Central Coast Council has engaged an independent consultant to undertake an audit of the key decisions made regarding the development of Central Coast Airport.This review responds to Council’s decision made on 25 November 2019.Four projects have been identified as part of the review which will look at all decision making-processes to understand timelines, documentation, delegations and due diligence processes.The projects identified are:The project to establish a regional airport at Kiar RidgeThe proposal to develop an aviation hub at the Central Coast AirportActivities, including works and development applications lodged, by the current Council or former Wyong Shire Council relating to works at the Airport siteProcesses and decision-making relating the Airport and Wyong Employment Zone.Submissions close Tuesday 17 March 2020.

Central Coast Council’s ‘Chalk the Walk’ will see the pathways and open spaces at Waterfront Plaza at The Entrance transformed with an explosion of chalk art.Locals and visitors are invited to engage with an interactive pavement gallery featuring a large 3D artwork and an additional six pieces by renowned master street artist, Anton Pulvirenti, and a further 10 chalk masterpieces produced by local artists.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said ‘Chalk the Walk’ will be an exciting celebration of this unique form of street art.“People of all ages and interests will appreciate this great event that showcases the work of a master street artist and incredible local talent, Mr Cannard said.“Chalk art lets artists use the pavement as their canvas and sees physical spaces temporarily transformed in amazing ways.“Head down to The Entrance and experience this year’s chalk art  – interact with the art and enjoy the live music and entertainment throughout the day.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said Chalk the Walk will offer a number of different ways for the community to become part of the creative streetscape.“Children of all ages are free to go wild and express themselves on the chalkboard snake, and there’ll be an opportunity for 10 local artists to take part in the event,” Mayor Matthews said.“We invite the community to grab their cameras, head down to The Entrance and ‘strike a pose’ in front of some of the most creative artworks you will ever see on the pavement.”The free ‘Chalk the Walk’ event will be held on Saturday 22 February, 12-8pm.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whatson/chalkthewalk

Flanked by its iconic palm trees and unique three-sided design, Central Coast Stadium is about to ring in its 20th anniversary in style with the community invited to join in the celebrations.On Saturday 8 February the stadium will open its gates for a fun-filled day of celebration to mark this important milestone.The first 300 people to attend will receive free ice-cream and ‘chips on a stick’.

Central Coast Council has made the difficult decision to cancel Love Lanes Festival scheduled for this Saturday 8 February due to the heavy rain forecast across the weekend.Loves Lanes Festival is primarily an outdoor event, with forecasted conditions on Saturday making it unsuitable to move forward with the event.Council is pleased to announce that a smaller scale version of the event will be held on Friday 6 March from 5-9pm with stalls, live entertainment, performances, activities and more.

Level 1 water restrictions will apply across the Central Coast from Monday 10 February, as Central Coast Council moves to further secure the region’s water supply.Restrictions will apply to all outdoor water use, including water from urban rainwater tanks which are connected to, or topped-up by, town drinking water.Storage in Mangrove Creek Dam is 50.09 percent, just above the 50 percent restriction trigger set by Council last year.Despite rain forecast for this weekend, the dam storage level is still expected to dip slightly below that trigger point in coming days.Restrictions will not be lifted until Mangrove Creek Dam’s storage rises above 52 percent.Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the restrictions complement Council’s ongoing investment in water infrastructure which has put the region in a strong position to face a prolonged drought.“In the past decade, we have made significant investments in the Coast’s water infrastructure and this has paid off, with our dams levels holding relatively steady in comparison to those in neighbouring regions where restrictions were required some months ago,” Mr Loader said.“Level 1 restrictions will support this water conservation and help us to potentially avoid Level 4 or 5 restrictions and their very stringent measures.“Council continues to invest in our water infrastructure with the upgrading of the Mardi Water Treatment Plant and the construction of the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline, which will begin early this year.Under Level 1 restrictions, some exemptions will be available for customers in limited circumstances.

Central Coast Council is inviting young gamers to take part in the Ultimate Gamer Tournament.Open to local gamers aged 12-24, the six-round tournament held across the coast commences on Thursday 27 February at Erina Fair.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the tournament is returning following last year’s popular inaugural event.“We are excited to bring the tournament back in 2020 following the success of our pilot program event last year,” Ms Vaughan said.“Last year over 200 people competed, with first, second and third place winners awarded.“This year we have new games for players to compete for a chance to win prizes from a total prize pool of $2,000.”Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews said the event connects young people on the coast.“Our youth are an important part of our community and Council is committed to creating opportunities to celebrate their achievements and abilities,” Mayor Matthews said.“The Ultimate Gamer Tournament is an opportunity for young people to showcase their gaming skills, compete, learn new skills, and meet new people in a fun environment."The tournament is open to all levels of ability and gaming experience and may appeal to people who are on the autism spectrum.A chill out tent space will be available for young people to relax or who may need a space to retreat.Each heat will be held in mobile gaming vans, with the capacity of up to 100 gamers per session, located at major shopping centres.Entry is free, with winners of each heat advancing to compete in the semi-finals and grand final in May.All heats will be held on Thursday nights 4.30pm – 7.30 pm at:27 February – Erina Fair12 March – Westfield Tuggerah26 March – Umina SLSC2 April – Lake Munmorah Shopping Centre16 April – Kibble Park, Gosford30 April – Lake Haven Shopping CentreThe semi-finals will be held at Erina Fair on Thursday 7 May, with the grand final at Westfield Tuggerah on Thursday 21 May, both from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.To register or find out more, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ultimategamer

With heavy rain forecast this weekend, Central Coast Stadium has made the difficult decision to postpone its 20th Birthday celebrations scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 8 February.The conditions forecast for Saturday will make it unsuitable to move forward with the outdoor event.The Stadium will announce the rescheduled event date next week.Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by postponing the event.

Central Coast Council has announced a brand new, four-part innovation series that will roll out free events across 2020.

Central Coast Council is working with the SES, Ausgrid and other services to assist residents following the weekend’s severe weather event. Mayor Lisa Matthews said that safety was a priority for everyone involved. “The severe weather has caused fallen trees and broken powerlines across some roads and properties, in addition to flooding and debris impacting many locations across the coast,” Mayor Matthews said.“I urge everyone to be patient while Council, SES and Ausgrid methodically prioritise and manage the clean-up.

Construction work is now underway to rebuild the EDSACC South amenities building, Bateau Bay, to replace the previous facility destroyed by fire in 2015. Council’s director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox said these works will deliver an improved sporting facility for our northern region’s local sports clubs, players and spectators.“The new amenities building, which is due for completion this financial year, has been designed to meet the needs of current users of the EDSACC sporting complex and accommodate the expected future use.