Central Coast Council’s delivery of new inclusive, safe and engaging playspaces and a skate park upgrade has entered an exciting phase with community consultation for multiple projects running from October.Council’s Director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox believes the new playspaces at Green Point, Empire Bay, Gorokan, Toowoon Bay and Mangrove Mountain, as well as the redeveloped skate park at Narara will become significant assets to their local communities and is encouraging the public to have their say on what they would like to see included. “Council are committed to maintaining and building safe and quality playspaces for the benefit of our community and visitors to our region, and we proudly manage over 260 playspaces across the Central Coast as well as 25 skateparks.“We are investing in our community by providing facilities that encourage active and connected lifestyles for improved wellbeing and quality of life,” Mr Cox said.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council’s investment in these projects underscores a commitment to listen to the community and deliver what they want.“Our strategic plan, One Central Coast, is not just a written document.

Central Coast Council is inviting families to celebrate Parker the Platypus’ second birthday and launch of his sixth children’s book with stories and cake at Saltwater Creek Reserve on Monday 21 October, 10.30am.Parker is part of Council’s Paint the Coast REaD program, which encourages parents, grandparents and carers to read, sing or rhyme with children every day from birth to help set them up for a lifetime of success.Council Unit Manager Libraries, Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said since hatching only two-years-ago, Parker has not only become a prolific author, but also one of Council’s beloved mascots.“Research has shown that more than 20 percent of Australian children arrive at school without the necessary skills to make the most of their early education,” Mrs Burgess said.“Through Paint the Coast REaD we aim to encourage the community to support the development of children’s early literacy while creating a sense of excitement and enthusiasm around reading, which is exactly what Parker creates for children and families.“This month Parker is launching his fifth book that focuses on road safety, and he will personally be handing out copies at his birthday picnic as well as at select Storytime sessions in late October.“We have also recently provided local schools with A3 copies of the first three books allowing children to continue making positive connections to literacy development in the classroom.”Mayor Lisa Matthews encouraged parents with children under the age of six to engage with Council’s Library Service to help them develop a love of learning.“Our Library Service ensures all members of our community have equal access to the latest in technology, resources and information,” Mayor Matthews said.“Whether in branch or through their great range of online services available anywhere, anytime, there’s never been a better time to reconnect with your local library and discover the amazing resources and opportunities on offer.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries for further information on Parker’s Storytime visits, to become a member and access to online resources and services 24 hours a day.Library membership is free for those who live, work or study on the Central Coast.ENDS

Central Coast Council is urging local students who need help with relentless homework tasks to take advantage of the Library Service online tool Studiosity.While the service is available for students from Year 3 to tertiary education, Year 12 students will particularly benefit at this time of year as they study in the lead up to Higher School Certificate exams.Council Section Manager Library Strategy and Connection, Benjamin Hartley said the features of the service can give students an edge while simultaneously alleviating the worry they often feel while studying alone.“The way students engage with technology has changed dramatically and Studiosity is a natural extension of the classroom, which aims to promote equality in education,” Mr Hartley said.“We are excited to announce the real-time online chat tool is now available 24 hours!

Tourism Plan sets stage for $70million regional boostCouncil has adopted a five-year Tourism Opportunity Plan for the Central Coast which will maximise opportunities to attract visitors to the region.The plan recognises the strengths of our region, identifies challenges and opportunities and seeks greater efforts to capitalise on them for the future, with a goal to boost the visitor economy for the region by $70million.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the adoption of the Plan would allow Council, tourism operators and the community to work on improving visitors’ experiences of our region.“This Plan encompasses the very small to the large.

Council is inviting the community to join in the celebrations at Bazaar by the Sea, an annual fete featuring market stalls, handicrafts, artworks, raffles, live entertainment, trash and treasure and more.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the release of the NSW ‘State of the beaches’ report, with 93% of our ocean beaches receiving a good or very good quality rating for 2018-2019.The annual report uses the Beachwatch results to rate designated ocean and estuarine swimming sites across the state.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the report shows Central Coast beaches to be in good condition overall.“Most of our ocean beaches have received a Good or Very Good rating for swimming water quality, which is great news for our community,” Mayor Matthews said.“It is also great to see many local sites showing improvements in water quality over recent years, with the report noting Council management actions are likely improving water quality at these sites.“Many residents will be pleased to see Terrigal Beach has improved and received a Good rating for the reporting year.

