Sixty-nine projects will share more than $823,000 in funding to hold community events and programs after Central Coast Council last night voted to allocate funds from its annual Sponsorship and Grants Program.Basketball, bowls and surfing competitions, along with equine and comedy festivals are just some of the programs which will receive a total of $142,000 through the sponsorship budget, which supports activities which bring economic benefits to the region.Meanwhile, Council approved a diverse range of applications submitted through the following grant programs:Community Events and Place Activation ($158,697.23)Community Development ($187,959.70)Community Infrastructure ($107,367)Social and Creative Enterprise ($114,675.58)Heritage ($102,779.65)Community Support ($15,000).Council budgeted $1.78million for its 2018-19 Sponsorship and Grant Program.

Council finances on track and delivering for the communityCouncil adopted the audited financial statements for the 2017-18 Central Coast Council consolidated financial statements.The reports and financial statements for 2017-18 confirm a total income from continuing operations of $651.2million, a surplus including capital income of $66.2million and an asset base worth $7.0billion.Mayor Jane Smith said it is important for Council to demonstrate sound financial management for the community and provide accountability and transparency in reporting.“We’re here to deliver the best possible services to our growing community, and having thorough financial management is essential,” Mayor Smith said.Council accounts are governed by a strict Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting, and by legally binding Accounting Standards.Community events and projects receive $823,000 boostSixty-nine projects will share more than $823,000 in funding to hold community events and programs after Central Coast Council last night voted to allocate funds from its annual Sponsorship and Grants Program.See separate media release.Winney Bay Clifftop Walk to proceed with amended designCouncil has considered the feedback from the community and recommended changes to Stage 2 of the Winney Bay Clifftop walk.The results of the community consultation showed the majority of our community supported the walk with some modifications to the concept design.Council will now proceed to detailed design with the path width reduced to a maximum of 2 metres and without the bridge and market stall spaces.Mayor Smith said the next stage of the project is a detailed design and that the removal of the market stalls and bridge could be accommodated into this phase of the project.“We understand that there has been some community concern on this issue, however the results of the consultation show support for the formalised walk with some modifications,” Mayor Smith said.“Council has decided to remove the market stalls and bridge from the design.“We have also asked that the design reduce the path width to a maximum of 2m and to include a fully accessible viewing platform in the area where the bridge would have started.“The remainder of the path past this section will be built from materials sympathetic to the natural environment.“We are also ensuring the environment will be protected, with a Review of Environmental Factors to be undertaken, removal of native species to be minimised and local native species to be propagated and used for revegetation.“The result will be a walkway that respects the local environment while allowing walkers access to the beautiful scenery of Winney Bay.”Making our towns the centre of attentionCouncil has moved to adopt recommendations that will see a strategic and regional approach to town centre management on the Central Coast.The new approach will provide a regional model that will give the best value for the community and ensure services, infrastructure, events and activations are delivered effectively whilst also addressing local place based issues.Mayor Jane Smith said Council resolved to undertake this review last year and the review has been shaped by relevant internal business units and external stakeholders.“Our town centres are important, vibrant spaces that help attract more people to the Central Coast, drive business and economic development and create new experiences for visitors and residents to enjoy,” Mayor Smith said.“This review identifies town centres as key places that not only serve their localised residential community, but also play a pivotal role in the wider region.“It highlights ways we can continue to invest in improving our town centres to ensure we remain a vibrant, sustainable, growing and competitive region and we will continue working closely with businesses and the community to develop a model that will achieve both localised and regional objectives.”Council will continue to work with local business stakeholders including business chambers, Gosford Business Improvement District organisation, Greater Toukley Vision, Wyong Business Chamber and the NSW Business Chamber to develop a regional approach to specifically support local economic and business development initiatives.

