Many Central Coast Council facilities and services will be closed to the public on Friday 7 December for a Local Government State Award approved Union Picnic Day.This includes the Gosford and Wyong Administration Buildings, Library branches, works depots, all Council run child care centres and Laycock Street Community Theatre.The following facilities and services will be open and operating as usual on the day:Lifeguard services on all 15 patrolled beaches and The Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, 9am-5pmButtonderry (Jilliby) and Woy Woy Waste Management Facilities, 7am-5pm and Kincumber Transfer Station, 8am-4pmCouncil Leisure Centres including Peninsula Leisure Centre, Gosford Olympic Pool, Niagara Park Stadium, Lake Haven Recreation Centre, Wyong Pool and Toukley Aquatic CentreGosford Regional GalleryCall 1300 463 954 for on-call and emergency services or visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/reportaproblem to lodge any non-urgent requests and enquiries.

Central Coast Council has released their latest Annual Report, which provides a comprehensive account of Council’s performance from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018.

The auditor’s reports for the 2017-18 Central Coast Council consolidated financial statements are available for public inspection at Council’s Offices in Gosford and Wyong, and are also online at yourvoiceourcoast.comThe reports and financial statements for 2017-18 confirm a total income from continuing operations of $651.2million, a surplus including capital income of $66.2million and an asset base worth $7.0billion.Any person is able to make a written submission to Council on the audited financial statements until Tuesday 11 December 2018.The audited financial statements will be presented to the Ordinary Meeting of Council to be held in the Wyong Chamber on Monday 10 December 2018 from 6.30pm.

Thirteen young singers will step into the spotlight next week when they compete in the Grand Final of one of the Central Coast’s most prestigious vocal competitions, Discovered. A professional development program for singers aged 7-24, Discovered has attracted more than 40 entrants this year, competing in a round of heats which began in July.

Central Coast Council has successfully moved 45,000 cubic meters of sand from The Entrance Channel as part of the biennial dredging program.The program, which is partially funded by the NSW Government’s Rescuing Our Waterways program, has seen North Entrance, Karagi Point and The Entrance beaches benefit from sand nourishment as a result of the dredging program.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said Council has been undertaking the dredging program on behalf of the NSW Government for the past 25 years.“The program helps maintain the exchange of water between the estuary and the ocean, preserves the existing ecological values of the estuary and reduces the impact of flood risks to life and property in low-lying areas around the estuary,” Mr Cox said.“Dredging was expected to continue for a few more weeks, however due to some equipment repairs and a prevention notice issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the dredging program will now cease for the remainder of the year.“Council has a number of strict licence conditions in place which ensures the local environment and the community are protected and we are confident that we have fully complied with these conditions.“We take our obligations under the licence seriously and will work with the NSW Government to assess the allegations made in the Prevention Notice.“We understand there may be some community concern about the program not finishing this year.

Central Coast Council is running community consultation to guide a concept design for the redevelopment of Umina Skate Park and adjacent recreational zones to assist in securing funding to deliver a revitalised Peninsula Recreation Precinct.

Central Coast Council has just been announced as one of the first investors in the world’s first Green Tailored Deposit to be certified by the internationally recognised Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI).The Green Tailored Deposit, launched by Westpac on 26 November, is a medium to long term investment product (1-5 years) designed for investors who want or need investments that genuinely contribute to delivering a low carbon and climate resilient economy.All deposits are associated with a defined pool of eligible assets or projects which meet the strict CBI criteria, which can include renewable energy, low carbon transport, low carbon buildings and water infrastructure.Mayor Smith said investing in green bonds will allow Council to provide finance to projects that generate positive social impacts and help create a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast.“By investing in Green Bonds, Council is directly contributing to funding sustainable initiatives like renewable energy projects and innovations in waste management providing real and lasting benefit to the community,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is committed to leading the way in addressing the impacts of climate change and green investments are an innovative and tangible way we are delivering on that promise to our community.”Green bonds were created to fund projects that have a positive environment social and/or climate benefit including but not limited to renewable energy (solar, wind and hydro), carbon reduction, commercial property energy efficiency improvements, asset finance for low emission passenger and commercial vehicles and community housing.

