Council’s 2023-2024 Draft Financial Sustainability Strategy and revised Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) were accepted at Council’s ordinary November meeting – signalling Council’s confidence in moving from financial ‘recovery’ to ‘sustainability’.The new Financial Sustainability Strategy (Strategy) identifies high-level actions that Council must take to sustain a positive operating result position, and to maintain an adequate level of unrestricted cash to support operating activities and the required investment in assets.Council CEO David Farmer said Council is moving into an exciting, yet challenging, period as it works to build on the last three years’ successful implementation of restoring Council’s financial position to enable Council to operate, repay emergency loans and meet other financial obligations.“As we have said before, Council is now out of crisis, and so we have some clear air to start implementing the Strategy that isn’t just monitoring, but rather being proactive.”The objectives of the Strategy are to:Set the parameters within which Council agrees to operate to provide financial sustainability, affordability, delivery and value for money, over the short, medium and longer termEnsure Council generates enough revenue, and controls services and infrastructure costs, to produce sufficient cash from operationsEnsure Council maintains sufficient cash (or access to cash) to meet the needs of operations, investments and financingEnsure Council can renew or replace assets to maintain the desired level of service and provide new assets to meet demand for growth in servicesAssist Council to use ratepayers’ money, together with other funding available, to provide core and other prioritised servicesProvide direction and context for decision making in the allocation, management and use of Council’s finite financial resourcesGuide the elected Council and staff in the management of its LTFP and determine financial boundaries for delivery of operational and capital plans.“Our previous strategy looked at the key metrics to manage day to day, but we are now looking 10 years into the future identifying the challenges and then identifying actions to ensure that 2020’s financial crisis cannot happen again.“Community consultation will continue to be an important factor in planning capital works and community needs, and Council will continue to seek funding from external sources, including both state and federal governments.“However, like most other councils our challenge to attain and maintain a sustainable operating position will be to look at ways to balance revenue with expenditure.“Central Coast Council has the unique situation of two of its major income streams currently having expiry deadlines and under the current regime will require applications to IPART to be maintained.

Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of attendees of the eighth Lakes Festival, which has again given the Central Coast region a timely economic boost as local businesses look towards peak tourist season.More than 10,000 visitors attended the 10-day festival that offered over 30 exciting family-friendly activities, cultural and educational programs hosted by local organisations and businesses.Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said the festival has earned its spot on the calendar as an iconic Central Coast event.“The Lakes Festival is one of our region’s biggest events, with this year’s festival injecting more than $1.5 million dollars into the local economy as a result,” Mr Cannard said.“While there was the cancellation of some activations due to heavy rainfall, pleasingly our flagship event Light Up the Lake still went on and attracted nearly 5,000 people."Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the wide range of events that featured on this year’s festival program played a big part in attracting the crowds.“This family-friendly event continues to be popular among locals and visitors and wouldn’t be possible without the creative ideas from local businesses who take part,” Mr Hart said.“Council held the first Lakes Festival in 2015 and the response from the community has been extremely positive, so I’m sure it will continue to grow in the years to come.”If you would like to be part of the Lakes Festival in 2024, Council will be seeking Expressions of Interest from new and returning businesses, companies, organisations and community groups from 29 January 2024.To receive information about the Expressions of Interest, please contact events@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au to join the mailing list and keep an eye out on Council’s website.ENDS

