This Annual Report provides a comprehensive account of Council’s performance from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 and details the progress made against the Operational Plan for 2017-18. It includes information on the region, the organisation and Councillors, as well as specific information required under legislation.

A total of 101 actions and targets formed part of the Operational Plan for 2017-18, with 60 completed, 12 on target for completion by the due date, 8 eight carried over for completion in 2018-19 and 19 closed.

A summary of highlights is provided below:

• Development and adoption of the first ever Community Strategic Plan for the Central Coast. One – Central Coast is the accumulation of 18 months of extensive community consultation and establishes a roadmap for the next 10 years.
• Construction of the Spike Milligan exhibition space at Woy Woy Library, honouring the legacy of the world famous comedian who regularly visited the Woy Woy Peninsula.
• Hosting the Queen’s Baton Relay in February 2018 for the Commonwealth Games, with the baton making its way through Gosford town centre.
• Delivery of 1,200 reusable keep cups to local cafes to provide to their customers, with the aim of reducing litter and reducing the amount of single use coffee cups ending up in landfills.
• Implementation of a roadside litter project that provides an integrated approach to litter prevention through education and awareness, infrastructure, regulation and enforcement. The project focuses on three hotspots at Blue Haven Link Road, Somersby Industrial Park and the Kariong M1 on-ramp.
• Launching of the new Central Coast tourism website to showcase what the Central Coast has to offer and attract more visitors to the region.
• Development and adoption of the Norah Head Masterplan, with 51 projects to be implemented at key locations including Cabbage Tree Bay, the rock pool and boat ramp, Mazlin Reserve, Bush Street Reserve and Young Street Reserve.
• Re-signing of the Sister City Agreement with Edogawa City Council in Japan, providing continued cultural and tourism opportunities for the Central Coast.
• Development and the launching of a Council’s new website, designed to improve navigation and assist customer enquiries and access information.

The audited financial statements for the 2017-18 reporting period are required to be included in this Annual Report. Council has sought and been granted an extension by the NSW Office of Local Government to 30 November 2018. As this Annual Report has been adopted in line with the legislated date of 30 November 2018, the audited financial statements for 2017-18 will subsequently form an addendum to the Annual Report once they are adopted by Council. It should be noted that all financial information, disclosed in this Annual Report are drawn from draft, unaudited results. Readers should therefore be mindful that the financial information contained within this Annual Report is subject to review and adjustment as part of the audit process.