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 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.

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.

This week marks the commencement of Youth Week 2022!

Council has honoured 17 local young people in the first Central Coast Youth Week Awards, for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the local community. Council Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Facilities, Phil Cantillon said it is important that we continue to recognise and celebrate our local young people who are doing great things in the community.“It was an honour to be part of the first Central Coast Youth Week Awards presentation night, and I’d like to again congratulate all our award winners and finalists this year,” Mr Cantillon said.“This includes the three local schools awarded in the Nominator category, with each receiving $500 to implement a program or activity that positively benefits students.” Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the awards were developed to acknowledge the contributions of local young people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. “I am delighted to congratulate each of the award winners and nominees in the first Central Coast Youth Week Awards,” Mr Hart said. “Each of our award winners should be extremely proud of being recognised by their community for their achievements and contributions that help make our home a better place. “These talented and ambitious young people are certainly helping to shape the future of our wonderful community and I can’t wait to see what’s next for each of them.”The 2022 Central Coast Youth Week Award winners and finalists in each category include:Luminary Leaders category winnersYouth Entrepreneur of the Year – Winner:

Council has closed the Jenny Dixon Beach access after a landslip occurred adjacent to the access point – Council barricades and warning signs have been erected.Council conducted a preliminary hazard risk assessment which revealed the landslip has undermined a section of the concrete foot path, leaving it unsafe for use. Council has issued a warning to residents and visitors to avoid the Jenny Dixon Beach access at Park Street, Norah Head approximately 50m east of the picnic shelters in the main car park due to serious safety risks. Recent heavy rains have soaked the ground and surrounding areas, creating soft and unstable soil.

Community feedback sought on draft agreement between First Nations Leaders and CouncilThe draft Central Coast First Nations Accord and draft Acknowledgement of Country will be placed on public exhibition for community review and feedback.The draft Accord is an agreement between First Nations Leaders and Central Coast Council.

Four professional and two emerging local creatives have been selected to deliver innovative art works as part of Central Coast Council’s ‘Creative Art Central’ program.Creative Art Central 2021 attracted 94 registrations from local artists who each had the opportunity to pitch their idea.

Boris Bolgoff, Council Director Infrastructure Services with Inspector Martin Searle, Senior Constable Lee Maraga, and Sergeant Jon Kunicki of NSW Police.Locals and visitors to the Coast will see a heightened focus on speeding across May as NSW Police and Central Coast Council roll out a collaborative road safety initiative.Two clear messages – ‘Every K counts’ and ‘Stop it…Or cop it’ – will be delivered through increased Police presence and enforcement on 50km/hr roads and a Council-led education campaign.Traffic and Highway Patrol Inspector Martin Searle said saving lives and reducing the incidence and severity of speed-related crashes is the main goal.“We want to remind the Central Coast community and visitors to slow down and take care on local roads,” Inspector Searle said.“Speeding continues to be a contributing factor in 49 percent of all fatality crashes that occur on our region’s roads.”“Drivers must observe speed limits at all times and drive to conditions – 'just a bit over' or driving too fast for the road conditions can have consequences for yourself and other road users.” “We are reminding motorists that they can make a difference by making safe choices on our roads – to make road safety a priority and drive to conditions, particularly in built up urban areas with 50km/hr zones where children, the elderly, cyclists and pedestrians can be.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said it is important to work collaboratively to reduce speeding across the region.“Along with increased presence from NSW Police, Council is focusing on increased messaging aimed at reducing speeds across Central Coast roads this May.”“Education can have a big impact on changing behaviours – we’re encouraging Coasties to drive safely and look out for each other.”The campaign will see enhanced police enforcement across local roads and deliver educational messages to the Central Coast community.ENDS

Ettalong will come to life this month showcasing original art produced by local artists.