Local high school students will get the opportunity to discover the roles and responsibilities of Councillors when Central Coast Council hosts its annual Future Council program.Hosted in partnership with Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, the program provides a practical learning experience on civics, citizenship and local government decision making for Years 9 and 10 students. Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said during the mock debate students will deliberate on real issues they are passionate about and cast a vote on behalf of their community, just like our elected Councillors do.“This innovative program provides students with a rare chance to sit in the chairs of our elected Councillors and obtain insight into the skills and knowledge required to make decisions that affect residents of their community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This forum sees students explore environmental, social and economic issues in a format that is engaging and interactive.“What makes the day special for students is that the Mayor or Deputy Mayor will be in the Chair providing guidance and feedback so it gives them an authentic experience of an Ordinary Council Meeting.“We work closely with our local schools, making sure the topics relate to the curriculum and provide opportunities for students to experience decision making on topics that could occur in our local government area.”Students participating in the forums will use mock business papers to debate issues including Urban Forests Greening the Central Coast, Light Rail between Gosford and The Entrance, development application for a green waste facility in a residential area, securing water supply during drought, climate change mitigation, the proposed development of a Tip Shop at Council’s Waste Facilities, community energy programs and more.Mayor Jane Smith said Future Council was a highlight on her annual calendar and was enthusiastic about debating local issues with the region’s future leaders.“I am really proud to be able to take an active role in this this program that provides a forum where young people can express views on issues they are passionate about, build self-confidence and encourage community connectedness,” Mayor Smith said.“With young people making up 25 percent of our population we want more of this demographic to participate in civic life and their community as the decisions we make now impact their future.“I hope we can inspire some of our local students to one day run for public office themselves and represent their community.”Local schools taking part in Future Council include Lakes Grammar, Wyong High School, St Peters Catholic College, Northlakes High School, St Brigid's Catholic College, Central Coast Steiner School, Wadalba Community School, Narara Valley High School, Erina High School, St Joseph's Catholic College, Gosford High School, Brisbane Water Secondary College - Umina Campus, St Edwards College, Kincumber High School, Kariong Mountains High School and Brisbane Water Secondary College - Woy Woy Campus.Mayor Jane Smith will chair the session on Tuesday 27 August in Gosford with Deputy Mayor Chris Holstein chairing the session in Wyong on Thursday 29 August, with debates getting underway at 9.40am.ENDS

Contributions Plan to fund cycleways across the CoastContributions levied by Council on development applications will be used to fund future cycleway works across the Central Coast valued at over $32million.Cycleway projects to be funded from the Plan include Bungary Road, Norah Head;

SportsFest returns once again in September, providing Central Coast residents with an opportunity to find a new way to get active through a variety of sports and recreational opportunities.This family-friendly free event will be held over the weekend of 21-22 September, from 9am-5pm, at Bateau Bay’s EDSACC sporting precinct on the Central Coast Highway. Central Coast Council Director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox said the event was a great opportunity for people of all ages to find new ways to get active across the Coast.“SportsFest showcases the vast array of sport and recreational opportunities available across our community through come and try activities, professional demonstrations, live entertainment, market and food stalls and a dedicated Kidz Zone,” said Mr Cox.“Over 40 sporting codes and organisations have already secured their place as exhibitors with options catering for all abilities, ages and interests.”Mayor Jane Smith says Council is proud to be running SportsFest once again and providing a fun and free community event which promotes healthy and active lifestyles.“There are many ways to connect and be active in our sports community – whether it be through active participation, volunteering or spectator support and Sportsfest provides an opportunity for residents of all ages and abilities to see what we have on offer,” Mayor Smith said.“We are pleased to invest in an event that not only appeals to all ages, but also supports local businesses, groups and organisations that encourage active lifestyles.”SportsFest’s proud partnerships include NSW Office of Sport, Sport NSW, Central Coast Academy of Sport and official media sponsor, Star 104.5 FM.For more information on SportsFest 2019 go to Centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/SportsFestTo stay up to date with event news and updates, follow the SportsFest Facebook page