Central Coast Council has placed its draft Cultural Plan 2020-2025 on exhibition, for the community to have their say.The draft Cultural Plan supports the Central Coast achieving its potential as a creative destination and provides opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to participate in, and contribute to, the cultural life of the Central Coast.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that creativity and cultural identity was a large and important part of our region.“A thriving arts and cultural sector is important for the health and wellbeing of our community and for regional economic development,” Ms Vaughan said.“The draft Plan is based on the vision of building on our creative strengths across our community and establishing our region as a hub for the wider creative sector.“Creativity is a major part of who we are on the Central Coast.

In a first for the region, Central Coast Council has installed a new solar compaction bin and connected 46 new sensors to existing waste stations across The Entrance Town Centre.This new technology will allow the volume of waste bins to be effectively monitored, improving servicing schedules and helping to reduce litter in this popular tourist area just in time for the school holidays.Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the investment is a component of the Council’s Place Litter Bin Replacement and Upgrade Program to increase waste collection and reduce ‘flyaway’ litter.“The cloud-based software provides real-time data on the volume of bins to any web enabled device, with alerts set up for when bins are reaching capacity,” Mr Bolgoff said.“This will allow constant monitoring of bins during busier times of the year, helping to reduce the impacts of litter and improve planning as crews will already know which bins need to be emptied.“This new service is enhanced with the addition of a new single waste solar compactor system, Bigbelly Bin, which has the capacity of up to five times that of a traditional bin solution.“If successful, we will investigate rolling out the technology in other popular tourism and high foot traffic areas.”This financial year will see a further $300,000 invested into the rolling Public Place Bin Program with another 160 new waste and recycling units installed, to help manage the waste needs of the growing community.Additional benefits of the rollout include cost savings by purchasing waste stations in bulk allowing for more effective maintenance, consistent design, increased safety and opportunities to recycle, with many locations previously only offering waste bins.Mayor Lisa Matthews said that it was great to see Council investing in this cutting-edge technology.“I applaud Council for listening to and acting upon community concerns regarding litter bins during peak holiday times,” Mayor Matthews said.“Aside from protecting our unique environment from litter, the project will help maintain the appearance of our well-known tourist destinations which is integral to the economic development of the region so visitors continue to come back to the Coast.”ENDS

Central Coast Council is encouraging people aged 50 and over to have their say as Council revises its Positive Ageing Strategy.The survey will help Council identify how it can best support older people to age healthily, feel connected and enjoy an age-friendly community.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the responses will be used to better meet the diverse needs of our older population.

Central Coast Council’s commitment to expand and improve the region’s network of pathways has seen record-breaking levels of investment and the adoption of the first Central Coast Bike Plan and Central Coast Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP). Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the Bike Plan and PAMP outlined the future of footpaths, bike paths and shared pathways across the Central Coast for the next 10 years.“Our community has made it clear that pathways are a priority and we’ve listened through record-breaking levels of investment and the development of the first Bike Plan and PAMP for our region,” Mr Bolgoff said.“We invested $6.1million in pathways in 2018-19 and plan to invest $6.9million this financial year. “To develop these critical plans, we addressed community feedback from a specific consultation process.“The plans outline our commitment to deliver accessible footpaths, bike paths and shared pathways that complete missing links, loop around our scenic waterways and improve connections that offer a healthy and environmentally friendly transport option.

Some scorching days throughout September are a powerful reminder that summer is just around the corner, and in preparation for the season ahead one of the Central Coast’s key fire trails has just enjoyed a serious facelift.Summerland Point fire trail, a key part of the Gwandalan/Summerland Point fire trail complex, has been rebuilt after Central Coast Council completed work on 800 metres of the 900-metre trail.Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said work on the fire trail was aided by significant co-operation from bodies associated with other major infrastructure projects.“As part of our vision of making the Central Coast more sustainable we were actually able to source about 3000 tonnes of suitable material from the M1 building project that otherwise would have had to be shipped out at great expense,” Mr Cox said.“Having access to this free resource allowed us to not only complete this project but to construct an additional six fire trails in the surrounding area as well.”Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews said residents living in areas prone to bush fires need to prepare ahead of the fire season.“We have over 128,500 hectares of bushland on the Central Coast, and it is important that all residents are bush fire ready, particularly those living in isolated locations,” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage all community members to familiarise themselves with the five ‘Get Ready’ steps to prepare for an emergency which can be found at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/emergencies”.In recent years, erosion has been a constant problem for the Summerland Point fire trail which was heavily damaged in the 2013 bushfires.