Central Coast Council has completed the North Avoca paths project, which delivers an improved and safer network of footpaths for pedestrians between three streets in North Avoca.The project, delivered over consecutive years, has involved the construction of new footpaths, street drainage and kerb and gutter infrastructure as well as new road pavement. Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the completed works will provide safe connectivity for pedestrians travelling between the Scenic Highway and the local North Avoca shops and nearby beach.Mr Bolgoff said community consultation was undertaken prior to commencing the project, which was an important factor, when planning the works.“While the priority for the project focused on delivering over 650 metres of continuous footpath, it also provided improved drainage and new road pavement, enhancing rideability for motorists. “Pedestrians and motorists using View Street, Tramway Road and Elgata Avenue will greatly benefit from these works,” Mr Bolgoff said.In acknowledging the completion of the project, Council Administrator Rik Hart said projects such as this are extremely important as they benefit not only local residents, but also contribute to a better experience for visitors to the area – which in turn can benefit local businesses and the local economy.“The project was made possible by grant funding of $4.3M by the Australian Government, with a Council contribution. “We thank the Australian Government for investing in the Central Coast region and providing infrastructure, highly sought-after by the community.” Mr Hart said.Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP, welcomes the completion of the footpaths in North Avoca.“The completion of these footpaths in North Avoca improves connectivity and accessibility for all people.“Footpaths promote active lifestyles which are important for community health and wellbeing.“I thank Central Coast Council for its involvement and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to identify additional projects on the Central Coast that the Australian Government can support," Dr Reid said.For all information on the progress of Council’s capital works projects visit: https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/current-works-and-projects/capital-works-program

The magic of Christmas on the Coast returns from 24 November, with Town Centre Carols, larger than life Christmas trees, lights and bauble displays, and visits from Santa to ensure the Coast sparkles with Christmas fun.Discover a Christmas Wonderland in Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Toukley - designed to bring the community together and spread joy across the region.The much-loved Christmas tree and wreath installations return, as do sparkling decorations, all of which will be on display.A series of seasonal events and activities will be available for the public to enjoy, including DIY Christmas photos, Christmas Carols and other live entertainment, and of course, an opportunity to post a letter to Santa!The festivities kick off on Friday 24 November running until Sunday 7 January across the four Town Centres.Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said individual businesses are also getting into the Christmas spirit across the four Town Centres with a trail of Christmas window displays.“Businesses located in Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Toukley are taking part in the festivities with a Christmas Window Display Competition,” Ms Smith said.“Visitors and residents are encouraged to plan a ‘window display’ trail and vote for their favourite via a QR code for a chance to win a $250 gift card.”“Voting opens 24 November and closes 7 January 2024 with the winners announced 10 January 2024”.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Christmas activations will provide support and a boost for local businesses.“We’ve got a fantastic month-long program of free events for families, shoppers and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Hart said.Christmas calendar of events:Friday 24 November – Sunday 7 January - Across the four Town Centres Christmas Window Display CompetitionFreeSaturday 2 December – Sunday 24 December – The Village Green, Toukley Christmas photos and post a letter to Santa Refer to the program for timesFreeSaturday 2 December – Wyong High SchoolWyong Community Christmas Carols6-9pm Presented by Bendigo BankFreeSaturday 2 December – The Village Green, Toukley Tinsel Time in ToukleyPresented by Toukley Neighbourhood Centre 5-9pm FreeSunday 24 December – Kibble Park, Gosford Christmas Eve Community Carols Presented by Gosford Uniting Church6-9pm FreeSunday 24 December – Memorial Park, The Entrance Christmas Eve Carols in the ParkPresented by JC Entertainment6-9pm FreeTo find out more about Christmas on the Coast and other festive activities taking place this December, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ChristmasENDS

This year as part of National Water Week 16-22 October, Central Coast Council Water and Sewer encouraged the Central Coast community to take the leap towards water conservation through several community programs.These programs included the Primary School Poster Competition, Walter Smart and Friends School Performances and workshops and Water Night.Director for Water and Sewer Jamie Loader thanked the nine schools across the region for taking the leap and getting involved through the Walter Smart and Friends stage show.“In addition to local schools getting involved, we had a great response to our National Water Week Primary School Poster Competition.

As the Little Terns start to arrive at Karagi Point, The Entrance North, to begin nesting, Central Coast Council wants to remind everyone how they can help protect the endangered species during this critical time.Little Terns migrate from South-east Asia to Australia each year and are protected under both State and Federal threatened species legislation.

