At this stage there is no change to Councils approach to the use of herbicides containing glyphosate for the purpose of weed control within the Central Coast Local Government Area.The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) are the appropriate statutory body regulating chemicals registered for use in Australia.

Erina Library, the busiest of Central Coast Council’s library branches, will be temporarily closed for refurbishment works from the Queen’s Birthday public holiday on Monday 10 June until Tuesday 25 June, inclusive.The project, which will bring a new lease of life to the branch, represents a $98,500 investment by Council and has been made possible thanks to $145,244 from NSW State Government Stronger Country Communities Fund.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess said the renovations will help create more flexibility in the layout of the branch, which has had minimal updates since it first opened its doors in 2003.“We are really excited about this transformation that will create a more contemporary and welcoming feel,” Mrs Burgess said.“When we reopen, customers will notice the change instantly with the construction and installation of two new dual level customer service points,” Mrs Burgess said.“Other works to be completed include repainting the interior of library, new carpet, public internet and mobile device enabled furniture, mobile shelving units, replacement of soft furnishings and study furniture as well as upgrades of the staff workroom area.“With 180,570 visits last year, we understand the importance of keeping a presence at Erina for the community and have taken every measure to reduce any inconvenience during the works.“All regular programs and planned events will continue to be held in the meeting rooms of the Erina Centre adjacent to the branch, and Customer Service will operate from the foyer opposite the library doors Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm, accepting cheque and card payments only.”Items cannot be borrowed or collected from Erina Library during the closure, however, the after-hours returns chute will remain open for customers.The closest branches for those wishing to borrow or collect items during this time are:Bateau Bay Library – Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm | Sat 9am-3pmGosford Library – Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm | Sat 9.30am-12.30pmKincumber Library – Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pmthank the community for their understanding and patience while we carry out these upgrades that will enable us to deliver a more inclusive customer experience for all visitors to the library,” Mrs Burgess added."As always our extensive range of free online resources and services, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, homework help, music streaming and more will continue to be available anywhere, anytime.”Mayor Jane Smith said the works deliver on the Community Strategic Plan objective to create more flexible, welcoming and accessible spaces for the community to enjoy.“This significant investment in library services will deliver a flexible, modern and welcoming space for our community,” Mayor Smith said.“I look forward to the new and vibrant energy this will bring to Erina Library.“This is made possible thanks to the funding for the State Government and highlights what can be achieved when different levels of government work together.”To access online services, become a member or for regular programming and event details visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/librariesENDS

Car parking in Gosford just got easier, with the rollout of over 260 parking sensors in the CBD – following on from the successful implementation of car parking sensors in The Haven and Surf Club in Terrigal last year. The installation of sensors helps residents and visitors of these areas identify available parking through the ParkSpot (Central Coast NSW) app.

Central Coast Council is calling on all mountain bike (MTB) riders, environmentalists, users of our natural reserves, visitors, and the general Coast community to assist us with our first Mountain Biking Feasibility Study.With participation in mountain bike riding as both a sport and nature-based recreation increasing, and demand for suitable areas to ride also growing, Council is looking to hear from all interested members of the community to help better understand the demand, potential issues and management options for mountain biking in Council reserves across the region.Director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox said the feasibility study will assist in planning for recreation that will meet the needs of the community as well as protect biodiversity, heritage and the nature conservation values of Council’s natural reserves.“This study will provide us with an opportunity to accommodate and manage the competing demands of natural reserve users and mountain bike enthusiasts in a way that protects sensitive areas and provides new opportunities to enjoy nature-based activities in the region,” Cox said.“Additionally, it will assist in providing opportunities to enjoy the cherished and protected natural beauty of the Coast that is compatible with the values of the natural reserves, including the Coastal Open Space System.”Council currently provides for mountain bike riding on fire and management trail systems in its natural reserves however a number of unauthorised trails have recently been constructed in some reserves which may pose risks to both riders and the environment.Community members can provide their views to Council via a survey until 2 July 2019.At the completion of the Mountain Biking Feasibility Study, Council will seek further community input via public exhibition of a discussion paper.

Central Coast Council Library Service will be ‘Connecting People, Places and the Past’ as part of the 2019 Australian Heritage Month celebrations, on now until 19 May.Two major exhibitions paying homage to local history and beloved children’s author May Gibbs will be on display during the Festival, with Libraries also relaunching their new platform Central Coast Memories.Council Section Manager Library Futures and Planning, Benjamin Hartley said this online resource showcases historic photographs, postcards, and other memorabilia held in the Library's Local History collection.“The site delves into the region’s rich history and illustrates the transformation of the region from simple beginnings as a timber getting, and agricultural area to more recent times,” Mr Hartley said.“We will be commemorating the early timber industry through the ‘Broad Axes and Bullock Bells’ photographic exhibition, which illustrates the working lives of the bullockies, sawyers and saw-millers, with images dating as far back as the early 1900’s.”The display is on exhibition at Tuggerah Library now until Friday 24 May, then Kincumber Library from Monday 3 June to Thursday 4 July.“Sure to be a family favourite, the ‘May Gibbs:

Central Coast Council understands community concern over the use of herbicides in light of recent news coverage around USA civil law suits connected to ‘RoundUp’ a commonly used herbicide.The health and safety of Council workers and the community are taken very seriously and Council ensure responsible practices are in place for the safe use of herbicides whilst protecting the environment.Council applies herbicides containing glyphosate for the purpose of weed control within the Central Coast Local Government Area.

