If you have always wanted to know the secrets to cultivating a prize winning garden, now is your chance, as this year’s Garden Competition recipients generously open their green sanctuaries to the public on Sunday 25 September 2016.The 2016 Garden Competition, run by Central Coast Council, dug up a wealth of talent across the region and the public will have the opportunity to explore eight gardens as part of this year’s Open Garden day.This year’s Open Gardens showcase some of the most diverse domestic and commercial gardens in the region.

As Bike Week steers into NSW, Central Coast Council celebrates with a collection of events from 17 to 25 September 2016.Zali, the Road Safety Zebra, is running a colouring-in competition and is also looking for your best bike safety tip.

Council remains opposed to Wallarah 2 coal mineCouncil concerns about the effect of the mine on the drinking water catchment, environment and residential areas are central to its submission to the amended Wallarah 2 project.Wallarah 2’s modified plans have recently been put on exhibition.

An exciting new ‘place marketing’ campaign called This is the Life is being launched today to promote the Central Coast.‘Place marketing’ is where a region looks to positively change perceptions of its area, to help deliver new social and economic outcomes.Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds, said now is the perfect time to promote positive perceptions about the Coast and make a strong stand as a region in our own right.“The Central Coast has changed a lot over the past twenty years;

Central Coast Council will maintain its position as one of the largest Councils in NSW and the biggest outside of Sydney after the release of new population figures for NSW this week.The Coast’s population is projected to increase by 75,500 to 415,050 by 2036 according to the latest figures released by the NSW Department of Environment and Planning.

Central Coast Council has commenced a $750,000 road upgrade to Gosford Avenue at The Entrance to make it safer for motorists.These road works are a priority under Council’s Capital Rolling Works Program and will focus on the busy section from Boondilla Road to Boomerang Road.Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock, said Council is committed to improving its road network and making The Entrance safer for all motorists.“We understand this popular thoroughfare is an important connection for motorists to access the Central Coast Highway and we are aiming to finish this work within the next three months,” Mr Baverstock said.“The speed limit will be reduced to 40km/h and motorists may experience short detours in late August when the work begins.“Council will ensure the safety of all pedestrians and road users with the use of traffic control during this time.”Motorists will not only experience a safer and better road surface but an upgrade to the stormwater drainage system that will improve flooding issues in the area.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said Council is committing more funding than ever to local roads and it is really starting to pay off.“Our community wants better roads and this is a great example of the new Central Coast Council delivering the projects and services our community need, want and value.”This financial year Council will spend over $60 million in capital projects on the Central Coast road network.To find out what is planned go to www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council has invested $330,000 for the construction of 400 meters of shared pathway connecting locals with the new skate park at Bato Yard.This 2.5 meter wide footpath connects local residents, school students and shoppers with local facilities and is part of 4.5 kilometres of footpath Council will build in 2016.Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock said, this footpath is one of the shared pathways missing links that Council is joining together to improve access to facilities in the Bateau Bay area.“This pathway will transform the area, making it safe for pedestrians and cyclists to connect with local facilities and each other,” said Mr Baverstock.“Bato Yard is proving hugely popular with residents and visitors alike and this is a great way they can get there easily and safely.”Council’s Administrator, Ian Reynolds, said Council is committed to delivering better shared pathways to connect the community together and deliver projects that the community, need, value and want.“Shared pathways provide many benefits to our community, improving the health and wellbeing of local residents, increase recreational activities and sustain an alternative transport system in our community,” said Mr Reynolds.“By investing in this type of infrastructure it attracts visitors to the region, increasing tourist dollars and creates opportunities for our growing community.”The next missing link to be built in the area is Shelly Beach Road and the popular Rocket Park with construction to take place between 2017 and 2018.

Temporary traffic controls will be in place along part of Showground Road at Narara next week while Central Coast Council completes important road pavement improvement works.One lane of Showground Road – between the Narara Creek road bridge and Maliwa Avenue – will be closed between 7am and 5pm each day from Monday 12 September 2016 until Saturday 17 September 2016.However, the completion of these works will depend on any unforeseen delays such as wet weather.Traffic controllers will be on-site to manage two-way traffic in the area via Stop/Slow controls during this period.Warning signs and other traffic control measures will also be in place and motorists are being advised to expect delays.The works are part of Council’s current Local Road Treatment Program, which improves road surfaces and ride-ability for motorists.Council apologises for any inconvenience to the community while these important works are carried out.

