Council’s commitment to exploring all parking options for the people of the Central Coast continues to gather momentum with an additional call for community to comment on their current parking needs to help finalise the Central Coast Parking Study and Implementation Plan.The Central Coast Parking Study and Implementation Plan has been guided by previous community consultation activities and includes short, and medium-to-long term strategies to deliver additional parking where required.  The study also looks at improved public and other transport options and has assessed the commuter parking needs for Gosford, Woy Woy, Wyong, Warnervale, Ourimbah, Tuggerah and Lisarow train stations which are identified for focused investment.The focus areas of the plan have also included Wyong CBD, Terrigal CBD, The Entrance Town Centre and various coastal hot spots.Mayor Lisa Matthews is urging the public to have their say on parking in their local area and our region as a whole.“Council understands that car parking is a significant issue of concern to the community and is actively working to ensure a plan is put in place to meet the immediate and future needs of the Central Coast and ensure the best outcome for Council’s future investment,” said Mayor Matthews.“We will continue to explore all options and work closely with all levels of government into the future to address car parking issues for our residents.”The Central Coast Parking Strategy Implementation Plan is currently on public exhibition online at yourvoiceourcoast.com until Sunday 16 August 2020 for the community to submit their comments.

Council defers consideration of purchase of Davistown wetlandsCouncil has deferred consideration of the proposed withdrawal of negotiations to purchase land known as Davistown wetlands for twelve weeks.  Council’s CEO will continue to pursue an acquisition by agreement with the current owners of the Davistown wetlands and report back to Council by no later than 26 October 2020. Council responds to repeal of the Warnervale Airport Restrictions Act with new name and approachCentral Coast Airport at Warnervale has been renamed as the Warnervale Aircraft Landing Area (ALA) in response to the repeal of the Warnervale Airport Restrictions (WAR) Act.The NSW Government has recently confirmed it will repeal the WAR Act following an independent review that generated over 900 public submissions with 75% supporting the repeal. Council reaffirmed its ownership and management of the Warnervale ALA and that the runway length would remain at 1200 metres with no further extensions.Current maintenance works at the ALA will continue, however no new works will be permitted that expand its operations.Council will actively seek to generate employment opportunities on lands adjacent to the land strip with a focus on the following sectors:

Central Coast Council’s Wyong customer service point in the Wyong Administration building will reopen to the community on Tuesday 11 August.The COVID-19 shutdown provided the opportunity for the Wyong customer service point to undergo maintenance to enhance customers’ service experience.

Central Coast residents are invited to have their say in Central Coast Council’s new Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), which will help shape access and inclusion in our community from 2021 to 2025.The Plan will set out actions that Council will take to enable people with disabilities to gain better access to mainstream services, facilities and information so they can fully participate in our community.Council’s Director of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that Council will be engaging closely with the staff, the wider community and key stakeholders to develop the new Plan.“It is very important that the new Disability Inclusion Action Plan reflects the voices of people in our community with lived experience of disability and their carers, as well as local organisations and service providers in the disability sector,” said Ms Vaughan.“We encourage the community to share their input and experiences by participating in one of our online forums or completing our online survey.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said that the DIAP 2021-2025 forms part of Council’s focus on celebrating and continuing to create opportunities for inclusion where all people feel welcome and participate in community life.“People with disabilities are an integral part of our community and contribute on a daily basis to the social, cultural and economic life of the Central Coast region,” Mayor Matthews said.“To be a truly responsive and inclusive community, our Coast needs to hear the voices of people who live with disabilities and understand the barriers they experience to full community participation.”For details on how to have your say in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2025 visit yourvoiceourcoast.com.

As the coastal remediation works continue at the North Entrance and Wamberal, it was a welcome announcement last week from the Minister for Local Government to establish a Wamberal Taskforce.

Council remains committed to sustainable water supply management The Central Coast will remain on Level 1 Water Restrictions until at least November 2020.

Central Coast Council is continuing to support the local economy with a range of measures to help local businesses experiencing hardship in the current economic climate.The initiatives follow an earlier support package for businesses during the recent COVID-19 closures.The phase two support package takes a multi-pronged approach to assisting business owners.

Council are calling on the community to dream big and share their ideas to shape the future of The Entrance Town Centre with consultation running online until 2 August 2020.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said The Entrance Town Centre has the foundations to be a thriving and engaging destination all year round - not just during the holiday season.“To help this vital Town Centre live up to its full potential we are looking to the community to provide their input as we develop a Place Plan to create a revitalised and activated area for work, play and social connection," Ms Vaughan said. This Place Plan will identify a series of future initiatives and projects that will improve the visitor experience and transform how the community interacts with this area whilst providing an ongoing boost to local businesses.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the importance of effective Place Plans is now more important than ever for our local economy.“Local businesses are still feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s important for recovery and ongoing resilience that this Town Centre is bustling with activity and draws the community and visitors to the area,” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage the community, and especially the local business operators, to jump online and share their thoughts on what is and isn’t currently working and their vision for future of The Entrance Town Centre.“Together we can create an engaging, safe and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy and be proud of.”Go to www.yourvoiceourcoast.com before 2 August to share your ideas and aspirations.

Despite the interruption COVID-19 has had on our every day lives, Council has been able to continue delivering essential services for our community and play our part in keeping the economy going and keeping locals in jobs.The latest milestone is Council’s progression with important water and sewerage infrastructure for Gosford CBD and Warnervale Town Centre.These projects are part of the NSW Government’s Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 - the ‘blueprint’ for growing our regional economy, accelerating housing supply and protecting and enhancing the natural environment on the Central Coast.Supported by a combined $21million in NSW Government funding under the Housing Acceleration Fund, this important next step will assist Council’s delivery of water and sewage infrastructure in two key growth areas of the Central Coast.In Gosford CBD it will help meet the needs of an increased level of high-rise residential dwellings, the ongoing redevelopment of Gosford Hospital, the completion of the ATO and NSW Financial Services developments and other developments planned for the Gosford CBD area.In Warnervale Town Centre it will help accelerate housing and commercial development in line with the Government’s plans for the region.

Kids across the coast will be squealing with delight with an abundance of new playspaces to visit across the Central Coast and more in the works.The past twelve months has seen the design, construction and delivery of 18 new or renewed local playspaces across the region, five playspace upgrades with the best and biggest soon to come.