THE HON PAUL FLETCHER MPMinister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the ArtsLUCY WICKS MPFederal Member for RobertsonRICK HART ADMINISTRATORCentral Coast Council-------------------------------------------------------------------MEDIA RELEASE The Central Coast community is invited to provide feedback on plans to upgrade the intersection at Ocean Beach and Rawson Road, Woy Woy. The $32.56 million upgrade is one of 29 projects to be delivered by Central Coast Council through the Central Coast Roads Package.

Central Coast Council will hold an extraordinary meeting 20 December 2021 in accordance with Section 366 of the Local Government Act 1993.Date:  Monday 20 December 2021Time:  4pmLocation:  Wyong Council ChambersAgenda items:1.

Central Coast Council will soon commence construction to transform the Visitor Information Centre at The Entrance to an interactive, multipurpose facility.The Visitor Information Centre is an iconic site on the Central Coast, used regularly by locals and visitors alike.

The Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline – the largest infrastructure project delivered by Central Coast Council to date – is fully operational and delivering significant benefits for the region. Central Coast Council completed the 9.4 kilometre pipeline in March 2021 and since then approximately 2,400 megalitres or 1,000 Olympic swimming pools of water has been transferred. Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline boosts water security for the rapidly growing northern suburbs and the entire region. “Since completing this critical piece of water supply infrastructure we have moved significant volumes of water to service the Coast’s major northern growth corridor including Warnervale Town Centre,” Mr Loader said. “The pipeline runs from Mardi Water Treatment Plant right through to Sparks Road at Warnervale and enables bulk water transfers – up to 30 megalitres a day – between the Central Coast and Hunter. “Increasing our capability for bulk water transfers between the Central Coast and the Hunter improves water security for both regions. “The Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline stretches for 9.4 kilometres and is one metre in diameter.

Council asset sales passes the halfway mark with over $34 million assets soldCouncil is on track to deliver its planned $60million asset sales program as part of its financial recovery, ending the calendar year with settled sales of $34,738,775.  The land known as ‘Warner Industrial Park’ is the latest settled sale at a price of $27,031,775, having a valuation of $19,500,000.   Council Administrator Rik Hart said other sale negotiations were progressing well.

As 2021 draws to a close I find myself reflecting on what a massive 12 months it has been.

Council takes next step towards Special Variation submission and invites community to have their sayCouncil’s draft Revised Community Strategic Plan, Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Draft Fees and Charges, Draft Long Term Financial Plan, Draft Workforce Management Strategy, and Draft Revised Asset Management Strategy will be on public exhibition and available for community submissions until Friday 21 January 2022, following adoption at today’s Extraordinary Council Meeting.

Central Coast Council has changed its policies and procedures to provide more notice to the owners of abandoned vehicles before taking further action. Council acknowledges that a recent impounding of a resident’s car has caused concern in the community. In response to community feedback, Council has changed its operational process to provide 14 days’ notice.

Happy New Year Central Coast Community!I hope you and your families had a relaxing break.

Central Coast Council is calling on community members who have an idea for a business venture that will make a difference to our community, to participate in this year’s Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program.An information session will be held on 21 February for interested people to learn more about the free program, which consists of a series of workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions that will run from late March to June 2022.Council’s Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said the annual Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program supports the development of innovative new enterprise models within the region and helps to turn community focused business ideas into a reality.“The free program, which has been running since 2012, provides a step-by-step guide to research, plan, seek funding and establish a social enterprise that benefits our community – whether it be social, environmental or creative,” Mr Cannard said.“This annual program has helped start-ups, entrepreneurs, not for profit organisations and new businesses with a social vision go on to successfully launch community focused ventures such as the Iris Foundation’s ‘Wings to Succeed’ project.”Sue Liptrott, Executive Officer of Iris Foundation said taking part in the Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program was a supportive and creative experience.Ms Liptrott said “In 2021, Iris Foundation was accepted to take part in the Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program and we were so grateful for the opportunity.