Service level consultation to inform future rate proposalCentral Coast Council will commence the next stage of community consultation in its bid to maintain the current rates income beyond three years. Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the two years of heavy losses and overspending left Council having to restructure its business and budget to produce a surplus to repay the $150million debt over the next 10 years.“We cannot forget, loans of $150million were provided to Council in 2020 based on Council’s financial recovery plan which included sale of assets, reduction in costs of $50milion, capping infrastructure spending and a rate increase of 13 percent plus rate peg for 10 years in order to repay the loans.“In less than three years’ time we will be facing an average annual income loss of $25.8million over the next 7 years and this means we will be forced to reduce or cease many services.“There has been major restructuring of Council and Council is on track to achieve the $50million in cost savings including productivity gains.  Together with the recent rate increase, Council is budgeting for a small surplus this financial year.“Our current plan is working, and Council is on track to be able to continue to service its community.

Central Coast Council is undertaking sand building works at Karagi Point ahead of the ‘Little Tern’ bird species reaching the Central Coast for their 2021 breeding season.This important habitat and enhancement work is funded by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program and follows a record-breaking breeding season on the Central Coast for the endangered Little Terns in 2020.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said strategic sand building works will be undertaken at a location where the Little Terns are likely to nest.“The much-loved and endangered Little Terns will be arriving on the Coast in the next three weeks or so and it is vital that we take steps to help ensure they have another successful breeding season,” Mr Cox said.“Over approximately three days, Council staff will move sand from the southern end of Karagi Point (adjacent to the channel) and deposit this 100 metres north at the location where the Little Terns are expected to nest.“These works are vital as the Little Terns are strongly site faithful and this location is currently vulnerable to inundation by high seas, tides and flooding.“To protect the Little Terns from people and dogs during this crucial nesting time, we will install a temporary fence and signage around the breeding site that has been replenished with additional sand. “We had an incredible breeding season on the Coast last year – with Karagi Point being one of the most significant breeding sites in NSW – and we’re expecting strong Little Tern numbers again this year.“By moving the sand from the southern end of the sandspit, the works will also aim to enhance the channel opening to better maintain the exchange of water between the lake and the ocean and provide for the preliminary phase of dredging which is planned to commence in 2022.”Mr Cox added that Council will also be carefully monitoring upcoming works to restore Karagi Reserve beach access to ensure it has no impact on the Little Terns.“We are also planning to restore the main access point to Karagi Reserve beach nearby which has been subject to coastal erosion. “Work plans and approvals are currently being prepared but are expected to involve placing additional basalt rocks to construct a southern end treatment to the existing emergency protection works constructed as part of the coastal erosion emergency response in 2020. Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council is committed to best practice management, monitoring and education to support the growth of threatened species such as the Little Tern, Eastern Osprey, Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater. “The Central Coast is critically important location to secure the future of the endangered Little Tern and we are hoping for another bumper breeding season,” Mr Hart said.“Helping threatened species is part of our commitment to leave a positive legacy for future generations and reflects the values of the Central Coast community, which are strongly tied to this beautiful natural environment. “We ask that our community support us in helping the Little Terns by staying away from the breeding site, as well as keeping their pets away from the area.”Community members can find out more about the Little Tern on Council’s website.The habitat and enhancement work at Karagi Point will require a small section of the Karagi Point / Hutton Road carpark to be closed off with temporary fencing during works (approximately three days). Works to restore Karagi Reserve beach access are expected to begin in late September and will require the adjacent carpark to be closed during construction, which is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete.

It is fantastic to see Central Coast Council leading the way to help shape the future of soft plastics recycling nationally through the Australian-first soft plastics program rollout.All households in the Central Coast Council area can now register to be part of a soft plastics recycling program, allowing you to recycle soft plastics from the convenience and safety of your own home using the Curby Program and Council kerbside yellow bin.We are blown away that over 10,000 Central Coast households have opted into the Curby soft plastics program since its inception.Already the program has resulted in over 11,000 tonnes of soft plastics being diverted from landfill, that equates to over 2 million plastic bags, and the number continues to grow.The program is run in collaboration with Australian recyclers iQ Renew and CurbCycle and builds upon the successful soft plastics recycling trial facilitated by Council since November 2020.Currently the program is only available to households with access to a smartphone who can access the Curby app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Central Coast Council has launched a new podcast series, Emergency Ready Now, to provide community members with the tools and knowledge to better cope when faced with adverse challenges, such as natural disasters and emergencies.Council Director Community and Recreation Services Julie Vaughan said the new podcast shares people’s stories about disaster recovery, community and mental wellbeing. “In recent years, the Central Coast community has been exposed to a range of emergencies and disasters – from devastating bushfires, floods and storms to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Vaughan said. “As a community, we’ve displayed great strength in working through these challenges together, but what do we do after they pass and how do we learn and prepare for next time? “The new Emergency Ready Now podcast explores these important questions and looks at how we, as a community, can become more resilient and connected in the wake of disaster.”The engaging 12-episode series shares the stories of community members and industry experts to explore topics and themes including the positive impact of resilience, supporting children’s mental health during and following emergencies, preparing for and recovering from trauma and loss , and financial and environmental impacts of disasters.Council Administrator Rik Hart said the podcast provides a powerful platform to support community members impacted by natural disaster, while highlighting the importance of community connectedness. “Community stories are one of the most powerful learning tools we have,” Mr Hart said.“This new podcast shares people’s stories about disaster recovery and gives a fantastic overview of how communities can proactively ready themselves for the future.

Central Coast Council has been blown away that over 7,100 Central Coast households have opted into the Curby soft plastics program in the past weeks.Already the program has resulted in over 11,000 kilograms of soft plastics being diverted from landfill (the equivalent of 2 million plastic bags) and now that the Central Coast is nearing its 10,000th household joining the program, this number is expected to quadruple.Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the Central Coast is leading the way to help shape the future of soft plastics recycling nationally.“Our community’s dedication to reducing waste and protecting our land and marine environments continually amazes and inspires us,” Mr Bolgoff said.“We understand that many people in our community are waiting on their Curby Pack to arrive in the post – Curby has guaranteed absolutely everyone registered will receive their pack so please be patient as the Curby Team methodically go through the list of households and in the meantime, please keep collecting your soft plastics ready for when your pack arrives.”Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council was delighted to be part of this Australia-first program.“We know that the Central Coast community is passionate about waste reduction but this response from our residents is simply outstanding,” Mr Hart said.“The values of our community are strongly tied to our local natural environment and we are delighted to continually look for opportunities like the Curby program, which enables our residents to live their values.”The program is run in collaboration with Australian recyclers iQ Renew and CurbCycle and builds upon the successful soft plastics recycling trial facilitated by Central Coast Council since November 2020.All households in the Central Coast Council area can now register to be part of a soft plastics recycling program, allowing them to recycle soft plastics from the convenience and safety of their own homes using the Curby Program and Council kerbside yellow bin.Currently, the program is only available to households with access to a smartphone who can access the Curby app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

With the warmer weather approaching, it’s time to Get Ready.

Council streamlines the Development Assessment process for faster turnaround timesCentral Coast Council processes more than 3,000 development applications each year with a value of more than $1 billion.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said that at the Council Meeting on 26 October 2020 Council resolved to investigate measures to assist in the fast tracking of DA assessments, and at the Meeting on 3 February 2021 resolved to draft a process to make it happen.“It is pleasing that the ‘Policy on the Assessment of Development Applications’ is now adopted following community feedback.

Central Coast Council has commenced proactive patrols in natural reserves and continues to monitor open space areas for unauthorised bike jump and track builds.Every report to Council is assessed by staff for its risk to the surrounding environment, threatened species, any heritage values as well as the risk to the greater public before determining the next steps.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said Council had received an increased number of reports from the community about unauthorised mountain bike and BMX tracks and structures being built right across the coast.“Unauthorised bike tracks and jumps are constructed without any approval or assessment of impacts to environment, heritage or other reserve users,” Mr Cox said.“They have the potential to negatively impact trees, native vegetation and the habitat of our local native animals;

The current climate we live in is proving extremely challenging more than ever for many already struggling, particularly as our community head into double digits of weeks in lockdown.

With us all spending more time at home, trying to find things to keep young minds entertained and bodies moving can be a challenge.Central Coast Council’s spring school holiday program is now available, with a wide range of online and contactless activities that families can get involved in including:•    kids yoga•    marsupial, crocodile, snake and lizard educational workshops•    storytime readings and more with StarFM •    tabletop games and trivia•    science experiments•    drawing and crafts•    Tie Dye or Slime and Skate Deck activity kitsVisit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays for the full list of events, details and bookings.

Central Coast Council has endorsed the process for the preparation of the draft pricing proposal to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for its water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices from 1 July 2022.IPART sets the maximum prices for Council’s water, sewerage and stormwater drainage services.

Central Coast Council will hold an extraordinary meeting at 12pm Tuesday 7 September in order for Council to submit its pricing proposal to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for Water, Sewerage and Stormwater drainage prices for the period of 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2026.Due to the COVID situation, the meeting will be held online remotely, and the meeting will be publicly webcast.There will be a Public Forum held as part of the Extraordinary Meeting.

Central Coast Council has placed flags on The Entrance Bridge and Brian McGowan Bridge to support R U OK?

Last week's Council meeting saw the promise of monthly financial reports and sharing information about Council’s financial position finally come to fruition, with a clear line of sight for the community into our financial position month to month.

Central Coast residents are now able to view Central Coast Council’s long-term plan to secure the region’s water supply and provide their feedback – with the document on public exhibition for 28 days from today.Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader, said that this plan will ensure there is enough water on the Coast for all residents until 2051.“On top of continuing to conserve water and use water efficiently, this plan makes the most of our current water assets – maximising them to their full potential – so that we can delay investing in additional supplies of water until a later date,” Mr Loader said.“It also addresses the fact that while we can plan for the future using the information we have at hand, the fact remains simple:

The Central Coast is steadily growing in size.

Draft Financial Report shows Council on way to financial recoveryCouncil has presented the preliminary draft 2020-2021 Consolidated Income Statement for Central Coast Council, which covers the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.The draft report shows Council’s operating result before capital amounts is a deficit of $60.7M compared to the Q3 forecast deficit of $115.1M and FY20 deficit of $88.7M.Operating income was $541.9M, $0.1M under the Q3 forecast and $13.5M up on FY20.Operating expenditure for the year ended 30 June 2021 of $602.6M was $42.8M under the Q3 forecast through savings in restructure costs and tighter control over general expenditure and $14.6M under FY20.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the preliminary draft report shows Council is moving toward financial recovery.“Council has managed to reduce expenditure and maintain income resulting in a small surplus, which is excellent news for the short-term stability of the organisation,” Mr Hart said.“However, Council’s long-term financial sustainability is not yet assured.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart is calling on all Central Coast community members to strictly follow all requirements of the current Public Health Order and Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) direction in place to control the spread of the highly contagious delta variant of COVID-19.“I welcome the NSW Government’s recent decision to re-classify the Central Coast region in the Public Health Orders, separating our region’s COVID-19 rules from the Greater Sydney region,” Mr Hart said.“However whilst cases of COVID-19 on the Coast have been relatively low, it is vital that we do not become complacent – our actions are key to keeping our loved ones and our communities safe.“We’ve recently detected fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 at our Bateau Bay Sewage Treatment Plant and new exposure sites continue to be announced – we must be vigilant and do the right thing. “NSW Health is leading this emergency and Council is actively sharing their key messages – stay home, mask-up, check-in, get vaccinated and seek out a COVID-19 test if you are experiencing even the mildest of symptoms.“Council is also actively supporting the LEOCON in their role of emergency operations and their efforts to protect the Central Coast.“It is going to be a beautiful weekend and heading out for exercise and a dose of Vitamin D is important for maintaining our wellbeing during this difficult time but Council is asking the Central Coast community to follow the clear directions of the Public Health Order and LEOCON.“Head out for a walk at one of the Coast’s beautiful beaches or fantastic shared pathways but remember that physical distancing is critical.“If you’re out in public areas or purchasing a coffee for example, keep your physical distance from others and follow the Public Health Order.“By working together and doing the right thing we will keep our loved ones, colleagues and communities safe.”Community members should refer to NSW Health and Central Coast Health communication channels for the latest COVID-19 information, advice and restriction details – nsw.gov.au/covid-19Vaccination eligibility details are available on this webpage – health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccinesCommunity members can access a number of COVID-19 testing clinics across the Central Coast – peoplebank.hneccphn.com.au/covid-testing-ccDetails of any COVID-19 related impacts to Council facilities and services are on Council’s website – centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19.

Council has been working closely with people with disability, their family members and carers, and people working in the disability sector to strive towards providing an inclusive region for all who make up our Central Coast community.As such, here at Council we have developed a draft Central Coast Disability Action Plan 2021-2025, outlining strategies and actions we will put in place over the next four-year period.Here is some of the key achievements we’ve made over the past four years in progressing towards an inclusive and accessible region:Established the Access and Inclusion Reference Group.Created Universal Design Guideline to assist Council staff to ensure more playspaces, places, services and events are accessible.Developed the Pedestrian and Access Mobility / Bike Plan to guide footpath improvements.Installed and upgraded 86 bus stops to meet Disability Access StandardsMade beach wheelchairs available at 12 patrolled beaches and installed beach matting at Umina Beach, Ocean Beach and Toowoon Bay.Ensured Companion Cards are accepted at all Council venues that charge an entrance fee.Plus moreYou can help shape the future direction of accessibility and inclusion on the Coast through having your say by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com, with feedback due by 5pm 13 September.

In response to the escalating outbreak of the COVID-19 Delta variant in Greater Sydney and regional New South Wales, as well as the Public Health Orders impacting these areas, Central Coast Council has adapted a number of upcoming community events to ensure the health and safety of our community.ChromeFest 2021Due to the continued uncertainty around the current COVID-19 outbreak impacting our region, Council has made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person component of its annual ChromeFest event, which was scheduled to take over Memorial Park at The Entrance on 23 and 24 October 2021. While provisions were put in place to deliver this year’s ChromeFest in a COVID-safe way (including introducing ticketing to limit attendees), the continued uncertainty around restrictions has made it difficult for Council to plan to deliver this event safely.Fortunately, fans of this much-loved annual event will still be able get their ChromeFest fix, with ChromeFest Overdrive TV set to share a livestream of all the favourite bands on Saturday 23 October.