We love our sport on the Central Coast and we’re home to a talented and vibrant sporting community at all levels.Council is committed to providing the best facilities and playing surfaces year-round, and we have been carrying out a comprehensive maintenance and improvement program to ensure the best quality grounds for local sport.Sporting fields have been resurfaced, rejuvenated, returfed and regraded as part of a range of works from Woy Woy to Woongarrah.The works will assist our sporting codes during the summer, while also preparing playing surfaces for next year’s demanding winter season.Significant rejuvenation works involving weed spraying, aeration, fertilisation and, in some cases, turfing has been done to meet the specific needs of each ground and the sports predominately played there.The benefits of these works have already been seen in locations across the region, with reductions in ground closures due to wet weather, faster recovery rates for playing surfaces and a decrease in the need for ongoing maintenance.Crews have been busy at Bill Sohier Park and EDSACC Oval with work also scheduled for Darren Kennedy, Blue Haven, Hamlyn Terrace, Wadalba, Woongarrah and Jubilee ovals over the coming weeks.The maintenance work has been focused on naturally improving drainage, increasing turf growth and improving drought tolerance.At McKillop, Kariong and Ettalong ovals, synthetic cricket wickets have also resurfaced.In addition, we have upgraded the carpark facilities at Hylton Moore Oval and recently finalised a community art installation at Woy Woy Oval.The new mural depicts unity and our local sporting history, overlooking the recently redeveloped sports field.Measuring 36 metres in length and three metres high, the mural is made up of 24 colour printed steel panels, featuring a pelican symbol surrounded by around 100 original photographs of the Peninsula’s sporting culture from the past 65 years.We have just finished major drainage and irrigation upgrade works at Gavenlock Oval, Rogers Park and Chittaway Oval, with works scheduled to start at Baker Park in January.The new systems will assist our sporting fields in dealing with extreme weather conditions and support quality playing surfaces for the entire season.It will also support the maintenance of surfaces during long periods of dry weather thanks to a highly effective and efficient irrigation system.The improvement works at Gavenlock Oval, Baker Park and Chittaway Oval have been completed in partnership with Central Coast Football - who contributed $140,000 to the projects.Works have been finalised at Chittaway Oval, while the Rogers Park upgrade is currently underway, with Baker Park scheduled to reopen in April.Across the Central Coast, we maintain more than 75 sports fields, 12 multi-purpose courts, three netball facilities and a wide range of other sporting facilities, such as a Disc Golf course.Investing in our sports grounds, facilities and amenities is a key priority of Council as it helps promote an active, healthy and connected community.

Central Coast Council has extended the public consultation period for new planning controls for the Gosford CBD until Friday January 20, 2017.The planning controls seeking to move the commercial core of the CBD to Kibble Park, create a living city and revitalise the CBD have generated a great deal of community interest.Council is planning on holding and information session on the Development Control Plan (DCP) in the New Year, with details to follow.The amended Gosford DCP can be viewed online at haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.au, under Items on Public Exhibition or at Council’s Office in Mann Street and Libraries.

A fantastic new 500 square metre playground for kids of all ages is now open at popular holiday spot The Entrance.Central Coast Council has invested $500,000 in the colourful new play space which is right next to the much loved Vera’s Water Garden.The new playground has multiple climbing stations, tunnels, a seated merry-go-round, an in-ground trampoline and the classic old favourite, hopscotch.It also has synthetic grass mounds and a rock climbing wall and slide, all surrounded by spongy soft fall and shaded with shade cloths.There’s plenty of seating for parents to sit and watch their kids play against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.“My kids tried it out and they loved it!

School holidays are almost upon us and Central Coast Council’s libraries have plenty of fun educational activities to keep the kids entertained.Highlights of this year’s activities include a workshop on 3D Printing and Design, a Japanese ghost show and a workshop on how to prepare for the HSC.Council’s Library Services Section Manager, Ms Andrea Edwards, said there was an array of events on offer catering to children as young as three as well as tween and young adult interests.“We have everything from a 3D print and design workshop and computer game workshops to music sessions where children can learn to play the ukulele and dance the samba,” Ms Edwards said.“If previous holiday sessions are anything to go by these events are sure to book out quickly, so I’d encourage interested parents to book in as soon as possible!“These holidays we are offering discounted prices for our members for select events.”“Simply visit any one of our branches to join in person or visit our website to join online anywhere, anytime.”Participants for the 3D Printing and Design workshop on 17 January at 10am at Blue Haven Community Centre need to create a Tinkercard before the workshop and bring their own laptops that can connect to WiFi.Led by Howard Wood from 3D Printing Studios, the workshop includes learning about the different technologies used for the 3D printing process and designing a pen that will be posted to participants after the workshop.Sean Murphy’s Ghost Jam Comedy Show was very well received when it was premiered at the Sydney Fringe Festival in September, and he will be premiering it on the Coast on 24 January at 2pm at Tuggerah Library.This free event is based on traditional Japanese ghost stories that most people have not heard before and has some fun and scary moments that will delight kids and adults alike.

