The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released its final determination on water, sewerage and stormwater drainage pricing for the Central Coast, returning rates to levels that can see Council better maintain its vast water and sewer operations.IPART announced it would stagger the rate changes from 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2026 to allow customers more time to manage the impacts on their bills, which was requested within community feedback during consultation.The pricing determination will see the combined yearly bill for a typical household increase by the following increments, plus inflation:17 percent on 1 July 2022 ($183 increase)6 percent in 2023-24 ($80 increase)8 percent in 2024-25 ($106 increase)1 percent in 2025-26 ($9 increase)Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the rate changes will allow Council to provide services that match community expectations.“IPART’s determination will allow Council to invest in our water and sewer operations and increase the quality of these services for the community.

This week marks the commencement of Youth Week 2022!

Central Coast Council invites you to explore the hidden gems and discover forgotten laneways at Love Lanes Festival, which is back for its fifth year this Friday 8 April. Held in Wyong’s CBD from 4:00pm-9:00pm, Love Lanes Festival is set to showcase Wyong in its best light with four lanes, four stages and one park.This one-day festival is a combination of colours, sounds and smells with the buzz, hype and vibe of an outdoor community street festival, encompassing the theme of 'love'.Guests will enjoy live music, roving entertainment, food and market stalls, a kid’s zone, circus performances and more!Love Lanes was originally planned to take place in February, just two days before Valentine's Day, however, due to the restrictions and COVID implications at the time, this year's event was postponed until April. For more information, view the full program for the 2022 Love Lanes Festival.

Council has issued a strong warning to residents and visitors to stay off The Entrance North Beach, north of the Wyuna Street access way and south of The North Entrance Surf Life Saving Club due to serious safety risks.The foreshore of The Entrance Beach was significantly impacted from dangerous surf conditions, strong winds and high tides from last Friday which continued through the weekend.

Council acknowledged the State Government announcement this week about the Greater Sydney Commission developing the Six Cities vision for metropolitan NSW.Council CEO, David Farmer said the inclusion of the Central Coast highlighted the strategic importance of our region.“Bringing the Central Coast into strategic planning alongside Newcastle, Wollongong and Sydney has the prospects of seeing more opportunities open up for funding big game changing infrastructure to benefit the whole region,” Mr Farmer said. “We look forward to working with Elizabeth Mildwater, Greater Sydney Commission’s Chief Executive Officer and Sarah Winter, Greater Sydney Commission’s Executive Director for Central Coast and Macquarie Park to ensure the Central Coast can reach its full potential as part of the overall plan."Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Greater Sydney Commission recognised that it was important for Council to have a seat at the table in planning and delivering on the strategic vision for the region. “Our community’s voice will be important in the development of the six cities strategic plan as they know what is needed for the Central Coast to thrive and be a dynamic part of the new vision for metropolitan NSW,” Mr Hart said.ENDS  

Council acknowledged that the commitment of both the Federal and State Governments to invest in the Tuggerah-Wyong rail upgrade was good news for the region.  “This funding announcement seems to take the prospect of a high-speed rail link between Newcastle and Sydney a step closer,” said Council’s CEO Mr David Farmer. “Our community stands to benefit from these steps towards improved connectivity, better public transport capacity and infrastructure generating jobs,” Mr Farmer said. Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the announcement showed that positive community outcomes can be achieved when both sides of politics work together. “Delivering essential infrastructure to accommodate the growing Central Coast region and to facilitate good economic outcomes is not a solo enterprise,” Mr Hart said. “The community benefits when all levels of government work together." 

Last weekend Central Coast Council was host to the 2022 National Town Crier Championships.

Four Central Coast town centres will come alive this April and May with ‘Social Spaces’ – a series of pop-up activations aimed at bringing the community together and attracting visitors to Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Toukley to create vibrant and engaging spaces.Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Canard said this initiative helps boost local businesses and create vibrant spaces in important town centres this autumn.“Social Spaces is all about revealing the hidden treasures and spaces of Gosford, Wyong, Toukley and The Entrance and filling them with community events, pop-up dining experiences, school holiday activities and seasonal entertainment,” Mr Cannard said.“There will be two months of exploring amazing local food, kids’ activities, roving entertainment and more fun activities from Sunday 10 April until Sunday 29 May.”Program highlights:School holiday activities – petting zoo, laser skirmish, mobile games truck, roving easter bunny.Pop up dining experiences – if you enjoy great food, great music, festoon lighting, picnic rugs and great company, then you will enjoy Social Spaces’ pop-up dining experiences.

Audited financial reports for 2020-21 are adoptedCouncil has adopted the 2020-21 audited financial reports for Central Coast Council and the Central Coast Council Water Supply Authority. Council’s consolidated net operating result for the financial year ending 30 June 2021 is a deficit of $70.7M excluding Grants and Contributions for capital purposes.

Audited financial reports for 2020-21 are adoptedCouncil has adopted the 2020-21 audited financial reports for Central Coast Council and the Central Coast Council Water Supply Authority.Council’s consolidated net operating result for the financial year ending 30 June 2021 is a deficit of $70.7M excluding Grants and Contributions for capital purposes.