Central Coast Council has released its April School Holiday Program with over 100 free and ticketed events, live entertainment, art and sporting activities.The program features events across the Coast including Niagara Park, Jilliby, Lake Haven, Toukley, The Entrance, Terrigal, Erina, Kincumber and Gosford plus activities on the Peninsula including Umina Beach and Woy Woy.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council’s School Holiday Program is fast becoming a popular go-to resource for locals and visitors on the Central Coast looking for activities to get involved in during the holidays.“Council runs and supports many quality events and activities right across the Coast for our community and our school holiday program delivers one of the largest and most diverse programs available this April,” Ms Vaughan said.“The program, available on line, is designed so you can easily identify activities suitable for your children, and register for them.

Wet weather has affected safety on the site and unfortunately Flavours by the Sea 2019, due to be held at The Entrance tomorrow 16 March, has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled for 2019.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov/events or the Flavours by the Sea Facebook event page.

Local skateboard, scooter and BMX enthusiasts need to get down to BATO Yard Skate Park on Saturday 23 March, as Central Coast Council has proudly partnered with YMCA NSW and Skate Australia to bring the 2019 Skate Park League BATO Yard Competition to the region.This community-based, grass-root event provides the perfect opportunity for all Coastie skate, scoot and BMX enthusiasts – of all ages and abilities – to compete and be part of Australia’s biggest and most established series of its kind.Action sports such as skateboarding, scooting and BMX have rapidly risen in popularity in the last few years with the typical age group widening as new generations have more opportunities to ride in safe facilities, and older generations returning to the sport.

Drivers’ licences, health and ageing will be the focus of an upcoming road safety workshop for Central Coast seniors.Central Coast Council is hosting the free workshop for older drivers and pedestrians at Toukley on Tuesday 2 April.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the ageing process and changes in health, eyesight, hearing, movement and reaction times means older people are more vulnerable as road users.“We know people aged 75 or over are three times more likely to be killed if they are in a crash than people in their 20s,” Ms Vaughan said.“However, growing older does not necessarily make you a poor driver.

Central Coast Council has installed four Vehicle Activated Speed Signs on three roads in Woongarrah as part of its strategy to reduce speeding across the region.The solar powered digital signs are designed to calm traffic by alerting approaching motorists to their current speed in real time.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said Council was trialling the technology at Hiawatha Road, Hakone Road and Mataram Road with a view to increased use across the Central Coast.“We are using Vehicle Activated Speed Signs on roads in Woongarrah with a history of speeding,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Early analysis of speed data captured by this technology shows the signs are reducing speeding in the higher brackets, which is exactly the impact we wanted.“We use a range of measures to calm traffic across the Central Coast and Vehicle Activated Signs could become an important part of the mix.“The signs will alert passing motorists to their speed through a flashing red light if they are exceeding the speed limit.”The signs have the 50 kilometre per hour speed limit permanently displayed above the LED display and have been placed on roads that are predominately straight and situated in a semi-rural location.Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to using innovative solutions to reduce speeding.“We are using a mix of strategies, including the use of new technology, to curb speeding and save lives on roads across the Central Coast,” Mayor Smith said.Council can transport the signs for use at other locations and will trial their use at Hillview Street and Dunban Road in Woy Woy. 

With the new school year in full swing, Central Coast Council is encouraging all students to stay on top of their studies by accessing their Library Service’s free, online study support system, Studiosity.Students are able to ask an expert tutor questions about their homework or study and they will be provided with constructive, real time advice – through chat, collaborative whiteboards and file sharing.There is also a writing feedback service where students can upload draft essays and written assignments to receive professional feedback within 24 hours, perfect for improving English papers and exam practice.Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess said a national study found more than half of all students think about giving up on their study while struggling alone at night, which is why free access to services like Studiosity are incredibly important for the well-being of local young people.“We understand that some families have barriers to tutoring services, be it time constraints, or financial difficulties, so we are encouraging all parents and students on the Coast to look into this free service as an alternative,” Mrs Burgess said.“With Studiosity, it is simple:

Central Coast Council is celebrating World Health Day with a brand new event showcasing the healthy living, nutrition, food, wellness and happiness made possible by the amazing lifestyle on offer to us here on the Central Coast.Industry expert, personal trainer and well-known women’s fitness influencer, Sally Matterson is the official ambassador for the inaugural ‘Live Well Central Coast’ and will share her knowledge on modern exercise methods and nutritional secrets for a healthy living.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the new event will give the community access to a number of different health, fitness and nutritional experts that will inspire them to look after their minds and bodies.“We are truly lucky to live in such a beautiful place with many different opportunities to get outside, get active and look after yourself,” Mr Cannard said.“Like many people in our community, I think health and nutrition is very important so bringing a new event like this – with guest speakers, fitness demonstrations, workshops, activities, information stalls and more – to our region is quite exciting.“There will be five event zones with five different stages that focus on the various components of healthy living and we invite the community to head down to the Gosford Waterfront, join a workshop or class, meditate, eat at many of the healthy food stalls, connect with local businesses and experts, and just take some time to look after YOU!”Council Mayor Jane Smith said this year’s World Health Day theme celebrates universal health coverage for everyone, everywhere.“World Health Day occurs on 7 April each year and is aimed at focusing worldwide attention on important aspects of global health,” Mayor Smith said.“It is important to think global and act local and we are certainly doing that with this new event for the Coast focussed on community health and wellbeing.

Central Coast Council has launched a new multi-touch book which delves deep into the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.Tuggerah Lakes:

Report shows Council has been awarded more than $72million in fundingAs of February 2019, Council has submitted 101 grant funding applications and been awarded more than $72million in funding across 60 projects – according to a Council report detailing all current and future grant submissions.Mayor Jane Smith said that Council has proactively been applying for grant funding since the two councils merged, and will continue to do so.

The Coast community won’t have to travel far to get a glimpse of the rarely seen, behind-the-scenes process that has gone into making some of Japan’s most influential animated science fiction films, with a unique exhibition soon to be held right here on our doorstep.‘Anime Architecture’ impressed audiences in London and Berlin, with Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery and The Japan Foundation Sydney being the only two venues in Australia to showcase the exhibition.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture Tim Braham said because studios only look at the final product as the crucial work, the creative process that goes on behind-the-scenes is something rarely seen to audiences outside the studio.“Anime Architecture is an amazing exhibition that reveals some of the intricate creative processes behind Japan’s most influential animated science fiction films,” Mr Braham said.“The exhibition features intricately drawn cityscapes, hand-drawn backdrops and showcases a rarely seen selection of location photographs, concept sketches and full colour background illustrations.“The works of well-known Japanese animators Hiromasa Ogura, Takashi Watabe, Haruhiko Higami, Mamoru Oshii and Atsushi Takeuchi, who worked during the peak of hand-drawn animation, also feature in the exhibition.“It is truly exciting that we have been able to secure this very different exhibition for the community which offers an insight into the fascinating process before digital animation became mainstream.”Anime Architecture will run at Gosford Regional Gallery from 30 March until 19 May.Anime Architecture is presented in association with Les Jardins des Pilotes.

Gosford Regional Gallery has made it even easier for school-aged kids on the Central Coast to engage their imagination, learn and get creative.Run by Central Coast Council, the Gallery has joined the Creative Kids Program, which entitles a free $100 voucher to spend on creative activities.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture Tim Braham said it is important to continue creating opportunities for the Central Coast community to engage in art history, learning and education.“The Creative Kids Program is an initiative of the NSW Government and Gosford Regional Gallery has registered to be part of it, making it easier for school-aged kids on the Central Coast to get involved in creative and cultural activities,” Mr Braham said.“Parents, guardians and carers can claim a free $100 voucher per calendar year which can be used at the Gallery on any of our term art classes and we encourage the community to make the most of this great opportunity.”Council Mayor Jane Smith said by registering to be part of this program, Council is continuing to foster creative arts on the Central Coast.“Art plays an important role in our lives, in our personal development and in bringing people together,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is committed to providing outstanding quality and cultural experiences through the programs and exhibitions on offer at Gosford Regional Gallery and we will continue to look for valuable opportunities like this that encourage the creative, intellectual and emotional development of children and benefit the community.”The Creative Kids Program runs year-round and the voucher can be used at any time during the calendar year it is issued.

Central Coast Council has started a major upgrade of the Sewer Pump Station located in Woodland Parkway Reserve in Buff Point alongside the construction of new infrastructure to remove excess floating weed known as ‘wrack’. Council Director Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said it was exciting to combine an upgrade of important sewerage infrastructure with works to expand Council’s important wrack harvesting program. “We are investing $527,000 to upgrade our Sewer Pump Station located in Buff Point to ensure its ongoing reliability and performance,” Ms Nel said. “This is one of several Sewer Pump Station and Sewage Treatment Plant projects we are rolling out across the Central Coast. “Over the next four years we are also investing $11million in a region-wide sewerage infrastructure upgrade program. “Our Sewer Pump Station upgrade at Buff Point will be delivered without any interruption to regular sewerage services,” Ms Nel said.

