Central Coast Council’s Wyong customer service point in the Wyong Administration building will reopen to the community on Tuesday 11 August.The COVID-19 shutdown provided the opportunity for the Wyong customer service point to undergo maintenance to enhance customers’ service experience.

As the coastal remediation works continue at the North Entrance and Wamberal, it was a welcome announcement last week from the Minister for Local Government to establish a Wamberal Taskforce.

Five and half thousand tonnes of rock have been placed on North Entrance and Wamberal Beaches, by Central Coast Council crews, during the recent coastal erosion emergency response.1,800 tonnes of large basalt rocks have been placed directly on Wamberal Beach with 1,720 tonnes of rock filled bags craned in from Ocean View Drive.At North Entrance – just over 2,060 tonnes of rock has been placed on the beach there between Karagi Reserve beach access and Hargraves Street beach access since the work began two weeks ago.Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, said the huge response by Council had been successful in temporarily mitigating further erosion.“The results speak for themselves and show what is possible when you have the best coastal engineers in Australia working with committed crews, the best material available and the emergency orders needed to get the job done,” Mr Murphy said.“The success of this response will hold us in good stead as we plan further recovery works and a longer-term solution at both locations.Works are expected to take a further two to three weeks at Wamberal.

Central Coast residents are invited to have their say in Central Coast Council’s new Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), which will help shape access and inclusion in our community from 2021 to 2025.The Plan will set out actions that Council will take to enable people with disabilities to gain better access to mainstream services, facilities and information so they can fully participate in our community.Council’s Director of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that Council will be engaging closely with the staff, the wider community and key stakeholders to develop the new Plan.“It is very important that the new Disability Inclusion Action Plan reflects the voices of people in our community with lived experience of disability and their carers, as well as local organisations and service providers in the disability sector,” said Ms Vaughan.“We encourage the community to share their input and experiences by participating in one of our online forums or completing our online survey.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said that the DIAP 2021-2025 forms part of Council’s focus on celebrating and continuing to create opportunities for inclusion where all people feel welcome and participate in community life.“People with disabilities are an integral part of our community and contribute on a daily basis to the social, cultural and economic life of the Central Coast region,” Mayor Matthews said.“To be a truly responsive and inclusive community, our Coast needs to hear the voices of people who live with disabilities and understand the barriers they experience to full community participation.”For details on how to have your say in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2025 visit yourvoiceourcoast.com.

Central Coast Council is making it easier for local businesses to supply it with products and services, as part of its commitment to supporting the local economy and helping the wider Coast community.Local businesses are being invited to register for the VendorPanel Marketplace, which Council uses to procure some of its goods and services.The VendorPanel Marketplace is also used by many government agencies, so once a business registers, they will be visible to these agencies as well.Council’s Acting Chief Financial Officer, Carlton Oldfield said the opportunity to register as a potential supplier is part of Council’s commitment to supporting the business community and local economy which has done it tough in the current economic climate.“Council is committed to purchasing locally whenever it can and it is feasible to do so,” Mr Oldfield said.“Our recent local spend has been about $150million per annum, helping to support local businesses and jobs.”Businesses which supply low-risk goods and services unlikely to cause harm can register directly at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/vendorpanel.

Council’s draft Central Coast Playspace Strategy is currently on public exhibition and the community are invited to submit comments to help finalise the guidelines that will be used to manage and plan future playspaces for our region. Council manage and maintain over 260 playspaces across the Central Coast which are loved by both residents and visitors to our region and will continue to invest in these valued public facilities for the community’s benefit.The strategy was developed to set consistent policies, guidelines and goals for the development and sustainable management of playspaces across the whole Central Coast region.

On behalf of Central Coast Council, it is pleasing to see an Operational Plan for the 2020/21 financial year adopted. This is an Operational Plan that has had to respond to the unprecedented times we find ourselves in.

