Central Coast Council beach season came to an official close on Monday 25 April 2022, with the 2022/2023 season recommencing on Saturday 24 September 2022.The 2021/2022 summer season saw over 2.4 million visitations at the Coast’s 15 patrolled beaches during Council lifeguard patrolling periods.

Earlier this week the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal delivered their determination supporting Central Coast Council’s current rate structure for a further seven years, a decision that was a sensible one.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Central Coast Council’s 2022 Special Variation to maintain rates at their current levels for an additional seven years, equalling ten years in total to 2031.Council’s Administrator, Rik Hart said that IPART’s determination supporting the continuation of Central Coast Council’s current rate structure for a further seven years is a sensible decision. “This outcome allows Council to continue to maintain current service levels, comply with current banking requirements and most importantly, allows us to continue without interruption our 10-year long-term financial plan that provides long-term financial stability for the organisation,” Mr Hart said. “It’s a decision that factors in the unique situation this Council was in, and the recommendation made by the Public Inquiry Commissioner ‘for the Administrator to ensure the completion of the Business Recovery Plan as adopted and amended by Central Coast Council since October 2020.’“It has taken time, but we now have two independent entities on the same page. “We’ve achieved one of the most significant financial turnarounds of any organisation in under 12 months, with the current and forecasted surpluses repaying the emergency loans over the next 10 years.“For the community – there is no increase to your rates.

The community recycling centre located at Council’s Buttonderry Waste Management Facility in Jilliby has temporarily ceased receiving paint and household oils following a chemical fire at a Sydney waste facility which receives and processes the majority of NSW Councils' paints and household oils.The facility, managed by a contractor of the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (NSW EPA), experienced severe damage to the equipment which processes these materials, and is therefore unable to receive paints and household oils from Councils until further notice.The NSW EPA is working to address the impacts of the fire and determine an alternative solution for collection of these materials.

Central Coast Council has been awarded the 2022 Fleet Safety Award at the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA) Annual Networking Dinner and Fleet Awards Ceremony.The award was received on behalf of the Council by Unit Manager, Plant and Fleet, Peter Armour at the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said:

Council has removed over 191 tonnes of waste from Gross Pollutant Traps in March and April following consistent heavy rainfall, stopping litter, dirt, sediment, and other pollutants from entering the Central Coast waterways with stormwater.Once the region experiences a longer period of clear weather, the conditions will be suitable for Council to program the collection and disposal of waste from other Gross Pollutant Traps yet to be serviced. Council has 339 gross pollutant traps installed at key locations across the Coast – both below and above ground.

Earlier this week, Central Coast Council was named a finalist in eight categories of the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

Central Coast Council has been named a finalist in eight categories of the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

Central Coast Council and its waste collections contractor Cleanaway have lifted the temporary pause on new bulk waste kerbside collection bookings after new bookings were temporarily paused on 14 April due to significant staff shortages caused by COVID-19.From Monday 2 May, residents are able to book a bulk waste kerbside collection at 1Coast.com.au.

The draft Central Coast First Nations Accord and draft Acknowledgement of Country is now on public exhibition for community review and feedback at yourvoiceourcoast.com until 30 May 2022The draft Accord is an agreement between First Nations Leaders and Central Coast Council.

To allow for vegetation maintenance works to be undertaken on median strips and roundabouts along Wyong Rd (Mardi to Long Jetty), some road lanes will be temporarily closed in May to early June to allow for the night works. •    1 May to 3 June 2022•    8pm to 4am •    Traffic limited to one lane access each direction on Wyong Rd for varying periods in specific areas from Central Coast Hwy, Long Jetty to M1, Mardi.Works include the pruning, hedging, weeding, spraying, mulching and rubbish removal on centre medians and roundabouts along Wyong Rd.Traffic management will be in place and motorists are advised to follow direction and adhere to road work speed limits. Council apologises for any inconvenience. To view any planned and unplanned road closures across the Central Coast, go to our road closure web page  ENDS 

 Foodies, families and fun-seekers will flock to the Central Coast hinterland over the June long weekend for the return of one of Council’s most anticipated annual events, Harvest Festival.A celebration of the Central Coast’s spectacular hinterland, Harvest Festival 2022 will offer a wide range of unique events and experiences across thirty event hubs over 11 and 12 June.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the festival is an opportunity to recognise our region’s outstanding local produce and producers.“This is a rare chance to take a glimpse behind the farm gate as you explore rural farming communities and their picturesque heritage villages right here on the Coast,” Ms Smith said.“Follow the Harvest Festival event trail to visit local farms, sample local produce, soak up live music and entertainment or join in a range of family-friendly activities designed to show off the unique charm of our region’s hinterland.“From paddock to plate dining experiences and wine tastings to produce picking, hands-on workshops and much more, the two-day program truly offers something for every taste and interest.“This year, a number of event hubs are offering the opportunity to pre-book experiences in advance, so be sure to check out the event program early to ensure you don’t miss out.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council is proud to be delivering this much-loved event again in 2022, which attracts visitors from across the Coast and beyond to the region’s hinterland communities.“One of the Coast’s most popular events amongst locals and visitors alike, Harvest Festival builds local pride, celebrates sustainability and boosts the local economy,” Mr Hart said.“Previous events have attracted over 48,000 visitors, providing the Central Coast economy with an $8 million boost and this year’s event is anticipated to deliver similar returns to our community.“This much-loved event is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, and contributes to the continued growth and development of the Central Coast.” Harvest Festival Central Coast is supported by Destination NSW’s Regional Flagship Events Program and will run from 11 – 12 June 2022.To see the full calendar of events and pre-book your Harvest Festival experience, go to our Harvest Festival dedicated webpage.ENDS

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

To support community groups or individuals build skills and confidence in applying for grant funding to deliver their worthwhile projects, events, or initiatives for the community, Council is running a series of free workshops in May and June ahead of the 2022-23 Community Grants Program opening.A series of drop-in sessions, information sessions and workshops will be offered online via zoom and in person at Erina Centre, Erina Fair and at Council’s Wyong Administration Building.The annual ‘Community Events and Place Activation’ and ‘Community Development’ Grant Programs will open 1 June 2022 with $300,000 per program available, to support local community groups and organisations to deliver worthwhile projects, programs and events that strengthen the Central Coast community.

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:

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.

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.

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.

Major upgrade works are commencing at Woy Woy’s popular Peninsula Leisure Centre to ensure its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system keeps the gym, pool, courts and other areas the correct temperature for the thousands of visitors who use this facility each year.Peninsula Leisure Centre has 2.5million litres of swimming water which is heated and 22.5million cubic metres of air that’s conditioned to create an enjoyable recreation and exercise experience for the 450,000 visits each year.

Central Coast Council and its waste collections contractor Cleanaway are temporarily pausing the bulk waste collection service for six weeks due to significant staff shortages caused by COVID-19. The change to services is effective immediately and the online bulk waste booking system has been temporarily disabled.