Council endorses plans to significantly invest in Coast’s pathwaysCouncil has adopted its first Central Coast Bike Plan and Central Coast Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP).The plans are focussed on the development of a regional network of interconnected pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure to maximise safe access to key destinations and facilities.The plans outline a significant investment in the Central Coast’s pathway infrastructure network over the next 10 years with more than 300 projects currently identified in the Bike Plan and over 1,000 projects in the PAMP.Mayor Jane Smith said the Bike Plan and PAMP were created following an extensive community consultation process.“Our community made it clear to us that improving and expanding our pathway network is a top priority for them and we’ve listened,” Mayor Smith said.“To develop these critical plans, we addressed community feedback from a specific consultation process and from the development of The One Central Coast Community Strategic Plan 2018-2028.“The plans outline our commitment to deliver accessible footpaths, bike paths and shared pathways that complete missing links, loop around our scenic waterways and improve connections that offer a healthy and environmentally friendly transport option. “Creating safe and accessible pathways is a priority – wherever possible we will construct pathways that can be used and enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, parents and carers with prams, and people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.“The Bike Plan and PAMP will also assist us in applying for grant funding to deliver important projects that have been identified.”Council recognises advances in lake managementCentral Coast Council tonight recognised the work undertaken as part of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan in restoring the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.Council noted that the water quality of the Lakes is generally rated excellent to good despite public perception.Council also acknowledged the Catchment and Coast Committee – Tuggerah Lakes provides a key link between Council, the community, State and Federal Governments, and other key stakeholders in the development and implementation of coastal, estuarine, catchment and floodplain management studies and plans.Council will continue to work with the community, key stakeholders and all levels of government to implement the Estuary Management Plan and maintain the high-water quality of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.Mayoral election to be held on 23 SeptemberCentral Coast Council last night voted to hold the scheduled  Mayoral election as a separate meeting from Council’s usual business meeting.The Mayoral election will be held on Monday, 23 September 2019, with the Ordinary business meeting on Wednesday, 25 September.Have your say about sportsfield feesCouncil’s proposed changes to sportsfield fees for the 2019/20 financial year will go on public exhibition for 28 days with community members encouraged to have their say.The proposed changes to the fee schedule will mean that Davistown Oval, Eve Williams Oval, Terry Oval, Fred Pinkstone, Kitchener Oval, Patrick Croke and Saratoga Oval, Eastern Road Top Oval, Harry Moore Oval 3, Sir Joseph Banks Passive, Lakehaven 1 and 2, Mannering Park Oval, Norah Head Hockey Oval, Sohier Park 4, Tunkuwallin Oval 1 and 2, Tuggerah Oval 1 and Wadalba High School 3 will be classified as level 3 grounds and charged at a lower rate of $858.87 per ground per day.Grounds classified as level 2 will continue to be charged at $1,260.75 and grounds classified as level 1 will continue to be charged at $1,363.25 this financial year with charge being per day.The adoption of the new fee will reduce Council’s sportsfield income by an estimated $7,000 in 2019-20 financial year but this will vary dependant on the requests for ground usage.Community members can have their say on the proposed changes by visiting the Your Voice Our Coast engagement hub from 13 September.

Fun and informative cycling focussed activities are on offer for the Central Coast community as part of Bike Week 2019.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Bike Week is a fantastic NSW Government initiative and Council is thrilled to be offering the Central Coast community a great line-up of activities for all age and ability levels.“Bike Week is the perfect opportunity to learn or refine essential skills to ride safely and to maintain your bike,” Ms Vaughan said.“Cycling is a practical transport mode to access work, study and services and a great way to get active and to enjoy our beautiful region using our cycleways and shared pathways – there’s nothing quite like taking in our scenic waterways whilst riding a bike.”Mayor Jane Smith said cycling is a great way to improve community health and wellbeing and is an environmentally friendly transport mode that enhances the liveability and sustainability of the Central Coast.“If you’re keen to use cycling for fun, to get active or to get around, Bike Week is a way to get started,” Mayor Smith said.“Council will continue to invest in new shared pathways and upgrade current ones to ensure our community can cycle safely right around the Coast.”Bike Week runs from 21-29 September and includes a series of activities to promote safe cycling on the Central Coast:Learn to Ride Workshop – Saturday 21 September, 9.30-10am or 10.15-10.45am, PalmdaleCycling Skills Workshop – Saturday 21 September, 11am-12.30pm, PalmdaleBicycle Maintenance Workshop – Saturday 21 September, 1-2.30pm, PalmdaleStorytime at our libraries – Monday 23 September – Friday 27 SeptemberPaddle to Pedal Tour – Friday 27 September, 9am-3pm, Woy WoyCentral Coast Council’s Bike Week activities will provide an opportunity for the community to participate in organised bicycle events in a safe and supported environment.Community members can find out more information about Bike Week activities by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

Council is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Entrance Community Centre by hosting an open day on Tuesday 10 September.The community is invited to attend the special event which will include market and food stalls, an art exhibition, Men’s Shed BBQ, Aboriginal smoking ceremony, performances by The Entrance Public School and music.

Central Coast Council is helping undergraduates build their careers and work alongside professionals in a range of fields, from Engineering to Social Sciences.

Central Coast Council is calling on residents to be water-wise by “living to 150L” and has launched new online tools to help them do just that.“Love water:

NSW’s largest indigenous sporting event is coming to the Central Coast over the October long weekend - bringing an abundance of sports entertainment and tourists to our region.

Resident pet owners on the Central Coast are encouraged to have their furry friends microchipped for free at Central Coast Council’s microchipping day on 14 September.

Local businesses and groups have an opportunity to be part of Harvest Festival – one of the Central Coast’s largest and most successful events.Central Coast Council is inviting Expressions of Interest for new event hub partners for the festival, which this year attracted 32,000 locals and visitors and injected 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.“Attendance numbers for this year’s Harvest Festival were up by 100 percent, which reaffirms that this event really resonates with both locals and visitors,” Mr Cannard said.“The event is a celebration of farm, friends, food and fun in our picturesque hinterland region and it’s made possible through the contribution of a range of unique event hub partners.“On Saturday and Sunday of the June long weekend we seek to offer event attendees a range of experiences, activities and fantastic local produce and food across our event trail which spans Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby and Calga. “We’re always seeking new ideas and contributions to make Harvest Festival even better and we’d love to hear how you’d like to be involved.”Mayor Jane Smith said Council invites local businesses and groups to contribute to a unique celebration of quality local produce and sustainability.“Harvest Festival gives both locals and tourists an insiders experience of our incredibly beautiful and fertile hinterland, which is home to wonderful farming communities and unique businesses,” Mayor Smith said.“It is a great opportunity to showcase our great local produce to the world and I encourage our local producers to get involved.”Council is seeking a range of Expression of Interest ideas 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.Interested businesses, companies, organisations or community groups should complete an Expression of Interest by 5pm, Monday 23 September 2019.Find out more information and complete the Expression of Interest by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/council/news/harvest-festival-event-hub-expression-interest