Council’s commitment to exploring all parking options for the people of the Central Coast continues to gather momentum with an additional call for community to comment on their current parking needs to help finalise the Central Coast Parking Study and Implementation Plan.The Central Coast Parking Study and Implementation Plan has been guided by previous community consultation activities and includes short, and medium-to-long term strategies to deliver additional parking where required.  The study also looks at improved public and other transport options and has assessed the commuter parking needs for Gosford, Woy Woy, Wyong, Warnervale, Ourimbah, Tuggerah and Lisarow train stations which are identified for focused investment.The focus areas of the plan have also included Wyong CBD, Terrigal CBD, The Entrance Town Centre and various coastal hot spots.Mayor Lisa Matthews is urging the public to have their say on parking in their local area and our region as a whole.“Council understands that car parking is a significant issue of concern to the community and is actively working to ensure a plan is put in place to meet the immediate and future needs of the Central Coast and ensure the best outcome for Council’s future investment,” said Mayor Matthews.“We will continue to explore all options and work closely with all levels of government into the future to address car parking issues for our residents.”The Central Coast Parking Strategy Implementation Plan is currently on public exhibition online at yourvoiceourcoast.com until Sunday 16 August 2020 for the community to submit their comments.

Central Coast Council has today welcomed the announcement of a Wamberal Taskforce to help deliver a long-term solution to coastal erosion issues at Wamberal.Council is progressing designs and options for a seawall at Wamberal, with residents and the community and the expert Taskforce will be important for expediting approvals and the funding model needed to deliver it.Council CEO, Gary Murphy, who will be on the Taskforce, said Council cannot deliver a permanent solution alone and it was great to see experts around the table committed to finding a solution.“While we have been focussed on the emergency works responses, and staff have done an amazing job, we have never lost sight of the need for a permanent solution to coastal erosion, not just at Wamberal, but up and down our coast,” Mr Murphy said.“A permanent solution has been worked on for some time now.

Harvest Festival Central Coast has become a June long weekend tradition and after a required break this year Central Coast Council is looking for new partners to make the 2021 event the best yet.Local businesses and groups are invited to submit Expressions of Interest to be event hub partners for Harvest Festival, which attracts 32,000 locals and visitors and injects over $8million into the local economy.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the continued growth and success of the event was largely thanks to the new ideas and contributions of local businesses, companies, organisations and community groups.“Harvest Festival has become our largest and most successful event and whilst it was extremely disappointing that we couldn’t celebrate the harvest this year, we are planning to be bigger and better in 2021,” Mr Cannard said.“Our event numbers were up by 100 percent last year and we’re anticipating further growth for our next event.“Harvest Festival is such a success because of our incredible event hub partners and we are currently looking to lock in our partners for 2021.“We’re keen to continue to evolve our relationship with existing partners and invite new businesses and groups to further enhance this celebration of farm, friends, food and fun in our picturesque hinterland region.”Harvest Festival features a range of experiences, activities and fantastic local produce and food across the event trail which spans Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby and Calga.Expressions of Interest are sought across a range of offerings including but not limited to:open farm gate salesticketed farm tours/talkspick your own producetours and talksindigenous cultural experiences/bush tucker tourscinema under the starsart events/installationslive music eventsfamily fun eventscooking demonstrationsfood experiences with local produceobstacle course races/fun runs.Mayor Lisa Matthews said she encouraged both existing and new business partners to continue to enhance the Harvest Festival success story.“We’ve been starved of events in 2020 and we look forward to a fantastic program of Central Coast events in 2021 including our beloved Harvest Festival,” Mayor Matthews said.“This event is a unique celebration of our stunning hinterland region, our incredible local produce and sustainability.“Harvest Festival is made possible by the contribution of local businesses, organisations and community groups and we look forward to your continued contribution and enhancement of the event.“There is something very special about seeing both locals and tourists donning their winter woollies and heading behind the farm gate in our beautiful and fertile hinterland, which is home to wonderful communities and unique businesses.”Businesses, companies, organisations or community groups interested in being part of Harvest Festival in 2021 should complete an Expression of Interest by 11 September 2020.Find out more information and complete the Expression of Interest by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/EOI

The Coast’s new Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex (The Complex) is hosting training sessions for two major sporting teams that have made the Central Coast their ‘home away from home’ during COVID-19 restrictions - the New Zealand Warriors and Melbourne Rebels.Based in Tuggerah, the purpose-built venue has proven itself a fantastic sports and recreation venue since opening in 2019, having already hosted significant mass participation events such as the 2019 Koori Knockout, which attracted over 40,000 attendees to the region.This announcement of the Melbourne Rebels using The Complex at Tuggerah as their official training venue follows the earlier announcement of NZ Warriors basing themselves on the Central Coast with their primary training residence at Central Coast Stadium, and alternating training at The Complex when required.Mayor Lisa Matthews said that having two high-profile sporting teams using The Complex as a training venue, provides an exciting opportunity to showcase this fantastic facility and deliver a boost to our local economy.“We have been thrilled to welcome these two elite sporting teams to the region.