Central Coast Council has welcomed today’s announcement by Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch confirming a $1,347,500 grant from the NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund for a regional inclusive play space to be built at Sun Valley Reserve, Green Point.Council will invest just over $400,000 to the $1.666million project to deliver an upgrade to the existing amenities, basketball court and carpark, and the construction of a safe, functional, inclusive regional play space consisting of play equipment, park furniture, drinking fountain, pathways, landscaping and fencing.Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to delivering enhanced recreational opportunities for its community and this funding would ensure a regional play space in an area of high need.“We know Coast families love their local playgrounds and this partnership with the State Government will now provide a regional play space and recreational area that this growing area of the Coast can enjoy,”“The Central Coast is home to a diverse and growing community and we are committed to ensuring we provide the services and facilities they need to thrive.“This is the community’s space and I encourage residents to have their say as this project comes to life.”Council will now move forward with the project and provide opportunities for the community to have their say through engagement activities to guide the development of this new space.This announcement also included confirmation of $55,000 funding to Council for equipment and facility improvements at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre.

Central Coast Council is looking to the community for feedback on the implementation of phase 1 of the Norah Head Village Centre Masterplan (the Masterplan), with a drop-in information session being held 28 February and interactive online map live until 21 March 2019.The Masterplan is a long-term 10 to 15 year plan for the future of Norah Head that provides a framework to address relevant community and environmental planning issues within the Village Centre.The plan aims to retain Norah Head’s distinct character of the area through the village centre, whilst improving links to surrounding unique natural features and open space areas, and enhancing social interaction through placement and improvements to public facilities and infrastructure.As part of Phase 1 of the Masterplan, concept drawings for parking improvements and pedestrian links between the village centre and Mazlin Reserve have been completed and are now open for feedback along with the design of Mazlin Reserve upgrade.Other planned works from Phase 1 of the Masterplan, which will commence in the coming months, include a three metre shared pathway on the eastern side of Bungary Road between Victoria Street and Maitland Drive, street plantings, parking improvements and a new amenities block in Mazlin Reserve.Works are underway on the stage one project to construct a footpath on the western side of Bungary Road between Victoria Street and Maitland Drive.Norah Head Masterplan drop-in session:Thursday 28 February, from 2pm until 6pmNorah Head Community Hall.For more information, and to provide your input via the interactive online map go to yourvoiceourcoast.com/norah-head-master-plan, up until 21 March 2019.

Council on track to meet increase in demand for housingCentral Coast Council has announced that it is tracking well to meet the annual housing target, following a report which highlights the number of development applications processed during October to December 2018.Mayor Jane Smith said that demand for housing on the Central Coast is increasing as the region continues to grow.“Council is committed to assessing development applications in a timely manner, and are tracking well against future housing projections outlined in the Central Coast Regional Plan developed in 2016,” said Mayor Smith.“During the October to December 2018 Quarter, Council approved 862 applications out of the 873 received, which included the creation of 197 additional residential lots and 576 dwellings.“Council approvals are an indicator of the demand for housing on the Central Coast, which is projected to increase by 2075 additional homes per year.”According to the Central Coast Regional Plan, the Central Coast is expected to increase by approximately 75,500 people by 2036, and will require 41,500 new homes.Since 2016, Council has approved 8,355 additional dwellings.Council’s Operational Plan on track and delivering for the communityCouncil’s delivery program is tracking well according to the quarterly report presented to Council tonight.The Quarter 2 business report details Council’s performance against the 2018-19 Operational Plan for the year to 31 December 2018.At the end of Q2, Council’s overall progress has tracked well.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to roll up their sleeves and help protect the region’s diverse natural environment by getting involved in the 30th annual Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 3 March.Volunteers are needed to become site supervisors and assist with sites across the Coast, from public bushland and parks to foreshore and coastal areas.Council Mayor Jane Smith said this national event is the lasting legacy of the late Ian Kieran and is a great opportunity to join with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to help Keep the Coast Clean.“Clean Up Australia Day started as a simple idea and turned into an annual reminder to think about how we can all work together to reduce litter,” Mayor Jane Smith said.“We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place, and this is a chance for the community to come together and help keep it that way.“I would encourage everyone to get involved to help protect our local waterways, valleys and habitats of native animals and plants from plastics and pollution.”Over the last 29 years, volunteers have donated more than 33 million hours, at over 178,000 locations across the country, together removing the equivalent of 350 thousand ute-loads of rubbish.Council Mayor Jane Smith added that reducing and preventing litter as well as strengthening the community’s positive environmental behaviours were key objectives under the Green theme of the Community Strategic Plan.“Even though most people do the right thing by placing rubbish in the bins provided, litter continues to be an issue that Council cannot tackle alone,” Mayor Smith said.“Clean Up Australia Day acts as a reminder to think about how we can all work together to reduce waste in the home and our impact on the environment every day.“Staff have implemented some incredible initiatives to help residents eliminate daily plastic waste by providing keep cups to local cafes and reusable produce bags to local fruit and vegetable suppliers to give to their customers for free.“Thanks to a $36,000 NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Litter Grant, Council has distributed 2500 reusable litter bags, installed roadside signs reminding motorists how to report littering from vehicles and installed 19 dash cams in Ranger vehicles, increasing motorists chances of being caught littering.“Council also provides free e-waste recycling, drop off points for the recycling of batteries, light globes and mobile phones as well as twice yearly Chemical CleanOut events, with the next one scheduled for 2 and 3 March at our Long Jetty Depot.”To register a site or sign up as a volunteer this Clean Up Australia Day visit cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or call 1800 CUA DAY (282 329).ENDS