The Central Coast has confirmed its place as a leading New South Wales destination, with the exciting announcement the region has taken home three golden wins in the 2023 NSW Tourism Awards, powered by Business NSW and presented in partnership with the NSW Government and Destination NSW, held on 8 November at White Bay Cruise Terminal, Balmain.The three Gold wins include Destination Central Coast managed by Central Coast Council winning the category Local Government Award for Tourism, along with the Australian Reptile Park winning the Major Tourist Attractions category, and Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific also winning Gold in the Business Event Venues category. Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said this is a massive testament to the Central Coast and all of those who make it a great place to work, live and play. “This highly respected Gold Award is the third win for Council’s Marketing and Tourism team in the Local Government Award for Tourism category at the NSW Tourism Awards, with Council taking out Silver in 2022 and Bronze in 2021,” Ms Smith said. “The category is open to all local government authorities and recognises excellence in tourism planning, the provision of tourism facilities and services, marketing, event development and management, and the overall contribution made to the NSW tourism industry.“We would like to extend a congratulations to the Australian Reptile Park and Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific for their incredible Gold win achievements last night, as well as Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures for achieving finalist status in the Award for Visitor Litter Prevention category presented by Long Jetty-based organisation Take 3 for the Sea.

Central Coast Council is pleased to present national touring exhibition OCCURRENT AFFAIR – at the Gosford Regional Gallery featuring new and recent works by influential Aboriginal artist collective proppaNOW from 18 November to 11 February 2024.Established in Brisbane in 2003, proppaNOW is one of Australia’s leading cultural collectives.

Central Coast Council has posted a modest surplus for a second year in a row, testament to the due diligence which has, and will continue, to be applied to ensure the organisation is in good shape when Councillors return in late 2024.This second year of surplus follows two large losses in the previous two years, indicative of the strengthened and stable position Council is in now.Council had budgeted for a surplus of just over $7M but has achieved a slightly larger surplus of $35M – achieved partly to an unbudgeted early payment of the government Financial Assistance Grant of $18M.Council CEO David Farmer said while Council is now out of crisis, it now moves into a similar phase to most NSW local governments, with ongoing challenges where costs are growing at a faster rate than the rate peg.“Ongoing diligence will be required to maintain satisfactory financial performance – including paying down the emergency loans taken out at the end of 2020.“Sound financial management, which has included achieving surpluses, considered asset sales, and seeking external funding to assist our capital program, will allow the largest of our emergency loans to be paid off in full in December this year, with the plan to pay off the second loan in full in November 2025.”Mr Farmer said Council has met key government benchmarks for operating results and cash levels, and Council’s audited financial statements were delivered on-time this year for the first time since the merger, and indication of Council’s growing competence.“It should be noted that the audit by NSW Audit Office is more than just finances, it also includes a review of IT and Cyber security, governance processes, payroll, procurement and asset areas.Mr Farmer added that partly a result of achieving surpluses, Council’s cash position also continues to improve with total cash increasing year on year and adequate unrestricted cash being maintained.

Australians are choosing to holiday at home post-pandemic, with the top 10 domestic travel destinations in Australia all regional, and nine out of the ten – coastal!The latest DSpark report, commissioned by Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) Australia, shows visits by Australian travellers surged for all top 10 regional tourism destinations during the recent summer/autumn (December 2022-May 2023), compared to pre-Covid. The Central Coast is sitting at number 10, with overall growth post-pandemic 2%. 

Council has moved a step closer to delivering a new sporting and recreation complex for the north of the Central Coast with negotiations for the purchase of land given the green light at last night’s Council Meeting and confirmation of a $6M State Government funding grant. The Colongra Sporting Complex site spans across 2 hectares on Scenic Drive at Colongra and 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.Council CEO David Farmer said this project was already well advanced in planning both financially and with extensive community consultation having contributed to detailed design plans.“Council has an existing long term lease over the land and already undertaken extensive investigation which means development of the land can occur at relatively short notice, subject to relevant planning proposals,” Mr Farmer said. “The estimated cost of construction of the facility is between $8.5M and $10.5M. “There is $7M currently allocated in the adopted Capital Works program for Colongra Sporting Facility construction over the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years,” Mr Farmer said.

