Central Coast Council has welcomed $3 million in funding for Tuggerah Lakes Estuary and Catchment Improvement as part of the Federal Government’s Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Program.These funds will add to the $7 million Council has already invested in Tuggerah Lakes this financial year resulting in significant improvements in the water quality across the lakes system.Council Group Leader, Mr Mike Dowling said the funds would be dedicated to whole of catchment issues in an effort to reduce the effects of pollutants, litter and environmental vandalism making their way into the lakes.“This funding will support the ongoing implementation of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan through stormwater upgrades, foreshore enhancement and a range of streambank, wetland and saltmarsh rehabilitation activities in the estuary catchment,” Mr Dowling said.“The project will continue to improve water quality, enhance nearshore areas for recreational use, reduce pollutant loads to the estuary, control invasive species in ecologically sensitive areas, encourage sustainable use and educate the local community about the estuary.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the focus on regional infrastructure in the NSW Budget 2017-18 delivering major road and health service upgrades to the Coast.$188.3 million has been allocated for Coast roads including:completing the upgrades at the Wyong Road intersections with the Pacific Highway and Tumbi Roadcommencing construction of the M1 Pacific Motorway widening between the Kariong interchange and the Somersby interchangecontinuing construction on the M1 between the Tuggerah and Doyalson interchanges and on the Pacific Highway widening between Lisarow and Ourimbah$1.5 million in improvements to the Empire Bay Drive, The Scenic Road and Cochrone Street intersection upgradeWarnervale Link Road - Albert Warner Drive to Pacific Highway (Planning)Pacific Highway in Wyong Town Centre (planning)Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said as a growing region, Council was particularly pleased with the promise to allocate 30 percent of infrastructure spending to the regions.“The $6 billion injection is significant and recognises that regions like the Coast are attracting more people who are looking for a better lifestyle away from the big cities and require improved infrastructure to meet their growing needs,” Mr Reynolds.‘Roads are a key priority for Council because our community wants better roads and it is pleasing to see such a significant injection by the State Government into roads here on the Coast.‘Council will be spending over $189 million of our own budget on local roads next year which will complement this funding and provide a better road network for our community.’The Budget details a $1 billion Regional Growth Roads Program to build new infrastructure in regional growth areas, targeting roads in the lower Hunter, Central Coast and the Illawarra.  $500 million has also been allocated to the Fixing Country Roads program to improve local and regional roads managed by local government.‘Council will also be looking to get a slice of this $1 billion Regional Growth Roads Program to improve the Central Coast network even further,’ said Mr Reynolds.‘The NSW Budget’s projected surplus of $4.5 billion is six times Council’s own budget and we will certainly be hoping and looking to see some of that funding flowing to the Central Coast particularly in even more funding for roads as well as our waterways and local environment.’A further $2 million has also been allocated in the budget to repair the Coastal Wall at The Entrance, with Council currently working with the Department of Lands on delivering the project.A full list of projects for the Central Coast can be found at myinfrastructure.planning.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council is helping lead the way for the next generation to be involved in protecting the Coast’s waterways by launching its first ever free Multi-Touch Books.Two digital books have been developed for pre-schoolers, primary school students and educators.

Central Coast Council will temporarily close the Ettalong Ferry Wharf from Thursday 22 June until Monday 3 July, as crews undertake a range of improvement works.The project – part of Council’s 2016/17 Capital Works Program – will include alterations and additions to the existing wharf walkway as well as the installation of a new gangway and pontoonValued at more than $240,000, the upgrade works will significantly improve accessibility on the popular wharf located on Ferry Road, Ettalong Beach.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the upgrade would support commercial maritime services and recreational fishers and boaters.“This project will assist with the ongoing operation of the Ettalong Ferry Wharf, benefiting a wide range of users,” said Mr Reynolds.“The Ettalong Ferry Wharf will be closed to ensure the safety of crews and the community as these important works are carried out.”As a result of the project, the Palm Beach Ferry Service will operate from the Booker Bay Public Wharf (Guyra St, Booker Bay) – for more information or a revised timetable, visit fantasea.com.au/palmbeachferriesCouncil would like to thank the community for their patience while these important upgrades are carried out.For any further information on the project, please contact Central Coast Council on 4325 8222.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to get in before Friday to have their say in shaping the future of the Central Coast by contributing to the Community Strategic Plan.The Plan, the first ever developed for the entire region, will capture the community’s vision for the Coast and identify key social, economic and environmental priorities as well as long-term strategies for the Coast for the next 10 years.Over the past three months, Council staff have spoken directly to thousands of residents at 44 pop up stalls, schools, shopping centres and community events, delivered 2000 surveys to train commuters and engaged online with over 2000 residents.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the quality and quantity of feedback from residents so far was fantastic and highlighted the great passion residents have for the Central Coast.“We have been asking residents five simple questions around what they love about their suburb and the coast, what would make these better and what they imagine the coast to be in 10 years’ time,” he said.“The information we have been gathering will guide all of Council’s long term planning and decision making, so what residents are telling us will have a significant impact – together we can make the coast the very best it can be.”Once the initial phase of community consultation closes on Friday 30 June, Council will spend the next month collating and analysing the information collected to identify key themes and priorities for the region.“A Community Reference Group, comprising members of the local community, will work with Council and its partners between August and December to assist with shaping objectives and strategies for these key theme areas,” Mr Reynolds said.“The new Council, to be elected in September, will play a key role reviewing the community engagement outcomes, shaping the major themes and issues and developing the draft Community Strategic Plan.”“The Draft Plan will be placed on public exhibition from March to April 2018, and staff will then incorporate any feedback and suggestions from community to finalise the plan in preparation for adoption by Council in June 2018.If you haven’t had a chance to share your thoughts on the future of the Coast - where you live, work and play – jump online and have your say at yourvoiceourcoast.com before this Friday.