A range of works associated with Central Coast sporting fields have been carried out from Woy Woy to Woongarrah.The assortment of projects will assist with participation in summer sports, while also preparing playing surfaces for next year’s demanding winter season.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said the program of upgrades, in combination with regular maintenance, was important for the region’s sporting infrastructure.“Our maintenance schedule is comprehensive and ensures playing surfaces are in the best possible shape for local sporting clubs,” said Mr Reynolds.“We are home to a fantastic sporting culture here on the Central Coast and as a Council we want to provide the community with first-class sporting facilities to support that.”In the south, synthetic cricket wickets were resurfaced at McKillop Oval, Kariong Oval and Ettalong Oval as well as all playing fields receiving significant rejuvenation works.“Rejuvenation works generally involve weed spraying, aeration, fertilisation and in some cases turfing – depending on the needs of each location and the sports predominately played there,” added Mr Reynolds.“Many of our cricketers have new synthetic playing surfaces for the summer, while footballers of all codes will hit the ground running with lush, well-prepared surfaces for the 2017 season.”Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling said consistent and effective management of playing surfaces can reap greater efficiency within maintenance teams.“It’s a year-round job, our fields always require upkeep and crews do a fantastic job providing this service to the community,” said Mr Dowling.“In combination with regular rejuvenation works, we’ve been utilising a number of techniques to naturally improve drainage - increasing turf growth and drought tolerance.“Sporting fields in the north including Chittaway Oval and Baker Park are also part of an intensive works upgrade program with subsoil drainage being installed.“Healthy, well-maintained playing surfaces reduce ground closures due to wet weather, facilitates faster recovery rates and reduces maintenance costs moving forward.”

Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) has lodged a Development Application (DA) for the first stage of a new aircraft manufacturing facility at Central Coast Airport.The DA seeks consent to erect an aircraft hangar with a roof area of 2760 square metres and related works including temporary parking.The estimated value of the proposed development is $3M.AAI has previously stated it will invest a total of $100 million in setting up the full manufacturing facility.Details about the DA can be found on Council’s website.

A landmark ruling today by the Land and Environment Court of NSW has given the green light to the Australian Taxation Office proposed for Gosford.Earlier today the Court dismissed an appeal by the Gosford Waterfront Alliance.This will provide more certainly for employment prospects in Gosford CBD.

With the festive season upon us, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about and celebrate with family and friends on the Central Coast.Central Coast Council is supporting a number of events for families and friends to celebrate the past year.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said there’s plenty to enjoy, starting this weekend at The Entrance.“Memorial Park at The Entrance will be lit up on Christmas Eve as thousands flock for the annual Carols by Candlelight,” Mr Reynolds said.“It’s set to be another spectacular night by the water with rides, entertainment and of course the Christmas Carols we all love, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.“It’s a great time of the year to remember and celebrate what’s great about living here on the Coast.”The annual carnival will be back operating from 6pm from Boxing Day along the Gosford waterfront, full of rides for all ages or bring a picnic rug along to the Gosford Leagues Club field to enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks.Residents and visitors will be able to bring in the New Year with a bang starting with the Gosford Races at Midday.At Central Coast Stadium the New Year’s Eve Mariners game against Melbourne Victory will kick off at 7pm.Council will also welcome in the New Year with live entertainment, stalls, rides and a fireworks display by the waterfront at Memorial Park, The Entrance, from midday.Council’s Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said with all these great activities available, make sure you have a Plan B to get home.“The best night out starts with a plan to get home safely, and we have a guide to help,” Ms Vaughan said.“If you don’t have a designated driver organised, check out the Late Night Transport Guide - it provides a full list of phone numbers on the Central Coast for courtesy bus services, taxis and local timetables for trains and buses.”Council would like to wish all residents and visitors a very happy Christmas and a safe and joyful New Year.Visit liquoraccords.org.au/transport-links/ to help with a Plan B and for more information on transport options.

Residents are advised that Central Coast Council will be closed for the Christmas and New Year period, from Monday 26 December 2016 until Monday 2 January 2017 (inclusive).Essential services will continue during the closure, including waste collection, water treatment and lifeguards.For any urgent council-related emergencies during the period such as water main breaks, residents can contact 4325 8222 (Gosford office) or 4350 5555 (Wyong office) 24-hours a day.Limited services will also be available on Friday 23 December, as systems maintenance is undertaken.Council Libraries in the north (Tuggerah, Lake Haven, The Entrance, Bateau Bay, Toukley and Gwandalan branches) will close at 12pm.Additionally, Libraries in the south (Erina, Gosford, Kariong, Kincumber, Umina and Woy Woy branches) will cease operations at 2pm.Council’s Customer Service Centres will also close at 12pm in the north and 2pm in the south to accommodate these important scheduled works.Central Coast Council management and staff would like to wish residents a safe and merry Christmas and a happy New Year.For more information contact 4325 8222 or 4350 5555, go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or follow Council on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

This holiday season, Central Coast Council is again joining forces with the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation to help promote its important road safety campaign.The foundation was established in 2014 after the tragic death of Tom McLaughlin in a pedestrian accident during a family holiday at MacMasters Beach.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said the Holiday time: