Central Coast Council, in partnership with Mattress Recycling Australia, is trialling a new process that recycles 100 percent of mattresses dropped off at Kincumber Waste Management Facility.The trial aims to minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill, reduce methane gases being produced from decomposing mattresses and recycle end-of-life waste products by turning them into a resource.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said that Council annually receives more than 20,000 mattresses across its three waste management facilities.“Historically mattresses were sent to landfill, however, over the last four years we have been stockpiling and bulk shredding these mattresses to recover the metals for recycling and reduce the amount sent to landfill,” Mr Pearce said.“Under this new trial we are collecting and bulk transporting the mattresses to a dedicated resource recovery facility where the mattresses are processed into separate commodities for which there are end markets.“During the initial three-month trial at our Kincumber Waste Facility we have collected and transported 2,240 mattresses or 56 tonnes of mattresses, helping to save 1,792 cubic metres of landfill.“This trial ensures 100% of the mattress materials are reused and recycled with the stripped metals reused as railway wheels, foam repurposed into carpet underlay, material utilised in decorative wall panels and the remaining products, including floc, wood and plastic, processed as biofuel.“An added benefit is that we have been working with a contractor who is creating employment opportunities to achieve social outcomes, including employment and skills development for those with disabilities and the long term unemployed.“We are now investigating the possibility of extending the trial to our Woy Woy Waste Management Facility, which will then help us inform future business decisions, including whether this approach can be rolled out across all our Waste Management Facilities.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said it was vital that Council continued to find new and innovative ways to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Central Coast Council is asking residents to have their say about a proposed plan for Mount Ettalong Reserve.

