Central Coast Council has welcomed the bipartisan interest from Federal political parties to partner with the community on the proposed development of a performing arts centre for the Central Coast.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said it was a testament to the extraordinary artistic talent in the region that there was such a high level of funding commitment from both sides of politics for a cultural venue.“As we have seen with the recent opening of The Art House in Wyong, the performing arts industry is thriving on the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“It is great to see both sides of politics acknowledge the significant contribution arts makes to a community and their willingness to support the infrastructure for it to grow on the Central Coast.”Council notes that today’s funding announcement by Federal Labor refers to the site of the proposed ATO building in Gosford being the preferred site for the performing arts centre.This week, the Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel deferred consideration of the application of the ATO building in Gosford pending receipt of further information.   The panel advised that it expects to consider the matter further, hopefully reaching a determination later this month.

Central Coast Council would like to congratulate Mr Ian English, who took out first place in the 2016 annual EXPOSURE competition for his unique photograph Burnt toast.Announced at a well-attended ceremony Friday night, the image displays a thoughtful juxtaposition of calm and disarray, encapsulating his audience into a world of wonder.Council’s Grants and Events Coordinator Mrs Ashlee Abbott said with such a high calibre of entrants this year the judges were set the almost impossible task of selecting a winner.“In our fourth year we received over 400 entries from amateur and emerging photographers from all over Australia as well as some international submissions,” Mrs Abbott said.“The quality of images just keeps getting better, with more expressive, personal and imaginative photos received than ever before.“We would like to congratulate all the winners and thank everyone who entered.”Prize winners in the 2016 EXPOSURE competition are:First Prize overall – Ian English for Burnt toastSecond Prize overall – Hayley Spindler for Little Murri Warrior (Wyong Creek)Third Prize overall – Amie Lambert for He foughtHighly commended Postcards of The Shire – John Chapman for Aiming HighHighly commended Through the Generations – Sarah Harris for A moment in timeHighly commended A Picture Tells 1000 Words – Kimberly Starr for Soul CatcherHighly commended The Natural World – Patricia Smith for Silvereye on PodsMrs Abbott also made special mention to our local prize winners, Hayley Spindler and Amie Lambert.“Their images truly demonstrate the outstanding talent we have in our own backyard, capable of competing on an international stage,” Mrs Abbott added.“I would encourage everyone to come along and view the 145 exceptional short listed entries now on exhibition at the Entrance Gallery.“There is such a diverse array of images on display, many of which reflect our beautiful Coast, you will be left talking about them for weeks.”The exhibition will be open to the public until Sunday 26 June, 10am – 4pm weekdays and 10am – 3pm weekends.

Central Coast Council has started the final stage of work to complete the makeover of a popular road at The Entrance.Bay Road is used by many as an alternate route to and from The Entrance town centre and is in desperate need of repair.Council’s Construction Section Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock, said this is the second and final stage of a $3.5 million upgrade to Bay Road.“This stage of works will cost $1.9 million and will continue on from where we left off last year – just north of Richard Street to the Dening Street intersection,” Mr Baverstock said.“Motorists will notice more than a smoother surface to drive on, we are also improving the drainage system as well, as there has been flooding problems in the past.“As well as improving the road surface in Bay Road, we are extending it to include the intersection of Dening Street as well as part of Dening and Fairport Avenue.”Work is expected to be finished in October.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council is getting on with the job of delivering services the community need, want and value.“We know residents want better roads and we have a plan in place to deliver,” Mr Reynolds said.“Next financial year there is a strong focus on key community priorities with more than $150 million dedicated to improving our road and drainage networks, including Hastings Road Terrigal, Goobarabah Close Lake Haven, The Ridgeway Lisarow and Bligh Close Tumbi Umbi, to name a few.”Other major road projects happening around the Central Coast at the moment include:Killarney Vale – Norton AvenueNorah Head – Maitland StreetPalmdale – Palmdale RoadSaratoga – Davistown RoadWamberal – Dover RoadWest Gosford – Faunce Street West

Central Coast Council is calling on all skateboard, BMX and scooter riders to send in a video clip showing off some serious skill for a chance to win the ultimate Bato Yard prize pack.Live to Ride opens today to all riders of all abilities and ages.Council’s Team Leader Community Education, Danielle Hargreaves, is encouraging riders from beginners to competitors to get out there and film how you live to ride to be in the running to win a VIP experience at the official opening of Bato Yard on Sunday 14 August.“It doesn’t matter if you’re just learning or can already master complicated moves, the competition is open to everyone,” Danielle said.“And this is one prize everyone will want to win!“The winners will receive an exclusive VIP experience at the official opening of Bato Yard which includes a prize pack full of goodies and merchandise as well as the chance to meet with the professional riders performing on the day.“All you need to do is film yourself either skating, scooting or BMXing and send it in.“Videos can be shot on smartphones, tablets, go pros, camcorders or any other videoing device you have and should be between 90 seconds and two minutes long.”The competition closes 5pm, Monday 18 July.

Temporary traffic controls will be in place along part of Cullens Road, Kincumber while Central Coast Council carries out works to replace the existing safety barrier.Works are commencing today and are expected to take approximately three (3) weeks, with crews working Monday through to Saturday, weather dependent.Traffic controllers will be on-site to manage two-way traffic in the area via Stop/Slow controls during this period in order to undertake the works safely.Warning signs will also be in place and motorists are being advised to expect minor delays.Local residents in the vicinity of the works will still be able to access their properties.Council thanks community members for their cooperation and apologises for any inconvenience while these important safety works are carried out.

