Central Coast Council has welcomed today’s announcement by Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks for $35million for commuter car parking at Gosford and Woy Woy Stations.

Council’s Draft Operational Plan 2019-20 to deliver $791M for the Central Coast communityCentral Coast Council’s Draft Operational Plan 2019-20 which will deliver $791 million worth of investment in essential services and capital works will be placed on exhibition for public comment from 1 April, 2019.The Draft Plan, which forms the second year of Council's Delivery Program 2018-21, will deliver $567.8million in essential services and $223.2million in capital works in the priority areas of roads;

Central Coast Council’s Draft Operational Plan 2019-20 which will deliver $791 million worth of investment in essential services and capital works will be placed on exhibition for public comment from 1 April, 2019.The Draft Plan, which forms the second year of Council's Delivery Program 2018-21, will deliver $567.8million in essential services and $223.2million in capital works in the priority areas of roads;

Business leaders and community members have the opportunity to see the future next week when a group of Central Coast students go head-to-head in a “Shark Tank” style event to win support for their ground-breaking business ideas.Digital apps, mental health support, modest exercise outfits and a physical gaming space are just a few of the concepts that will battle it out at a pitch night styled on the popular entrepreneurial television program.

Community members can now provide feedback on two separate draft studies and plans on floodplain risk management – one for Wyong River catchment and the other for Ourimbah Creek catchment.Now on public exhibition, these draft studies and plans have been prepared by Central Coast Council with the assistance of funding from the NSW Government (though the NSW Floodplain Management Program) to evaluate the management options available to reduce the impacts of flooding in these catchment areas.Both studies and plans aim to build community resilience to flooding and include flood mitigation works, emergency management plans, flood warning processes, land use planning, and suitable design of infrastructure and buildings.Drop-in information sessions for the community to discuss the studies and plans with staff will be held on 27 March, 5.30 – 8.30pm and 2 April, 5.30 – 8.30pm at Council’s Wyong office, 2 Hely Street, Wyong.The draft studies and plans will remain on exhibition until 26 April, and can be viewed either in person at Council’s Wyong or Gosford officers or online at yourvoiceourcoast.com/Currently-on-Exhibition.Submissions close at 5pm on 26 April 2019.

Central Coast Council are hosting a weekend of celebratory sporting events 29 to 31 March to test out the sportsgrounds of the new Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex and provide some great sports entertainment!A number of local and NSW sporting organisations will be holding matches, gala days and showcases throughout the free-to-watch opening weekend, with the diverse and exciting line-up providing something for everyone!The program includes a display of football, AFL, rugby league, rugby union, t-ball, and Oztag for spectators but it’s not only ball sports on offer.

Central Coast Council has released its April School Holiday Program with over 100 free and ticketed events, live entertainment, art and sporting activities.The program features events across the Coast including Niagara Park, Jilliby, Lake Haven, Toukley, The Entrance, Terrigal, Erina, Kincumber and Gosford plus activities on the Peninsula including Umina Beach and Woy Woy.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council’s School Holiday Program is fast becoming a popular go-to resource for locals and visitors on the Central Coast looking for activities to get involved in during the holidays.“Council runs and supports many quality events and activities right across the Coast for our community and our school holiday program delivers one of the largest and most diverse programs available this April,” Ms Vaughan said.“The program, available on line, is designed so you can easily identify activities suitable for your children, and register for them.

Wet weather has affected safety on the site and unfortunately Flavours by the Sea 2019, due to be held at The Entrance tomorrow 16 March, has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled for 2019.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov/events or the Flavours by the Sea Facebook event page.

Local skateboard, scooter and BMX enthusiasts need to get down to BATO Yard Skate Park on Saturday 23 March, as Central Coast Council has proudly partnered with YMCA NSW and Skate Australia to bring the 2019 Skate Park League BATO Yard Competition to the region.This community-based, grass-root event provides the perfect opportunity for all Coastie skate, scoot and BMX enthusiasts – of all ages and abilities – to compete and be part of Australia’s biggest and most established series of its kind.Action sports such as skateboarding, scooting and BMX have rapidly risen in popularity in the last few years with the typical age group widening as new generations have more opportunities to ride in safe facilities, and older generations returning to the sport.

Drivers’ licences, health and ageing will be the focus of an upcoming road safety workshop for Central Coast seniors.Central Coast Council is hosting the free workshop for older drivers and pedestrians at Toukley on Tuesday 2 April.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the ageing process and changes in health, eyesight, hearing, movement and reaction times means older people are more vulnerable as road users.“We know people aged 75 or over are three times more likely to be killed if they are in a crash than people in their 20s,” Ms Vaughan said.“However, growing older does not necessarily make you a poor driver.