Central Coast Council acknowledged yesterday’s release of the State Government’s independent review into the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996 (the Act) and would now review the recommendations in detail and respond to the impacts of this on Council’s operational management of Warnervale Airport. Mayor Lisa Matthews said that Council can only operate Warnervale Airport under the legislative environment that the State Government sets.“I want to emphasise that Council does not make the laws about the operation of this community owned asset," Mayor Matthews said.“Council must and does adhere to the State legislation that governs Warnervale Airport and this includes the current flight cap limits.“Minister Rob Stokes has publicly notified that this part of the Act is proposed to be repealed, and once that is done Council will respond to the legislation in its management of the airport."The airport management includes safety of the runway and Council has measures in place to ensure that airport users are aware of all conditions for runway use.  Council is continuing to look at long term options to reduce the vegetation hazard and is required to comply with other State legislation to do this.

Central Coast Council’s Gosford Art Prize – the region’s premier art awards – returns in 2020 with a new COVID-safe process for entrants.For the first time in the 50-year history of the prestigious Gosford Art Prize finalists will be selected from online entries to provide a COVID-safe entry system.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said more than 500 artists from across Australia are expected to compete for the $25,000 prize pool.“The Gosford Art Prize and the exhibition of the finalists’ work is always a highlight and we are thrilled that we are able to proceed with the competition in what has been a challenging year to say the least,” Ms Vaughan said.“We have to do things a little differently this year and artists competing in the Prize will need to submit digital images of their works online.“Only selected finalists will be asked to deliver their physical work and we will proceed with the Gosford Art Prize exhibition as in previous years.“The Gosford Art Prize is a Central Coast institution and supports local artists and artists from across the country.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the cultural and economic benefits of the Gosford Art Prize were significant.“Art brings us together, inspires us and challenges us and in 2020 the Gosford Art Prize is more important than ever,” Mayor Matthews said.“It is wonderful that we’ve been able to think outside the box to continue to offer the prize this year, which provides our region with both a cultural and economic boost.“Approximately 24,000 people will visit the Gosford Art Prize exhibition at the Gosford Regional Gallery and 40 percent of visitors will come from outside our region, which represents a great tourism boost for the Coast.”Artists who submit works for the Gosford Art Prize compete across the following categories:First Prize – $15,000Second Prize – $5,000Aboriginal Art Prize – $2,500Gosford Ceramics Prize – $2,000Highly Commended – $1,000 (two prizes)Viewer’s Choice Award – $500Entries for the Gosford Art Prize open on 1 August and close on 30 August, with finalists announced on 4 September.

Emergency remediation works continued over the weekend at Wamberal and the North Entrance in a bid to get as much done before the predicted second east coast low hits our coastline early this week. At Wamberal, all available rock filled bags have now been placed on Wamberal Beach to help secure the base of the escarpment.

Council focuses on delivering essential services and supporting the communityCentral Coast Council tonight adopted its Operational Plan for the 2020-21 financial year.  Council has budgeted $564.3 million for the delivery of essential services and $225 million for capital works across the local government area.

Central Coast Council’s Trainee and Apprentice (TrApp) Program is currently seeking eligible students to build their careers in a range of roles.The program offers students an opportunity to complete a nationally recognised qualification in their chosen field as a full-time paid employee at Council.Council’s Executive Manager People and Culture, Krystie Bryant said the program aims to develop students to become job ready.“We are committed to supporting our residents studying at a vocational level with an opportunity to increase their chances of securing employment,” Ms Bryant said.“Our TrApp Program aims to educate students, so they are qualified at a high industry standard by developing their practical and professional skills in a safe and supportive environment.“Students that complete the program are armed with workplace development and expert training, so they are more competitive in the job market and they are also exposed to career opportunities with Council.“Local youth and mature age students looking to start a career or want to gain new skills in a range of fields are encouraged to apply for our 2021 program.”Successful applicants must undertake a range of requirements for the duration of the program including working 35 or 38 hours per week, completion of all work, attending all classes, completing all assessments, gain competency in all qualification units and completion of certification and employment service.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council’s TrApp Program has been a success and continues to provide an exciting opportunity particularly for our young people.“This important program offers our community an opportunity to build their careers within Local Government and gain valuable training in their chosen path,” Mayor Matthews said.“Council has an important role to play in providing our youth with employment opportunities and supporting our residents with roles to live and work locally.“I am proud that Council offers opportunities for our community to gain professional experience and become job ready in their chosen career.”Applications for Council’s 2021 TrApp Program are now open.