Central Coast Council will receive $20 million from the NSW Government to help fund vital infrastructure, community projects and merger costs.Ten million dollars has been allocated under the Stronger Communities Fund (SCF).

Registrations are now open for The Hub Erina’s most prestigious musical competitions, Battle of the Bands and the SeaFM DISCOVERED Series, both commencing this July.Battle of the Bands is open to unsigned bands of all genres, with band members aged 12-24 years, and the SeaFM DISCOVERED Series is open to unsigned singer/songwriters and cover version vocalists aged 7-24 years.Council’s Director Community Growth, Judy Jaeger said these contests build on existing programs in the youth sector to provide a platform for young people to showcase their passion and talent.“These competitions allow talented young people to showcase their skills in an intimate performance space and can provide further opportunities for young performers from our local community.“With amazing prize incentives, professional development opportunities and the chance to connect with industry professionals, Battle of the Bands and the SeaFM DISCOVERED series offer our aspiring stars a platform to launch their musical careers,” Ms.

Central Coast Council is appealing to the community to report any unusual activity observed along Sparks Road Warnervale Tuesday night following the discovery of a massive amount of illegally dumped waste.The dumping is thought to have occurred sometime between 5 and 6pm, Tuesday 14 June, and judging by the huge scale of waste a large truck must have been involved.Council’s Section Manager Ranger Services, Ms Rennae Projceski, said the site was inspected this morning by a Regional Illegal Dumping officer, who estimated around 30 tonnes of rubbish has been dumped near the airport.“The waste is covering a massive area, measuring more than 62 metres in length, 6 metres deep and 1.5 metres high,” Ms Projceski said.“With such a huge amount of waste being dumped along a main road during peak hour, someone must have seen something.“Illegal dumping not only costs ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to clean, but also poses series serious environmental and health risks for the community.“We are currently searching through the waste to try and identify the dumper as our community shouldn’t have to foot the bill for those that do the wrong thing.“If you have any knowledge of the dumped waste along Sparks Road please call our Customer Contact team on 4350 5555.”On the spot fines for illegal dumping can be anywhere upwards of $2000.Ms Projceski said there is never an excuse for illegal dumping with the number of waste disposal options available to the community.“Alongside comprehensive garbage collection, residential properties are also entitled to six free kerbside collections each year,” Ms Projceski added.“We also manage three waste facilities;

Central Coast Council has today announced an interim leadership team to deliver the newly merged Council’s plans for the Coast.The appointments follow an intensive, merit based, internal recruitment process.Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said the new leadership team was created to best support the outlook and vision of the new Central Coast Council.“My vision is to build on the tradition of strong leadership of the two former Councils as we move to a new era for the Central Coast,” Mr Noble said.“I have chosen leaders who are customer-focused, collaborative, passionate and professional and can lead and support this Council and our community through this change creating an organisation that cares about people, places and quality of life on the Central Coast.”The new Executive Team for the Central Coast Council is:Chief Financial Officer – Stephen NavenGroup Leader Customer and Community Relationships – Judy JaegerGroup Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business – Mike DowlingGroup Leader Environment and Planning – Scott CoxExecutive Manager People and Culture – Kellie ReevesExecutive Manager Governance – Brian GlendenningExecutive Manger Transition and Business Performance – Janine McKenzieThe eighth position, a Chief Information Officer, is yet to be appointed.Four senior staff have chosen to leave the organisation altogether, including Paul Anderson, former General Manager of Gosford City Council who has decided to pursue opportunities outside of the public sector.Mr Noble said he had nothing but thanks and praise for the senior staff who have served the community so well for many years.“Each and every one of them has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Central Coast community and I thank them for that.”

Central Coast Council was the first of the 19 new NSW councils visited by Local Government Minister, the Hon Paul Toole MP, today.Minister Toole met with Administrator Ian Reynolds, CEO Rob Noble and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and 35 Central Coast Council staff this morning to see first-hand how the new council was going and to present a cheque for $20 million to fund community infrastructure and help with merger costs.Administrator Reynolds said the funding was welcome news for staff and the community who had come together quickly to embrace the new council.”The Minister experienced the enthusiasm staff have for the new council, most of them live on the Central Coast and want to see this area thrive and prosper.“That is also the word on the street – everyone I have spoken to has embraced the change as they see it will mean bigger and better things for the Central Coast.”Minister Toole echoed the Administrator’s comments and said the Central Coast Council is shaping up to be an amalgamation success story and a credit to staff who had been working together for months beforehand to make it happen.“I got to see for myself this morning the enthusiasm of staff and respect for the new administration and I am impressed.“I was at a Chamber of Commerce dinner last night and they had nothing but praise for the way the new Council has hit the ground running.“We wanted mergers to lead to stronger communities and deliver better services and infrastructure for residents.“The new Central Coast Council is well on the way to achieving these goals.”Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it was a truly exciting time for everyone on the Central Coast especially the staff at the new Central Coast Council.“I congratulate the staff for working so collaboratively in the lead up to the creation of our new regional council,” Mr Crouch said.“They have a truly exciting opportunity ahead to deliver for our entire community, and from what I have seen they are more than up to the task.“I believe it speaks volumes that the first visit by Local Government Minister Paul Toole to a new council in NSW was to the Central Coast Council.”