Central Coast Council will be absorbing the costs of green waste disposal for properties west of the freeway at its Buttonderry and Woy Woy Waste Management Facilities until 31 January 2020.The decision has been made to allow for properties that do not pay for or have access to domestic green waste collection services, to dispose of up to four tonnes of green waste for free.Mayor Lisa Matthews said she was pleased that Council was providing tangible support for residents impacted by this unprecedented fire threat on the Central Coast.“Residents have been asked to prepare their properties, by the Rural Fire Service, in the face of these fires and in doing so have generated a lot of green waste which they have found challenging to get rid of,” Mayor Matthews said.“They have enough to deal with at the moment and at least we have taken this concern out of their hands.”To be eligible, residents or their contractors must show evidence from where the green waste was generated.

Level 1 water restrictions will come into effect when storage in Mangrove Creek Dam reaches 50 percent, likely to be in early February. The dam is currently at 52.59 percent, and Water Wise Rules apply.  Earlier this year, Central Coast Council considered future water needs and the long-term weather forecast and lifted the restriction trigger from the previous trigger of 40 percent. Last night Council met to again review the water supply and restriction levels and agreed to retain the 50 percent trigger for Level 1 restrictions. Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council’s ongoing investment in water infrastructure and residents’ own water conservation has put the region in a strong position to face a prolonged drought. “Our dam levels are holding steady, with our total water storage falling by less than two percent in the past three months,” Mr Loader said. “Storage-wise, we have more water than at the beginning of the 10-year Millennium Drought in 2002.” “While our population has grown since then, we’ve also seen the introduction of water efficient appliances and building practices.

Central Coast Council Mayor Lisa Matthews visited bushfire impacted communities in Mangrove Mountain and Spencer yesterday with the Rural Fire Service and senior Council staff.

Keep your kid’s minds occupied, their bodies moving, and their imaginations stimulated with over 100 free and affordable events for all ages these summer school holidays.New to Central Coast Council’s school holiday program this summer is a special series of Citizen Science activities, giving people the opportunity to learn about the local environment and make a contribution to scientific knowledge.Making it easy for parents, carers and guardians to find out what’s on and where, Council will list all school holiday events on its website to allows users to search for activities by date, location and age.Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays for the full list of events, details and bookings.NEW!

Central Coast Council has completed priority works to ensure the integrity of water mains on Cape Three Points Road and The Round Drive, Avoca Beach.The area was deemed a high priority in Council’s Water Mains Renewal Program when the old water mains unexpectedly broke, flooding a number of residents’ homes.Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council had been working closely with residents on a solution to prevent the situation occurring again. “Avoca residents have experienced several water main breaks in the past two years which have caused significant impact to them.

The first combined Waterways report card for the Central Coast has been released.The report examines the ecological health of Southern Lake Macquarie, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water and the coastal lagoons over the 2017-18 year, providing a clear picture of the estuarine sections of the whole Central Coast waterways network.Central Coast Council Environment and Planning Director, Scott Cox said that whilst the report, which is compiled from ongoing monitoring and assessments, shows overall positive results it also provides a valuable tool to Council to identify areas for further investigation.“Council uses a recognised monitoring program to assess the ecological health of our waterways, allowing us to monitor the condition, monitor changes over time and target investment and on ground works to improve ecosystem health,” Mr Cox said.“For the 2017-18 year we have seen good results in all of the southern Lake Macquarie, Cockrone and Wamberal Lagoon sites, plus the majority of sites in Tuggerah Lakes, Lake Munmorah and Brisbane Water.“Other sites that have shown a mix of poorer results, include Budgewoi Lake, Terrigal and Avoca lagoons, and some other sites where creek systems enter larger waterways.“These results will allow Council to review our management actions and plan for on ground works to help improve waterway health over time.”Council’s program is delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, using a scientifically robust methodology and is the most comprehensive program of its kinds provided by local government in NSW.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the release of the report card was an exciting step in understanding the waterways of the Central Coast as a whole.“Our local waterways make up 13% of the total area of the Central Coast, it is important to understand the state that they are in, so that we can make informed decisions,” Mayor Matthews said.“It’s exciting to have a report that that encompasses almost the whole of the Central Coast for the first time.“We acknowledge the importance of transparent reporting back to our community on the health of our waterways.“This report will enable a greater understanding of our waterways and allow the community to take a role, in partnership with Council, to help maintain and improve the health or our rivers and lakes.”The 2017-18 Waterways report card also outlines the actions Council has taken to target improvements in waterway health including:rehabilitation of natural wetlands at Elizabeth Bay, Doyalson, Budgewoi, Toukley, Tacoma, Chittaway Bay, Berkeley Vale, Erina, Davistown, Saratoga, Bensville, Point Clare and Tascottprotection and rehabilitation of Coastal Saltmarsh and foreshore bushland along the shores of Tuggerah Lake and Brisbane Water construction of new stormwater quality improvement devices at Canton Beach, Summerland Point and Mannering Park to reduce pollutant loads to the waterwaysmaintenance of a network of over 418 stormwater quality improvement devices throughout the estuary catchments to improve water qualityremoval of 967 tonnes of sediment and pollutants from stormwater quality improvement devices removal of 14,855m3 of excess seagrass wrack and floating algae from Tuggerah Lakes to enhance water quality and improve circulation in nearshore areas.For all the details visit the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary page.ENDSAdditional information/quotes for each of the waterway categoriesTuggerah Lakes Estuary Central Coast Council has been monitoring the ecological health of the Tuggerah Lakes estuary since 2011.