Coast locks in Cultural PlanThe importance of art and culture to the local community has been reaffirmed after the formal adoption of the Central Coast Cultural Plan 2020-25.The Cultural Plan canvassed opinions of the cultural sector and broader community and builds on the vision for the Central Coast as a cultural growth hub, previously outlined in the ‘One Central Coast Community Strategic Plan 2018-28’.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Cultural Plan is a fantastic opportunity for the diverse arts and cultural sector to work towards a shared vision with Council over the next five years.“The Cultural Plan will position arts and culture as key to strengthening the community, increasing the region’s economic development and supporting its potential as a creative destination,” Mayor Matthews said.“Moving forward we will look to create opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to learn, create and be heard, participating in, and contributing to, the cultural life of the Central Coast in the process.”The Draft Plan was on public exhibition between September and November 2019.Council further supports local programs and organisationsCouncil demonstrated its ongoing commitment to programs and organisations that benefit the local community through the announcement of successful grant and sponsorship recipients.The successful applicants for the ‘Round 1 Grants and Sponsorship Program’ and the December round of the ‘Community Support Grant Program’ will benefit from additional funding and/or in-kind support to deliver their activities, which have been recognised as benefiting the community.Sponsorship helps bring major events to the Central Coast and will bring economic benefits to the region.Grant programs are provided to support the community to deliver programs, projects or events that build connections, celebrate our local community, align with the One Central Coast Community Strategic Plan and build capacity across the entire community.Applications for Round 2 of the Grants and Sponsorship Program are currently open and will close on 29 FebruaryRound 1 Grants and Sponsorship Program Recipients:Glenworth Valley Horse Riding – Horses Birthday Kids Festival – $15,000 over two yearsGosford Race Club – Gosford Standalone Race Meet – $24,200 over two yearsSurfing NSW – 2021 Central Coast Pro QS3000 – $50,000 over one yearNaughty Noodle – 2020 Coastal Twist Festival – $50,000 over one yearThe Opportunity Collective – Central Coast Women's Leadership Mentoring Program 2020 – $19,267 over one year.Community Support Grant Program Recipients:Avoca Beach Hockey Club – Community Come and Try Hockey Avoca Beach – $4,509.14Wyong Creek Literary Institute – Rates Subsidy – $1,239.44Rotary Club of Gosford City – Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) 2020 – $550.00Tuggerah Lakes Art Society – Women in Art Exhibition and Artisan's Market – $2,473.00Wyong Garden Club – 40th Birthday Celebration – $1,940.00Wingers Softball Club – Uniform upgrade – $1,500.00.Council approves $174.8million in Development Applications for December QuarterCouncil revealed it approved $174.8million of Development Applications in the October to December 2019 period.Council remains committed to assessing development applications, which respond to the need to providing for a variety of housing choice to suit the needs and lifestyles of the community, support local jobs and services while appreciating and protecting our environmental assets.Terrigal water quality audit continues to progressWater quality at Terrigal Beach and Haven continues to improve with 94 percent of dry weather samples found safe for swimming according to a new report.An update to the comprehensive Terrigal and Coastal Lagoons Audit detailed that work on the first phase of the project conducted throughout 2019 was progressing well.Key findings include:94 percent of dry weather samples at Terrigal Beach and Haven given a ‘Good’ rating15.7 kilometres of sewer pipes have been inspected3.61 kilometres of sewer pipes were identified as needing upgrades – 1.15 kilometres have been relined10 properties with illegal connections from stormwater to sewer identified2.3 kilometres of stormwater pipe inspected.Mayor Lisa Mathews said the joint Council and NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment project would continue to deliver answers for the community.“Our waterways are fantastic assets and through the project we have identified a number of illegal connections plus some assets and infrastructure needing repair,” Mayor Matthews said.“A team of scientists from the Department and from Council are working collaboratively with technical experts and operational staff to assess possible sources of pollution in each catchment, determine the impact on long-term water quality, and prioritise remediation works and we look forward to work progressing the next stage of the audit.”Council to investigate new animal impound facilitiesCouncil will investigate the development of new animal care facilities across the Central Coast to ensure welfare standards now and into the future.Increasing demands are anticipated and the project will also explore the creation of a single centralised facility that will include all animal holding and article impound requirements.There are nine Council facilities used for management of impounding functions, which include:Council administration building at WyongCouncil administration building at GosfordAnimal Care Facility at CharmhavenAnimal Care Facility at ErinaVehicle Impound WyongVehicle Impound West GosfordArticle Impound Facility WyongArticle Impound ErinaLivestock Impound Mardi.The next stage of the project will identify potential sites for new animal care facilities, before a conceptual design is developed and brought to the community for feedback.Council delivers Second Quarter Business ReportThe 2019-20 Second Quarter Business Report was tabled at the 24 February Council meeting.

The Central Coast’s premiere multicultural event – Flavours by the Sea – returns to The Entrance this March to celebrate the diverse cultures of the Central Coast.Central Coast Council’s Flavours by the Sea embraces the ‘everyone belongs’ message of Harmony Day by showcasing amazing music, art, cultural features and delicious food from across the world.Council Section Manager Place Activation, Cobey Linsley said community members and visitors are invited to come together for a joyous event that embraces the diversity of our region.“Flavours brings us together for a day to experience the rich cultural mix of the Coast,” Ms Linsley said.“This event is built on the Harmony Day message of ‘everyone belongs’ and is an opportunity to savour and celebrate the flavours of the world right here on the Coast.“Close to 4,000 people enjoyed Flavours in 2018 and we are expecting similar numbers at this year’s event.”Live performances at the event include three community groups, Yalalinya Dancers, Berias Masseque & The Afro Fusion Band and Monsieur Camembert.Attendees can chill out in the relaxed dining area after a visit to the festive ‘flavour alley’ which will feature Mexican, Vietnamese, Spanish and Argentinian food and specialty desserts.Mayor Lisa Matthews said that Flavours by the Sea helps to build a sense of belonging for an increasingly diverse Central Coast.“This event lets us experience the wealth of wonderful cultures that are part of our region and help to make the Coast such a great place to live,” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage everyone to head down to The Entrance and join in this wonderful celebration of diversity.”Flavours by the Sea is on Saturday 21 March 2020 from 3.30pm to 8.30pm at Memorial Park, The Entrance.More information is available at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/flavoursbythesea