Central Coast Council will begin a $940,000 project to straighten and widen a section of Carlton Road, Erina in October. Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said a 260 metre section of Carlton Road from its intersection with Central Coast Highway had been the site of a number of crashes according to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) data.“This project is designed to increase the safety of a section of Carlton Road which forms part of a high-traffic link road and provides access to a school,” Mr Bolgoff said. “RMS crash data has recorded a number of crashes at this site, particularly at night and during wet weather.“We will widen the road and smooth out the horizontal curves to increase the safety of motorists. “The realigned road will have new road pavement and we will construct kerb, guttering and batters and relocate some public utility services.“We will also construct a shared pathway on the eastern side of Carlton Road to improve access for pedestrians, cyclists, parents with prams and community members using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.”The project is proudly funded by the NSW Government through $792,000 from the Safer Roads fund and the remainder from Council.Realignment of the road will require the removal of some trees in the direct vicinity.

Central Coast Council is seeking nominations for the Australia Day 2020 Awards, which recognise individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the region.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the prestigious awards honour local leaders who go the extra mile in a range of different ways.“Our coast-wide Australia Day awards are an opportunity to recognise members of our community who make a real difference,” Ms Vaughan said.“Australia Day nominees and winners are often unsung heroes who work quietly behind the scenes to make the Coast a better place to live.”The 2020 Award categories are: Arts, Culture and Entertainment Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in their chosen art form and made a significant contribution to arts, culture and entertainment on the Coast.Business Connecting CommunitiesAwarded to a local businesses or enterprises with less than eight fulltime employees that has established a genuine involvement and long-term value to the life of their community. Community Service and ActivityAwarded to an individual or group responsible for creating community activities or services that benefit the Coast. Environmental Awarded to an individual who is leading the way in sustainability and making the Central Coast a place where people and nature can thrive.Sportsperson of the YearAwarded to an individual who has shown acts of sportsmanship and team building, been an outstanding sportsperson or made significant contributions as organisers or promoters of sports on the Coast. Volunteer of the YearAwarded to an individual (26 years and over) who has made a significant long-term commitment to volunteer work and demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to our local community. Youth of the Year Awarded to an individual (25 years or under) who has succeeded in his or her chosen field, acts as an inspiration to his or her peers and has made a significant contribution to the Coast community.Citizen of the YearEach winner from the above categories will then go into the running to be named Central Coast Citizen of the Year.Mayor Lisa Matthews said she encourages all community members to nominate individuals and groups who are worthy of the honour of a Central Coast Australia Day Award.“We all know someone who make the Central Coast a better place – by the work they do for others and their vision and passion for our community,” Mayor Matthews said. “These awards provide the opportunity to celebrate that contribution.” Nominations open Monday 30 September and close Friday 8 November 2019.For further information, eligibility criteria and to make a nomination visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/australiadayawards

Central Coast Council is now using a new survey-based technology to maximise efficiency on roads projects across the region.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said Council is installing a technology in graders and excavators to achieve millimetre accuracy and improve efficiency and accuracy.“We are starting to install new survey systems in our excavators and graders which use GPS and 3D technology to dig and grade to millimetre accuracy,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Using this new approach allows our teams to deliver the accuracy required without the need to have surveyors recheck levels.“Design drawings are simply uploaded to the survey system and the construction machinery automatically adjusts to the design levels.“Since starting the roll-out of the technology we have seen a reduction in material waste and achieved cost savings by delivering projects in less time.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said new survey-based technology was part of Council’s commitment to deliver the best road project outcomes for the Central Coast.“Maintaining and developing our 2,200 kilometre network of roads is a big job and we are embracing new technology and products to deliver for our community,” Mayor Matthews said.“This technology is saving time and money and giving our staff more autonomy – all big ticks.“This rollout follows other innovative and sustainable approaches we have adopted such as the use of a road surfacing product made from recycled soft plastic, glass and toner cartridges.” All of Council’s major road, drainage and pathway projects can be viewed on an interactive map by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/roadanddrainageprojects

Central Coast Council is urging the community to be vigilant when it comes to vandalism following the destruction of several public place litter bins.Since the implementation of the public place litter bin renewal program, a number of bins have been significantly damaged or burnt out across the Coast. Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the replacement of litter bins comes at a direct cost to ratepayers.  “We try to repair any damage on site, however, due to excessive damage bins usually have to be removed in the interest of public safety,” Mr Bolgoff said.“In the last two years, eight double waste stations have been burnt, six of which were at Bato Yard Skate Park, with another five single garbage enclosures at Umina requiring removal due to the damage, which has caused upwards of $20,000 in vandalised infrastructure. “We salvage what we can, though when bins are damaged beyond repair the cost of replacement really starts to add up.“This is a direct loss to Council and can impact upon the replacement of bins if they are constantly damaged as well as distribution of bins in the future due to reduced resources.“Graffiti is also a growing concern with many road signs damaged over the last twelve months – this is not only at a cost to Council to remove, but also impacts driver safety.”This financial year the Public Place Bin Replacement Program looks to roll our 160 new waste and recycling units and a solar compaction bin that will compress litter within the bin.This will help provide adequate amenities for the community to dispose of waste responsibly while enjoying the Coast’s amazing parks and unique environment.Mayor Lisa Matthews encouraged the community to report any vandalism as soon as they observe it in their local area.“Vandalism impacts neighbourhood appearance as well as businesses and community confidence in the safety and security of public places,” Mayor Matthews said.“The quicker we act to report, remove and repair the damage caused, the less likely it will recur again.