Central Coast Council was represented recently at a global innovation program for young professionals designed to generate fresh ideas for solving complex community challenges.The Smart Seeds program brings together bright young minds from different disciplines and sectors to develop innovative concepts to address real life problems.Central Coast Council’s Water Operations Engineer, Ms Sogol Ghobad, was accepted into the 2016 program covering the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the Hunter Region.Participating in the ‘Seven Year Storm’ challenge, Ms Ghobad worked with a multidisciplinary team over ten weeks to develop ideas for building community resilience.

Central Coast Council’s Group Leader of Customer and Community Relationships, Ms Judy Jaeger, is leaving council after almost forty years of dedicated service in local government.Ms Jaeger has led the delivery of many of Council’s most popular and important community services including libraries, sport and recreation, arts and culture and community and economic development as well as some of its critical business operations like information technology procurement, fleet and property management.Council’s CEO, Mr Rob Noble, said he has known Ms Jaeger for many years and is personally and professional sorry to see her leave the organisation.“I wish Judy nothing but the very best as she moves on to the next stage of her life,” Mr Noble said.“I thank Judy from the bottom of my heart for her tremendous commitment, passion and service to the Central Coast Council, its people and the broader community.“She has left a lasting legacy due to her commitment to delivering projects that enrich the lives of the community and have made the Central Coast a better place to live, work and play.”Judy Jaeger has led key projects for the Central Coast including the Gosford Regional Library, Woy Woy Oval upgrade, redevelopment of Ettalong Beach foreshore reserve, Lisarow Sporting Precinct and successful Gosford Smart Work Hub.Ms Jaeger was instrumental in finalising an ongoing agreement with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage for critical conservation work in Rumbalara Reserve to ensure this unique part of the Central Coast is protected for future generations.A new Disability Inclusion Action Plan is underway and will ensure people with a disability have equal access to council’s essential services, thanks to Ms Jaeger’s strong leadership in this area.“I know Judy would say that one of her proudest achievements, amongst many, at Council is facilitating the first Tiny Homes pilot project in Australia right here on the Central Coast,” Mr Noble added.“Houses specifically for the homeless will be built on land council has provided – delivering a real and lasting solution to the growing problem of homelessness on the Coast.“Many other Councils said no to the project, but not Judy, she championed the project and in the next few weeks it will be a reality.

Central Coast Council has begun upgrading Robson Avenue at Gorokan giving this busy thoroughfare a $220,000 face lift.Work on this road will include some kerb and guttering, lowering of water services, stabilising the existing road surface as well as sealing and asphalting to improve the current road conditions.Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock said, Robson Avenue connects motorists to local schools, day care centres and businesses in the area and the upgrade will make it safer for the community.“We know traffic speeding along Robson Avenue has created some safety concerns for residents and motorists in this area,” said Mr Baverstock.“Community safety is a key priority of council which is why we are investing $220,000 to upgrade this road.“Motorist will feel safer on the improved road conditions and enjoy a smoother ride.“Work is expected to take up to three weeks to complete and we ask motorists to be patient as they experience a 40 km/h speed limit during this time.“We understand this is a busy area and Council will ensure the safety of all pedestrians and road users with the use of traffic control during this time.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said, council is committing more funding than ever to local roads this financial year and will continue to improve the safety of roads on the Central Coast.“This is only one of many road upgrades council has planned for the Coast and we are looking forward to delivering these essential projects which increase the safety and wellbeing of our community,” said Mr Reynolds.“Council is working hard to improve our local roads and would like to call on all of our community to slow down when driving, take care and drive to the conditions of the road.“I believe we can all make a difference with road safety and every dollar and every decision needs to count.”This financial year council will spend over $60 million in capital projects on the Central Coast road network.

Spring has sprung and local residents are being reminded about the free collection service to rid their homes of unwanted chemical products.Residents are encouraged to drop off their chemical products collected from homes, garages and cars at the upcoming Household Chemical CleanOut event hosted by Central Coast Council.Due to the popularity of previous events, the EPA and Central Coast Council have organised a weekend event where households now have two days to drop off their waste.Materials such as pool chemicals, car batteries, acids and alkalis, solvents, pesticides, chemical cleaners, motor oils, herbicides, paints, hobby chemicals, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, florescent bulbs and household cleaners can be dropped off at the Gosford Showground car park on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September, between 9am and 3.30pm.Central Coast Council Waste Officer Sanchaya Parajuli said the event is a great opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted chemicals.“The program is a convenient way for residents to get rid of problem waste and safely dispose of chemical products that may otherwise take up valuable space in their garages or be dumped illegally,” Mr Parajuli said.“Residents now have the entire weekend to drop materials off.

