With summer now behind us and as winter draws nearer, Central Coast beaches will cease lifeguard patrol operational hours for the 2018-19 season.The last day of patrol for Central Coast Council’s lifeguards at 15 beach locations will be Monday 29 April 2019.Mayor Jane Smith said Council lifeguards have had another busy yet successful patrol season.“Since October 2018, more than 2.4 million people have visited our beaches, with Council lifeguards performing 1,122 rescues, attending to 5,496 first aid incidents and responding to 34,775 preventative actions across the Central Coast,"  Mayor Smith said.“Our lifeguards have certainly worked hard and done an amazing job during another busy season.“I thank them for the work they do in keeping our beaches safe for our community and visitors to our region.”Lifeguards will remain on patrol at The Grant McBride Baths, The Entrance, throughout the winter season with reduced hours from 8am until 1pm, Monday to Sunday.Beach patrol services for the 2019-20 season will commence on Saturday 28 September 2019 at all Central Coast beaches and The Grant McBride Baths from 9am until 5pm.

Central Coast Council can confirm that a proposal has been submitted to host the NSW Waratahs Rugby at Central Coast Stadium in 2020.If the bid is successful, the Stadium will see elite level rugby return to the Coast.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was excited at the opportunity and is open to hosting more sporting events at Central Coast Stadium.“Council is committed to bring high level sporting events to the Coast and is always interested in talking to any teams and promoters seeking a venue,” Mayor Smith said.“The Stadium has recently undergone a range of upgrades, including new change rooms, corporate facilities, accessible amenities, big screens and sound systems, which has further strengthened the reputation and longevity of this great venue.“If the Waratahs bid is successful, the high calibre games will be delivered on the back of a range of successful world-wide events held at the Stadium including the Lionel Richie concert in 2018, Nitro Circus in 2011 and 2017, international Rugby World Cup in 2003, Asian Champions League and National Rugby League games.”

Central Coast Council will be hosting a Mother’s Day memorial service to remember mum’s who are no longer with us.The special service and morning tea will be held at Noraville Cemetery on Saturday 11 May 2019 at 11am.Mayor Jane Smith said the event is an opportunity for people to connect and share their stories.“Mother’s Day can be a day of mixed emotions for many people, so this service provides a supportive environment for the community to come together, to remember and share stories about their dearly departed,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is pleased to be once again putting on this special service in partnership with White Lady Funerals.”Attendees are encouraged to bring a framed photo of their mother or loved one to display during the service.Please RSVP for catering purposes by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events and searching ‘Mother’s Day’.

Central Coast Council has closed a section of the informal track along the Winney Bay clifftop due to community safety concerns.Council undertook geotechnical surveys as part of the design phase of Stage 2 of the walk.

The Central Coast Series Champions for 2019 have been named at Bato Yard during National Youth Week, claiming a total prize pool of $10,000.Three heats were held at Wadalba Skate Park, Umina Skate Park and Bato Yard where more than 140 young riders of all ages and abilities showed off their skills on BMX, skate, scooter or WCMX (wheelchair) for their chance to claim the Central Coast Series Champion title.As well as competing young people were also involved in judging and MCing throughout the seriesFor the first time, rather than competing in a final, the winners were determined by an accumulative tally across all three heats.Congratulations to this year’s Champions:SkateSponsored – Callan DixonRunner-up - Joel WhittonOpens – Cody ReidRunner-up - Ocean TurnerWomen’s – Lexi RussellRunner-up - Ashlee ValleUnder 16s – Duke CooperRunner-up - Ky O’ReillyUnder 12s – Harvey CampbellRunner-up - Kohen ScottScooterOpens – Jayden WrayRunner-up - Cooper RobertsWomen’s – Faith FinlayRunner-up - Deanna VulcaniUnder 16s – Brock MooreRunner-up - Maximus LeaitnaUnder 12s – Regan LakeRunner-up - Caleb Di FrancoBMXSponsored – Christian PowellRunner-up - Josh EvansOpens – John SimpsonRunner-up - Rhyan LeeUnder 16s – Jonny ValentaRunner-up - Lucas BowersCouncil would also like to thank their sponsors who helped make the event a success – 360 Pro Scooters, Bateau Bay Square, Active Outthere and Central Coast Credit Union.National Youth Week celebrations will continue across the Central Coast this week.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan now on public exhibition.Council Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the draft Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan was developed through significant analysis and stakeholder engagement, and once finalised will deliver the first cohesive long term vision for land use in this important growth area of the Coast.“This draft Plan sets out a long-term vision for the Greater Lake Munmorah study area, ensuring the area is designed for sustainable growth, liveability and employment opportunities whilst protecting the area’s unique character and sensitive natural settings,” Mr Cox said.“With a coherent framework for the development, facilitation of future growth and prosperity of the area, the plan identifies appropriate development footprints for new residential and employment land, relevant staging requirements, plus appropriate transport, environmental and open space networks.”The study area is a collection of ten precincts connected by the Central Coast Highway – a biodiversity corridor;