Council is moving forward to deliver a new sporting and recreation complex for the north to meet the needs of this growing community and to promote healthy and active lifestyles.The Colongra Sporting Complex site spans across 2 hectares on Scenic Drive and is surrounded by an abundance of bushland whilst still being conveniently located for the neighbouring residents of San Remo, Blue Haven, Halekulani and Budgewoi.This exciting new facility will include two new turfed sporting fields, three netball courts, sporting amenities building with accessible toilets, playspace, carpark, pathways and access road.This project was initiated prior to the amalgamation of Council, following community consultation that led to detailed design plans being developed.  During the planning stage, two viable sites were identified for this project with the Scenic Drive site being most suitable with the least environmental impact.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the Urban Spatial Plan which establishes a 20 year strategic framework to tackle the challenges of our growing population.The framework, called the Urban Spatial Plan, aims to deliver the housing diversity, transport improvements, infrastructure upgrades and economic and social vitality required by our community, whilst protecting the Coast’s natural attributes and our quality of life.Council Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said development of the Urban Spatial Plan was an important step in setting a clear direction for growth across the coast in order to support the region’s forecast population growth.“The population of the Central Coast is expected to grow to 415,000 by 2036, with as many as 75,000 new residents living in the region,” Mr Cox said.“The Urban Spatial Plan establishes a framework for how we manage this growth in a balanced and sustainable way, enabling urban growth within existing centres, planned precincts and corridors whilst preserving the coastal lifestyle and environment we value so much.“Our direction for growth promotes Gosford Regional Centre as the central connection point of the many coastal and hinterland centres with a networked transport system that connects the community to the services they need.“It addresses six key initiatives across the region including housing, transport and infrastructure, planning for open space and community and creating a sustainable environment with resilient communities.“It also outlines how we will work with the NSW Government to activate Gosford as the capital of the Central Coast with supporting strategic centres at Woy Woy, Erina, Tuggerah, Wyong and Warnervale and how we will drive the coastal economy through planning for new and innovative industries to choose the coast to be their home and grow regionally competitive tourism destinations across the entire Central Coast,” Mr Cox said.The Urban Spatial Plan represents the first step towards defining a Local Strategic Planning Statement for the region and aligns with what our community have already told us they want through the Community Strategic Plan.Mayor Jane Smith said the Plan is the blueprint of what the Coast will look like in the future and it is crucial the community is involved.“This is Council’s vision for sustainable development on the Coast – meeting the needs of our current residents whilst planning for the future,” Mayor Smith said.“We need to accommodate growth whilst enhancing the local character of neighbourhoods and protecting the natural environment that the community has told us are important to them.“We want our community to be a part of that vision.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Community Participation Plan (CPP) now on exhibition.The draft CPP will work alongside the Central Coast Engagement Framework, adopted by Council in January 2017, to ensure the community continues to be informed about planning matters and development proposals that affect them, as well as have meaningful and considered opportunities to participate in strategic planning.Council Director Scott Cox said the draft Plan had been designed to make participation in planning clearer for the Central Coast community by identifying opportunities and timeframes available for community input on strategy development, plan making and proposed development decisions.“It also details our community participation objectives including utilising the knowledge, ideas and expertise of our community, improving the processes that generate two-way engagement and creating a shared sense of purpose, direction and understanding to manage growth and change, while preserving local character,” Mr Cox said.Mayor Jane Smith said by participating in the planning process, the community can be a part of helping manage growth and change in the region, while also ensuring the character of local neighbourhoods and values that are important are protected.“As a large and growing region we need to ensure that the decisions we make and the development we deliver is sustainable now and in the future,” Mayor Smith said. “That is why it is important the community is part of the planning process and have a say on how their neighbourhoods and how our region will develop.“We are listening to you and your opinions.

Central Coast Council is urging community members to be vigilant in their preparation for bush fires with the official bush fire season set to start one month early on the Central Coast.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said ongoing warm and dry conditions had prompted the NSW Rural Fire Service to start the Central Coast bush fire season on 1 September instead of 1 October.“We have over 128,500 hectares of bushland on the Central Coast, we are in drought and we are moving into the warmer months – all cues that we need to be on high alert for bush fires,” Mr Cox said.“At Council, we’ve completed our largest bush fire preparation program to date and we encourage each household on the Coast to be as bush fire ready as possible.“We have been working hard to enhance our fire trail network, constructing new fire trails, upgrading a significant number of existing strategic fire trails and protecting our bushland assets through fencing and security measures”.To help the Central Coast community be better prepared for emergencies, Council has joined the NSW Government’s ‘Get Ready’ initiative and is delivering targeted resilience workshops.Mayor Jane Smith said the Central Coast’s unique characteristics make emergency preparedness particularly important for the region.“We are all aware of how dry it has been not just here on the Coast but across NSW and this move by the NSW Rural Fire Service to get ready earlier is welcome,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is doing our part in providing crucial infrastructure and in ensuring our community is resilient too through education and community workshops.“Now is the time to ‘Get Ready’ for the long bushfire season ahead.”The five ‘Get Ready’ steps to prepare for any emergency are:Know your riskPlan now for what you will doGet your home readyBe awareLook out for each otherCommunity members can find more useful emergency preparation information by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/emergencies.The NSW Rural Fire Service provides the latest information on fires currently burning and outlines simple steps to prepare for bush fires, including how to develop a bush fire survival plan.