Central Coast Council has installed four Vehicle Activated Speed Signs on three roads in Woongarrah as part of its strategy to reduce speeding across the region.The solar powered digital signs are designed to calm traffic by alerting approaching motorists to their current speed in real time.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said Council was trialling the technology at Hiawatha Road, Hakone Road and Mataram Road with a view to increased use across the Central Coast.“We are using Vehicle Activated Speed Signs on roads in Woongarrah with a history of speeding,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Early analysis of speed data captured by this technology shows the signs are reducing speeding in the higher brackets, which is exactly the impact we wanted.“We use a range of measures to calm traffic across the Central Coast and Vehicle Activated Signs could become an important part of the mix.“The signs will alert passing motorists to their speed through a flashing red light if they are exceeding the speed limit.”The signs have the 50 kilometre per hour speed limit permanently displayed above the LED display and have been placed on roads that are predominately straight and situated in a semi-rural location.Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to using innovative solutions to reduce speeding.“We are using a mix of strategies, including the use of new technology, to curb speeding and save lives on roads across the Central Coast,” Mayor Smith said.Council can transport the signs for use at other locations and will trial their use at Hillview Street and Dunban Road in Woy Woy. 

With the new school year in full swing, Central Coast Council is encouraging all students to stay on top of their studies by accessing their Library Service’s free, online study support system, Studiosity.Students are able to ask an expert tutor questions about their homework or study and they will be provided with constructive, real time advice – through chat, collaborative whiteboards and file sharing.There is also a writing feedback service where students can upload draft essays and written assignments to receive professional feedback within 24 hours, perfect for improving English papers and exam practice.Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess said a national study found more than half of all students think about giving up on their study while struggling alone at night, which is why free access to services like Studiosity are incredibly important for the well-being of local young people.“We understand that some families have barriers to tutoring services, be it time constraints, or financial difficulties, so we are encouraging all parents and students on the Coast to look into this free service as an alternative,” Mrs Burgess said.“With Studiosity, it is simple:

Central Coast Council is celebrating World Health Day with a brand new event showcasing the healthy living, nutrition, food, wellness and happiness made possible by the amazing lifestyle on offer to us here on the Central Coast.Industry expert, personal trainer and well-known women’s fitness influencer, Sally Matterson is the official ambassador for the inaugural ‘Live Well Central Coast’ and will share her knowledge on modern exercise methods and nutritional secrets for a healthy living.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the new event will give the community access to a number of different health, fitness and nutritional experts that will inspire them to look after their minds and bodies.“We are truly lucky to live in such a beautiful place with many different opportunities to get outside, get active and look after yourself,” Mr Cannard said.“Like many people in our community, I think health and nutrition is very important so bringing a new event like this – with guest speakers, fitness demonstrations, workshops, activities, information stalls and more – to our region is quite exciting.“There will be five event zones with five different stages that focus on the various components of healthy living and we invite the community to head down to the Gosford Waterfront, join a workshop or class, meditate, eat at many of the healthy food stalls, connect with local businesses and experts, and just take some time to look after YOU!”Council Mayor Jane Smith said this year’s World Health Day theme celebrates universal health coverage for everyone, everywhere.“World Health Day occurs on 7 April each year and is aimed at focusing worldwide attention on important aspects of global health,” Mayor Smith said.“It is important to think global and act local and we are certainly doing that with this new event for the Coast focussed on community health and wellbeing.

Central Coast Council has launched a new multi-touch book which delves deep into the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.Tuggerah Lakes:

Report shows Council has been awarded more than $72million in fundingAs of February 2019, Council has submitted 101 grant funding applications and been awarded more than $72million in funding across 60 projects – according to a Council report detailing all current and future grant submissions.Mayor Jane Smith said that Council has proactively been applying for grant funding since the two councils merged, and will continue to do so.

The Coast community won’t have to travel far to get a glimpse of the rarely seen, behind-the-scenes process that has gone into making some of Japan’s most influential animated science fiction films, with a unique exhibition soon to be held right here on our doorstep.‘Anime Architecture’ impressed audiences in London and Berlin, with Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery and The Japan Foundation Sydney being the only two venues in Australia to showcase the exhibition.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture Tim Braham said because studios only look at the final product as the crucial work, the creative process that goes on behind-the-scenes is something rarely seen to audiences outside the studio.“Anime Architecture is an amazing exhibition that reveals some of the intricate creative processes behind Japan’s most influential animated science fiction films,” Mr Braham said.“The exhibition features intricately drawn cityscapes, hand-drawn backdrops and showcases a rarely seen selection of location photographs, concept sketches and full colour background illustrations.“The works of well-known Japanese animators Hiromasa Ogura, Takashi Watabe, Haruhiko Higami, Mamoru Oshii and Atsushi Takeuchi, who worked during the peak of hand-drawn animation, also feature in the exhibition.“It is truly exciting that we have been able to secure this very different exhibition for the community which offers an insight into the fascinating process before digital animation became mainstream.”Anime Architecture will run at Gosford Regional Gallery from 30 March until 19 May.Anime Architecture is presented in association with Les Jardins des Pilotes.