Council to proceed with Gosford Regional LibraryCouncil has decided to move forward with Gosford Regional Library as a separate project and at the same time continue to review the business case for the Gosford Cultural Precinct.Proceeding with planning for the regional library will help to secure any available funding and ensure delivery of this important public resource. Mayor Lisa Matthews said a region of our size and importance needs a major regional library. “Our community has waited a considerable amount of time for this project and tonight we made a financially responsible decision that means we are getting on with the job of delivering the Gosford Regional Library,” Mayor Matthews said.“Items within the business case for the Gosford Cultural Precinct need further review and this process should not delay our regional library. “This library will be a dynamic space for learning and innovation and a vibrant meeting point for our community to connect. “Delivering a regional library for the Central Coast is an important step towards meeting the ongoing social, recreational, educational, technological and business development needs of our community.At its December meeting, Council will consider the detail of the preferred location for the regional library, along with a timeline for design, development application and anticipated commencement.Council continues to support vulnerable peopleCentral Coast Council has made a formal submission to the Federal government to ‘Raise the Rate’ for Newstart and Youth Allowance to align with the current cost of living.Council joined at least 30 other councils to support an alignment of the Newstart Allowance, which has not been raised in real terms for 25 years.Mayor Matthews said the submission was showing support for the most vulnerable people in society.“The figures for vulnerable people on the Central Coast are staggering and the current level of assistance provided is inadequate,” Mayor Matthews said.“Social issues such as unemployment, homelessness, lack of affordable housing, poverty and domestic violence have a profound impact on many residents and the broader community. “While Council is actively working to solve a range of social and health issues that impact community wellbeing and vulnerable people, raising the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance will provide that additional support to ease pressures, reduce poverty and increase the wellbeing and life chances of our community.”The Central Coast has:61,727 people living in low income households (

The 2019-20 beach season will commence this weekend, signified by the official raising of the flag ceremony at Terrigal Beach.On Saturday 28 September, the red and yellow flags will be placed in the sand at 15 Central Coast beaches as lifeguards and lifesavers return to patrol to keep our community safe.

The 2019-20 beach season will commence this weekend, signified by the official raising of the flag ceremony at Terrigal Beach.On Saturday 28 September, the red and yellow flags will be placed in the sand at 15 Central Coast beaches as lifeguards and lifesavers return to patrol to keep our community safe.

The Central Coast will have a new Mayor leading into the 2020 General Council elections after Councillor Lisa Matthews was elected by her fellow Councillors at a meeting at Wyong this evening.Councillor Matthews has become the second ever Mayor of the Central Coast, taking over from Councillor Jane Smith.Central Coast Council’s Deputy Mayor also changed, with Councillor Jane Smith taking over from Councillor Chris Holstein.Mayor Matthews acknowledged the good work Council had done since amalgamation to move forward as ‘One Central Coast’. “We have a robust Operational Plan in place for the next 12 months and my goal is to keep working towards delivering that,” Mayor Matthews said. “Priority areas residents have told us should be our focus include improving our water and sewer networks, roads, the environment, community facilities and open space and recreation, and these areas will feature heavily in our plans as we strive to create a sustainable and connected Central Coast community that we can all be proud of.”Mayor Matthews will preside over her first ordinary meeting of Council on Wednesday 25 September at the Wyong Chambers.Deputy Mayor Smith said it had been a privilege to serve the people of the Central Coast as Mayor over the last two years and she looked forward to continuing to serve the community as Deputy Mayor and as a Councillor for Gosford East Word. “I would like to thank and acknowledge the work of Council staff who give their best efforts to deliver on our shared vision of a better region for all,” Deputy Mayor Smith said.“Over the last two years we have adopted the first Community Strategic Plan for the Central Coast and are well on the way to delivering a 10-year vision to create a smart, green, liveable region with a shared sense of belonging and responsibility.”

Central Coast Council has announced its October school holiday program with a wide range of fun and interactive activities for kids of all ages.The popular program includes both free and ticketed activities that kids can enjoy across the Coast.