Central Coast Council has extended the public exhibition period for the revised Draft Development Control Plan Chapter relating to Tree and Vegetation Management to 28 January 2019.This extension, based on community feedback, will provide residents with additional time to lodge a submission on the important harmonisation of tree and vegetation management works policies across the Central Coast.If adopted following exhibition, the existing Wyong and Gosford Development Control Plans (DCP) would be amended to include the revised Chapter providing the community with a consistent policy until such time as Council adopts a Consolidated DCP next year.Council’s revised policy relates to urban and environmental zoned lands and requires a land owner to obtain a permit before the pruning or removal of any tree or any vegetation located greater than three metres from their house or other approved building, where the proposed pruning or tree removal is not covered by a set of nominated Exemptions.

Independent financial audit and performance review into all matters relating to Central Coast airportThrough an endorsed Mayoral Minute, Council will request that the NSW Auditor General conduct an independent financial audit and performance review into all matters relating to Central Coast airport.Council will request that the review consider all relevant information related to the development of a Regional Airport including proposals for Kiar Ridge and for the development of an Aviation Hub at Central Coast Airport.Mayor Jane Smith said the future of Central Coast airport needed to be resolved.“This report will ensure transparency and openness and will equip Council with all the necessary information to move forward with decisions related to the airport,” Mayor Smith said.Council will request that relevant proposals, financial records, development applications and potential conflicts of interest be considered.It will also be requested that any review will invite and consider public submissions, including confidential submissions if necessary.Council will request that the Auditor General provide specific advice on:Processes and decision-making relating to the Airport and Wyong Employment Zone including anomalies in the process and proposals and any areas that may not meet community expectations.Any improvements needed in Council processes.Any declared or undeclared conflicts of interest.Any matters requiring referral to external agencies for further investigations.The CEO will provide Council with a quarterly report on the progress of the review and the Auditor-General will be requested to provide an interim report by the end of June 2019.Multiple measures to manage weeds in Springfield and HolgateTo manage the infestation of a weed known as Salvinia molesta in Springfield and Holgate, Central Coast Council will utilise bio-controls sourced from the Department of Primary Industries.Council will undertake the mechanical removal of some weed in the first instance to allow for the best results from the bio-controls.Mayor Jane Smith said Salvinia molesta was known to exist at numerous sites across the Central Coast, but was hopeful the biological controls could help reduce the infestation at the Springfield and Holgate sites.“Introducing a weevil that naturally feeds on the Salvinia weed will be Council’s primary line of defence in combating this infestation,” Mayor Smith said.“Our staff will monitor and report back to Council on the success of the weevils in the coming months.

