Central Coast Council is urging the community to have a direct say on how to spend $9 million allocated under the NSW State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund for local community infrastructure projects.The Stronger Communities Fund was a key funding commitment by the NSW State Government to merging Councils.  The Fund is designed to fast track the delivery of priority infrastructure and services for local communities such as upgraded community facilities, improved roads and car parks or new sporting or learning facilities.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this funding has been provided due to the amalgamation and Council wants the community to have a direct say in where the money should be spent.“This is a real win for the entire Central Coast community,” Mr Reynolds said.“These funds are additional to Council’s existing operational budget – so it means we can get on with some projects that we know the community want.Council have identified 30 new projects that could be considered under the Fund.

Central Coast Council is investigating the attack on trees at The Entrance and is calling on the community to help identify the phantom poisoner.Tuckeroos on the corner of Victoria Avenue and The Entrance Road as well as down to Marine Parade have been tampered with.Council’s Asset and Project Coordinator, Mr Steve Ashton, was shocked when he discovered two of the trees appeared to be dying on a recent inspection of the area.“It’s a shame someone is destroying these trees as they really do add to the character of The Entrance,” Mr Ashton said.“The trees not only add to the amenity of the area, but they also provide a valuable source of shade for pedestrians, especially leading in to summer.“The Entrance is one of the popular tourist destinations on the Central Coast and a senseless act like this destroys it for everyone.“Council believes these trees have been deliberately poisoned and is calling on anyone with any information to make contact as soon as possible.“We want to catch the perpetrator before they do it again to ensure this beautiful part of our Coast can be protected for the enjoyment of all.”Council is carrying out its own investigation including reviewing CCTV footage and taking samples from in and around the trees to find the cause.More trees at a popular reserve in Norah Head have also been poisoned following an attack earlier this year.Mazlin Reserve is a popular spot for families situated along the cliff top at Norah Head.Council’s Section Manager Open Space and Recreation, Mr Keith Ollier, said it’s frustrating as the vegetation in the reserve plays an important role.“Not only does it provide shade for the users of the park, it also helps provides habitat to native birds and animals, reduces salt laden winds and helps to stabilise the cliff area – making it safe for everyone,” Mr Ollier said.Council is also continuing to work with the NSW EPA on the recent spate of bird poisonings at Woongarrah and Budgewoi and is reminding the community to remain vigilant.Anyone with any information should report it to Council on 4350 5555.

Central Coast Council’s facilities and services will be closed to the public on Friday 2 December for an award approved Union Picnic Day.This includes the Gosford and Wyong Offices (including Customer Contact), Libraries, Ranger Services, works depots and northern child care centres (Kanwal, Northlakes, Toukley and Wyong).Lifeguard services, Kincumber Transfer Station and Woy Woy and Buttonderry Waste Management Facilities will operate as normal and the following community facilities will be open:Lifeguard servicesPeninsula Leisure CentreSouthern child care centres (Kariong, Niagrara Park, Terrigal and Umina)Laycock Street Community TheatreGosford Regional GalleryGosford Olympic PoolOn Friday, Council will have its on-call and essential services available as required.

Funding to maintain or restore heritage items in the area covered by the former Wyong Shire Council is now available.As a result of funding from the Office of Environment and Heritage, Council is offering grants of up to $2000 per project for heritage items and properties.Owners or managers of heritage buildings and items, and owners of properties within the former Wyong Shire Council heritage conservation areas are now invited to apply.Applications can be made through Central Coast Council’s Local Heritage Assistance Fund.Council’s Group Leader Scott Cox said the level of funding for individual projects will be determined on a case by case basis however greater funding may be considered in some instances.“Projects that involve the repair or reinstatement of items on heritage buildings, such as the reinstatement of fences, verandas and decorative items, are encouraged,” Mr Cox said.“Projects can also include structural work through to final painting.”Council will also consider projects outside this scope that lead to good heritage outcomes.Council recognises the environmental, social and economic value contained in local heritage assets and the contribution these assets have made to our identity.The fund aims to help residents and business owners protect and manage important heritage items and heritage conservation areas into the future.“Well known heritage assets attract tourism and owners of heritage-listed private property can significantly increase their value of land and property over time,” Mr Cox said.Heritage listings can be found in the Wyong Shire Local Environmental Plan which also outlines how these items are protected by legislation.Heritage building owners are encouraged to contact Council’s Heritage Advisor to ensure their project is eligible.Applications close 2 December 2016 and projects must be completed by 31 March 2017.For more information go to wyong.nsw.gov.au/environment/heritage. 

Throughout November, Central Coast Council is reminding residents about the risks associated with the removal and handling of asbestos, as part of Asbestos Awareness Month.Asbestos Awareness Month aims to educate homeowners, renovators, handymen and tradespeople about the dangers of working with asbestos and how to manage those dangers safely.Australia was one of the largest consumers of asbestos-containing materials in the world, with asbestos found in one in every three homes built or renovated before 1987.While considered safe if left undisturbed, when products containing asbestos are disturbed, handled incorrectly or not disposed of properly, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and inhaled;

The popular Bato Yard will be closed off in sections next week as maintenance works are carried out across the freestyle riding facility.Central Coast Council and Convic will be working on the Yard from Monday 7 to Friday 11 November.Works are being done to improve the Yard and users can expect temporary closures in certain areas during this time.Council apologises for any inconvenience during these works.Since opening in July, Bato Yard is used by hundreds of riders each day from when the lights come on at 5am until they switch off at 10pm.The facility is growing in popularity and has already secured three major events for the 2017 calendar.

It’s less than two weeks before the award-winning Wyong Lakes Festival kicks off its nine day program to entertain, delight and educate.Once again, Tuggerah Lakes will take centre stage when more than 30 events make a splash from 12-20 November.Council’s Event Officer, Ms Cobey Linsley, said the first weekend is set to light up The Entrance and will kick start the festival with a five hour lakeside event.“The festival kicks off with the Light up the Lake event on Saturday 12 November at Memorial Park and will be jam packed with great food, entertainment and activities,” Ms Linsley said.“We have a silent disco, photo booth, glow forest, roving entertainment that will light up, facepainting and much, much more.“But the highlight would be the main stage that will feature a line-up of artists including our headline act, Thirsty Merc.“The night will finish at 9pm with a firework spectacular over the lake and the best news of all, it’s free!”A brunch by the lake will be held the next morning, Sunday 13 November, where festival goers can indulge in a free breakfast.There will also be more free activities, a bubble pond and roving entertainment including a special appearance from the stilt lifesavers to enjoy.All eyes will be on the main stage in Memorial Park for the free music and entertainment including celebrity chef, Courtney Roulston, who we all know from MasterChef.Other events on the opening weekend include Painting by the Lake, Storytelling, Remondis Open Day, Colour Ya World, Saltwater Festival, Pedal to Paddle and the popular TriWyong.“The festival program is varied so it doesn’t matter whether your interest is sport or cultural experiences, family or educational activities or just getting out and enjoying the magnificent lakes and catchments, this festival is for you,” Ms Linsley addedCouncil’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said while the festival is fantastic for locals, it is expected to attract lots of visitors to the region as well.“With a full program of more than 30 free events, it’s no wonder our Festival is winning awards!” Mr Reynolds said.“The Festival is a great way for locals and visitors alike to take part in a wide range of interesting events and explore our beautiful lakes at the same time.”For a full program of events, visit wyong.nsw.gov.au/wyonglakesfestival

Central Coast Council is celebrating National Recycling Week, from Monday 7 November until Sunday 13 November 2016, by holding a series of free Green Living Workshops and tours around the Coast.Now in its 21st year, National Recycling Week aims to give people the tools to minimise waste and responsibly manage resources at home, work and school.Residents of all ages are invited to participate in the events, which go beyond the yellow recycling bin by looking at ways to reduce waste, reuse resources and recycle more.Learn how to make a kitchen garden without spending a cent, discover water wise ways to grow plants, set up backyard chickens, find out how to compost and set up a worm farm,  learn how to love your leftovers, save money by op-shopping, and learn about the recycling process.Central Coast Council’s Green Living Workshops during National Recycling Week:Monday 7 November, Love Food Hate Waste, 11am – 12.30pm, Wyoming Community CentreTuesday 8 November, Waste and Recycling Tour, 9am – 1pm, Woy Woy LandfillWednesday 9 November, Upcycle Kitchen Garden, 10am – 1pm, Kincumber LibraryThursday 10 November, Waste and Recycling Tour, 9am – 1pm, Buttonderry Waste Management FacilitySaturday 12 November, Wicking Bed Construction, 9am – 11am, Woy Woy Peninsula Community GardenSaturday 12 November, Remondis Open Day, 9.30am – 11am, Remondis Somersby DepotSaturday 12 November, Op Shop Hop, 9.30am – 12.30pm, Woy Woy Op Shops, meeting at Woy Woy Train StationSunday 13 November, Keeping Backyard Chickens, 9am – 12pm, Meeting Space 3, The Erina CentreSunday 13 November, Compost and Worm Farming, 1pm – 4pm, Meeting Space 3, The Erina CentreFor more information, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or phone 4325 8222.

110 new parking spaces are being created close to the heart of Terrigal, with work commencing on the $2.7 million upgrade to the Wilson Road parking station.

Council is helping to improve the community’s health and wellbeing by bringing free talks and Buddhist mediation sessions to the local Library.Central Coast Libraries regularly host meditation sessions facilitated by a local Khedruje Kadampa Buddhist teacher.These sessions give the community an opportunity to experience mediation and learn about the Buddhist way of life firsthand.Council’s Library Services Manager, Ms Andrea Edwards said, the Buddhist sessions have proven to be extremely popular with local residents and shows there is a strong need for this type of event in the region.“Meditation has been proven to lessen worry, reduce stress and improve optimism and that is certainly what we want for our community,” said Ms Edwards.“If you are looking for ways to destress, improve your quality of life and develop inner peace meditation just might be what you need.“The next two sessions will talk about overcoming stress and solving life’s problems in this modern world we live in,” Ms Edwards added.“Meditation can be practiced by any member of the community, no matter what race, culture, gender or age so come and join us to experience a new way of life as everyone is welcome.“The next Khedruje Kadampa sessions are on 9 November at 2.30pm at Tuggerah Library and 6 December at 10.30am at Lake Haven Library.Booking for these sessions are essential and can be made by calling the library branches directly.