Council opens another door for growth and investment on the Central Coast Council has endorsed the public exhibition of a draft Tuggerah to Wyong Economic Corridor (The Corridor) Strategy and a Transport Report in the next step to enable the successful and sustained growth of the Central Coast.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the draft Corridor Strategy supports the NSW Government’s Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 and will implement a number of directions to guide planning and investment in the region.“The Tuggerah to Wyong Economic Corridor is a key part of the Northern Growth Corridor in line with the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036.

Peninsula residents can look forward to an improved water supply this summer with Central Coast Council set to commence work on an extensive water mains maintenance program.Part of this program will see a number of dead-ends in the water supply network on the Peninsula extended to connect into the main network, which will ensure continued high-quality water to the area.Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council actively monitors and tests the effectiveness of the Coast’s water quality and extending dead-end water mains is a priority.“The Peninsula has a greater risk of low circulating water due to the large number of dead-end networks,” Mr Loader said.“We have flushed the mains, identified 11 sections of dead-ends that we are extending to connect into the main network and will soon eliminate these remaining dead-ends to ensure continued high-quality water to the community.”“Our goal remains to improve the integrity of the water infrastructure in the local community and regular maintenance helps us achieve this.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council’s Water Mains Cleaning Program is an essential investment with the local community benefiting directly.“There are over 2,600km of water mains that we actively maintain and upgrade, and we are committed to investing in this essential service so it meets the needs of our growing community now and into the future,” Mayor Matthews said.“Council is improving the integrity of our water infrastructure and the quality of our drinking water for the local community, with programs like this rolling out consistently each year.”Works will commence every day from 21 November to 9 December, except on Sundays, between the hours of 8am and 5pm and will not disrupt the water supply.

Locals and tourists alike can now explore the beautiful Tuggerah Lakes Estuary in stunning detail, thanks to a new app launched by Central Coast Council.

The 2019-20 beach season will commence this weekend, signified by the official raising of the flag ceremony at Terrigal Beach.On Saturday 28 September, the red and yellow flags will be placed in the sand at 15 Central Coast beaches as lifeguards and lifesavers return to patrol to keep our community safe.

The 2019-20 beach season will commence this weekend, signified by the official raising of the flag ceremony at Terrigal Beach.On Saturday 28 September, the red and yellow flags will be placed in the sand at 15 Central Coast beaches as lifeguards and lifesavers return to patrol to keep our community safe.

The Central Coast will have a new Mayor leading into the 2020 General Council elections after Councillor Lisa Matthews was elected by her fellow Councillors at a meeting at Wyong this evening.Councillor Matthews has become the second ever Mayor of the Central Coast, taking over from Councillor Jane Smith.Central Coast Council’s Deputy Mayor also changed, with Councillor Jane Smith taking over from Councillor Chris Holstein.Mayor Matthews acknowledged the good work Council had done since amalgamation to move forward as ‘One Central Coast’. “We have a robust Operational Plan in place for the next 12 months and my goal is to keep working towards delivering that,” Mayor Matthews said. “Priority areas residents have told us should be our focus include improving our water and sewer networks, roads, the environment, community facilities and open space and recreation, and these areas will feature heavily in our plans as we strive to create a sustainable and connected Central Coast community that we can all be proud of.”Mayor Matthews will preside over her first ordinary meeting of Council on Wednesday 25 September at the Wyong Chambers.Deputy Mayor Smith said it had been a privilege to serve the people of the Central Coast as Mayor over the last two years and she looked forward to continuing to serve the community as Deputy Mayor and as a Councillor for Gosford East Word. “I would like to thank and acknowledge the work of Council staff who give their best efforts to deliver on our shared vision of a better region for all,” Deputy Mayor Smith said.“Over the last two years we have adopted the first Community Strategic Plan for the Central Coast and are well on the way to delivering a 10-year vision to create a smart, green, liveable region with a shared sense of belonging and responsibility.”

Council to proceed with Gosford Regional LibraryCouncil has decided to move forward with Gosford Regional Library as a separate project and at the same time continue to review the business case for the Gosford Cultural Precinct.Proceeding with planning for the regional library will help to secure any available funding and ensure delivery of this important public resource. Mayor Lisa Matthews said a region of our size and importance needs a major regional library. “Our community has waited a considerable amount of time for this project and tonight we made a financially responsible decision that means we are getting on with the job of delivering the Gosford Regional Library,” Mayor Matthews said.“Items within the business case for the Gosford Cultural Precinct need further review and this process should not delay our regional library. “This library will be a dynamic space for learning and innovation and a vibrant meeting point for our community to connect. “Delivering a regional library for the Central Coast is an important step towards meeting the ongoing social, recreational, educational, technological and business development needs of our community.At its December meeting, Council will consider the detail of the preferred location for the regional library, along with a timeline for design, development application and anticipated commencement.Council continues to support vulnerable peopleCentral Coast Council has made a formal submission to the Federal government to ‘Raise the Rate’ for Newstart and Youth Allowance to align with the current cost of living.Council joined at least 30 other councils to support an alignment of the Newstart Allowance, which has not been raised in real terms for 25 years.Mayor Matthews said the submission was showing support for the most vulnerable people in society.“The figures for vulnerable people on the Central Coast are staggering and the current level of assistance provided is inadequate,” Mayor Matthews said.“Social issues such as unemployment, homelessness, lack of affordable housing, poverty and domestic violence have a profound impact on many residents and the broader community. “While Council is actively working to solve a range of social and health issues that impact community wellbeing and vulnerable people, raising the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance will provide that additional support to ease pressures, reduce poverty and increase the wellbeing and life chances of our community.”The Central Coast has:61,727 people living in low income households (

Central Coast Council is urging the community to be vigilant when it comes to vandalism following the destruction of several public place litter bins.Since the implementation of the public place litter bin renewal program, a number of bins have been significantly damaged or burnt out across the Coast. Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the replacement of litter bins comes at a direct cost to ratepayers.  “We try to repair any damage on site, however, due to excessive damage bins usually have to be removed in the interest of public safety,” Mr Bolgoff said.“In the last two years, eight double waste stations have been burnt, six of which were at Bato Yard Skate Park, with another five single garbage enclosures at Umina requiring removal due to the damage, which has caused upwards of $20,000 in vandalised infrastructure. “We salvage what we can, though when bins are damaged beyond repair the cost of replacement really starts to add up.“This is a direct loss to Council and can impact upon the replacement of bins if they are constantly damaged as well as distribution of bins in the future due to reduced resources.“Graffiti is also a growing concern with many road signs damaged over the last twelve months – this is not only at a cost to Council to remove, but also impacts driver safety.”This financial year the Public Place Bin Replacement Program looks to roll our 160 new waste and recycling units and a solar compaction bin that will compress litter within the bin.This will help provide adequate amenities for the community to dispose of waste responsibly while enjoying the Coast’s amazing parks and unique environment.Mayor Lisa Matthews encouraged the community to report any vandalism as soon as they observe it in their local area.“Vandalism impacts neighbourhood appearance as well as businesses and community confidence in the safety and security of public places,” Mayor Matthews said.“The quicker we act to report, remove and repair the damage caused, the less likely it will recur again.

Central Coast Council is now using a new survey-based technology to maximise efficiency on roads projects across the region.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said Council is installing a technology in graders and excavators to achieve millimetre accuracy and improve efficiency and accuracy.“We are starting to install new survey systems in our excavators and graders which use GPS and 3D technology to dig and grade to millimetre accuracy,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Using this new approach allows our teams to deliver the accuracy required without the need to have surveyors recheck levels.“Design drawings are simply uploaded to the survey system and the construction machinery automatically adjusts to the design levels.“Since starting the roll-out of the technology we have seen a reduction in material waste and achieved cost savings by delivering projects in less time.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said new survey-based technology was part of Council’s commitment to deliver the best road project outcomes for the Central Coast.“Maintaining and developing our 2,200 kilometre network of roads is a big job and we are embracing new technology and products to deliver for our community,” Mayor Matthews said.“This technology is saving time and money and giving our staff more autonomy – all big ticks.“This rollout follows other innovative and sustainable approaches we have adopted such as the use of a road surfacing product made from recycled soft plastic, glass and toner cartridges.” All of Council’s major road, drainage and pathway projects can be viewed on an interactive map by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/roadanddrainageprojects

Central Coast Council is seeking nominations for the Australia Day 2020 Awards, which recognise individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the region.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the prestigious awards honour local leaders who go the extra mile in a range of different ways.“Our coast-wide Australia Day awards are an opportunity to recognise members of our community who make a real difference,” Ms Vaughan said.“Australia Day nominees and winners are often unsung heroes who work quietly behind the scenes to make the Coast a better place to live.”The 2020 Award categories are: Arts, Culture and Entertainment Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in their chosen art form and made a significant contribution to arts, culture and entertainment on the Coast.Business Connecting CommunitiesAwarded to a local businesses or enterprises with less than eight fulltime employees that has established a genuine involvement and long-term value to the life of their community. Community Service and ActivityAwarded to an individual or group responsible for creating community activities or services that benefit the Coast. Environmental Awarded to an individual who is leading the way in sustainability and making the Central Coast a place where people and nature can thrive.Sportsperson of the YearAwarded to an individual who has shown acts of sportsmanship and team building, been an outstanding sportsperson or made significant contributions as organisers or promoters of sports on the Coast. Volunteer of the YearAwarded to an individual (26 years and over) who has made a significant long-term commitment to volunteer work and demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to our local community. Youth of the Year Awarded to an individual (25 years or under) who has succeeded in his or her chosen field, acts as an inspiration to his or her peers and has made a significant contribution to the Coast community.Citizen of the YearEach winner from the above categories will then go into the running to be named Central Coast Citizen of the Year.Mayor Lisa Matthews said she encourages all community members to nominate individuals and groups who are worthy of the honour of a Central Coast Australia Day Award.“We all know someone who make the Central Coast a better place – by the work they do for others and their vision and passion for our community,” Mayor Matthews said. “These awards provide the opportunity to celebrate that contribution.” Nominations open Monday 30 September and close Friday 8 November 2019.For further information, eligibility criteria and to make a nomination visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/australiadayawards