Due to the need to carry out urgent maintenance works the bridge on the Pacific Highway at Kangy Angy, between Old Tuggerah Road and Dalgety Road, will be reduced to one lane from 27 August 2019.Traffic will still be able to pass through the area under traffic control signals but may experience delays.Community members are reminded to follow the directions of traffic control carefully to ensure their safety and the safety of others.Works will take place between 6am and 7pm and will take approximately six months to complete.

Contributions Plan to fund cycleways across the CoastContributions levied by Council on development applications will be used to fund future cycleway works across the Central Coast valued at over $32million.Cycleway projects to be funded from the Plan include Bungary Road, Norah Head;

Local high school students will get the opportunity to discover the roles and responsibilities of Councillors when Central Coast Council hosts its annual Future Council program.Hosted in partnership with Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, the program provides a practical learning experience on civics, citizenship and local government decision making for Years 9 and 10 students. Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said during the mock debate students will deliberate on real issues they are passionate about and cast a vote on behalf of their community, just like our elected Councillors do.“This innovative program provides students with a rare chance to sit in the chairs of our elected Councillors and obtain insight into the skills and knowledge required to make decisions that affect residents of their community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This forum sees students explore environmental, social and economic issues in a format that is engaging and interactive.“What makes the day special for students is that the Mayor or Deputy Mayor will be in the Chair providing guidance and feedback so it gives them an authentic experience of an Ordinary Council Meeting.“We work closely with our local schools, making sure the topics relate to the curriculum and provide opportunities for students to experience decision making on topics that could occur in our local government area.”Students participating in the forums will use mock business papers to debate issues including Urban Forests Greening the Central Coast, Light Rail between Gosford and The Entrance, development application for a green waste facility in a residential area, securing water supply during drought, climate change mitigation, the proposed development of a Tip Shop at Council’s Waste Facilities, community energy programs and more.Mayor Jane Smith said Future Council was a highlight on her annual calendar and was enthusiastic about debating local issues with the region’s future leaders.“I am really proud to be able to take an active role in this this program that provides a forum where young people can express views on issues they are passionate about, build self-confidence and encourage community connectedness,” Mayor Smith said.“With young people making up 25 percent of our population we want more of this demographic to participate in civic life and their community as the decisions we make now impact their future.“I hope we can inspire some of our local students to one day run for public office themselves and represent their community.”Local schools taking part in Future Council include Lakes Grammar, Wyong High School, St Peters Catholic College, Northlakes High School, St Brigid's Catholic College, Central Coast Steiner School, Wadalba Community School, Narara Valley High School, Erina High School, St Joseph's Catholic College, Gosford High School, Brisbane Water Secondary College - Umina Campus, St Edwards College, Kincumber High School, Kariong Mountains High School and Brisbane Water Secondary College - Woy Woy Campus.Mayor Jane Smith will chair the session on Tuesday 27 August in Gosford with Deputy Mayor Chris Holstein chairing the session in Wyong on Thursday 29 August, with debates getting underway at 9.40am.ENDS

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to be a good sport by donating pre-loved sporting equipment in the lead up to this year’s SportsFest – with not-for-profit organisation Fair Game Australia appointed to manage the distribution of all donations back into our local community where they are needed most.Mayor Jane Smith said the donation drive would help our community overcome some of the barriers to participation in sport and recreation. “Living a healthy and active life is important to all of us, but for some families there are limited finances available to invest in suitable equipment, clothing and accessories,” Mayor Smith said. “Council is proud to partner with Fair Game Australia to ensure under-serviced local communities have the equipment to participate in sport and lead active lifestyles.   “We are committed to providing opportunities to improve the physical and social wellbeing of our community and this charity drive, alongside our annual SportsFest event is a wonderful example of how we can work together to achieve this. “I encourage you to collect and donate pre-loved, good condition or nearly-new sports equipment for this important cause.” Fair Game Australia aims to create an equitable, healthier and sustainable Australia by distributing the recycled sports equipment for use in disadvantaged communities. Nathan Stone, NSW Chair of Fair Game said that through the provision of recycled sports equipment they can run fitness and health education programs that reduce the risk of lifestyle related disease, build social cohesion and improve mental well-being."Fair Game is excited to partner with SportsFest to donate as much recycled sports equipment as possible to charities working in under-serviced communities across the Central Coast and surrounds.

Tuggerawong, Rocky Point and Tacoma are set to benefit from a further extension of the shared pathway around Tuggerah Lake foreshore following the official opening of Stage 1 of the project.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the project is delivering a ‘missing link’ and had received overwhelmingly positive community feedback.“More than 60 community members came out on Saturday 3 August to celebrate the official opening of the first stage of the project in Tuggerawong that connects Friday Street through to Tuesday Street around the beautiful Tuggerah Lake foreshore,” Mr Bolgoff said.“We are now going back to the community to consult on plans for the remaining four stages of the project, which will extend the shared pathway for a further three kilometres to connect Tuesday Street, Tuggerawong through to Don Small Oval, Tacoma.“This project forms part of a missing link, it loops around a scenic waterway, it serves as an active transport route and improves access to transport links.“It also provides an additional connection to schools, parks and services, and is accessible for parents and carers with prams and community members using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.”Community members are being invited to provide feedback on Stages 2 to 5 of the project.Mayor Jane Smith said the new section of shared pathway at Tuggerawong was already being well used by locals and visitors and the remaining stages of the project would further enhance the amenity.“It was wonderful to see so many happy community members at the opening for the first stage of this important shared pathway project,” Mayor Smith said.“The three-metre wide design, which will continue with the remaining stages, means that all community members and visitors can use this great resource as a transport route, to get active or simply to take in the beauty of Tuggerah Lake.“Extending the ‘Tuggerah Lake loop’ enhances the liveability and sustainability of our region and will provide a boost to the local economy through attracting visitors.”This financial year Council will invest $705,000 to complete Stage 2 of the project, which will connect Tuesday Street to February Street in Tuggerawong.Construction of Stage 2 is planned to commence in March 2020 and will take approximately four months to complete, weather permitting.Future stages of the project are subject to adoption of yearly budgets and Council will also seek grant funding opportunities.

The Lost Bird Found project aims to start conversations and raise awareness around mental health.

SportsFest returns once again in September, providing Central Coast residents with an opportunity to find a new way to get active through a variety of sports and recreational opportunities.This family-friendly free event will be held over the weekend of 21-22 September, from 9am-5pm, at Bateau Bay’s EDSACC sporting precinct on the Central Coast Highway. Central Coast Council Director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox said the event was a great opportunity for people of all ages to find new ways to get active across the Coast.“SportsFest showcases the vast array of sport and recreational opportunities available across our community through come and try activities, professional demonstrations, live entertainment, market and food stalls and a dedicated Kidz Zone,” said Mr Cox.“Over 40 sporting codes and organisations have already secured their place as exhibitors with options catering for all abilities, ages and interests.”Mayor Jane Smith says Council is proud to be running SportsFest once again and providing a fun and free community event which promotes healthy and active lifestyles.“There are many ways to connect and be active in our sports community – whether it be through active participation, volunteering or spectator support and Sportsfest provides an opportunity for residents of all ages and abilities to see what we have on offer,” Mayor Smith said.“We are pleased to invest in an event that not only appeals to all ages, but also supports local businesses, groups and organisations that encourage active lifestyles.”SportsFest’s proud partnerships include NSW Office of Sport, Sport NSW, Central Coast Academy of Sport and official media sponsor, Star 104.5 FM.For more information on SportsFest 2019 go to Centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/SportsFestTo stay up to date with event news and updates, follow the SportsFest Facebook page

Central Coast Council is calling for feedback on the draft Landcare Program strategy which is now on exhibition. Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith said the strategy aimed to bring together Council’s environmental volunteers under one program.“We are investing in the work of volunteers because they are on the front line in protecting the Coast’s environment,” Mayor Smith said. “From restoring their local patch and collecting and propagating seeds to park maintenance and rubbish removal, our volunteers are making a big difference at the grass roots level. “The natural environment is important to our community who want to see it protected and enhanced in the future.“This draft strategy proposes a new identity for the program and identifies ways to expand that enables greater participation in the future. “Our staff have worked with the volunteers to develop the Strategy, now it is time for the community, along with the existing volunteers to have their say.” The draft Landcare Program Strategy is on exhibition until 12 September 2019 and is available from Council’s engagement website.