Central Coast Council has recently conducted an audit of the community’s waste to help shape the first Waste Management Strategy for the region.The results will tailor education programs and resource recovery efforts, working towards more than 45 per cent of domestic waste being diverted from our landfill sites each year, a key deliverable of the Community Strategic Plan (CSP).Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said the audit has provided some real insight into waste disposal habits of residents.“The good news is we are generating less waste in all three of our household bins when compared to all previous audits from the past decade, however contamination has increased,” Mr Pearce said.“Residents have a great understanding of their garden organics bin, with only a 2.5 per cent contamination rate, which was dominated by treated timber.“There is room for improvement with household recycling, with 13 per cent of unacceptable items placed in yellow-lidded bins – in total one per cent of items placed in the recycling bins were in plastic bags making these items completely unrecoverable.“What was concerning, was that even though household recycling was relatively good, public place recycling bins contained a massive 46 per cent of unacceptable items, with contaminated paper and single use coffee cups the main culprits.“Another concerning factor was the number of hazardous items, mainly electrical items and batteries, found in household bins and bulk kerbside collections.“We have free drop off points for household batteries, mobile phones and light globes at our Wyong and Gosford administration building and library branches.“We also accept e-waste items free of charge at each of our Waste Management Facilities at Buttonderry (Jilliby), Woy Woy and Kincumber and work with the NSW EPA to host free chemical collections twice a year.”The next Chemical CleanOut events will be held next year on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 February at Gosford Showground and Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March at Council’s Long Jetty Depot, 1 Morris Place, corner of The Entrance and Wyong Roads, Bateau Bay.Residents are encouraged to visit 1coast.com.au to find out what items can be placed in their household bins and bulk kerbside collections, and discover other disposal and recycling options.The audit further revealed the average household creates a total of 19.8 kilograms of waste each week, 50 per cent of which is diverted from landfill when items are correctly placed in recycling and garden organic household bins.“We found, on average, each household puts one kilogram of acceptable recyclable materials in the general waste bin each week,” Mr Pearce added.“If all recyclables were correctly placed in our yellow lidded bins we could work together to increase landfill diversion rates by five per cent, helping us to exceed our target of 45 per cent.“As part of the Waste Management Strategy we will be investigating innovative mechanisms to achieve further diversion of waste from landfill.”It is anticipated the draft Waste Management Strategy will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback by April 2019.

Central Coast Council is urging Coast residents to speak out about violence against women as part of a global campaign raising awareness about domestic violence. Today is White Ribbon Day, marking an international movement of men and boys working to end men’s violence against women.

Central Coast Council has its proverbial fingers and toes crossed for the ten local businesses and individuals who are finalists in the 2018 NSW Business Chamber Business Awards – all of which were winners in their categories in the Central Coast Regional Business Awards last month.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that Council is proud to sponsor the Central Coast Regional Business Awards.“Not only do the awards showcase the diverse business talent the Coast has on offer, but they also give the winners the opportunity to then be recognised at a state level in the NSW Business Awards,” Ms Vaughan said.“These awards are an acknowledgement and celebration of business excellence on both a local and state level.”The Central Coast has some amazing individuals and businesses leading the way in their industries – from excellence in innovation, sustainability and social enterprise, through to outstanding employers, business leaders and young entrepreneurs.“Congratulations to all ten Central Coast finalists.”The winners of the Central Coast Regional Business Awards, and now finalists for the 2018 NSW Business Chamber Business Awards are:Outstanding Young Entrepreneur:

Community members are encouraged to attend the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) Public Hearing, which is part of its review into water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices for the Central Coast.The Public Hearing is the final opportunity for the community to provide feedback to IPART before it releases its Draft Report and Determinations in April 2019.Central Coast Council Director Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said Council’s detailed submission to IPART reflected overwhelming community feedback that water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices should be consistent across the region.“In developing our submission for IPART our community consultation process saw 1,339 residents complete surveys and more than 1,260 attend face-to-face engagement activities,” Ms Nel said.“Our recommendation would see average residential water bills decrease across the Central Coast by lowering the per kilolitre cost of water and significantly reducing the water service fee.“Taking into account all elements of the water bill – water, sewerage and stormwater drainage – Council’s proposal would see typical residential bills reduced by between $27 and $245 annually.”Ms Nel said aligning sewerage prices would see some customers pay less for this service and some customers pay more, with increases predominately offset by a reduction in the overall bill.“The price paid for residential and non-residential sewerage services would decrease in the former Gosford local government area and would increase in the former Wyong local government area, but this increase will be offset by the lower water cost.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said Council had proposed to reduce the stormwater drainage charge for all existing residential customers across the Central Coast.“Over 65 percent of residents surveyed indicated that stormwater drainage charges should be consistent across the Central Coast,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Most Central Coast residents and businesses already pay a stormwater drainage charge and Council is proposing that this charge be applied to all rateable properties.“A small number of non-residential customers currently do not pay any stormwater drainage charge and we are proposing that this change.“Coucil believes that all residents and business should contribute to the maintenance and development of our stormwater drainage network as it delivers region-wide benefits.“Stormwater drainage protects public and private property from flooding, enhances our natural assets and waterways, and helps to connect communities by supporting access to homes, schools and places of work.“Very large non-residential/business properties would pay $5,427.81 annually under our proposal but it is important to note that this does not apply to the vast majority of farmland properties on the Central Coast.“Non-residential farmland properties would qualify for a discounted Low Impact rate of $110.77 per year as long as more than 90 percent of their area is designated as agricultural, grassed or vegetated, which would be most farmland properties.“We are investigating ways to make obtaining the Low Impact assessment as easy as possible for farmland customers by making it a one-off or automatic process.For the proposed changes to stormwater drainage charges to come into effect they must be endorsed by IPART and Council must then obtain approval from the NSW Government to establish a new Drainage Area to cover all of the Central Coast local government area.IPART will release its Final Report and Determinations for the Central Coast in late May 2019 and new water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices will come into effect from 1July 2019.The Public Hearing will be held on 27 November at 10am at the Mingara Recreation Club.Community members wishing to attend the Public Hearing need to register via IPART’s website – ipart.nsw.gov.au.

Central Coast Council is rolling out a $2.5million multiyear project to replace water meters across the Central Coast.Over $675,000 will be invested this financial year to replace approximately 16,000 water meters.Council Director Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said Council will use a mobile phone application to streamline the process.“Replacing and maintaining our water and sewerage assets is a high priority for Council,” Ms Nel said.“Our water meter program sees us replace meters that are nearing the end of their asset life.“The meters we install measure the actual volume of water used to provide the most accurate reading.“We use an app to enter the details of the old and new water meters in real time and to take a photo before and after replacement.“The app streamlines the replacement process by automatically storing all data captured in Council’s system – saving hours of data entry and thousands of sheets of paper.“This technology also allows us to plan and allocate work across the water supply network electronically and ensure staff are prepared with the specific details of each water meter.Ms Nel said Council will make alternative arrangements with customers who cannot be without water, such as dialysis patients.“The water meter replacement process only takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, which minimises the amount of time residents are without water.“We are also pleased to be implementing a further waste-reduction initiative by recycling components of the old meters.”

Central Coast Council is seeking community feedback on a $995,000 project to construct a new section of shared pathway on the Tuggerah Lake foreshore in Tuggerawong.The community-driven project will extend the popular ‘Tuggerah Lake loop’ by one kilometre and connect an existing pathway at Friday Street with a play area at Tuesday Street.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the project was jointly funded by $542,269 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund and $452,731 from Council.“This project will improve access to local shops, a play space and the public school,” Mr Bolgoff said.“It will also extend the increasingly popular ‘Tuggerah Lake loop’, which is a great space for locals and the wider community to walk and cycle for exercise and to take in the beauty of Tuggerah Lake and surrounds.“This pathway will increase connectivity and help create a loop around a scenic waterway.”Mr Bolgoff said the current project is the first of five stages, with future works to extend the shared pathway through to the vicinity of Tacoma Oval.“The three metre wide design of this pathway means it can be used by walkers, cyclists and community members who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.“We have selected a route that minimises the environmental impact by keeping the need to remove trees to an absolute minimum and by raising the pathway in some locations to avoid disrupting tree roots.”Mayor Jane Smith said Council was committed to constructing new pathways to enhance the liveability and sustainability of the Central Coast.“The new section of the ‘Tuggerah Lake loop’ at Tuggerawong will not only create an inclusive space to get active and experience this beautiful location but will also offer a great alternative transport mode that will really connect the local communities,” Mayor Smith said.“This is a great example of how we can protect and enhance the local environment while delivering the infrastructure our growing community needs.”Constructions of Stage 1 of the project is scheduled to commence in March 2019 and should be complete by the end of the financial year, weather permitting.The project will be on public display from Monday 19 November 2018 to Sunday 16 December 2018 and all community members are encouraged to provide feedback by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com/tuggerawong-shared-pathway.IMAGE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Dredging will continue within Ettalong Channel as Council and the NSW Government begin longer-term dredging and beach nourishment activities.Earlier this year Council welcomed $1.225million in matching funding from the NSW Government for the long-term dredging of the Ettalong Channel under the Rescuing Our Waterways program.Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith said that through a cooperative relationship, the dredging will continue beyond the initial emergency dredging.“The NSW Government will continue the dredging operations currently underway as part of the emergency works using Rescuing Our Waterways funding,” Mayor Smith said.“Of the grant funding announced in September, it is proposed to spend up to $1M this financial year, so we can get on with the longer-term dredging program as that is what the community want to see.“This will ensure the program continues beyond the emergency works and avoid additional mobilisation costs for Council.

On the first day of Christmas Central Coast Council will launch the first ever LED light show with animated Christmas tales and sound effects for children and families on the Coast to enjoy.‘A Luminous Christmas’ will run each evening for 30 days throughout December with a full program of performances by local schools and bands in a true celebration of the festive season.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said a walk along The Entrance foreshore is a must this December with this new event sure to delight locals and visitors.“For the first time ever on the Central Coast we are hosting a special 30 Day LED light, sound and animation show to ignite that spirit of Christmas in our community,” Mr Cannard said.“The official launch of ‘A Luminous Christmas’ will kick off at 5.30pm on Saturday 1 December when The Entrance will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland with stilt walking candy canes, giant bouncy elves, an enchanting ballerina in a bubble, live entertainment, a ‘Road Star Party’ hosted by Star 104.5 and of course - Santa!“And when all is calm at 8.30pm, we invite families, friends and loved ones to witness all becoming bright when we switch on the amazing LED light show for the first time.“On Christmas Eve we will also be holding our popular ‘Carols in the Park’ so bring your picnic rugs and reindeer ears down to Memorial Park and sing along to all of your favourite Carols and well known hits.“Christmas is a very special time for many people on the Coast and we invite everyone to celebrate with us during the 30 days of Christmas.”A Luminous Christmas is the second Council event that will have the ‘Including You’ accessibility tent set up to support people in the community living with a disability, their families and carers, as well as elderly people, parents with prams and others with limited mobility.An initiative of Ability Links Hunter Central Coast, the tent provides a range of free to hire sensory, vision, mobility and communication aids and supports, plus a ‘safe space’ for retreat to improve the level of enjoyment and the length of time people living with disabilities are able to attend community events.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events

Don’t miss that magical moment when the Christmas Tree’s twinkling lights are switched on for the first time, lighting up Kibble Park and kicking off this year’s festive season.Mr and Mrs Claus will also make a special appearance in an evening of live music and Christmas carols, free children’s craft activities, food trucks and entertainment.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, invited the community to bring along a picnic rug or chairs and enjoy the evening of free entertainment and activities.“The Lighting of the Christmas Tree is a free annual event for the community with a range of arts and crafts, entertainment, food and Christmas Carols,” Mr Cannard said.“Kids that are feeling creative can try their skills on bauble, calico bag or gingerbread cookie decorating plus have their photo taken with Mr and Mrs Claus who have made a special trip down to the Central Coast.“We invite families, locals and visitors join us in Kibble Park from 5pm as we celebrate the start of the magical Christmas season.”The Lighting of the Christmas Tree will be held on 30 November 2018 from 5-8.30pm.The event is proudly presented by Central Coast Council and Gosford Business Improvement District.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events

