In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Coast Council has temporarily moved all community consultations online to obtain feedback about upcoming projects and strategies.Council usually encourages community members to have a say about major projects which will shape the future of our region by combining online promotion with face-to-face workshops, community events and other opportunities to physically view proposals.However, the need to maintain social distancing and restrictions on travel and public gatherings have prevented many of the usual ways Council consults with the community.During the COVID-19 shutdown, Council has continued to undertake and plan important projects.

In line with the most recent NSW Government announcement easing restrictions on the use of play spaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks, Central Coast Council will reopen these assets for public use from Friday 15 May.Gosford Olympic Pool will also reopen for lap swimming with restrictions in place, including requirements to pre-book, time-limited sessions and one-person lane limit.The outdoor spaces and pool have been closed recently in response to COVID-19 shutdowns.

It might look a little different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Central Coast Council is still celebrating National Library and Information Week this year in an online extravaganza.The week (25-31 May) is designed to promote the range of services that libraries offer to their local area.

Central Coast Council acknowledges that today, 26 May is National Sorry Day.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said National Sorry Day is an opportunity for Council and our community to reflect and remember the grief, suffering and injustice experienced by the stolen generations.“The stolen generations are those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were separated from their families as children.

This week we celebrate Library and Information Week - the theme for 2020 is Create.

Council to engage with community on Lake Munmorah Skate ParkCouncil has resolved to start additional online community engagement for a proposed skate part at Lake Munmorah.The skate park and regional playspace will be located opposite Lake Munmorah shopping centre on Tall Timbers Road and it is anticipated that the creation of this facility will provide an inclusive recreational space for a range of ages, abilities and skills, provide a safe and accessible venue for community activities and attract regional and significant skate events.  Dependant on final community feedback it is also anticipated to include fitness equipment, shared pathways, picnic areas, area for multi-generational enjoyment, outdoor activities and social gatherings.

A new district level playspace is coming to Tunkuwallin Oval Gwandalan and Central Coast Council is calling on the community to have their say to help shape the new precinct plan.Council is undertaking a series of community engagement opportunities to understand how Tunkuwallin Oval is currently being used and to ensure the local community’s vision and future needs are met.The first round of consultation is running until 4 June 2020, and the community is invited to jump online and share their opinions to help design the draft Precinct Plan.This draft Plan will be presented to the community for further input.

Central Coast Council are inviting community members to have their say on the first draft Waste Resource Management Strategy, now available online for final public review until 21 June.Developed after extensive community consultation last year, the draft Strategy assesses current waste initiatives and seeks to encourage change to help minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill and its impact on the environment.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said with the constantly evolving challenges around waste, there has been a massive push both from our community and at a global level to find solutions that close the loop.“Thank you to everyone who took the time to let us know your ideas on waste reduction, which alongside our report information, has helped us formulate our first draft Strategy,” Mr Pearce said.“This information has underpinned the strategy’s key objectives - to drive waste avoidance, divert waste from landfill by increasing local recycling and reuse options, explore funding and collaborative opportunities over the next 10 years, and keep our streets and public spaces clean and clear.“We also want to change the view that what is traditionally known as ‘waste’ is actually a valuable resource to be managed.“As technology is advancing so rapidly in this field, our planning for waste management must consider both well-established principles and emerging trends.”The vision of this 10-year plan is on promoting our region as a creative environment for developing a local circular economy that values the recovery of resources and advocates prevention of waste.Council Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Strategy outlines key objectives and actions that will ensure Council provides waste services that are safe, secure and cost-effective.“Waste is everyone’s issue – we all have a role to play in reducing the amount of waste generated and its impacts on our community and the environment” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage everyone to go online and provide feedback on our draft Strategy so we can ensure we deliver the future waste resource recovery outcomes the community want and expect.”Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/our-coast-our-waste for further information and to have your say.

Central Coast Council is now offering online delivery of a range of highly valued community programs with the launch of a new YouTube Channel – Coast Connect.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council recognised the importance of adaptation to continue offering services that improve the lives and wellbeing of residents on the Coast and looking for opportunities to remain connected.“Whilst our community are unable to visit their local theatre, library, gallery or leisure centre or attend face-to-face programs or events right now in response to COVID-19, Council will be bringing some popular programs directly into resident’s homes,“ Ms Vaughan said. “A range of entertaining, informative, and engaging videos are being created from our ‘TV studio’ set up at Laycock St theatre and will be available for everyone to view at their own convenience.”The health and wellness of our community is certainly in the spotlight at the moment and the series of ‘Live Well’ videos will help to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

The challenge of searching for suitable grants for local businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals will be easier than ever with a new addition to the Central Coast Council website.‘Central Coast Grant Finder’ is a one stop shop to easily find all relevant grant funding opportunities.