Central Coast Council offices and a number of services will be closed over the Easter Long Weekend and ANZAC Day from Friday 19 to Monday 22 April and Thursday 25 April, respectively, including Gosford and Wyong Offices, libraries, works depots, Niagara Park Stadium, Laycock Street Community Theatre and childcare centres.Residential waste collection and water treatment are considered to be essential services, and will continue to be delivered over the public holidays.Surf Life Saving volunteers will provide service at all 15 patrolled beaches across the Coast with Council lifeguards providing patrols at The Grant McBride Baths and extra patrols at Budgewoi Beach for the Easter long weekend only.

Central Coast Youth Week activities are continuing through the school holidays, so why not head to the annual GOATS Family Festival this Sunday, 14 April proudly presented by the Epicentre San RemoCelebrating its 21st year, San Remo’s Koala Park will come alive with free live entertainment, market stalls, bands and performers, an animal farm, family rides, pony rides, show bags and much more from 9am-5pm.Central Coast Council is a proud supporter of the annual festival that attracts thousands of young people from across the Coast who are either showcasing their talents or enjoying the festivities.Check out what else is on during National Youth Week at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events or the school holidays at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays

Central Coast Council will start the second stage of the $2.8million coastal foreshore and rehabilitation works at the southern end of Avoca Beach next month.The second stage, which will be carried out from May-October 2019 (weather permitting), will involve redeveloping the seawall to include stairs, two concrete ramps and a disability access ramp, as well as upgrading the beachfront walkway and general landscaping.This $2,807,000 foreshore redevelopment has been enabled through funding from the NSW State Government under Stronger Communities Funding made available to all newly merged Councils.Mayor Jane Smith said Council had listened to the community and has made changes to the design of the second stage of this priority project for the area.“This upgrade will continue the improvement to the infrastructure and amenity of the area, as well as deliver vital coastal protection and rehabilitation works to stabilise the foreshore,” Mayor Smith said.“As a result of community feedback, the two small beach access ramps will now remain in place and be upgraded with new materials for increased accessibility.“Overall, this upgrade will provide both the Coast community and visitors with a safer and more accessible foreshore area, activating the area for all to enjoy.