Central Coast Council is continuing to improve online services with the launch of the new Library Service app that provides easier access to resources, collections, events and news.Rather than having to navigate to multiple web pages, the app collates the Library’s digital information and platforms in one mobile friendly location delivering services in the format the community have come to expect. Council’s Section Manager Library Strategy and Connection, Ben Hartley, is excited to launch the app and improve resident’s digital connection to their local library.“This new app keeps pace with technological advances, delivering the online presence our customers have asked for,” Mr Hartley said.“With the tap of the screen customers will be able to reserve items, scan book barcodes to search, view events as well as easy access to eBooks, eMags, music streaming and much, much more.“In what is sure to be a bonus for families, you can link to multiple accounts allowing carers to store their own and children’s barcodes on one device which can be scanned in-branch.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the app creates an ease of engaging with the libraries, providing access to those who live, work or study on the Coast anywhere, anytime.“This app delivers services in the format residents want, providing our community more choice to connect, learn and relax in a way that works for them, anywhere, anytime,” Mayor Matthews said.“Whether you’re after new reading material or music for your commute, online study help, children’s educational resources or want to learn a language there’s something for every age and interest.“With holidays right around the corner there’s really no better time to uncover what your modern library has to offer.”The new app is available now.

Central Coast Council is preparing a special New Year’s Eve event at the Gosford Waterfront, with more than 10,000 locals and visitors expected to join in the celebrations.The event highlights a collaborative approach between Central Coast Council and The Central Coast Mariners with the aim to deliver an event that connects all activities in the precinct around the stadium and to create a family friendly, safe and entertaining atmosphere. New Year’s Eve at Gosford Waterfront will feature live music, food stalls, amusement rides, glow products and show bags, kids craft activities, face painting, and a spectacular fireworks display if conditions permit.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard invites locals and visitors to celebrate the last sunset of 2019 with family and friends on the beautiful Gosford Waterfront.“This event has something for the entire family and is a great way to celebrate 2019 and the start of the 2020s,” Mr Cannard said.“There will be food options galore, great live entertainment, amusement rides and fun activities for the kids, and of course don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display to conclude the festivities at 9.15pm (dependant on weather conditions and possible fire bans).”Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council was delighted to host this special event for community members and visitors to the Central Coast.“Gosford Waterfront is magical location and a great spot to bring in the new year,” Mayor Matthews said.“Let’s come together with family, friends, our community and visitors to celebrate all that was achieved in 2019 and all 2020 has to offer.” Council’s NYE Event at Gosford Waterfront will be held at Alfred Higgs Place and under the Brian McGowan Bridge and runs from 5pm to 9.30pm. SPECIAL EVENT ROAD CLOSURESVaughan Avenue between Mann Street and Dane Drive from 6-11pm.Dane Drive between Donnison Street and Georgiana Terrace from 4-11pm.Georgiana Terrace between Baker Street and Dane Drive from 6pm-11pm.The Central Coast Highway between Hely Street and Masons Parade (including the Brian McGowan Bridge and Alfred Higgs Place) from 6-11pm.No parking under the bridge is permitted in the lead-up to the event.

The Entrance is the place to be this New Year’s Eve with festivities set to be bigger and better than ever with a feature performance by Australian icons CHOIRBOYS.Memorial Park will be abuzz with great music, delicious food, amusement rides, glow products and show bags, and a spectacular fireworks display over the water if conditions permit.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said Council invites locals and visitors to head to The Entrance to celebrate the last sunset of 2019 with family and friends along the waterfront.“As always we have a very special NYE event planned at The Entrance with guaranteed fun for the entire family,” Mr Cannard said.“Aus music fans need to lock this event into their calendars now – don’t miss these Aussie Music legends (CHOIRBOYS) – creators of the anthemic Run To Paradise – delivering their unique brand of rock as our headline performers for the night.“Enjoy a wealth of entrainment around The Entrance and head to ‘Food Alley’ to eat your fill of amazing food.“Dependant on the weather conditions and possible fire bans, festivities will conclude with a major fireworks display over the water at 9pm.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council was delighted to host this special event for community members and visitors to the Central Coast.“NYE is a time to celebrate the year that was and the year that will be, and our event at The Entrance is the ideal place to come together with family, friends and community for a fun-filled evening,” Mayor Matthews said.“The event has something for everyone and it’s hard to top The Entrance as a spectacular location to bring in the new year.”Council’s NYE Event at The Entrance will be held at Memorial Park and runs from 6pm and concludes with the fireworks display at 9pm.SPECIAL EVENT ROAD CLOSURESThe following road closures will apply from 3pm on 31 December 2019 with traffic diversions in place:Marine Parade and Marine Parade Carpark with no vehicle entry or movement.

Gosford Regional Library on the horizonCentral Coast Council is moving forward with the long-awaited Gosford Regional Library and Innovation Hub at the Parkside site, Donnison Street, Gosford.Mayor Lisa Matthews said she is thrilled to see this catalyst project proceed for Gosford CBD, helping to create a vibrant and sustainable region.“There is an urgent need for the delivery of the Regional Library to provide contemporary and future multi-use spaces where our community can meet, connect and learn,” Mayor Matthews said.“The community has significant investment and interest in progressing this project, so it is essential we now put our energy and efforts into making it a reality.“To ensure the project moves as quickly as possible, planning of the tender process for design and construction has commenced and we anticipate the development application will be lodged as early as June next year.“Following discussions with the current Parkside tenants, demolition and construction works have been pushed back to February 2021 so as not to disrupt the stability of the services offered as well as ample time to relocate.“I want to reiterate this development is not dependant on the closure of existing branches, but a hero development that will help meet the ongoing social, recreational, educational and technological needs of our growing community and improve our residents’ quality of life.”Budget allocations of $1.115million for the Gosford Cultural Precinct have been reallocated for the design and development stage of the Regional Library to get underway, with further estimates and costings to be completed as part of the 2020-21 budget process.Staff are currently finalising discussions with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development to secure the $7million Federal funding to help deliver this state-of-the-art facility.As a result of the Regional Library moving ahead as a stand-alone project, all conveyancing negotiations for 135-137 Erina Street East, Gosford will be discontinued and all tenders received for the Gosford Cultural Precinct will now be declined, with applicants to be notified as soon as possible. Record breaking tourism expenditure exceeds first year targetsCouncil has reported a record breaking $1billion in tourism expenditure in the first year as outlined in the Actions of the Destination Management Plan 2018-21.The achieved expenditure has surpassed Council’s 2021 target of $921million.Mayor Lisa Matthews said in one year the Central Coast has already seen an overall shift in tourism.“It’s great to see the results of the first year of the Actions of the Destination Management Plan 2018-21 and the impacts it has had on our visitor economy,” Mayor Matthews said.“It shows the effectiveness of our targeted campaigns, with an increase of 43.9% of visits to the Visit Central Coast website and over 200 new business listings added to the site.“The results have also identified a number of opportunities to encourage visitors all year round and we held a number of events in 2019 which contributed towards achieving this, including hosting the LGNSW Tourism Conference, the development of the Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan and opening the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex.“The plan identifies actions to boost community support through tourism employment pathways for young people such as the development of the Young Ambassador Program.“Tourism is one of the biggest industries on the Coast, and it is recommended that the focus on tourism development and destination management be maintained.” The newly endorsed Tourism Opportunity Plan sets out three key strategic priorities, supporting priority projects and underlying actions to assist Council to take a proactive facilitative role in delivering economic and community benefits for tourism across the region. Somersby to Erina Corridor Strategy to promote economic growthCouncil has adopted the Somersby to Erina Corridor Strategy after a period of public consultation.The Draft Somersby to Erina Corridor Strategy (the Strategy) is a set of directions, actions and catalyst projects for the community, Government and the development sector to create a sustainable Corridor that the community want to live and work in.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Strategy is important to assist in creating an economic and vibrant community into the future.“As a Council, it’s important for us that the Central Coast is seen as the growing and competitive region that it is.