An Eastern Osprey nest has been upgraded to VIP status at Central Coast Stadium just in time for this year’s breeding season. The nest, which originally sat on top of a lighting tower for the stadium, has been relocated to a purpose built nest platform a few metres away. Central Coast Stadium Manager, Kath Casey said the nest relocation was necessary for the comfort and safety of both the birds and stadium goers. “Unfortunately, since the birds first moved in and started nesting on the light tower in 2014, they have been creating many challenges, as well as some real safety issues,” Mrs Casey said. “With the nest sitting so close to the lights, maintenance of the tower was becoming difficult and we’ve also had to close the seats in the bay below as sticks and debris continually fall from the nest.” Mayor Jane Smith said Council had considered a number of options for the nest. “Council has been working closely with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage since 2015 to find the best possible option to manage this crucial threatened species,” Mayor Smith said.

Australia’s foremost prestigious and controversial portraiture prize – the ‘Archibald Prize’ – is among a number of exhibitions announced for the Central Coast community as part of Gosford Regional Gallery’s new Winter/Spring Program.The new program also sees the return of the hotly contested ‘Gosford Art Prize’, which this year has been expanded to include an Aboriginal Art prize for the first time.Central Coast Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture, Tim Braham said the Gallery prides itself on securing prestigious exhibitions for our community and it is because of this that the venue has recently been ranked as TripAdvisor’s number one destination to visit in the southern area of the Coast, among 17 other local attractions.“We are delighted to continue bringing fantastic exhibitions to the Central Coast and saving locals a trip to Sydney or Newcastle,” Mr Braham said.“The most exciting exhibition in our new program is the 2019 Archibald Prize, choosing to return to the Gallery for just the third time in its 98 years of exhibition – telling us that the experience we offer here on the Central Coast is world-class, which is reflected in our recent TripAdvisor ranking of number one.“The Gallery is also a platform for local artists to professionally display their works and we have some great local exhibitions including ‘Short Stories’ by Miriam Cullen, ‘PARADIGM/SHIFT’ by Natalie Verriest, ‘Heads above water’ by Peter Baka and ‘Tales of a modern Blackfulla’ by Garry Purchase.“The Gallery is recognised as a ‘hidden gem’ of the Central Coast and we invite locals and visitors to check out our new Winter/Spring Program and drop by to view the exhibitions, take a stroll through the Gardens and enjoy a coffee at the café.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Gallery is an important cultural and educational resource that attracts outstanding exhibitions for locals and visitors to the region to enjoy.“Our Gosford Regional Gallery hosts a variety of local, national and international exhibitions from both established and emerging artists and its recent ranking on TripAdvisor shows just how valued the facility is,” Mayor Smith said.“Tourism is a significant industry on the Central Coast and the visitor economy makes a positive contribution to the community through building local pride, youth employment, and supporting local events and community infrastructure.“Council is committed to investment in tourism for the region and this achievement brings us one step closer to being the natural choice for leisure, business and major events in regional NSW.”Gosford Regional Gallery’s new Winter/Spring Program can be viewed online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/galleries

A selection of Australia’s leading blues and jazz musicians will delight audiences with performances at nine Central Coast venues across five suburbs this July.The ninth annual Winter Blues and Jazz Festival will feature headliners Russell Morris and Emma Pask and a jam-packed program over two days – Saturday 13 July and Sunday 14 July.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the Central Coast’s most popular free music event catered to all music lovers.“We have a great and varied line-up that will make it almost impossible not to move your feet,” Mr Cannard said.“Blues and jazz fans love the event but non-fans often walk away with a new understanding and appreciation of what modern blues and jazz is all about.“Great music with our beautiful Central Coast as the backdrop is a combination that is not be missed.“The Entrance is the flagship venue for the event but locals and visitors can enjoy the music and soak up the atmosphere at venues in Bateau Bay, Tumbi Umbi, Wamberal and Avoca Beach.The Winter Blues and Jazz Festival 2019 features headliners Russell Morris and Emma Pask, along with Caiti Baker, 19-Twenty, Chase The Sun, Geoff Achinson, Muma Janes Blues Band and much more.Mayor Jane Smith said the Winter Blues and Jazz Festival was about bringing people together to celebrate music and have a great time.“Locals and visitors love this event – it’s all about fun with family and friends and experiencing some incredible free entertainment,” Mayor Smith said.“The Winter Blues and Jazz Festival attracts between 6,000 and 9,000 families, friends and visitors to our region, which provides a welcome boost to the local economy during the quieter winter months.” Event venues are:

Central Coast Council tonight adopted its Operational Plan for the 2019-20 financial year which will deliver $792.0million worth of investment in essential services and capital works.The Plan forms the second year of Council's Delivery Program 2018-21 and will deliver $556.4million in essential services and $235.6million in capital works in the priority areas of roads;