Tuggerawong, Rocky Point and Tacoma are set to benefit from a further extension of the shared pathway around Tuggerah Lake foreshore following the official opening of Stage 1 of the project.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the project is delivering a ‘missing link’ and had received overwhelmingly positive community feedback.“More than 60 community members came out on Saturday 3 August to celebrate the official opening of the first stage of the project in Tuggerawong that connects Friday Street through to Tuesday Street around the beautiful Tuggerah Lake foreshore,” Mr Bolgoff said.“We are now going back to the community to consult on plans for the remaining four stages of the project, which will extend the shared pathway for a further three kilometres to connect Tuesday Street, Tuggerawong through to Don Small Oval, Tacoma.“This project forms part of a missing link, it loops around a scenic waterway, it serves as an active transport route and improves access to transport links.“It also provides an additional connection to schools, parks and services, and is accessible for parents and carers with prams and community members using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.”Community members are being invited to provide feedback on Stages 2 to 5 of the project.Mayor Jane Smith said the new section of shared pathway at Tuggerawong was already being well used by locals and visitors and the remaining stages of the project would further enhance the amenity.“It was wonderful to see so many happy community members at the opening for the first stage of this important shared pathway project,” Mayor Smith said.“The three-metre wide design, which will continue with the remaining stages, means that all community members and visitors can use this great resource as a transport route, to get active or simply to take in the beauty of Tuggerah Lake.“Extending the ‘Tuggerah Lake loop’ enhances the liveability and sustainability of our region and will provide a boost to the local economy through attracting visitors.”This financial year Council will invest $705,000 to complete Stage 2 of the project, which will connect Tuesday Street to February Street in Tuggerawong.Construction of Stage 2 is planned to commence in March 2020 and will take approximately four months to complete, weather permitting.Future stages of the project are subject to adoption of yearly budgets and Council will also seek grant funding opportunities.

The Lost Bird Found project aims to start conversations and raise awareness around mental health.

Central Coast Council is calling for feedback on the draft Landcare Program strategy which is now on exhibition. Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith said the strategy aimed to bring together Council’s environmental volunteers under one program.“We are investing in the work of volunteers because they are on the front line in protecting the Coast’s environment,” Mayor Smith said. “From restoring their local patch and collecting and propagating seeds to park maintenance and rubbish removal, our volunteers are making a big difference at the grass roots level. “The natural environment is important to our community who want to see it protected and enhanced in the future.“This draft strategy proposes a new identity for the program and identifies ways to expand that enables greater participation in the future. “Our staff have worked with the volunteers to develop the Strategy, now it is time for the community, along with the existing volunteers to have their say.” The draft Landcare Program Strategy is on exhibition until 12 September 2019 and is available from Council’s engagement website.

To celebrate Community Garden Week, several Central Coast Community Gardens are opening their gates and inviting everyone to come along to the events running 7 to 15 September 2019.The open day events provide a great opportunity for the whole family to come along to see what’s over the back fence and explore their local Community Garden.  The program also includes workshops and demonstrations, plant sales, morning teas so you can ‘have-a-cuppa’ with your local Community Garden Group members and find out how to get involved.Mayor Jane Smith says Council proudly support community gardens and provide 14 parcels of land on the Coast to enable these valued spaces that promote active and connected lifestyles for our community.“Community gardens provide inclusive and welcoming places for residents of all ages and abilities – they are places to socialise and meet new people, be active in the fresh air whilst learning new skills and growing your own organic produce.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents who have lost their fathers, grandfathers and father figures, to a special memorial service on Father’s Day eve, at Noraville Cemetery and Memorial Gardens, to remember dads that have passed on.

Central Coast Council is offering community groups and not-for profit organisations up to $30,000 in funding for community projects in the suburbs of Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the funding is available through a joint initiative between Council and Delta Coal Pty Ltd.“Since 2013, the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program has provided funding to a range of local residents and organisations to improve and enhance the local community,” Mr Cannard said.  “Past projects to receive funding include Gwandalan Lions Carols by the Lake, a Boat Ramp Landing Deck at Chain Valley Bay, bench seats on pathways and foreshore at Chain Valley Bay, roof covers over picnic tables and seats at Chain Valley Bay, a box trailer for Manno Men’s Shed and community fire education.

Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the Central Coast Animal Care Facility at Erina has been nominated as an ‘outstanding animal shelter’ finalist in the Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards.The national award is a platform to showcase excellence and innovation in rescue and attracts more than 1,000 entries with winners to be announced at the Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards Ceremony on 12 September 2019 held on the Sunshine Coast.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the announcement demonstrates the quality of service provided by this facility. “The Central Coast Animal Care Facility at Erina is run by a group of dedicated animal lovers working to secure loving homes for rescue animals and advocate for responsible pet ownership,” Mr Cox said. “Council wishes the dedicated staff at the facility the best with this nomination.” The Central Coast has two Animal Care Facilities located Charmhaven and Erina.

Central Coast Council have commenced upgrade works to the public amenity buildings at Forresters Beach and Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club.

Large property landowners, within prescribed zones across the Central Coast are allowed to carry out open pile burning of dry and dead vegetation on their property subject to a number of conditions.This follows Council’s adoption of the Central Coast Open Pile Burning Policy on 27 May 2019 and Council’s recent notification to the NSW Environment Protection Authority that Council would allow residents to undertake open pile burning due to the possibility of an earlier bushfire season.  Central Coast Council is awaiting the formal amendment of the Protection of the Environment (Clean Air) Regulation 2010 in line with Council’s Open Pile Burning Policy.

Council to lead on key local government issuesCentral Coast Council will raise its concerns about a range of issues at the upcoming Local Government NSW Conference.Local government representatives from across NSW will meet at the conference in October.Last night, Councillors agreed to put forward seven motions about topics which impact not only the Coast but many council areas:The return of building certification to Council.Establishment of a list of appropriately qualified independent consultants who can be engaged to supply reports during the development process.The investigation of glyphosphate alternatives for effective weed management and the development of guidance and protocols for their use and impact on our environment.The approval and management of short-term rental accommodation.The importance of the State Government engaging with local councils to develop a 20-year Waste Strategy.Consultation about the placement of small cells for the rollout of 5G technology.Extension of the 30 June 2021 deadline for the development of Plans of Management for Crown Land due to the scale of work required to complete the 4,000 Plans of Management required on the Central Coast alone.Mayor Jane Smith said all these topics created challenges for Councils across the State.“Every Council wants to create a community which is both safe and attractive for residents and is also welcoming to visitors,” Mayor Smith said.“We want our development and building approval processes to continue to be robust, resulting in high-quality yet affordable housing.“While we encourage visitors to enjoy short-term stays in our beautiful region, we need to balance that with ensuring that short-term rental doesn’t disrupt potential long-term residents.“We also want to ensure that Councils have a seat at the table when the State Government is planning policies and strategies which have a long-term impact on local communities.” Tree management policy in place Council tonight adopted a single process for the management of trees and vegetation across the Central Coast after considering the feedback received during the public exhibition period.DCP Chapter ‘XX’ will now be inserted to the Wyong and Gosford Development Control Plans for implementation across the Central Coast.Council received more than 200 submissions during the exhibition period, covering a range of issues including environmental and amenity concerns, exemptions and arborists qualifications.To address concerns raised in the public exhibition, Council will provide further definitions and links to relevant legislation in the DCP Chapter and on our website, to ensure our community are fully aware of their obligations.In addition, Council has added further details on exemptions to make it clear for the community, strengthen the approval process and expand the significant tree registerDevelopment Control Plan Chapter “XX” - Tree and Vegetation Management will be inserted as Chapter 3.6 within the Wyong Development Control Plan 2013 and Chapter 6.6 within the Gosford Development Control Plan 2013. Council seeks to address concerns about the ends of the runway at Central Coast AirportCouncil will engage an external specialist to undertake an up-to-date survey and analysis of the height of trees at both ends of the runway at Central Coast Airport.The assessment will be completed in conjunction with environmental studies in order to guide council on options available to improve safety for runway users.Council also resolved to seek a meeting with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and representatives from Central Coast Aero Club, the Youth Air League and Emergency Services to work through key issues at hand.