A pocket of the Gosford Foreshore is now revitalised due to the completion of recent redevelopment works at Gosford Lions Park and is already becoming a popular place for our community and visitors to walk, ride, picnic, connect and play.The improvement works at the Masons Parade site are now complete and include the re-establishment of the Lions Club monument to commemorate the centenary of Lions Clubs International, replacement of the existing play space resulting in an enhanced, inclusive play experience for a variety of ages and abilities, provision of a new path way creating a formalised link to the park furniture and BBQ area, upgrades to park furniture including shelter shed and inclusion of an accessible picnic table, along with landscaping works across the site.The $196,000 upgrade project was jointly funded by Central Coast Council, the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program, and Gosford City-East Gosford Lions Club who secured the State Government grant of $45,000.Council Mayor Jane Smith said that open space recreational areas are highly valued by our community and the revitalisation of Gosford Lions Park has provided an attractive recreational space that brings the community together and promotes healthy lifestyles.“The project has truly been a collaborative effort that demonstrates how great things can be achieved when Council work with other levels of government and community groups that actively dedicate themselves to serving their local community,” Mayor Smith said.“Council thanks Gosford City-East Gosford Lions Club for securing funding from the State Government for this project and is appreciative of this group’s passion and commitment to seeing it delivered for our community”.Gosford City-East Gosford Lions Club President Mr Tony Seitam said that Gosford Lions Park was first established in the late 1960s with the last major renovations occurring in the mid 70’s, so the recent refurbishment was long overdue.“We thank the NSW Government for allocating grant funding under the Community Building Partnership Program and the support of Local Member of Parliament Liesl Tesch, which has allowed our vision for Gosford Lions Park to become a reality,” Mr Seitam said.This project demonstrates how Council is delivering on our Community’s vision for well maintained and activated open space areas and facilities that bring the community together and promote healthy living and activity in natural settings.

A bold new approach taken by Central Coast Council to help tackle roadside litter has seen a 97 per cent reduction in total litter volume across three litter hotspots at Blue Haven Link Road, Somersby Industrial Park and Kariong M1 on ramp.The Central Coast Roadside Litter Project was effectively delivered after securing $36,000 in round four of NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Litter Grants last year.Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said the success of the project was a result of a multi-pronged approach to litter prevention including education, enforcement and infrastructure at each target site.“This project has focused on encouraging behaviour change and educating the community on how to report littering from vehicles,” Mrs Burgess added.“With the main source of litter identified being single use takeaway and drink containers, we provided 4000 reusable tidy bags for motorists and passengers to keep their rubbish with them until they were able to dispose of it responsibly without worry of spills.“Of the participants in the initiative surveyed, 72% made changes to the way they disposed of their litter, with 68% advising they had learned about the reporting process.“In direct correlation to this we saw the number of registered reporters increase by 37% between July and December 2018 when compared to the same time the previous year.”Grant funding also went towards clean-ups of target areas, roadside signs at each site reminding motorists how to report littering from vehicles to the EPA as well as installation of 20 dash cams in Rangers vehicles increasing the chances of being caught littering.Council Mayor Jane Smith said it was fantastic to see the community taking pride in the region and coming on board to help ‘Keep the Coast Clean’.“The results demonstrate our community really want to do the right thing and can when given practical solutions to dispose of rubbish,” Mayor Smith said.“By working together with our community we can continue to ensure the natural environment of the Coast is preserved and protected for the future.”Littering from vehicles can be reported to the EPA online at epa.nsw.gov.au/reporttoepa or via the Report to EPA mobile App - it is unlawful for drivers to use a mobile phone to record this information unless the car is parked ignition turned off.This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.

Central Coast Council has recently completed the second stage of a major project to upgrade Everglades Catchment Drainage in Umina Beach.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the project is significantly reducing the risk of nuisance flooding in the area.“The topography of this part of Umina Beach is very flat and has been prone to flooding which can limit access to properties,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Flooding is often caused by a build-up of sediment in the drainage system that causes blockages.“Our solution to resolve this problem is to install specially designed sediment pits to contain the sediment and stop blockages from building up.“We monitor the pits regularly but we encourage residents in the area to notify Council if they see sediment levels getting higher.Mr Bolgoff said Stage 2 works have focussed on the section of the Everglades Catchment Drainage that stretches from Carpenter Street to Glenn Street.“The current stage of works represents a $490,000 investment by Council and has focussed on the installation of the sediment pits.“Stage one of the project represented a $500,000 investment and involved blockage removal from the open channel along Carpenter Street and an upgrade of the drainage pipeline between the open channels to Carpenter Street.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Everglades Catchment Drainage project is delivering significant benefits for Umina Beach residents.“This project is a great example of Council delivering an innovative solution that makes a real difference to the lives of our community,” Mayor Smith said.“Roads, drainage and transport projects make up the largest component of our capital works program and we are committed to making every effort to secure more funding to deliver for our region.”Council determines areas that require major drainage through a multi-criteria system that assesses frequency, extent and potential damage of flooding.Futures stages of the Everglades Catchment Drainage project are currently in the design phase.

Council takes extra time to finalise housing affordability optionsCentral Coast Council last night deferred consideration of the draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy to allow more time for councillors to further discuss the strategy prior to finalising an approach to affordable housing on the Coast.Mayor Jane Smith said this was an important strategy to address more housing choice for households earning less than $100,000 per year.The draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy will return for consideration to the 29 April Council meeting. Council leading the way on reduction of single use plastic wasteCouncil has further strengthened its leadership position in the elimination of waste following the endorsement of the draft Single Use Plastic Policy which will be placed on public exhibition.Council Mayor Jane Smith said this was a positive step forward to help minimise waste and strengthen education opportunities for the community, key objectives of the Community Strategic Plan.“This policy complements our interim Sustainable Event Management Policy and reinforces the importance of the education programs on offer to involve the community on ways forward to seek alternatives of single use plastics,” Mayor Smith said.“It also further strengthens Council’s commitment to lead by example through purchasing practices and identifying opportunities to incorporate reusable products made of recycled materials.“On behalf of our community we will continue to lobby all levels of government to drive policy change that look to help reduce production and use of single use plastics.” Majority of Council’s projects on trackA 2018-19 Capital Works Project Status report has identified that 85 percent of Council’s projects are on track and the majority are on schedule for completion as forecast before the end of the financial year.As at 28 February 2019 Council had delivered over 330 projects and commenced over 270 projects.Mayor Jane Smith said it was pleasing to see Council’s capital works program tracking well.“Our capital works program together with all the services are at the heart of what we deliver for our community,” Mayor Smith said. Nine community projects to receive almost $30,000 in grant fundingCouncil last night granted nine projects almost $30,000 in funding through its Community Support Grant Program.The Community Support Grant provides support for community groups to deliver activities which require less than $5,000 of funding and/or in-kind support.Mayor Jane Smith said the funding can go a long way for a wide range of services that benefit the community.“Our Community Support Grants program recognises that community organisations often need only a small injection of funds to produce events and activities that have a big impact on local communities,” Mayor Smith said.Council will allocate $29,433.50 to the following successful recipients for February:Central Coast Cycling Club – Cyclocross NSW State Series Round 5 - $4,717Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club – auditorium upgrade - $4,997Lions Club of Green Point Avoca– awning over BBQ at Lions Park Avoca Beach - $3,407Rotary Club of Gosford City – 2019 Central Coast MUNA event - $800Summerland Point Progress Association – purchase of tools - $2,924.50Alison Homestead – community support and education in conjunction with Alison Homestead, Wyong and Central Coast Harvest Festival - $3,770Toukley and Districts Art Society– Toukley Arts and Craft Fair by the Lake - $1,980Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW – Digital Projector System - $2,018We Care Connect Limited – Charity Promotion Change Strategy - $4,820Council’s Community Support Grant Program is open throughout the year.For information, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/funding. Council approves modifications to Avoca Beach Theatre for mixed use developmentCouncil has granted approval for modifications to the mixed use development at 69-71 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach.The modification application comprises both internal and external changes to Avoca Beach Theatre.

Central Coast Council is nearing completion of a 2.5 metre wide shared pathway on Pacific Highway, Lake Munmorah that will stretch for two kilometres from Tall Timbers Road to Carters Road.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the pathway would improve safety and access along this busy stretch of road.“We are constructing this new shared pathway in Lake Munmorah to provide a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists to access the local schools and shopping centre,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The pathway will provide a dedicated route for walkers, runners, cyclists, parents with prams and community members who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids.“This project will also see a pedestrian refuge, new road pavement and kerb and gutter installed at the intersection of Pacific Highway and Kangaroo Avenue.“We are rolling out and planning a range of pathway projects so that people of all ages and abilities can walk and cycle throughout the Central Coast using safe, inclusive and connected facilities.“Our focus is on projects that complete missing links, create routes that loop and connect the region’s scenic waterways, and provide increased connection between centres, recreation spaces and public transport.”Mayor Jane Smith said the liveability and sustainability of the Central Coast would continue to improve with further development and expansion of the region’s network of footpaths, bike paths and shared paths.“Our network of pathways not only provide a means to get active and experience our beautiful environment but also offer a legitimate alternative transport mode,” Mayor Smith said.“Creating the right mix of footpaths, bike paths and shared paths will also boost regional and economic development by encouraging tourism.”The new shared pathway on Pacific Highway, Lake Munmorah is scheduled for completion in May 2019, weather permitting.All of Council’s major pathway, road and drainage projects for 2018-19 can be viewed on an interactive map by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/roadanddrainageprojects.

Central Coast Council is celebrating National Youth Week 2019, hosting a wide range of events where the next generation of leaders are being inspired to get involved and be heard.With a theme of ‘Connect, share, speak out and celebrate’, Youth Week is organised by young people, for young people aged 12-24 years in a number of communities across the state and country from 10-18 April.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan is urging young people across the Central Coast to connect with each other by sharing their ideas, talents and getting involved in local events.“Youth Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the contribution young people make to our community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This year’s Youth Week is perfectly timed with the school holidays to keep everyone entertained during the break.”Even before the official Youth Week, local celebrations will kick off with a free family celebration at Canton Beach Foreshore on Sunday 7 April.Throughout the Week itself, there is something for everyone - with skate skills workshops and competitions, festivals and carnivals, art talks and exhibitions, a gaming tournament and film screenings, along with workshops about everything from animating and playwriting to DJing.Young people can also prepare for the future by attending information sessions about joining the workforce, accessing study allowances and finding secure housing.Mayor Jane Smith said young people aged between 12 and 24 represent 15.3 per cent of the Coast population or more than 50,000 people.“Youth Week is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the many and varied contributions of young people to our society – culturally, socially and economically,” Mayor Smith said.“Young people are our future and we are committed to supporting them to not only access activities that are fun but also help build skills they can use in the future.“Right acros the Coast there will be a range of activities and celebrations taking place and I would strongly encourage everyone to find out what’s happening and get involved.For a full copy of the Youth Week calendar, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/news.

Central Coast Council has recently installed an additional 21 CCTV cameras at community facilities in Umina, Woy Woy, San Remo and Terrigal to enhance community safety within neighbourhoods, public spaces and places.This project has seen 11 CCTV cameras installed at various sites within the Peninsula Recreation Precinct in Umina, including the amenities building (consisting of public toilets and a commercial space that accommodates Jasmine Green’s Park Kiosk), BBQ area, skate park, BMX track, Col Gooley Field sports field and Umina Rugby League sports amenities building.An additional four cameras have been installed at McEvoy Oval in Umina, two cameras at Banjo’s Skate Park in Terrigal and four cameras at San Remo BMX Facility.Council received $47,000 from the Federal Government under the Safer Communities Fund towards this project.Mayor Jane Smith said the project was part of an overall strategy to improve the amenity of public spaces.