Gosford Regional Gallery has made it even easier for school-aged kids on the Central Coast to engage their imagination, learn and get creative.Run by Central Coast Council, the Gallery has joined the Creative Kids Program, which entitles a free $100 voucher to spend on creative activities.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture Tim Braham said it is important to continue creating opportunities for the Central Coast community to engage in art history, learning and education.“The Creative Kids Program is an initiative of the NSW Government and Gosford Regional Gallery has registered to be part of it, making it easier for school-aged kids on the Central Coast to get involved in creative and cultural activities,” Mr Braham said.“Parents, guardians and carers can claim a free $100 voucher per calendar year which can be used at the Gallery on any of our term art classes and we encourage the community to make the most of this great opportunity.”Council Mayor Jane Smith said by registering to be part of this program, Council is continuing to foster creative arts on the Central Coast.“Art plays an important role in our lives, in our personal development and in bringing people together,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is committed to providing outstanding quality and cultural experiences through the programs and exhibitions on offer at Gosford Regional Gallery and we will continue to look for valuable opportunities like this that encourage the creative, intellectual and emotional development of children and benefit the community.”The Creative Kids Program runs year-round and the voucher can be used at any time during the calendar year it is issued.

Central Coast Council has started a major upgrade of the Sewer Pump Station located in Woodland Parkway Reserve in Buff Point alongside the construction of new infrastructure to remove excess floating weed known as ‘wrack’. Council Director Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said it was exciting to combine an upgrade of important sewerage infrastructure with works to expand Council’s important wrack harvesting program. “We are investing $527,000 to upgrade our Sewer Pump Station located in Buff Point to ensure its ongoing reliability and performance,” Ms Nel said. “This is one of several Sewer Pump Station and Sewage Treatment Plant projects we are rolling out across the Central Coast. “Over the next four years we are also investing $11million in a region-wide sewerage infrastructure upgrade program. “Our Sewer Pump Station upgrade at Buff Point will be delivered without any interruption to regular sewerage services,” Ms Nel said.

Central Coast Council has welcomed today’s announcement by Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch confirming a $1,347,500 grant from the NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund for a regional inclusive play space to be built at Sun Valley Reserve, Green Point.Council will invest just over $400,000 to the $1.666million project to deliver an upgrade to the existing amenities, basketball court and carpark, and the construction of a safe, functional, inclusive regional play space consisting of play equipment, park furniture, drinking fountain, pathways, landscaping and fencing.Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to delivering enhanced recreational opportunities for its community and this funding would ensure a regional play space in an area of high need.“We know Coast families love their local playgrounds and this partnership with the State Government will now provide a regional play space and recreational area that this growing area of the Coast can enjoy,”“The Central Coast is home to a diverse and growing community and we are committed to ensuring we provide the services and facilities they need to thrive.“This is the community’s space and I encourage residents to have their say as this project comes to life.”Council will now move forward with the project and provide opportunities for the community to have their say through engagement activities to guide the development of this new space.This announcement also included confirmation of $55,000 funding to Council for equipment and facility improvements at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre.

Central Coast Council is looking to the community for feedback on the implementation of phase 1 of the Norah Head Village Centre Masterplan (the Masterplan), with a drop-in information session being held 28 February and interactive online map live until 21 March 2019.The Masterplan is a long-term 10 to 15 year plan for the future of Norah Head that provides a framework to address relevant community and environmental planning issues within the Village Centre.The plan aims to retain Norah Head’s distinct character of the area through the village centre, whilst improving links to surrounding unique natural features and open space areas, and enhancing social interaction through placement and improvements to public facilities and infrastructure.As part of Phase 1 of the Masterplan, concept drawings for parking improvements and pedestrian links between the village centre and Mazlin Reserve have been completed and are now open for feedback along with the design of Mazlin Reserve upgrade.Other planned works from Phase 1 of the Masterplan, which will commence in the coming months, include a three metre shared pathway on the eastern side of Bungary Road between Victoria Street and Maitland Drive, street plantings, parking improvements and a new amenities block in Mazlin Reserve.Works are underway on the stage one project to construct a footpath on the western side of Bungary Road between Victoria Street and Maitland Drive.Norah Head Masterplan drop-in session:Thursday 28 February, from 2pm until 6pmNorah Head Community Hall.For more information, and to provide your input via the interactive online map go to yourvoiceourcoast.com/norah-head-master-plan, up until 21 March 2019.