Central Coast Council has prepared a draft Strategy to promote, maintain and enhance urban greening across the Central Coast by planting and maintaining trees in public areas called the Greener Places Strategy.Council Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the draft Central Coast wide strategy includes mechanisms to sustain and enhance the urban forest canopy across all land parcels in the urban suburbs of the Central Coast and is based on data derived from scientific investigations. “The Central Coast community has recognised the importance of urban vegetation and asked for more trees and vegetation in our suburbs as a key deliverable identified in the Community Strategic Plan,” Mr Cox said.“We have listened to the community and through the Greener Places Strategy, Council will increase the level of tree planting in 18 priority suburbs with the greatest level of ‘Urban Heat Island Effect’, that is urban areas that experience significantly warmer temperatures than neighbouring areas due to human activities.“Council will also commence successional planting in its passive open space reserves as surveys have found that many of the trees in these areas are over-mature and as such may require replacement in the medium-term,” Mr Cox said.The draft Strategy will also ensure that when public trees are removed, they are replaced by the planting of two new trees in the same suburb.But Council will not be leading this charge alone.

To help celebrate National History Month this August, Central Coast Council’s Library Service are inviting the community to become super sleuths of family history.Council Unit Manager Libraries, Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said there were events for all levels and interests to help uncover hidden family gems.“Family history is like detective work – it requires hard work, patience and often has surprising discoveries along the way,” Mrs Burgess said.“Our events will help you become a regular Sherlock Holmes when it comes to Family history research helping you navigate the many records and collections available.“These popular events book out so don’t delay – make sure you secure your seat online today.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents for all events and bookings.“Family history is one of the most popular hobbies around the world, with more than 250,000 Australians members of family history related organisations,” Mrs Burgess added.“To support this lifelong learning opportunity, we provide a wide variety of different resources at Gosford and Tuggerah Libraries, our local history hubs.“These include NSW State Archives Kits, index books, microfilms, electoral rolls, immigration documents, magazines and much more.“These locations also offer free online access to the family history database Ancestry.com and all our branches provide access to ‘Find My Past’ – these platforms are very popular I would encourage community members to book ahead.”Mayor Jane Smith said the strong interest in family history was also tied to the history of the Coast itself with Council’s libraries offering all the resources needed to understand more about how the region and community have developed over time. “Council’s online Library resources, Central Coast Memories and Gostalgia, contain an incredible array of photos, postcards, documents and memorabilia, showcasing our incredible region,” Mayor Smith said.“These fabulous resources help provide insight of how families helped develop this fantastic place we call home.“This is one of the ways our libraries are creating a stronger sense of community identity and what it means to live on the Coast.“If you haven’t already, I encourage you to rediscover your local library and the great range of services they have on offer.” Any history queries can be directed to Council’s passionate library staff via history@centralcoast.nsw.gov.auENDSThroughout August Council’s Library Service will be hosting the following events:Family History Online at Tuggerah Library, Tuesday 13 August, 10.30am-12pm or at Bateau Bay Library, Thursday 22 August, 1.30-3pmTrove for Family History at Toukley Library, Friday 16 August, 10.30am-12pm or Tuggerah Library, Tuesday 20 August, 10.30am-12pmLand Records in Family History Research at Tuggerah Library, Wednesday 21 August, 10.30am-12.30pmDiscover Rookwood Cemetery at Tuggerah Library, Friday 23 August, 10.30am-12pm or Umina Library, Friday 30 August, 2-3.30pmOrganising and Preserving your Family History at Tuggerah Library, Tuesday 27 August, 10.30am-12pmTrove for Family History Research at Gosford Library, Wednesday 28 August, 10.30am-12pmFinding your Military Ancestors at Bateau Bay Library, Thursday 29 August, 1.30-3pm

Central Coast Council is asking young people, youth services and the wider community to have their say on the Coast’s first-ever Youth Strategy, developed in response to what over 1,600 young people told Council was most important to them. The strategy, developed in partnership with Council’s Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Action Team, sets the direction for Council in the delivery of its services, programs, events, activities and infrastructure to meet needs and opportunities identified by young people and youth services on the Central Coast over the next five years.Mayor Jane Smith said this is a Strategy that has been developed by young people for young people to create a viable future on the Central Coast.

Professional artists and producers across all art forms and cultural practices are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Central Coast Council’s Creative Art Central annual program.