Emergency remediation works are continuing at Wamberal and North Entrance this weekend.At Wamberal, 180 rock bags (weighing two tonnes each) have been installed using a crane.

Council are calling on Central Coast individual visual artists or creative groups to submit their interest in utilising a variety of spaces in several town centre locations for creative endeavours.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the local creative and arts industry has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and this initiative will provide much needed support.“Council are actively developing a number of initiatives to support and sustain the Central Coast’s creative community and this one has the added benefit of activating town centres which also supports local businesses,” Ms Vaughan said.“Council are investigating opportunities to provide access to a variety of places and spaces in our town centres to support creative practitioners and would like to hear from individual artists, collectives or community groups wishing to use these places to create art, showcase their work or run community workshops.”Expressions of interest are now being sought from creatives of any visual medium - including arts and crafts, ceramics, sculpture, photography, printmaking, textile and fashion, filmmaking, and other innovative visual art installations. These spaces are located in high traffic areas and available on a ‘pop-up’ temporary, casual or semi-permanent basis.Mayor Lisa Matthews said this project is a chance for creatives to develop their practice and take up this opportunity to create, display and promote their work in the parameters that COVID-19 restrictions allow.“This Council initiative will not only support our local artists and creative industry but will also provide a boost to the local economy by helping to create vibrant town centres brimming with cultural vitality to attract both residents and visitors,” Mayor Matthews said.In the meantime, Council has been working with commercial property owners and real estate agents to decorate vacant shop windows with creative decals which visually highlight the area’s key features and attractions.

Central Coast Council is planning to hold a program of entertainment and performances as part The Lakes Festival in November with a range of COVID-safe measures in place.While the event will look a little different this year, the popular 10-day program celebrates the Central Coast’s beautiful and diverse waterways and Council is currently seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI’s) from local businesses, companies, organisations and community groups who would like to be involved.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said The Lakes Festival is built on creative and ‘outside the box’ ideas from across the Coast.“We’ll have to do The Lakes Festival a little differently this year to ensure we are COVID-safe but it is exciting that we are able to move forward with this special program that celebrates our region’s incredible waterways,” Mr Cannard said."This year Memorial Park will come alive with ‘Under The Wave’, a pop up wave structure that will play host to fantastic entertainment featured across the ten day program."If you have creative vision and would love to be part of the ten day program we want to hear from you – we’re looking for great music, theatrical performances and ‘outside the box’ creative ideas to fill the space.“Contributors will need to stay true to the overarching theme of our waterways and will benefit inclusion in our marketing campaign and a listing in the program.”Guidelines for EOI's include:inclusive and immersive entertainment, including live music, magic shows, circus performances, dance groups, comedy nights, movie nights plus moreenvironmental focus or a connection to the waterwaysbold, innovative, fun and ‘out of the box’ ideasshows need to be ticketed, either paid or free, for 100 participants maximum, while abiding to all social distancing requirements.Mayor Lisa Matthews said it was exciting to see plans underway to hold this special program for the Coast in a challenging year.“The Lakes Festival is without a doubt an annual highlight for our region and it is made possible through the contributions of so many amazing local businesses, groups and organisations,” Mayor Matthews said.“It has been disappointing to see so many events cancelled due to COVID-19 and I’d encourage creative locals to come together and be part of The Lakes Festival for 2020.”Submissions close on Friday 7 August 2020 at 2pm and can be completed by visiting – centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/lakesfestivaleoi

Central Coast Council has started emergency remediation works at Wamberal Beach today.The works include placing rock filled bags on the beach by crane from the road.