Central Coast Council will install a new water main on The Round Drive, Avoca Beach from 3 January 2019.Council Director Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said the project would minimise the risk of future water main breaks.“We apologise for the inconvenience caused by water main breaks on The Round Drive and would like to assure residents that Council is addressing this matter.“1600 metres of new water main will be installed, adding to the 575 metres of new pipework recently installed.“The new main will be constructed in the roadway, which will preserve trees and minimise water supply disruptions to customers during construction.“The new location selected also means unexpected releases of water will be directed away from properties, which will significantly reduce the risk of damage to property.“We will also be able to keep the existing water main in operation during works, which will mean there will be minimal disruption to water supply for residents.Council will complete the project in approximately six months and will provide residents with advance notice of construction activities.The start date for this project has been rescheduled from October 2018 to January 2019 in order to finalise a design and source materials that will deliver the best outcome for The Round Drive.Ms Nel said Council began rolling out a region-wide water mains renewal program in July.“We have prioritised our renewal program based on areas that have experienced higher numbers of water main breaks in recent times.“Traffic control will be in place throughout the works to direct road users and ensure their safety.”Water main breaks will periodically occur across all water systems and are typically caused by ground and weather conditions, tree roots and third party damage. Central Coast residents who experience water or sewerage concerns in their area should call Council immediately on 1300 463 954.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the Coast community to get active this summer by offering a free day pass to every Central Coast resident, 18-years or older, to its six leisure centres from December 2018 through to March 2019.Anyone who uses their free pass will also go in the draw to win one of five annual memberships to a Council leisure centre of their choice, valued at up to $1,092.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that this great initiative is being implemented this summer to help promote healthy living.

Central Coast Council Library Service has won the annual NSW Public Libraries Association Multicultural Excellence Award, presented to staff at the annual SWITCH conference last week.Council’s Library Service took out the award for their demonstrated excellence in services and programs that add meaningful value to the Central Coast’s culturally and linguistically diverse community.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said staff feel incredibly privileged to be able to create spaces that provide connection, inclusion and support for the community.“I am so proud of the work my team achieves and it is fantastic to see them publicly acknowledged for their efforts,” Ms Vaughan said.“As part of the award we have received $1000, which will go towards building more equitable, affordable and flexible multicultural lifelong learning initiatives.“A special thank you to all the volunteers and external agencies that have provided time and support, without whom these programs would not be possible.”Providing multicultural learning opportunities is one of the many ways libraries help create spaces where all people feel welcome and can participate in community life, Ms Vaughan said.“With more than 14 per cent of the population born overseas, we have developed numerous programs for our increasingly diverse community,” Ms Vaughan added.“Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program has been running at Gosford Library since 2015, using conversation based learning to increase participants’ confidence in everyday situations we take for granted, such as going to the doctor or travelling by public transport.“Members are very grateful for the learning outcomes, as well as the friendships and support networks they have established, without which they would have been more isolated.“Our Read Around the World Storytime sessions at Erina, have been popular with young families as a way to celebrate our culturally diverse community through stories, songs and craft.“These sessions are beneficial for the whole community, helping provide children with greater cultural awareness from an early age, while also offering a safe space for families from similar multicultural backgrounds to connect.“Due to their success, we are looking at expanding the ESL Meet and Greet and Read Around the World Storytime programs in 2019 and would encourage those interested to get in contact with their local branch.”The Library Service offers a ‘Reading Hotspot’ collection that includes beginner reading books and literacy workbooks to assist those developing their English skills at home.Library members can also take advantage of the ‘Box of books’ service, where books in 42 different languages can be borrowed from NSW State Library collections – up to 20 items can be borrowed at once and can include fiction, non-fiction, children’s, bilingual, large print or audiobooks.Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries for details on these multicultural programs and services.

Residents are running out of time to comment on a ground-breaking draft Strategy which addresses the Coast’s housing affordability crisis. Central Coast Council’s draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy has been on public exhibition since early September and closes for community comment on Friday, 21 December.

Council is currently consolidating its planning controls for the Central Coast to deliver significant efficiencies and simplify planning for the whole community and is calling for public input.The Central Coast is currently operating under four different planning instruments each with different planning controls.

Many Central Coast Council facilities and services will be closed to the public on Friday 7 December for a Local Government State Award approved Union Picnic Day.This includes the Gosford and Wyong Administration Buildings, Library branches, works depots, all Council run child care centres and Laycock Street Community Theatre.The following facilities and services will be open and operating as usual on the day:Lifeguard services on all 15 patrolled beaches and The Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, 9am-5pmButtonderry (Jilliby) and Woy Woy Waste Management Facilities, 7am-5pm and Kincumber Transfer Station, 8am-4pmCouncil Leisure Centres including Peninsula Leisure Centre, Gosford Olympic Pool, Niagara Park Stadium, Lake Haven Recreation Centre, Wyong Pool and Toukley Aquatic CentreGosford Regional GalleryCall 1300 463 954 for on-call and emergency services or visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/reportaproblem to lodge any non-urgent requests and enquiries.