The Peninsula sporting community is seeing their vision of new sporting facilities come to life with the completion of a $1.9million redevelopment for the area, including a new sportsground amenities building at Woy Woy’s Austin Butler Oval, a refurbishment of the Woy Woy Tennis Clubhouse and an upgrade to the car park that services both facilities.

NSW Touch Football and Central Coast Council are pleased to announce a new venue for the 2019 Country Championships, with Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreational Complex awarded hosting rights for the annual event.Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith said the announcement was a great follow-up to the recent announcement of the venue’s hosting of the 2020 and 2022 NSW Junior Regional Championship.“Touch football is a growing sport in our region and to be able to showcase the best the sport has to offer in NSW is a real coup for the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“It is great to see the Sporting Complex is living up to the promise of delivering major sporting events to our region.“This event will deliver both a significant boost to our local economy along with an opportunity for our community to see some of the state’s best touch footballing talent in action.“We thank NSW Touch Football for their support of the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreational Complex and look forward to these events taking place.”NSWTA General Manager Dean Russell said it was a significant undertaking to bring the event to the region.“This particular area, and indeed those surrounding, have always been big supporters of the NSW Touch Association Country Championships,” said Russell.“For many years now, local participants have travelled across the state to participate in this competition and now they have an opportunity to compete in their own back yard.“To be able to bring a prestigious and important event like the Country Championships to the Central Coast is rewarding for those participants who have long supported this event”The 2019 Country Championships will be held on October 19-20 and sees the best regional touch footballing talent competing to be crowned NSW Country’s best and serves as an important pathway for athletes looking to secure positions in the 2020 NSW Touch Football State of Origin team or attain higher representative honours.The Central Coast Region has a fantastic touch football participation rate and it is hoped that many will try their hand at this event in preparation the 2019 State Cup, with the venue being both easily accessible for participants across the state and being perfectly set up to host the Country Championships.Russell estimates that with 1300 participants and officials, joined by significant family and friends travelling in support to the destination, the event will deliver an expected economic impact of $1.3 million into the local community.“The ability for the event itself to deliver an economic impact into communities is really pleasing and is one of the attractions to why Council’s such as Central Coast Council are interested in securing our events.” Russell said.A media opportunity will be held closer to the event where NSWTA General Manager Dean Russell and Central Coast Council leadership will formally launch the 2019 Country Championships.

Central Coast Council is celebrating Local Government Week with a special look at how it is part of the everyday lives of Coasties.This week, Council has been highlighting key community programs including responsible pet ownership and its new, first coast-wide Youth Strategy, as well as its water and childcare services, arts and cultural programs and some of the many open space and recreational activities available in the region.Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy said Council is very much a part of people’s everyday life and more than what people may think.“Central Coast Council delivers on services and programs that expand beyond roads, rates and rubbish, the breadth and diversity of what we do is surprising to many,” Mr Murphy said.“A lot of people don’t know that Council is a leader in ‘green’ policy change, with our innovative ‘Greener Places’ and ‘Climate Change’ policies, and our ‘Reconophalt’ road construction product made from recycled soft plastic, glass and toner cartridges, which will save thousands of tonnes of waste from ending up in landfill.“A lot of people also don’t know that Council offers child immunisations, study support programs like ‘Studiosity’, has a mobile library service that goes out into the community and that we nurture local talent through events, competitions and performing arts.“Council is staffed and run by local people, for local people and it is because of this that the services and projects we deliver, the sustainability of our environment and the growth of our region are just as important to us as they are to our community.”Mayor Jane Smith said local government and its many functions are a big part of people’s lives and Council is creating a smart, green and liveable region with a shared sense of belonging and responsibility.“Council is part of the everyday lives of our community, from our events, childcare centres, libraries, sports fields, beaches, environment, parks and cemeteries, to our galleries, building and development assessment and pet registrations,” Mayor Smith said.“We promote a healthy local economy and create local jobs, we work to make our community accessible for everyone to enjoy and we strive to make the Central Coast a great place to live and visit.“We will continue to look for opportunities to enhance the day-to-day lives of the Central Coast community through effective decision-making, planning and service delivery across all aspects of what we do.”“We hold Councillor Listening Posts throughout the year where you can come along and talk directly to Councillors about issues that affect you.