The location of Monday night’s Central Coast Council’s next Council Meeting and Public Forum has changed.

Central Coast Council Offices will be closed from 1pm on Tuesday 24 December for the annual Christmas closure and reopen on Thursday 2 January 2020 at 8.30am.This includes the Gosford and Wyong Offices and Council works depots.

Many Central Coast Council facilities and services will be closed to the public on Friday 6 December 2019 for a Local Government State Award approved Union Picnic Day.This includes the Gosford and Wyong Administration Buildings, all library branches, works depots, all Council run childcare centres, Laycock Street Community Theatre as well as Wyong Pool from 9am-3pm.

The newly refurbished amenities at Kalakau Avenue in Forresters Beach officially opened today ahead of the peak summer season.

Today Mayor Lisa Matthews marked an exciting moment for current and future users of Garnet Adcock Memorial Park at West Gosford as the first sod was turned to signal commencement of construction on the first stage of the $26.2 million redevelopment of the site.Central Coast Council Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said “Over the next 12 months the community will see the construction of a state-of-the art multi-purpose sportsground amenities building that will accommodate five of the seven sporting codes that utilise this regional facility.

Residents across the region can learn more about their waterways and make a contribution to scientific knowledge with a series of innovative workshops to be delivered by Central Coast Council throughout summer.Citizen Science programs are an opportunity for the broader community to help scientists understand the local environment by providing valuable data and insights.

Central Coast Council is extremely disappointed in the alleged behaviour of a group of individuals that disturbed the Little Tern nesting site at Karagi Reserve, The Entrance North on Sunday 1 December 2019.

With a hot dry summer ahead, Central Coast Council is urging residents and businesses to continue the water saving efforts that have helped delay the introduction of water restrictions.Since Council launched the “Live to 150L” campaign in September, thousands of people have visited the online water use calculator and other tools for tips on saving water.Live to 150L encourages everyone to use no more than 150 litres of water per person per day.

Council prepares for $70M Federal Government funding injection for Coast’s roadsCouncil has approved 29 road projects across the Central Coast that will be delivered with $70million in Federal Government funding committed in the lead up to the 2019 Federal Election.Projects selected will be delivered as part of the ‘Central Coast Roads Package’ and will focus on busting congestion and increasing safety.The significant scale of the funding package means that projects will be delivered over consecutive years starting in 2019-20 and continuing through to 2024-25.Mayor Lisa Matthews said she was pleased to see the Federal Government deliver on its promise to fund local road upgrades on the Coast.“This $70million funding injection from the Federal Government will allow Council to deliver projects the community have identified as priorities on the Coast,” Mayor Matthews said.“Roads are a key priority for Council too with more than $240million in projects delivered over the past three years.“Maintaining and developing our region’s extensive road network – spanning 2,200 kilometres – requires all levels of government to work together.“The ‘Central Coast Roads Package’ is an example of a funding commitment that will make a real difference for our region.”Community to have its say on amalgamation experienceCentral Coast Council has recommended that additional questions be included in the annual Customer Experience survey for residents to provide their views on the amalgamation of the former Wyong and Gosford Councils, their experience and their satisfaction of the LGA. Council also advised that in early 2020, it will report on the estimated costs involved in amalgamating the two former Councils.The report will also outline the progress on various aspects of the amalgamation and the associated expenditures.Council supports community with over $695,900 in grantsCouncil has allocated $695,984 in funding to successful applications for community grants.Council has allocated $631,022 of funding across four programs for Round 1 of the Community Grants Program 2019-20.

Central Coast Council is urging residents to be as prepared as possible and to remain vigilant as the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) continues to fight and monitor the Gospers Mountain fire west of the Central Coast.Mayor Lisa Matthews said it is vital that all Central Coast community members regularly refer to the information provided by the RFS.“The RFS is the lead agency for bush fires and we must all refer to the RFS for the latest advice on fires currently burning and for information on how to ensure we are as prepared as possible,” Mayor Matthews said.“At this point in time it is particularly important that our residents west of the M1 are prepared and vigilantly monitoring RFS advice regarding the Gospers Mountain fire.“Please download and use the RFS ‘Fires Near Me’ mobile phone app if you haven’t already.