,88538 tonnesDirector of the Plastic Police® program, Samantha Cross said she was thrilled to see the program expand into schools and is looking forward to seeing the collaboration with Council progress.“Central Coast was the first Council to come on board following our initial trial and we are really excited about what we will be able to achieve this year as the program expands,” Ms Cross said.“We are passionate about further educating these school communities about the simple actions they can take to help further reduce the waste sent to landfill.“Plastic is a major environmental issue, with almost every piece ever created still in existence;

Construction work is now underway to rebuild the EDSACC South amenities building, Bateau Bay, to replace the previous facility destroyed by fire in 2015. Council’s director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox said these works will deliver an improved sporting facility for our northern region’s local sports clubs, players and spectators.“The new amenities building, which is due for completion this financial year, has been designed to meet the needs of current users of the EDSACC sporting complex and accommodate the expected future use.

Central Coast Council is inviting dog and cat owners to take advantage of a free microchipping day on 15 February.Residents are encouraged to bring their furry friend to one of the Central Coast Animal Care Facilities at Charmhaven and Erina, to have them microchipped at no cost.Mayor Lisa Matthews said local pet owners are encouraged to take up the service.“Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility and getting them microchipped and registered with Council is an important first step,” Mayor Matthews said.“Domestic pets bring much joy to our lives and having them microchipped could prove crucial in identifying them if they did happen to get lost.

Central Coast Council is working with the SES, Ausgrid and other services to assist residents following the weekend’s severe weather event. Mayor Lisa Matthews said that safety was a priority for everyone involved. “The severe weather has caused fallen trees and broken powerlines across some roads and properties, in addition to flooding and debris impacting many locations across the coast,” Mayor Matthews said.“I urge everyone to be patient while Council, SES and Ausgrid methodically prioritise and manage the clean-up.

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews will move a Mayoral Minute at the rescheduled Council Meeting calling on the NSW Premier to visit the Central Coast to see firsthand the devastation caused by the recent extreme weather event. Services and infrastructure have been severely impacted on the Coast with numerous roads closed, powerlines down and services out and homes and businesses inundated by floodwaters. Mayor Lisa Matthews said the repair bill was unknown at this time but is growing with each day and recovery will be long. “Following the extended drought, we thought rain was the answer to all our prayers including for our waterways and our dams but we didn’t expect it to come in quite this volume,” Mayor Matthews said.

Central Coast Council is inviting young gamers to take part in the Ultimate Gamer Tournament.Open to local gamers aged 12-24, the six-round tournament held across the coast commences on Thursday 27 February at Erina Fair.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the tournament is returning following last year’s popular inaugural event.“We are excited to bring the tournament back in 2020 following the success of our pilot program event last year,” Ms Vaughan said.“Last year over 200 people competed, with first, second and third place winners awarded.“This year we have new games for players to compete for a chance to win prizes from a total prize pool of $2,000.”Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews said the event connects young people on the coast.“Our youth are an important part of our community and Council is committed to creating opportunities to celebrate their achievements and abilities,” Mayor Matthews said.“The Ultimate Gamer Tournament is an opportunity for young people to showcase their gaming skills, compete, learn new skills, and meet new people in a fun environment."The tournament is open to all levels of ability and gaming experience and may appeal to people who are on the autism spectrum.A chill out tent space will be available for young people to relax or who may need a space to retreat.Each heat will be held in mobile gaming vans, with the capacity of up to 100 gamers per session, located at major shopping centres.Entry is free, with winners of each heat advancing to compete in the semi-finals and grand final in May.All heats will be held on Thursday nights 4.30pm – 7.30 pm at:27 February – Erina Fair12 March – Westfield Tuggerah26 March – Umina SLSC2 April – Lake Munmorah Shopping Centre16 April – Kibble Park, Gosford30 April – Lake Haven Shopping CentreThe semi-finals will be held at Erina Fair on Thursday 7 May, with the grand final at Westfield Tuggerah on Thursday 21 May, both from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.To register or find out more, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ultimategamer