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.

In the lead up to the 11 October 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting, there were a number of agenda items which received significant media interest, resulting in national media coverage on these matters.It is not uncommon for Council meetings to generate interest from the media and community, which I note is a good thing, as it shows engagement with the local government decision-making process. However, what was unfortunate about the media coverage in the lead up to the 11 October Council meeting was the blatant misinformation shared about Council’s position on flying the Australian Flag.

Central Coast Council has adopted the Northern Lakes Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan, and the Davistown and Empire Bay Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan.Council’s Environment and Planning Director, Dr Alice Howe said these studies and plans recommend options to better manage existing and future flood risk.“These studies and plans aim to build community resilience to flooding and include flood mitigation works, emergency management plans, flood warning processes, flood education programs, land use planning, and suitable design of infrastructure and buildings,” Dr Howe said.“Extensive community consultation took place with residents and businesses within the areas subject to flooding between 2019-2022.

Central Coast Council is now inviting community members wanting to take an active role in local affairs to apply for a position on one of several Council advisory committees for 2023.Applications are now open for community stakeholder representatives on the following committees:Social Inclusion Advisory CommitteePedestrian Access and Mobility Advisory Committee (PAMP)Mangrove Mountain and Spencer Advisory CommitteeHeritage Advisory CommitteeSuccessful applicants should have a genuine passion for their selected topic, a willingness to engage with a diverse group of people and be available to attend an advisory group meeting in December and quarterly committee meetings next year.Due to the voluntary nature of the position, community representatives won’t receive fees or costs for their time.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said a community position on an advisory committee is a unique way for residents to have their say.“Council uses advisory groups to help inform the direction of policies and it’s important that we hear from as many different voices as possible.“We know from our regular engagement programs that residents can offer excellent perspectives and I would encourage anyone who has a lived experience, or a particular passion for one of these topic areas to submit an expression of interest,” Mr Hart said.Applications for all community advisory positions close at midnight on Sunday 13 November.Find out more and apply now

The inaugural Sustainable Future Festival will be held at Mingara Recreation Club from 11 to 13 November, offering a sea of sustainability designed to celebrate all things waste related.Forming part of The Lakes Festival, this new event offers something for everyone with a jam-packed program full of environmentally friendly educational activities, displays and competitions.Central Coast Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said this exciting new event aims to educate and inspire Central Coast residents on how to live more sustainably.“Council is thrilled to partner with its waste collection contractor Cleanaway, to deliver an event that not only brings community members together to learn about all things sustainability, but also offers handy tips and tricks on how we can all minimise our carbon footprint and keep our region’s coastline as beautiful as ever,” Mr Bolgoff said.“This festival will also see a special guest appearance from former ‘The Block’ stars and Central Coast locals, Kyal and Kara on Saturday 12 November.

At the 31 October 2022 Extraordinary Council Meeting, the Monthly Financial Results for September provided an update on how Council is tracking financially year-to-date (YTD).I’m pleased to confirm that Council is trading favourably this financial year and continuing the trajectory we’ve been on for the past 18 months.

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.

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.

Central Coast Council presented Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) with a $116,000 cheque yesterday at Toowoon Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

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