Central Coast Council will shortly commence construction of one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects - the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline.The pipeline will boost water supply to the Central Coast’s rapidly growing northern suburbs, improve water security for the entire region and represents the next major step to enhance the Central Coast’s water supply network.According to Mayor Lisa Matthews the 9km pipeline will deliver significant benefits to the Central Coast community.“The Coast’s population is on the rise, especially in our northern areas and this pipeline will ensure these areas have a safe and secure water supply into the future,” Mayor Matthews said.“The pipeline will also enhance the water transfer capability between Central Coast Council and Hunter Water, which further improves water security for the two regions and meets our commitment under the Hunter-Central Coast Pipeline Agreement.”Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said he was excited about the project kicking off in March after an extensive period of planning, design and community consultation.“The pipeline route will pass through several different environments including rural land holdings, the outer edge of the residential area of Watanobbi, and along the fringes of the environmentally sensitive Council lands of Porters Creek Wetland,” he said.“Council has spent a lot of time getting the construction techniques and the pipeline route right, talking with the community about the project, ensuring we consider impacts on residents, the environment and the broader community.”Council is inviting the community to attend the final round of Drop-In Sessions prior to construction commencing next month.

Central Coast Council is aware of an increased number of discoloured water incidents across the region.

The benefits and importance of a healthy lifestyle will be front and centre from March 28 when Central Coast Council brings an extended program of the popular Live Well Festival to Gosford.Last year’s inaugural festival was well received by the community and this year’s event is expected to be bigger and better with the inclusion of a week of activities leading into the main event day on Sunday 5 April.Council Section Manager Place Activation, Cobey Linsley said the event is not only a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the health industry to come together and network but for people to embrace the healthy lifestyle of the Central Coast.“Our main event day program will focus on four key health HUBS – Eat, Move, Think and Love Your Earth.

Residents in the areas around Terrigal and the coastal lagoons are reminded they can drop in and have their water quality questions answered at Central Coast Council and the NSW Government’s final community information sessions.The Terrigal and coastal lagoons audit is a comprehensive monitoring program investigating water quality at Terrigal Beach and Haven, and Wamberal, Terrigal, Avoca and Cockrone Lagoons.Council’s Acting Unit Manager Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski said the program, which began in January 2019, is progressing well.“A team of scientists, technical experts and operational staff from Council and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment are working together to assess possible sources of pollution in each catchment, determine the impact on long-term water quality, and prioritise remediation works,” Mr Sulkowski said.“It’s been a busy summer for staff who have been regularly monitoring water quality as well as popping up in the community to answer any questions locals and visitors have as we progress deeper into the audit program.”Another initiative that has played an important part of keeping residents informed throughout the program is a new interactive pin map.

The second of the 17 Climate Action Planning community workshops will be on at Doyalson RSL on Wednesday 11 March.Following Central Coast Council’s adoption of a Climate Change Policy last year, the community is encouraged to become actively involved in the program’s next phase.

Gosford Regional Gallery will feature three exciting exhibitions from March, all focused on showcasing the work of up-and-coming artists.Explore the work of finalists for EMERGING, The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize and A Central Vision 2020.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Tim Braham said community members and visitors are invited to explore diverse works using a range of mediums.“EMERGING is an exhibition of the incredible contemporary work of the four finalists vying for this prestigious $5,000 prize,” Mr Braham said.“The works of this year’s finalists for EMERGING span digital media, textiles, sculpture and conceptual art and explore a host of challenging social and political issues.“We are also hosting the works of the finalists for another prestigious prize – The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize – if you love contemporary photography, don’t miss this opportunity to explore the work of the 30 finalists.“This year entrants for the sought after $50,000 photographic prize have explored the experience living in Australia – the places, people and lifestyle that make our lovable country quintessentially Australian.