There are exciting projects underway across the Coast, and I’ve recently been able to get out and witness the progress of work being undertaken by our hard-working Council staff.

Central Coast Council have welcomed the New Zealand Warriors NRL team to Central Coast Stadium to train while they are in Australia.

Central Coast Council’s first draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), which will play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future, is now on public exhibition for the community to have their say.The LSPS explains how state and regional plans such as the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 will be implemented in the Central Coast region.

Central Coast Council has marked an exciting moment for the future of the Central Coast’s water supply, as the first pipes are laid to mark the start of construction of the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline.Mayor Matthews said the 9km pipeline project is incredibly significant for our Coast as it will provide water to the expanding northern growth corridor and enhance the water supply network for the entire region.“Council is investing over $61million in this pipeline project, making it one of the largest single investments in the future security of our region’s water supply and a project we can be very proud of," Mayor Matthews said.Council Director of Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said managing our valuable water supply is a key priority for Council and this project is a prime example of how we are delivering essential infrastructure for the people of the Central Coast.“Recent conditions including extreme weather events and water restrictions that have faced our community and indeed communities across our state and nation, bring into sharp focus how important water security and water resilience is for everyone,” Mr Loader said.“The Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline will ensure a stable long-term water supply to new and growing areas in the north of the region to support anticipated levels of growth and development we need to deliver as part of the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036.“In addition, we will see an enhancement in bulk water transfers between ourselves and the Hunter which enables better planning for future water resourcing for both regions."The complex project has been developed over the past six years including close and ongoing consultation with the community to ensure we understand and manage the impacts of this project during the construction and commissioning phases.“Extensive investigations, design and planning have been undertaken to ensure the construction is delivered using the best technology available, including innovative trenchless construction techniques that will ensure sensitive environmental areas are protected,” Mr Loader said.“During the current COVID-19 crisis, our construction and field services crews continue to deliver essential services to the community.

As quarterly rate bills land in ratepayers’ letterboxes, Central Coast Council is reminding residents it has put financial hardship measures in place to help support the community during this difficult time.As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Council may provide interest waivers on outstanding accounts until 31 August 2020 for those home owners who have been impacted.

With fine weather forecast for the weekend, Central Coast Council is reminding the community that during the COVID-19 outbreak, the use of beaches is restricted to exercise only,Permitted activities include walking, swimming, fishing, running and surfing.

Mayor calls for more assistance from NSW Government Central Coast Council Mayor Lisa Matthews is calling on the NSW Government to deliver more financial support to enable Council to continue to operate effectively and provide essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local government plays a critical role in keeping locals in jobs and keeping the local economy going.

Anzac Day 2020 was like no other we’ve experienced before.

While there have been changes to some Central Coast Council services, essential works continue to be delivered, helping keep locals employed and the Central Coast economy going.Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy said essential services will continue as the situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves.“Council is focused on the continued delivery of the essential services needed to support our community now, but we are also continuing with essential works to cater for the future needs of our community when life returns to normal,” Mr Murphy said.“Important maintenance work and projects continue including upgrades to open space and recreation infrastructure, road maintenance and construction, and water and sewer maintenance and upgrades.“Council is also continuing with established projects including the construction of Terrigal Boardwalk, upgrade of the Rock Pool and the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline, with adjustments made to comply with the latest NSW Health and Government requirements around social distancing and keeping our staff and community safe.”Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews said continuing these essential works is important for people and for the local economy.“As Council, we are committed to bettering the lives of our community and creating a smart, green and liveable region with a shared sense of belonging and responsibility,” Mayor Matthews said“We know many people are doing it tough during this time and this is one-way Council is able to help keep locals, Council workers and contractors employed, as well as positively contribute to our economy.”Some current works which continue across the Coast include:Open Space and Recreation InfrastructureProjectLocationAmenities building constructionEDSACC South, Bateau BayAmenities building constructionDon Small Oval, TacomaAmenities building upgradeDuffy's Reserve, TerrigalAmenities building constructionGarnet Adcock Memorial Park, West GosfordLocal playspace softfall renewalPeninsula Recreation Precinct, Umina BeachDistrict Playspace upgradeEmpire Bay Tennis CourtsDistrict Playspace upgradeSusan Fahey Park, CopacabanaDistrict Playspace upgradeWallarah Point Peace Park, GorokanLocal Playspace upgradeLentara Ave, Umina BeachLocal Playspace upgradePinyari Park, KincumberLocal Playspace upgradeGoonak Pde, NararaLocal Playspace upgradeGavenlock Oval, NararaLocal Playspace upgradeTreeline Cl, NararaLocal Playspace upgradeBrisbane Ave, UminaLocal Playspace upgradeWalder Cres, AvocaLocal Playspace upgradeFagan Park, Point ClareReserve upgradeHeazlett Park, AvocaFencing upgradeBlue Haven OvalBoat ramp, jetty and carpark upgradeSouth Tacoma Boat RampBoat ramp upgradeCorrea Bay, Woy WoyCarpark upgradeKoolewong Boat RampAmenities building constructionAdcock Park, West GosfordIrrigation, Drainage and FloodlightingSir Joseph Banks Oval, Bateau BayAncillary Facilities upgradeBerkeley Vale Skate ParkTennis Court upgradeAdelaide Street Tennis Courts, Tumbi UmbiTennis Court upgradeSohier Park, OurimbahTennis Court upgradeEmpire BayDog Park upgradeTuggerah Dog ParkRoad maintenance and constructionProjectLocationRoad stabilising and paving maintenanceWisemans Ferry Road, Kulnura and Chain Valley Bay Road, Chain Valley BayWatermain Relocation and stormwater drainage construction.Davistown Road, SaratogaDavistown Wharf replacement and upgradeDavistownKerb ramps and footpathPark Road, Woy WoyFootpath reconstruction and associated worksOcean Beach Road, Woy WoyFootpath construction and associated worksSurfers Road, James Sea DriveTerrigal / WamberalShared Path ReconstructionSite restoration and asphaltAnzac Parade, WyongFootpath Replacement Community Centrewithin the reserveDebra Anne Avenue, Bateau BayRetaining wall worksWisemans Ferry Road, SomersbyStormwater drainage worksOceano Street, CopacabanaWater and sewer maintenance and upgradesProjectLocationSewer Pump Station upgradeClarke Road, NoravilleWater Treatment Plant major upgradeMardiMardi to Warnervale PipelineVarious suburbs from Mardi to Warnervale (via Watanobbi)Water Mains renewal programCoast-wideSewer Main rehabilitation