Central Coast Council has received an Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) Engineering Excellence Award for its innovative online interactive map that displays road and drainage capital works projects.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the interactive map provides valuable information for our community including project description, location, budget, construction start time and duration.“We wanted community members to be able to easily find information on road and drainage projects that are of interest to them,” Mr Bolgoff said.“This year we will invest over $70million across 574 road and drainage projects and community members can access a concise summary of any of these projects by simply clicking on the icons on our interactive map or searching a location.“It is wonderful to receive acknowledgement through an IPWEA Engineering Excellence Award, especially in a category recognising an initiative that uses a new or improved technique or innovation.”Council is constantly improving the interactive map and has recently added the capacity to upload photographs and concept designs.The interactive map is one of the most popular features on Council’s website, receiving approximately 6,000 page views each year.Community members can explore road and drainage projects across the Central Coast’s 2,200 kilometre network of roads by visiting www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/roadanddrainageprojects.The IPWEA Engineering Excellence Awards for 2018 also acknowledged Council with a highly commended for the upgrade of Pleasant Valley Fire Trail in Fountaindale.The project transformed a track into a fully functioning fire trail in a particularly rugged, steep and dense bushland area in an extreme bushfire zone.Council and the NSW Rural Fire Service can now better manage the extreme bush fire risk in this area, allow for hazard reduction burning to take place, and provide safe access for fire fighters should an emergency arise.

All inclusive disability precincts to create more liveable communities and boost tourismCouncil is developing all inclusive disability precincts to improve lifestyle choice, boost tourism and provide economic stimulus.A detailed analysis is currently underway to identify two geographical locations suitable for initial development as holistic disability ‘destinations’.Mayor Jane Smith said Council would continue to work with the community to ensure the development of inclusive spaces.“We are committed to creating and maintaining accessible and well-maintained facilities and open space areas that provide opportunities for inclusion and participation for people living with disabilities,” Mayor Smith said.“Once the locations for our all inclusive disability precincts are determined we will engage with the community once again to move the project forward and deliver the best outcome for our community.Council’s Disability Inclusion Action plan was developed with extensive community and stakeholder consultation and contains a four year dedicated strategy and actions to be undertaken to create a liveable community by improving accessibility and creating inclusive events and activities for people living with disabilities.Council on track to meet increase in demand for housingCouncil has declared that it is tracking well to meet the annual housing target, following a report which highlights the number of development applications processed during July to September 2018.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was committed to assessing development applications as demand for housing increases.“As the Central Coast continues to grow, Council is committed to assessing development applications.“Council is tracking well against future housing requirements outlined in the Central Coast Regional Plan finalised in 2016.“During the July to September 2018 Quarter, Council approved 843 applications out of the 857 received, which included the creation of 287 additional residential lots and 241 dwellings.“Council approvals are an indicator of the demand for housing on the Central Coast, which is expected to increase by 2075 additional homes per year.Since 2016, Council has approved 7,715 additional dwellings and completed 3,412 additional residential lots, dual occupancies and secondary dwellings.According to the Central Coast Regional Plan, the Central Coast is expected to increase by approximately 75,500 people by 2036, and will require 41,500 new homes.Community to input into strategy for the future of the Somersby to Erina CorridorCouncil will seek community feedback on a draft strategy to support sustainable growth along the Central Coast Highway between Somersby and Erina.The draft Somersby to Erina Corridor Strategy identifies Somersby, Mount Penang/Kariong, West Gosford, Gosford City Centre, East Gosford/Point Frederick and Erina as key centres which will play a unique role in the future functioning of the Corridor.Mayor Jane Smith said the strategy aims to create centres with their own identity that provide a range of experiences, infrastructure and jobs that support the success of the Central Coast Region.“We are committed to positively contributing to the sustainable growth of the Central Coast and the Somersby to Erina Corridor Strategy aims to not compromise those attributes the community has identified which makes the area such a unique and desirable place to live and work.“We have consulted with various Government Agencies and now we are seeking input from the community to inform a final strategy and guide planning and development for the corridor to 2036.“The Strategy will go on public exhibition for a minimum of 60 days with a number of community consultation workshops and meetings during this time to allow the community to input on the strategy.