Central Coast Council is inviting the local community to check out the recently upgraded Lake Haven Recreation Centre during an open day on Saturday 2 March. The whole family is welcome to try out any of the programs and facilities the centre has to offer for free including indoor sports courts, fitness classes, fully equipped gym, outdoor courts and the climbing wall.

The very best food, music and art from around the world will be celebrated by close to 4,000 people on the Central Coast next month at Flavours by the Sea 2019.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the free community event, which will be held on Saturday 16 March 3.30-8.30pm at Memorial Park, The Entrance, truly highlights and celebrates the diverse culture of the Central Coast.“Flavours by the Sea is a popular event that brings our community together to celebrate our differences,” Mr Cannard said.“This year, a relaxed dining area will be set up with a number of different food trucks forming a festive flavour alley including Mexican, Vietnamese, Asian, South American and specialty desserts.“Free mandala colouring activities will be available and there will be live music and entertainment featuring Yolngu artist Gawurra Gaykamangu, who is known for his masterful performances that powerfully express the culture and music of the small communities of the Northern Territory.”Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith said Flavours by the Sea also celebrates Harmony Day and the theme of ‘everyone belongs’.“Our very own vision for the Central Coast, developed through our Community Strategic Plan, reflects the values and aspirations of Harmony Day as we create a smart, liveable region with a shared sense of belonging and responsibility,” Mayor Smith said.“Our growing diversity, community spirit and great natural environment makes our region a great place to live and I encourage everyone to come together to celebrate that this Harmony Day.”To make this event more inclusive and accessible for everyone in the community, the ‘Including You’ accessibility tent will be set up.

Central Coast Council is looking for individuals who have a head for business and a heart for the community to be part of its upcoming Social Enterprise Launch Pad program.The program will support entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organisations as they explore sustainable business concepts which have a positive social impact within the community.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the free Social Enterprise Launch Pad program will appeal to multiple audiences.“There are two groups which are perfectly suited to develop social enterprises – not-for-profit organisations and small businesses,” Ms Vaughan said.“Not-for-profits are encouraged to look at sustainable business models that can provide alternative income streams, while creating employment and educational opportunities for the community they serve.“Likewise, small business owners who have a strong social conscience can shape their service and develop new approaches which can have a positive social impact in their community.”Examples of successful social enterprises include not-for-profit organisations which provide supported employment for ventures such as cafes or upcycling donated goods, to education initiatives and programs with a positive environmental impact.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was committed to supporting new social enterprises on the Coast because of the economic advantages they would bring but also because of the social benefit to the broader Central Coast community.“Building a successful social enterprise not only positively impacts the group it is designed to serve, but also contributes to our economic growth by creating local jobs on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.The Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program will kick off on 27 March, with a series of seven steps which support entities to shape their ideas to be ‘launch’ ready.

Central Coast Council was alerted to a burst water main at Hillcrest Road, Empire Bay at approximately 3pm on Monday 18 February 2019.Customers across Empire Bay and Davistown were impacted by the break as it was a large main servicing both suburbs.