As part of our commitment towards delivering quality water and sewer infrastructure, Central Coast Council Water and Sewer have been working with contractors to complete an extensive works program to ensure Gosford GBD can keep pace with growth over the next 30 years.  Works to upgrade the sewer pumping station on Showground Road and the installation of a non-return valve on Mulkarra Ave in Gosford are now completed as well as the construction of a Water Pressure Reduction Valve at Gosford Golf Course which services Gosford Hospital.  Director for Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said Council’s ambitious program of works is on track with 60 water and sewer projects on track for completion by the end of 2024.  “The next round of works due to commence include the construction of a new sewer rising main that will connect to a new sewer pump station located on the Gosford waterfront.

Born from a unique idea in 2022, the Central Coast Youth Week Awards will be held 11 April 2024 at The Hub Erina, Youth Entertainment Venue.

Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) has been presented with a $116,000 cheque from Central Coast Council as part of their sponsorship partnership.

The 2022-2023 State of the Beaches Report – the annual rating of ocean and estuarine swimming sites across NSW using Beachwatch results – has rated 94% of the Central Coasts ocean beaches and ocean baths as ‘Good or Very Good’. Central Coast Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said the annual report is an important resource to help Council manage water quality at swimming sites across the region.“Beachwatch is a state-wide public health program monitoring water quality at swimming sites to ensure swimming sites are safe for swimming and the public have a way to find out likely pollution levels.“The program aims to provide the community with access to a predictive model of likely water quality at our beaches enabling individuals to make informed decisions about where and when to swim.

Exciting changes are coming to the Gosford CBD in late 2023.

Central Coast Council Water and Sewer are encouraging the Central Coast community to be water-wise this National Water Week.National data released by The Water Conservancy shows that 9 in 10 Australians are concerned about saving water, 7 in 10 rate themselves as being knowledgeable about water usage and 9 in 10 say they either currently limit their water usage or intend to do so in the future.Director of Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said small changes can make a significant difference when it comes to saving water every day.“Keeping your shower time less than five minutes, ensuring your washing machine and dishwasher is full before you turn it on and installing water efficient taps and shower heads can make a massive difference.“While we know awareness is high and intentions are good, it is now time we educate ourselves around the small changes that can make a big difference when it comes to saving water every day.“I am encouraging our community to sign up for Water Night, this National Water Week and turn their taps off between 5-10pm this Thursday 19 October,” Mr Loader said.Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said knowledge is power when it comes to conserving water.“Each one of us has the ability to make a positive impact and save more water.“Water Night is a great way to kickstart that journey,” Mr Hart said.CEO of The Water Conservancy Chris Philpot said it was clear that the majority of Australians are concerned about the environment and water supplies, yet unaware of the daily micro habits that all add up when it comes to preserving water.“Most of us are unaware of how often we reach for our taps.

Central Coast Council is recruiting for its unique youth leadership program ‘Youth-for-Youth’ (or Y4Y) Action Team to help build a brighter future for Central Coast community for generations to come.Applications are now open for this once in a lifetime opportunity to join the 2024 Y4Y Action Team – a group of 12 young people, aged 15-24, connecting like-minded individuals who care about community challenges and want to work together to develop meaningful solutions that create positive change.Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the program engages young people, empowering them to take action, be advocates for their peers and provide advice on Council initiatives from a young person’s perspective.“Now in its fifth year, the Y4Y Action Team has developed a thriving network in the local youth sector committed to working with Council to continue to create positive change and shape a thriving, dynamic Central Coast community guided by the Central Coast Youth Strategy,” Ms Smith said.“The Y4Y leadership program equips young people with essential skills like communication, teamwork, project delivery and problem-solving.

Mark the dates in your diary now! 

Central Coast residents are invited to help determine the future of a portion of Woy Woy’s Austin Butler Access (adjacent to Austin Butler Oval and Peninsula Plaza) through an online community poll via yourvoiceourcoast.com.The online poll simply asks the community whether they support Austin Butler Access remaining under the control of Council, or whether a sale to the shopping centre should proceed with the funds going towards the long-term greening of the local area.Council’s Director of Environment and Planning Alice Howe said that the online poll is open to all Central Coast residents to have their say.“Council has been approached by Peninsula Plaza to sell the land to provide improved pedestrian safety and facilitate goods vehicles docking.