Households all over the Central Coast are gearing up to make the Coast the biggest Garage Sale Trail yet.The Garage Sale Trail is an annual event encouraging locals to participate in the biggest reuse, recycle and environmentally sustainable Garage Sale in Australia.

Temporary traffic controls are in place along part of Davistown Road, near the intersection of Elvys Avenue in Yattalunga, as Central Coast Council continues to undertake road reconstruction works.This section of Davistown Road has been reduced to one lane, to ensure the safety of motorists travelling through the area.

Central Coast Stadium is giving local junior football, rugby union and rugby league stars a chance to walk in the footsteps of their heroes during the upcoming finals series.The region’s top sporting venue will host three local junior finals series over two weekends, commencing on Saturday, 3 September.Spectators can experience the finals events, which will feature up to eight games each day.Manager of Central Coast Stadium Kath Casey said the fixtures will give the young players and spectators a fantastic local sporting experience.“Central Coast Stadium is very proud to host the local junior finals for three of the region’s most popular codes,” said Ms Casey.“Although Central Coast Stadium has hosted the CCJRU and CCJRL finals for many years, this is the first time we have hosted all three codes for the junior finals, with the addition of CCF in 2016.“Teams from all over the Coast will battle it out to be crowned premiers.

Bell Shakespeare‘s nationally-touring production of Othello will play Laycock Street Community Theatre for three performances on 5 and 6 September ahead of its run at Sydney’s Opera House.Exploring issues of racism, violence and misogyny, this epic tragedy is often a challenging play to perform for contemporary audiences.Artistic Director Peter Evan’s production about the infamous Moor explores the battle between love and jealousy and demonstrates how the play reflects current situations in our own political and social climate.Central Coast Council’s Manager of Culture, Phil Cantillon said this is the third consecutive year that Laycock has brought Bell Shakespeare to the Central Coast.“As Australia's leading theatre company specialising in the works of William Shakespeare, Bell Shakespeare often gives unexpected interpretations of Shakespeare;

The new Central Coast Council has now been operating for more than 100 days - and there is a lot to celebrate!The 100-day mark is an important milestone for Council and the community, providing a great chance to reflect on the achievements so far, as well as the challenges ahead.We are committed to making sure the community is proud of its new Council, and we know the key to this is a real focus on customer service and engagement with our ratepayers, residents and visitors.Although there is a long road ahead, Council has already planned, implemented or delivered much-needed projects and initiatives that will enrich and enhance the lives of the Central Coast community.Major projects completed include:Bateau Bay – One of the biggest and most diverse skate places in Australia, Bato Yard, was opened, with hundreds packing it out every day.Narara Valley – A new $370,000 park and playground with plenty of nature play opportunities, grassed areas and modern play equipment, has also opened.Gwandalan – New multi-purpose courts worth $300,000 at Tunkuwallin Oval were unveiled.Long Jetty – The foreshore has been restored with a new sandy area and seating for community enjoyment, right next to the historic Long Jetty.Magenta and the Peninsula – Around two kilometres of shared pathways have been added to the existing network, giving residents and visitors even more opportunities to walk, jog, ride or skate their way around the picturesque Central Coast.Council adopted its first Operational Plan and budget to deliver over $540 million in essential services and $183 million on infrastructure during 2016/2017, for the region’s growing population.

Householders in Bateau Bay, Shelly Beach, Killarney Vale, Berkeley Vale, The Entrance and Long Jetty have been advised to watch for discoloured water or changes in water pressure over the next two days, while a leaking trunk main is repaired.Residents are advised the water supply remains safe to drink.Operational changes are being made to the water supply system because of the leaking main, in the median strip of The Central Coast Highway (The Entrance Rd) at Bateau Bay which may lead to the discoloured water and changes to water pressure.It is expected that any discoloured water will clear quickly, but, as a precaution, residents in affected areas and surrounds should check tap water before using their washing machine and dishwasher.To clear discoloured water, run the front garden tap into a bucket for up to one minute to check if the water clears.

Central Coast Council is embracing Bluetooth technology to help monitor and protect the health of our waterways.Council’s Catchments Management Officer, Ken Brookes, said the technology allowed him to download vital water quality measurements without needing to enter the water.“Council measures a number of water quality indicators at four locations in the lower Wyong River as part of its water extraction licence,” Mr Brookes said.“We use automatic data loggers to test the water every hour and then once a week I download this information to send to our regulators.“The data loggers are now equipped with Bluetooth technology, so there is no longer a need for me to get in a boat and plug directly into the equipment to get the information we need.

Local high school students got a taste of local government representation yesterday when Central Coast Council hosted its annual Future Council.Future Council is a forum for students to role play a mock Council meeting in the Council Chambers.