Central Coast Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for up to six positions on its newly created Urban Design Panel.Council is looking for members from the fields of architecture, urban design or landscape architecture to provide independent design review of significant private and public developments across the region.Council Group Leader of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, said having this Panel provides an opportunity to utilise high calibre and relevant expertise to assist in achieving better design quality of buildings and public domains.“Council’s vision is to create a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast and having high quality design of major buildings and town centres will really help drive that,” Mr Cox said.“Having an independent panel be focused on ensuring that buildings are of high quality will put devleopers on notice that this is what Council are looking for and ensure that as our region grows so will the quality of our built form.”“We are really interested in getting candidates that are committed to delivering an improved design legacy for the Central Coast that we can all be proud of.”The Panel will be tasked with reviewing all DAs lodged with Council that are four storeys or more.Interested parties should view the Terms of Reference for the panel which can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.comEOIs should detail the experience and qualifications of the candidate, include a current CV and outline the ways in which the candidate would contribute to deliver high quality infrastructure, planning and urban projects on the Central Coast.Applications close on 28 July 2017 and should be sent to ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council will again be holding a unique ceremony next week to recognise Mums, at Noraville Cemetery.Mother’s Day is a beautiful time to honour and say thank you to all the Mums and mother figures in the community.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Mother’s Day can also be a sad time for those whose mothers have passed away.“For everyone in our community, Mother’s Day is a special day as families come together to pay tribute to the women in their lives and, for some, to remember those they have lost,” Mr Reynolds said.“We will be hosting another special Mother’s Day Service with White Lady Funerals to reflect and remember our mums, grandmas, nans and aunties as well as any other mother figures who touched our lives and have passed on.”Council’s Mother’s Day Service will be held on Saturday 13 May from 11am at Noraville Cemetery with light refreshments served after.Last year the service was well received by the community and Council is hoping to make this year’s service just as memorable and special for everyone.“Our cemeteries provide beautiful places to remember and pay respect to family and friends as well as the opportunity to honour loved ones for generations to come,” Mr Reynolds added“We have dedicated Bereavement Officers who can assist families in memorialising their loved ones.”Find out more on the Mother’s Day service or how Council’s Bereavement Officers can provide information and assistance as well as comfort and relief to many families by calling 4350 5108.

Lake Haven Library is getting a makeover, with improvements such as a new service desk, self-service reservation station, a ‘Popular Reads’ section and an expansion of community space at the venue.The $120,000 upgrade will also include installation of a stand up internet bar, featuring two express internet stations with quick search facilities, and the 12 existing public internet stations will be relocated and housed in purpose-built computer furnishings.In addition, new catalogues will be built into shelving, promoting accessibility for all library patrons.In order for these important improvements to be carried out, Lake Haven Library will be closed from Wednesday 17 to Wednesday 31 May.During this time, patrons are encouraged to access Council’s online library services or visit alternate library branches, with the closest being Toukley or Tuggerah Libraries.

Work is well underway on the upgrade of a popular fishing platform at North Entrance.Terilbah fishing platform is located on the northern side of The Entrance Bridge in a reserve along the edge of Tuggerah Lakes.The platform was in need of repair and these works will help us to stop the erosion of the bank and surrounding areas, and prolong the life of the platform.Works include the construction of a revetment wall to stabilise the foreshore on either side of the fishing platform.We will also be stabilising the ground under the existing paved section in addition to replacing of the decking timbers on the actual platform.To carry out these works safely, we have closed the platform and surrounding area to the public – but you can still access the play space and fish along the bank of the lake, north of the works, or on the southern side at The Entrance.The new look platform is expected to be open in July.

Central Coast Council will host a second Developers Forum to help get development moving on the Central Coast.The forum will be held on Tuesday 23 May at 5.30 in the AJ Taylor Function Room at the Wyong Office in Hely Street, Wyong.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this second forum will continue the conversation with the development sector about how to best deliver housing and infrastructure for the growing Central Coast community and provide an opportunity for developers who were unable to attend the first forum to discuss development issues directly with Council .“We need to ensure our planning controls and policies deliver the development we want – sustainable and innovative – and that developers are able to build,” Mr Reynolds said.“We need to have developers on board with our real and exciting plans to activate our town centres and public spaces and to make the Coast the very best it can be.”Council Group Leader Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, said work was underway to prepare one consolidated Local Environment Plan (LEP) to guide future development on the Coast and the input of developers was vital to the process.“As Central Coast Council celebrates its first birthday this week, we continue to move closer to our ultimate goal of finding a consistent approach that will help improve our local environment and encourage investment, create new jobs and quality housing for our growing population,” Mr Cox said.“Creating diversity in housing is crucial as we need to provide 41,500 additional houses by 2036 to meet the population increase on the Coast.“This is also a priority of the State Government who have set a benchmark of 40 days for Councils to turn Housing DAs around.“We is aiming to beat this standard, so Council is not standing in the way of new housing and we can get sustainable development in this area moving faster.”To register interest in attending the forum go to www.developersccc.eventbrite.com.au