Draft concept design plans for the redevelopment of Umina Skate Park and adjoining recreational zones are now on display online at yourvoiceourcoast.com and ready for further community feedback until 21 April.The community have strongly supported plans for Central Coast Council to further enhance the Peninsula Recreation Precinct and now that funding has been secured from the Australian Government, our community’s goal will become a reality.On Saturday 30 March, Member for Robinson, Lucy Wicks announced an $8.25million grant from the Federal Government for a number of upgrades to the Peninsula Recreation Precinct and adjacent facilities at Umina Oval.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to provide feedback on the draft determination for water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices for the Central Coast from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).Council Director Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said Council and community members can provide feedback directly to IPART from 2 April to 24 April 2019. “We are entering the next important phase of IPART’s process for the Central Coast – a review of the draft determination,” Ms Nel said.“Council will provide IPART with detailed feedback on the draft determination for our region and we encourage community members to do the same.“IPART will deliver its final determination for the Central Coast in May, so this is the last opportunity for Council and the community to have a say.”Ms Nel said Council would use the next three weeks to review IPART’s draft determination and to prepare a detailed response. “We will look carefully at all elements of the draft determination to assess any implications for Council and our region.“The Central Coast community continues to have an important role in this process and now have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft determination directly to IPART.”Council engaged in a community consultation process from April to September 2018 to develop a detailed submission to IPART outlining its recommendation for the Central Coast’s water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices. Community members were given an opportunity to provide feedback to IPART on Council’s submission in writing and by attending a Public Hearing held on 27 November 2018. IPART reviews and determines the maximum water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices for major water utilities across NSW.

Central Coast residents have done it again, with the most recent Household Chemical CleanOut events for the region boasting a record-breaking 131,674 kilograms of items collected.In total 3210 vehicles, the second highest recorded, passed through the gates over the four days of the bi-annual event hosted by Central Coast Council in conjunction with NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).Council Waste Services and Business Development Unit Manager, Andrew Peace thanked the community for their commitment to responsibly disposing of these volatile chemicals.“Materials collected will now be safely disposed of by the EPA contractor, with items such as paint tins, lead acid batteries and motor oils being recycled or reused,” Mr Pearce said.“Paints were once again the most common item accounting for around 60 percent of materials with more than 81 tonnes dropped off.”“We do accept a large number of items for free at Council’s Facilities that cannot be placed in household bins, including car, marine and household batteries, fluorescent lights, electronic waste and up to 20litres of motor oil.“If you are unsure of whether something can be placed in your household bins or taken to our Facilities, please contact Council’s or the 1Coast Customer Service Teams.”Mayor Jane Smith said the results clearly showed residents’ commitment to protecting the natural environment on the Coast.“Disposing of household chemicals safely greatly reduces the risk of hazardous chemicals contaminating our waterway and soils, while keeping our local environment pristine for years to come,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is committed to helping reduce the amount of waste we create, minimising the impact of waste on the environment, cut greenhouse gas emissions and leave our environment in a better condition for future generations.“To achieve that we are developing the first ever comprehensive Waste Strategy for the Coast – in consultation with our community, which will seek to inspire change and shape the way waste and resource recovery is delivered and managed across the Central Coast.”Chemical CleanOut events are part of the NSW Environment Protection Authority ‘Waste Less, Recycle More’ initiative funded from the waste levy.ENDS

Central Coast Council is looking to replicate the success of last year’s reusable produce bag initiative and is once again looking to partner with local fruit and vegetable suppliers to help ‘Keep the Coast Clean’.Council Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said the initiative received an incredibly positive response from suppliers and customers alike.“In Australia, 150 million plastic bags end up as litter each year, half of which were used just once,” Mrs Burgess said.“This campaign highlights our commitment to help reduce single use litter by providing an item of value that can be reused over and over again, rather than something that is disposable.“Many suppliers provided incredible feedback that the bags were all distributed within 48 hours and have since had customers use them time and time again, which is fantastic!”“Each time you remember your reusable produce bags when shopping you are becoming part of the solution to protect our environment from litter and plastic pollution and keep the coast clean.“I would strongly encourage any local fruit and vegetable businesses that want to become part of the solution to prevent plastic pollution to get on board.”Council Mayor Jane Smith said the popularity of the produce bags showed the community is keen to embrace sustainable initiatives.“Choosing reusable produce bags, being careful with our recycling, selecting sustainable products – these are all actions we can take to keep the Coast beautiful and clean,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is right behind our community’s efforts to reduce waste going to landfill and plastics into our oceans and will do everything we can to support it.”The initiative forms part of Council’s commitment to the Don’t be a Tosser!