Central Coast Council is successfully reducing its carbon footprint by generating electricity through the extraction and combustion of landfill gas at its waste management facilities.This advanced approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from escaping into the atmosphere produced enough renewable energy to power more than 4500 local homes last financial year.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said there were four electricity generation plants operated under contract helping turn methane emissions into renewable energy.“Landfill gas is a natural consequence of organic waste decomposing at any solid waste management site,” Mr Pearce said.“Half the gas generated is carbon dioxide with the other half methane, which is around 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.“The generators at our waste management facilities produced approximately 28,000 megawatt-hours of electricity last financial year, and prevented around 154,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (greenhouse emissions) from escaping into the atmosphere.”Mayor Jane Smith said the gas extraction was an excellent example of Council implementing real actions to reduce climate change.“I am proud to see Council’s commitment to more sustainable waste practices by turning waste to renewable energy,” Mayor Smith.“With methane a major contributing factor to global warming, this venture will continue to provide a major contribution to reducing Council’s carbon footprint.“It is important Council takes a leading role in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change and this is just the start of more innovative initiatives we will implement.”Council endorsed a Draft Climate Change Policy in August 2018, a framework of key actions to contribute to meeting the Green theme of the Community Strategic Plan and NSW State Climate Change Policy direction to achieve a net-zero emissions by 2050.“We need real actions and I am looking forward to seeing how the community respond to and engage with this Policy as we work together to find the best way to tackle the effects of climate change and make positive change here on the Coast, “ Mayor Smith said.“As part of the consultation we want to hear what concerns our community have about climate change so we can address them together.“I strongly encourage residents to complete our online survey on climate change before it closes on Friday 7 December, and register interest in our upcoming series of workshops to be held early next year.”Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/climatechange to complete the short online survey, register for future workshops, and sign up to stay informed.

Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith has welcomed the State Government’s announcement of a northern high speed rail route which could reduce travel times between Sydney and the Central Coast to around 30 mins.Mayor Jane Smith said this would make a significant difference to thousands of Central Coast residents who commute to Sydney every day often spending up to four hours a day on a return train journey between the coast and their destination.“We know commuting is a major issue for our community with many Coasties having to travel off the coast every day for work or study,” Mayor Smith said.“Reducing the commute to Sydney from around 90 minutes to 30 minutes would allow the community to have an additional two hours per day or as much as ten hours per week for other activities at home or in their community, like spending time with their family, rather than sitting on a train,” Mayor Smith said.“This could also have a flow on effect of encouraging those who drive to Sydney each day to leave their cars at home and hop on a train, which would also reduce traffic on our major roads and deliver benefits to the environment.“The devil will be in the detail too in terms of where the route will go, costings and car parking for commuters.”“The State Government will need to prioritise and significantly increase investment in commuter parking stations along multiple stations on northern rail route so that commuters can have a choice of where they can park to access the fast train service.“Major investment in infrastructure, such as this proposal by the State Government, has the potential to bring jobs and drive economic development on the coast and this is something Council is committed to delivering for our community.Council is currently consulting with the community on parking on the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council has released their latest Annual Report, which provides a comprehensive account of Council’s performance from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018.

The auditor’s reports for the 2017-18 Central Coast Council consolidated financial statements are available for public inspection at Council’s Offices in Gosford and Wyong, and are also online at yourvoiceourcoast.comThe reports and financial statements for 2017-18 confirm a total income from continuing operations of $651.2million, a surplus including capital income of $66.2million and an asset base worth $7.0billion.Any person is able to make a written submission to Council on the audited financial statements until Tuesday 11 December 2018.The audited financial statements will be presented to the Ordinary Meeting of Council to be held in the Wyong Chamber on Monday 10 December 2018 from 6.30pm.

