Central Coast Council is assuring the community that essential services will continue in line with the additional COVID-19 restrictions recently announced by the NSW Government.The NSW Government has announced from Monday 12:01am on 19 July 2021, work at construction sites in Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, is not to be carried out unless the work is urgently required.Council Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer said the community can be assured that Council is following the requirements of the latest announcement.“We have carefully reviewed the Public Health Orders and we are making sure all of our work undertaken by Staff is in accordance with those orders.

Central Coast Council has completed the first ever survey for Koalas across the region with Koalas detected in the Mangrove Creek Dam catchment and Watagan Mountains.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said staff also looked at Ourimbah State Forest, Brisbane Water National Park and Council’s Coastal Open Space System (COSS) lands as other potential Koala habitats.“In response to an increased number of Koala sightings being reported to us, the first ever survey for Koalas across the Central Coast was completed using a combination of phone surveys, postal surveys and an ecological study using song meters,” Mr Cox said.“Phone and postal surveys were used to help record any community Koala sightings and in Spring, song meters were deployed in 58 potential Koala habitat locations to record the bellows of male Koalas during the breeding season.“Koalas were recorded at nine sites in the far west of the region.

Today the Premier announced a further two-week lockdown for the Central Coast region, now in place until 11.59pm on Friday 30 July.

Over 24,000 square metres of land has been weeded and over 80 volunteer hours have been spent prepping Porters Creek for this year’s National Tree Day.Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said he hopes the Central Coast community will be able to come together for a special tree planting event to continue conservation works.“Council has planted approximately 2,000 native plants on the site in the last 12 months that will help create, enhance and restore natural habitat.

Central Coast Council has completed improvement works at Susan Fahey Park in Copacabana with an exciting and innovative district sized playspace now open for the community.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the new playspace provides an inclusive, safe and accessible space for the whole community to enjoy.“We listened closely to feedback from our community throughout the design and planning process and are thrilled to deliver a high-quality facility that reflects their wants and needs,” Ms Vaughan said.“This new community space provides a range of fantastic features for all ages and abilities to enjoy and will be an asset to both residents and the high volume of seasonal visitors to the area.“Visitors to the new district playspace can now access an outdoor ping pong table and chess table, adult fitness equipment, accessible BBQs and an inclusive play unit, including an accessible spinner and see saw, as well as a unique rope swing.“The innovative space also includes connecting pathways, a drink bottle refill station, new picnic shelter and tables as well as access to public toilets.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to clear out unwanted and out-of-date hazardous items from homes, garages and sheds to be correctly disposed of for free at the next bi-annual Chemical CleanOut events.Community members can safely drop off their chemicals for free at Event Park, off Kangoo Road, Kariong on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July as well as at Council’s Charmhaven Depot on Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August, 9am to 3.30pm daily.These events will be hosted in line with any COVID-19 restrictions in place.

Central Coast Council is delivering essential services with a growing fleet of battery and hybrid electric vehicles, replacing full fossil-fuelled vehicles as they reach their end of service life.The focus is in line with the State Government’s direction and recent $500million budget announcement to support NSW councils’ efforts to support greater electric vehicle use.Council Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley said Council was keeping its promise to the community to take a hands-on role and work towards net zero emission targets.“Council is active in its commitment for a sustainable future and we pledged to be a leader in the use of more sustainable transport, which we are doing,” Mrs Cowley said.“In 2019 we introduced the first 100 percent electric vehicle into our fleet vehicles in addition to a number of hybrid passenger vehicles already in the fleet.

Artists from across Australia are invited to submit works for the Central Coast’s premier art awards – the Gosford Art Prize – with entries now open.A recorded breaking 900 artists competed for the $25,000 prize pool in 2020 and even more artists are expected to submit works this year.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the Gosford Art Prize is a cultural highlight for the region.“The awards attract more and more local artists each year and it is also exciting to see increasing participation from artists across NSW and indeed interstate,” Ms Vaughan said.“Our region is a growing artistic hub and we encourage artists from near and far to submit up to two works.“The Gosford Art Prize culminates in an exhibition of finalists' works at Gosford Regional Gallery – a must see experience that attracts over 12,000 people, with 40 percent of those being visitors to the Coast.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the quality and breadth of works featured in the Gosford Art Prize have made the awards a Central Coast institution.“Art is more important than ever and Council is thrilled to offer an art prize and exhibition that delivers for the Coast both culturally and economically,” Mr Hart said.“Last year’s entries were truly outstanding and we can’t wait to see what our creative communities have in stall for us for 2021.”Artists who submit works can compete across the following categories:First Prize – $15,000Second Prize – $5,000Aboriginal Artist Prize – $2,500Gosford Ceramics Prize – $2,000Highly Commended – $1,000 (two prizes)Viewer’s Choice Award – $500Artworks for the Gosford Art Prize for 2021 need to be submitted online.

The Ordinary Meeting of Central Coast Council scheduled for 6.30pm on Tuesday 13 July will not proceed.

At Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 29 June 2021 I adopted the 21/22 Operational Plan which outlines an operating budget of $659.8M and a capital works budget of $175M.

Central Coast Council’s 2021-22 Community Grants Program is now open, with $900,000 in annual funding available to support local community groups and organisations to deliver worthwhile projects, programs and events that strengthen our community.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said local community groups and organisations have until 31 July to apply for funding under the program to help bring their big ideas to life over the next 18 months.“Council’s Community Grants Program supports local groups and organisations to develop initiatives which enhance community connection and quality of life on the Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“While some changes have been made to the structure of the program this year, Council is thrilled to be supporting the community through this important funding platform.“Funding of up to $20,000 per project is available under the Community Development Grant Program and the Community Events and Place Activation Program, with applications closing at the end of the month.“Community groups and organisations can also apply for funding of up to $5,000 per project as part of the Community Support Program, which will remain open throughout the year.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council’s Community Grants Program builds the community’s capacity to deliver innovative events, programs and projects.“With $900,000 in annual funding on offer, this is an opportunity for community groups and organisations to contribute ideas which will make a difference to our community and create a stronger Central Coast,” Mr Hart said.“Unlike in previous years, there will only be one round of grant applications over the 2021-22 financial year for the Community Development and Events and Place Activation Grants programs.

Central Coast Council’s Ordinary Meeting of 29 June 2021 will commence at 6.30pm as scheduled, however in line with the most recent NSW Government Public Health 'stay at home' order, this meeting will be conducted online.The Public and Open Forum will also be conducted as part of the remote online meeting, commencing at 6.30pm.Both the Public Forum and Council Meeting will be conducted via zoom and can be viewed on Council’s Live Stream YouTube channel.Meetings continue to be webcast and recordings of Council meetings will be held for a minimum of 12 months, in line with the Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW.For more information, search ' Council Meetings' at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Council adopts 2021-22 Operational PlanThe Central Coast Council Operational Plan for 2021-22 has been adopted after consideration of all community submissions received during the 28 day public exhibition in May.Council reviewed 140 community submissions as an important part of the process to finalise the Operational Plan, which outlines an operating budget of $659.8M and a capital works budget of $175.0M.Council Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer said the budget reflects a commitment to deliver essential services and key projects whilst moving Council towards financial sustainability.“Community submissions included commentary on Council’s financial situation and resultant actions, requests for additional projects, commentary on projects listed and the proposed budget, and requests to reduce specific fees,” Mr Farmer said."Following the review process the Operational Plan has been amended to include projects continuing from 2020-21, remove projects completed in 2020-21, include additional fully grant funded projects, and make minor changes to a number of proposed fees and charges.“This is a responsible budget that represents a commitment to financial sustainability whilst ensuring that Council continues to deliver for the Central Coast.“Difficult decisions have had to be made – including delaying or reducing the frequency of some initiatives and projects – but these changes are necessary to ensure our long-term sustainability.“There is a reduction to some levels of service and the community will see this reflected in the overall amenity of the Coast, where it will take us longer to do some care and maintenance works such as frequency of mowing road verges and street sweeping in town centres.“It is important to note that we have significantly reduced staff numbers to save $30M and this may result in longer customer enquiry response times in some cases but all requests will be prioritised in terms of safety and risk.”The adopted Operational Plan reflects the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) decision to approve a 15 percent special rate variation increase for the Central Coast for three years commencing in the 2021-22 financial year.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said finalising the 2021-22 Operational Plan is an important milestone in Council’s progression towards achieving financial sustainability.“Reducing capital expenditure by $70M was a fundamental component of necessary measures to ensure Council remained financially viable and to satisfy the requirements of commercial loans,” Mr Hart said."We have made significant progress towards getting Central Coast Council back on track – on top of reducing our capital expenditure, a significant organisational restructure has been completed, we have commenced asset sales in line with the refinancing understanding and have received a 15 percent special rate increase from IPART.“It is important to note that the recent IPART decision only provides security for three years and we will be seeking community feedback for our next submission to IPART to seek approval to permanently maintain the 15 percent special rate variation.”Capital works program highlights for 2021-22Road and drainage worksRoad projects account for 20.4 percent of the budgetRegion-wide road resealing program – $2.1M (reference R010)Region-wide asphalt resurfacing program – $1.3M (reference R012)Road and drainage projects across the region including in Avoca, Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Chain Valley Bay, Copacabana, Davistown, Ettalong, Gosford and surrounds, Hamlyn Terrace, Lisarow, Norah Head, Somersby, Toukley, Umina, Woy Woy and WyongShared pathway and walking trail worksMagenta (The Entrance) shared pathway construction – $2M (reference L003)Tuggerawong foreshore shared pathway construction – $1.47M (reference L005)Projects in Davistown, Erina, Gosford, Lake Munmorah, Magenta, Ourimbah, Terrigal and TuggerawongWater and sewer worksWater supply projects account for 16.8 percent of the budgetSewerage network projects account for 20.5 percent of the budgetRegion-wide water mains asset renewal program – $7.03M (reference R004)Region-wide sewer main asset renewal program – $5.75M (reference R007)Gosford CBD water infrastructure reinforcements – $4.33M (reference R005)Mardi Water Treatment Plant major upgrade – $6.8M (reference R003)Gosford CBD sewer infrastructure reinforcements – $5.82M (reference R001)Warnervale Town Centre sewer infrastructure – $4.18M (reference R006)Water and sewer projects in Avoca, Charmhaven, Daleys Point, Empire Bay, Ettalong, Forresters Beach, Gosford, Gwandalan, Killcare, Kincumber, Mardi, Mooney Mooney, Saratoga, Tacoma, Tacoma South, Umina and WarnervaleWaste management facility worksConstruction of Cell 4.4 at Buttonderry Waste Management Facility, Jilliby – $6.96M (reference G001)Facility improvement and asset management worksHeating ventilation and air conditioning replacement at Peninsula Leisure Centre – $3.85M (reference L002)Upgrade of renewal of the Visitor Information Centre, The Entrance – $2.39M (reference S001)Works at Gosford Olympic Pool, Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, Halekulani, Long Jetty, Spencer, Tacoma and Toukley Aquatic CentreNew Gosford Regional Library worksInitial works – $1.61M (reference L001)Sport field, park and playspace worksAdelaide Street Oval Sportsground (Killarney Vale) amenities building upgrade – $1.39M (reference L004)Projects in Chain Valley Bay, Gosford, Green Point, Kariong, Narara, Pretty Beach, Saratoga, Woongarrah and Woy WoyTown centre improvementsProjects in Budgewoi, Ettalong, Gosford, The Entrance, Toukley and WyongThe capital works budget of $175.0M includes a $1.5M increase from the exhibited program due to the inclusion of fully grant funded projects that will not impact Council’s operating result.The Local Government Act 1993 (sub-section 405(1)) requires Council to consider any submissions received during public exhibition and to adopt an Operational Plan before the beginning of the financial year.Council adopts rates and charges for 2021-22Council has adopted ordinary rates, special rates and waste management annual charges for the 2021-22 financial year.Charges are reflective of the 2 percent rate peg increase and 13 percent Special Variation increase (totalling 15 percent) approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in May.

Two years on from its major community consultation project ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’, Central Coast Council has completed a range of major works, upgrades and improvements throughout the Woy Woy town centre, with more projects currently underway.Throughout the ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ project, we received over 422 formal submission from 294 stakeholders, with over 100 community members attending one of our two drop-in information sessions.This valuable feedback informed Council on a range of highly-anticipated projects including the development of the new state of the art Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf, road and infrastructure improvements, place activation projects, the formation of a Woy Woy Town Centre Strategy and much more.Yesterday, Central Coast Council issued a media statement advising that the planned demolition of the playspace at Pelican Park Woy Woy has been put on hold to enable further consultation and engagement with the broader community.

Central Coast Council is implementing measures to help protect the safety of its staff and community during the current COVID-19 resurgence.Following the announcement of a NSW Government Public Health Order requiring the Central Coast to enter a two week lockdown – effective from 6pm Saturday 26 June 2021 until 11:59pm Friday 9 July 2021 – Council has temporarily closed a number of its facilities but will continue to deliver all essential services.Council Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer said Council’s primary responsibility during this difficult time is staff and community safety.“Our community knows what is required to get COVID-19 outbreaks under control and we thank you for understanding the necessary changes that Council has put in place,” Mr Farmer said.“Council will continue to provide essential services for our community during this lockdown, this includes water and sewer services, waste collection, road repairs and child care centres.“Our parks and beaches remain open for exercise only and please note that lifeguard services are not in operation during the cooler months.“Please refer to our website and social media channels for the latest information on necessary temporary closures of some facilities and any impacts to our services.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Central Coast community has proven to be resilient throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.“The Central Coast is all too familiar with what needs to be done to halt community transmission of COVID-19 and Council is taking necessary and required measures,” Mr Hart said.“Please carefully follow all requirements outlined by NSW Health through the current Public Health Order and we will keep you informed of any changes to Council facilities or services.”Any visitors to the Central Coast or Greater Sydney from 21 June 2021 or after must adhere to Public Health Order requirements – follow stay-at-home orders for a period of 14 days after leaving the region.Penalties for not following restrictions are enforceable by Police – this includes leaving the home for non-essential reasons, not social distancing and non-essential travel.Council urges any community members who are feeling unwell or experiencing any COVID-19 symptom to self-isolate and get tested immediately.Essential Council services continuing during current lockdown:water and sewerwaste collectionroad repairsdevelopment assessmentschild care centres remain openpublic toilets remain openparks and playspaces remain open (for exercise only)beaches remain open (please note lifeguards are not on patrol during the cooler months)holiday parks are open for essential travellers onlyCentral Coast Stadium events will be updated at centralcoaststadium.com.auafter hours call outs for emergenciescall centre for customer enquiries.Council facilities temporary closures during current lockdown:Administration buildings at Wyong and GosfordLibrariesLeisure centres, gyms and poolsTheatres and The Regional GalleryThe Entrance Visitor Information CentreSenior and Youth CentresAll our community facilities, such as halls.For the latest information on COVID-19 related impacts to Council facilities search ‘COVID-19’ on Council’s website – centralcoast.nsw.gov.auTo keep up-to-date with Council’s latest news search ‘E-News’ on Council’s website – centralcoast.nsw.gov.auPlease refer to NSW Health communication channels for the latest COVID-19 information and requirements.

A local playspace is now open at Woy Woy’s Anderson Park reserve, providing a new safe and accessible place for local families and visitors to enjoy when visiting this popular foreshore area.This fully fenced new playspace features a multiply climbing unit with double slides and rope climbs, rocker, swing set, voice tubes, twista and balance trail and accessible pathway and softfall – whilst taking advantage of the shade provided by mature trees within the reserve.Council has been improving Woy Woy Town Centre for the community and have been in discussions with local businesses and residents on plans since October 2019.This playspace reflects the recently adopted Central Coast playspace strategy developed with community input and will complement the soon to be completed Woy Woy Wharf opposite this reserve and the periodic events held at this foreshore site (such as markets and other community activities).  A continuous shared pathway on the foreshore opposite the park provides a level surface to walk, scooter or ride the 1km to Lions Park which boasts a previously renewed playspace, BBQ and picnic facilities, fish cleaning station, boat ramps, jetties and public amenities.The completion of this new playspace has been timed to coincide with the unfortunate need to soon remove the ageing but much-loved playground unit 75m away at Pelican Park.  This removal is required due to a safety audit showing that the equipment no longer meets current Australian safety standards.  With the roots of the adjoining mature tree continuing to cause safety hazards, this site was not suitable for a new playspace to be built.  However, the site of the existing Pelican Park playground will remain as a public open space area, with the existing shaded picnic tables and fencing to remain and the area that currently has the play equipment being freshly turfed.

The Central Coast has its first Community Recycling Centre, with householders now able to drop off their problem wastes such as paints, oils, gas bottles, fluoro lights, smoke detectors and batteries for free at the Buttonderry Waste Management Facility in Jilliby, near Wyong.The Community Recycling Centre was established by Central Coast Council with the support of an Environmental Trust grant of $160,000 and work with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).The Centre at Jilliby expands on the popular travelling Chemical Cleanout Events, which are well supported in the region.Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Jilliby Centre offered a permanent, free drop-off solution, complementary to existing services, that will make problem waste disposal easier for Central Coast residents.“Our community is passionate about closing the loop on waste and ensuring its safe and environmentally responsible disposal and this was evident when we consulted on our Waste Resource Management Strategy,” Mr Hart said.“We are proud that 87% of our community think it is very important to reduce the amount of waste that households generate and dispose, and we are also proud to be able to actively find opportunities that help our community do this.

It was great to see the 2021 Harvest Festival return to the Coast over the long weekend showcasing over 30 event hubs in the hinterland. Over 48,000 people attended across the weekend, an increase of 16,000 from the event in 2019, with most of the visitors being from all over Sydney. The economic impact for the region was $5,390,133! Whist the figures here are impressive, venues were still restricted on numbers as a result of COVID public health orders.  17-23 May was National Volunteer Week where I had the pleasure of presenting Gabrielle Greiner as Volunteer of the Year at Central Coast’s National Volunteer Awards 2021, along with many other great volunteers being recognised for their hard work and dedication. I congratulate all volunteers!   I joined the CEO in attending, I attended the Central Coast Economic Breakfast hosted by Business NSW to hear where the Central Coast fits in global, federal and state context for growth.  I continue to meet with the local members of parliament to discuss their key concerns and grant opportunities, including one of Council’s key stakeholders, Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council’s Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer to discuss future opportunities and Council’s MOU.  As I work through the submissions received on the Tranche 3 Asset Sales, I am also visiting those sites of contention to gain a thorough understanding of the issues raised.     

The return of Central Coast Council’s much-loved Harvest Festival over the 12-13 June long weekend has been hailed a great success, drawing record crowds to the Coast’s hinterland communities and providing a welcomed boost to the region’s economy.A celebration of the spectacular Central Coast hinterland, this year’s Harvest Festival saw 30 event hubs run a range of unique events and experiences from farm tours, fruit picking and produce markets to food and wine fairs, degustation dinners and live entertainment.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said over 48,000 people attended the festival, bringing an estimated economic boost of $5.39 million to our region.“We are delighted to report that over 48,000 locals and visitors stepped out to enjoy Harvest Festival over the long weekend, which marks an increase of 16,000 people from our 2019 event,” Ms Vaughan said.“Our event hubs received an abundance of positive feedback from participants and visitors, many of which travelled from Sydney and beyond to experience the unique events taking place and explore the Coast’s rural communities.“A huge thank you to our attendees for being respectful and following COVID-safe rules throughout the weekend.

Central Coast Council’s June/July school holiday program is here, with a wide range of online and face-to-face activities on offer to keep young minds entertained and bodies moving throughout the winter break.Families can head to the School Holidays what’s on page on Council’s website to see everything that’s taking place.