I was pleased to endorse the allocation of more than $550,000 in grant funding to community programs and events at the 27 September 2022 Council meeting. A total of $279,172.82 was allocated through Central Coast Council’s Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program, while $289,860.51 was allocated through the Community Development Grant Program.Each of these programs are run annually and exist to support the community to deliver a range of events, activities, programs and more, which provide significant benefit for the wider community. A total of 46 applications were successful, and I look forward to seeing these events and programs come to life across the region.In addition to these annual grant programs, Council also runs its Community Support Grant Program, which allocates funds monthly to community activities which require a small amount of funding (up to $5,000) and/or in-kind support.

With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting significant rainfall of up to 80mm into the weekend, Central Coast Council is urging residents to prepare their property and to be ready for potential flash flooding at low lying areas or roads that are typically impacted.Based on the forecasting we are not expecting water levels to reach the minor flood level at Tuggerah Lakes;

Council is seeking expressions of interest from the community to join the Access and Inclusion Reference Group (AIRG), to support the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2025 (DIAP).

The Central Coast Lakes Festival is back in full swing this November, with the region’s magnificent waterways set to take centre stage.The 10-day festival will see over 30 events and activities taking place at 13 different locations across the region.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to view the proposed improvements to one of its popular recreational facilities to make it more accessible to its users.The planned upgrades to improve accessibility into Niagara Park Stadium will include formalising the carpark, a new driveway and pathway to access the facility as well as a refresh to the building’s façade to encourage patronage to the area.Council’s Administrator, Rik Hart, said the community is invited to view the proposals and concepts online and share their input.“Niagara Park Stadium is a key community asset that caters for a range of users in our community and across the state, including sporting events for people with a disability,” Mr Hart said.“Improving the accessibility and safety to access the popular facility will benefit everyone – visitors, competitors and party-goers alike.”These improvements have been made possible thanks to an $850,000 grant from the Round Four Stronger Country Community Fund.Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch was pleased to be able to support this upgrade through round four of the NSW Governments Stronger Country Community Fund. “Niagara Park Stadium is a key asset in our region.

 The Wamberal Beach Terminal Protection Structure Engineering Design Requirements, which outlines minimum engineering specifications and details for coastal erosion protection works in the Wamberal embayment, has been finalised and adopted following a review of 247 formal submissions received during recent community consultation on the draft document.Council’s Director of Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said this decision is a science-based outcome responding to independent evidence and designed to give residents the ability to protect their property whilst maintaining public amenity and enjoyment of the beach.“These minimum engineering requirements support a whole-of-embayment solution based on extensive technical studies and input from the community.

Central Coast Council, through an adjustment in the Capital Works program budget, is bringing forward a number of shovel ready projects across the coast. Council reported a year-to-date capital works expenditure to September 2022 of $28.0M.  The adjustment, approved at last night’s, 31 October Extraordinary Council meeting, allows for over $9M worth of capital Works to be brought forward.  This is a result of the capital works program budget being reduced by $9.1M, in August, largely due to delays in obtaining the Development Application, for the Gosford Regional Library.

In August, Central Coast Council released an interactive online map to help residents stay up to date with the rollout of infrastructure works across the Central Coast. The ‘Capital Works Program Map’ is accessible via Council’s website and lists more than 350 infrastructure projects from $176 million worth of capital projects currently underway. These projects include community, roads and other urban infrastructure, water and sewer, waste, environmental, sport and recreation projects and more. Each project on the map shares key information including dates, budget and progress of works, with details updated on a monthly basis to ensure the information is current. What’s happening in the Coast’s northern suburbsThere are lots of capital works projects currently underway or earmarked for the northern suburbs of the Central Coast, some exiting projects underway or planned include:Transformation of the Visitor Information Centre at The EntranceRenovations at Toowoon Bay Holiday ParkCentral Coast Airport upgrades in WarnervaleMajor upgrades to the Charmhaven and Gwandalan Sewage Treatment PlantsShared pathway constructions at Tuggerawong Foreshore and MagentaCemetery, holiday park and community facility upgrades at Norah HeadMultiple road works, plus much more!This map makes it easy for anyone to find works planned or underway in their area and is an important way Council is being transparent about linking the delivery program with clear information for the community.To view the interactive map, go to the Capital Works Program Map page at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/capital-works-programRik Hart, Administrator 

Central Coast Council, in partnership with its contractor Socares Central Coast, is making it easier for you to microchip your pet by hosting a free microchipping day at the Erina and Charmhaven Animal Care Facilities on Saturday 12 November.Members of our community are encouraged to come along and have their pets microchipped for free, or update their pets’ registration details.

The Lakes Festival is one of the Central Coast's most highly anticipated annual events and is back in full swing this Friday 4 until Sunday 13 November.The popular 10-day festival offers something for everyone, with a program of sporting, family, cultural, educational, art and live music events on and around our region’s waterways.Locals and visitors are encouraged to check out:Light Up the Lake at Memorial Park, The Entrance, which is a festival favourite and set to return this year in person.