Central Coast Council has successfully moved 45,000 cubic meters of sand from The Entrance Channel as part of the biennial dredging program.The program, which is partially funded by the NSW Government’s Rescuing Our Waterways program, has seen North Entrance, Karagi Point and The Entrance beaches benefit from sand nourishment as a result of the dredging program.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said Council has been undertaking the dredging program on behalf of the NSW Government for the past 25 years.“The program helps maintain the exchange of water between the estuary and the ocean, preserves the existing ecological values of the estuary and reduces the impact of flood risks to life and property in low-lying areas around the estuary,” Mr Cox said.“Dredging was expected to continue for a few more weeks, however due to some equipment repairs and a prevention notice issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the dredging program will now cease for the remainder of the year.“Council has a number of strict licence conditions in place which ensures the local environment and the community are protected and we are confident that we have fully complied with these conditions.“We take our obligations under the licence seriously and will work with the NSW Government to assess the allegations made in the Prevention Notice.“We understand there may be some community concern about the program not finishing this year.

Central Coast Council is running community consultation to guide a concept design for the redevelopment of Umina Skate Park and adjacent recreational zones to assist in securing funding to deliver a revitalised Peninsula Recreation Precinct.

Central Coast Council has just been announced as one of the first investors in the world’s first Green Tailored Deposit to be certified by the internationally recognised Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI).The Green Tailored Deposit, launched by Westpac on 26 November, is a medium to long term investment product (1-5 years) designed for investors who want or need investments that genuinely contribute to delivering a low carbon and climate resilient economy.All deposits are associated with a defined pool of eligible assets or projects which meet the strict CBI criteria, which can include renewable energy, low carbon transport, low carbon buildings and water infrastructure.Mayor Smith said investing in green bonds will allow Council to provide finance to projects that generate positive social impacts and help create a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast.“By investing in Green Bonds, Council is directly contributing to funding sustainable initiatives like renewable energy projects and innovations in waste management providing real and lasting benefit to the community,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is committed to leading the way in addressing the impacts of climate change and green investments are an innovative and tangible way we are delivering on that promise to our community.”Green bonds were created to fund projects that have a positive environment social and/or climate benefit including but not limited to renewable energy (solar, wind and hydro), carbon reduction, commercial property energy efficiency improvements, asset finance for low emission passenger and commercial vehicles and community housing.

Central Coast Council has extended the public exhibition period for the revised Draft Development Control Plan Chapter relating to Tree and Vegetation Management to 28 January 2019.This extension, based on community feedback, will provide residents with additional time to lodge a submission on the important harmonisation of tree and vegetation management works policies across the Central Coast.If adopted following exhibition, the existing Wyong and Gosford Development Control Plans (DCP) would be amended to include the revised Chapter providing the community with a consistent policy until such time as Council adopts a Consolidated DCP next year.Council’s revised policy relates to urban and environmental zoned lands and requires a land owner to obtain a permit before the pruning or removal of any tree or any vegetation located greater than three metres from their house or other approved building, where the proposed pruning or tree removal is not covered by a set of nominated Exemptions.

Independent financial audit and performance review into all matters relating to Central Coast airportThrough an endorsed Mayoral Minute, Council will request that the NSW Auditor General conduct an independent financial audit and performance review into all matters relating to Central Coast airport.Council will request that the review consider all relevant information related to the development of a Regional Airport including proposals for Kiar Ridge and for the development of an Aviation Hub at Central Coast Airport.Mayor Jane Smith said the future of Central Coast airport needed to be resolved.“This report will ensure transparency and openness and will equip Council with all the necessary information to move forward with decisions related to the airport,” Mayor Smith said.Council will request that relevant proposals, financial records, development applications and potential conflicts of interest be considered.It will also be requested that any review will invite and consider public submissions, including confidential submissions if necessary.Council will request that the Auditor General provide specific advice on:Processes and decision-making relating to the Airport and Wyong Employment Zone including anomalies in the process and proposals and any areas that may not meet community expectations.Any improvements needed in Council processes.Any declared or undeclared conflicts of interest.Any matters requiring referral to external agencies for further investigations.The CEO will provide Council with a quarterly report on the progress of the review and the Auditor-General will be requested to provide an interim report by the end of June 2019.Multiple measures to manage weeds in Springfield and HolgateTo manage the infestation of a weed known as Salvinia molesta in Springfield and Holgate, Central Coast Council will utilise bio-controls sourced from the Department of Primary Industries.Council will undertake the mechanical removal of some weed in the first instance to allow for the best results from the bio-controls.Mayor Jane Smith said Salvinia molesta was known to exist at numerous sites across the Central Coast, but was hopeful the biological controls could help reduce the infestation at the Springfield and Holgate sites.“Introducing a weevil that naturally feeds on the Salvinia weed will be Council’s primary line of defence in combating this infestation,” Mayor Smith said.“Our staff will monitor and report back to Council on the success of the weevils in the coming months.

Central Coast Council has recently conducted an audit of the community’s waste to help shape the first Waste Management Strategy for the region.The results will tailor education programs and resource recovery efforts, working towards more than 45 per cent of domestic waste being diverted from our landfill sites each year, a key deliverable of the Community Strategic Plan (CSP).Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said the audit has provided some real insight into waste disposal habits of residents.“The good news is we are generating less waste in all three of our household bins when compared to all previous audits from the past decade, however contamination has increased,” Mr Pearce said.“Residents have a great understanding of their garden organics bin, with only a 2.5 per cent contamination rate, which was dominated by treated timber.“There is room for improvement with household recycling, with 13 per cent of unacceptable items placed in yellow-lidded bins – in total one per cent of items placed in the recycling bins were in plastic bags making these items completely unrecoverable.“What was concerning, was that even though household recycling was relatively good, public place recycling bins contained a massive 46 per cent of unacceptable items, with contaminated paper and single use coffee cups the main culprits.“Another concerning factor was the number of hazardous items, mainly electrical items and batteries, found in household bins and bulk kerbside collections.“We have free drop off points for household batteries, mobile phones and light globes at our Wyong and Gosford administration building and library branches.“We also accept e-waste items free of charge at each of our Waste Management Facilities at Buttonderry (Jilliby), Woy Woy and Kincumber and work with the NSW EPA to host free chemical collections twice a year.”The next Chemical CleanOut events will be held next year on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 February at Gosford Showground and Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March at Council’s Long Jetty Depot, 1 Morris Place, corner of The Entrance and Wyong Roads, Bateau Bay.Residents are encouraged to visit 1coast.com.au to find out what items can be placed in their household bins and bulk kerbside collections, and discover other disposal and recycling options.The audit further revealed the average household creates a total of 19.8 kilograms of waste each week, 50 per cent of which is diverted from landfill when items are correctly placed in recycling and garden organic household bins.“We found, on average, each household puts one kilogram of acceptable recyclable materials in the general waste bin each week,” Mr Pearce added.“If all recyclables were correctly placed in our yellow lidded bins we could work together to increase landfill diversion rates by five per cent, helping us to exceed our target of 45 per cent.“As part of the Waste Management Strategy we will be investigating innovative mechanisms to achieve further diversion of waste from landfill.”It is anticipated the draft Waste Management Strategy will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback by April 2019.

Central Coast Council is urging Coast residents to speak out about violence against women as part of a global campaign raising awareness about domestic violence. Today is White Ribbon Day, marking an international movement of men and boys working to end men’s violence against women.

Central Coast Council has its proverbial fingers and toes crossed for the ten local businesses and individuals who are finalists in the 2018 NSW Business Chamber Business Awards – all of which were winners in their categories in the Central Coast Regional Business Awards last month.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that Council is proud to sponsor the Central Coast Regional Business Awards.“Not only do the awards showcase the diverse business talent the Coast has on offer, but they also give the winners the opportunity to then be recognised at a state level in the NSW Business Awards,” Ms Vaughan said.“These awards are an acknowledgement and celebration of business excellence on both a local and state level.”The Central Coast has some amazing individuals and businesses leading the way in their industries – from excellence in innovation, sustainability and social enterprise, through to outstanding employers, business leaders and young entrepreneurs.“Congratulations to all ten Central Coast finalists.”The winners of the Central Coast Regional Business Awards, and now finalists for the 2018 NSW Business Chamber Business Awards are:Outstanding Young Entrepreneur: