The Red-eared Slider Turtle may seem like a great idea for a pet, but it is considered a pest – one of the world’s worst invasive species – and one has been caught on the Central Coast.Central Coast Council’s Waterways Operations Team made the discovery yesterday during their routine water quality monitoring in a wetland at Hamlyn Terrace.Council’s Waterways Operations Supervisor, Mr Matthew Barnett, said the team is always on the lookout for pest species in our waterways.“My team was testing the water for nutrients and completing other water quality diagnostics when they saw a turtle basking in shallow water on the fringe of the constructed wetland,” Mr Barnett said.“On closer inspection they saw it was a Red-eared Slider by the red distinctive marks on either side of its head.“We are always on the lookout for pests in our waterways such as European Carp, Mallard Duck and Mosquito Fish as part of our monitoring, so that’s why we spotted the turtle.“Constructed wetlands are the natural filters of the catchment area and assist in cleansing the water before it enters Tuggerah Lakes or our natural wetlands, such as the unique Porters Creek wetland.“We use the results of the water quality testing to assist with analysis of the catchment areas to make sure there are no detrimental impacts on our local environment.“We also monitor the wetlands to make sure pests and weeds, such as this turtle, do not make their way further into our environment.”“We often come across species in our wetlands that have been released as unwanted pets or garden plants.

An independent facilitator will hold public meetings next month to review the potential reclassification of 12 land parcels flagged for possible sale by the former Gosford City Council.The potential reclassification of any parcels identified as community land must involve a rigorous, fully informed and transparent community consultation process.At the public meetings community members can speak for or against any individual land reclassification.

Former councillors given advisory role to council Eighteen former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councillors have been appointed to a Local Representation Committee.The State Government strongly recommended the establishment of the committee to provide former Councillors, committed to the success of the new council, with an opportunity to continue to serve their communities until the elections in September 2017.The Local Representation Committee will not exercise any decision making function of the Central Coast Council, nor will its recommendations bind council – it will be there to provide important local advice only.The purpose of the committee is to:Advise on communications and engagement with the communityProvide advice on the vision and priorities of the Central Coast CouncilProvide assistance, as determined by the Administrator, to engage communities and partners in planning for the new Central Coast CouncilDue to the strong interest from former councillors, the Administrator has resolved to break the committee up into three Working Groups.A chair and five members will be appointed to each Working Group, which have been divided up into three key areas for optimal benefit to Council – Environment Working Group;

Central Coast Council has restored part of the Budgewoi Lake foreshore in direct response to community concerns about local erosion.Buff Point residents approached council about the severe erosion problem over the nearby popular shared pathway.Central Coast Council’s Manager Waterways and Assets, Peter Ham, said because foreshore works were already identified in the Tuggerah Lakes Management Plan, council and the community were able to come together quickly to deliver a great outcome.“The area at Buff Point was severely eroded, with trees and a large section of foreshore lost over the past few years,” Mr Ham said.“To address this, our staff reshaped and graded the foreshore and installed a stabilising rock wall to stop any further erosion.“More than 195 tonnes of rock and sandstone were used in the works to ensure long term stability of the area.“The regrading of the foreshore area also improved the access for pedestrians and ensures the nearby shared pathway will not be undermined by continuing erosion.“The Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan identifies stabilisation of the foreshore as a key priority, so the works were able to proceed quickly.”The restoration project also provided great professional development opportunity for one of Councils up and coming interns, Rohit Selvaraj, who was given responsibility for the management of the project.“A project such as this one, with a short planning and implementation timeframe, gives our internship students a great opportunity to experience what it’s like to work on projects that make a difference in the real world,” Mr Ham added.“In this example, the project was completed ahead of time and under budget, showing the next generation of engineers what can be done with efficient planning and great team work.“It’s exciting to be able to provide these opportunities to students and help them to develop the skills needed to work for our community in the future.”

July is the creative literary community’s time to shine and have their talents rewarded.Central Coast Council’s annual Short Story Competition is almost here, and to assist any passionate writers out there, free writing workshops will be held for each division.Council’s Section Manager of Library Services, Ms Andreas Edwards, urged anyone who has ever thought about entering to come along and get some handy hints and tips.“These free workshops will help inspire and encourage any budding writers across the Coast develop their story,” Ms Edwards said.“The workshops will be run by Gareth Beal, a published local freelance author and teacher of Creative Writing at Central Coast Community College.“Seats are very limited so make sure you book your spot today and don’t risk missing out on this rare and sought after opportunity for free expert advice.”The free short story writing workshops run for an hour 40 minutes and will be held on Monday 4 July at the Erina Centre (meeting room 3) or Tuesday 5 July at Tuggerah Library.For both locations, session times are;· Junior (5-8 years) at 9am· Children (9-12 years) at 11am· Youth (13-17 years) at 1pm· Adult (18+) at 3pmBookings are essential.

Central Coast Council is offering a variety of family friendly activities right across the region these holidays, the highlight of which will be a purpose-built outdoor ice rink in Gosford’s Kibble Park from 8-16 July.Suitable for the young and young at heart, the 19m x 12m rink will be open from 10am to 8pm daily, with 45 minute skating sessions starting every hour.

Chilling winter weather can make it a little more difficult to find affordable school holiday activities, but once again Central Coast Libraries will be hosting a variety of cosy events.Not only will young children and students be engaged with the massive range of events on offer, parents will equally love the strong education focus, helping to make learning fun.Council’s Group Leader Customer and Community Relationships, Ms Judy Jaeger, said the diverse and entertaining program brings back some old favourites plus plenty of the latest innovative activities.“Learning new creative skills really encompasses what our program is all about these school holidays,” Ms Jaeger said.“Our drawing workshops are always popular, so these holidays we’re hosting a number of sessions across the Coast.“Primary school students who prefer more hands-on activities will jump at the opportunity to get their hands dirty with our Dinosaurs Paleontological Excavation Workshop.“We’ll also be hosting a Bricks4Kidz session where students can build with gears, axles and electric motors, and a Forensic Science Half Day session that includes identifying hairs, fingerprints and fibres as well as investigating blood, bones and DNA.“Due to its success in April we’ve also brought back Game Training Roadshow, offering students in school years 4-12, the incredible opportunity to create their own video games.“If you can’t get your kids away from the screen why not use it to their advantage to learn code, as well as receive a free Getting Started Kit valued at $250.“The youngsters haven’t been forgotten with various Storytime sessions, helping to develop the value of reading from a young age.”A host of winter themed events and activities will also be run at various library branches to complement the outdoor ice rink in Gosford’s Kibble Park allowing young people to get crafty at making snow globes, knitted items, snow art, no-sew beanies or marshmallow snowmen.Bookings are essential for all events and must be confirmed with payment (if required) 48 hours before the scheduled event, excluding Game Training Roadshow which should be paid directly to the provider on the day.

Council aligns housing controls to encourage development in northern growth areas Council has amended the Wyong Development Control Plan (DCP) to include Warnervale Town Centre DCP and align housing controls in key growth areas in the north of the Coast.A review was undertaken of the site specific development controls that applied to dwellings in Gwandalan, Warnervale Town Centre and Hamlyn Terrace to ascertain the best planning controls to use.The review found the Housing Code and Dwelling Houses and Ancillary Structures already in the DCP provided all the controls needed and would be used as the benchmark going forward.Administrator Reynolds said:

Central Coast Council has welcomed Federal Labor’s promise to deliver a Commonwealth Institute of Higher Education in Gosford if elected.Labor has promised to work with council, the University of Newcastle and Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council to deliver a 800 student place campus with a funding injection of  $30 million.Administrator Ian Reynolds said with the region’s predicted population of 415,000 residents by 2031, more educational and employment opportunities were definitely needed for the Coast.“This Federal Election has certainly shone a spotlight on the challenges facing our great region and presented a number of alternatives to address them,” Mr Reynolds said.“We need to invest in the future of our region.

NAIDOC Week, 3-10 July, marks a significant event for Indigenous Australians, celebrating their history, culture and achievements.Central Coast Council will kick off NAIDOC celebrations on the Coast with its annual Flag Raising Ceremony and morning tea on Monday 4 July from 10am at the Wyong office.This year’s theme is ‘Songlines:

Central Coast Council met with representatives from Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council today to discuss the Land Council’s projects on the Central Coast.The meeting comes on the eve of NAIDOC Week and recognises the importance of the Land Council to the future of the Central Coast.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he welcomed the opportunity to meet with such a key landholder on the Coast so early in the life of the new council.“Darkinjung have a number of projects in the pipeline in support of Indigenous people on the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.“The projects are also aimed at supporting the need in our community for housing and other facilities to meet the needs of our growing population.“I look forward to working with them in a cooperative manner as they progress their planning program.”Darkinjung’s, Chairperson Ms Tina West and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sean Gordon, said as the largest private land owner in the region the relationship between Darkinjung and the newly formed Central Coast Council is significant in terms future planning and development for the Aboriginal community socially, culturally and economically.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the significant investment in the local road network in the NSW State Government’s budget to improve community connectedness and well-being.The Baird Government delivered a $125 million roads funding windfall with a number of number of notable inclusions to benefit Central Coast residents including:$25 million for the Wyong Road Intersection upgrade$20 million for Ourimbah Street, Lisarow to Glen Road, Ourimbah$12 million for the upgrade of Mingara Drive to Tumbi Road$1.5 million to continue planning the upgrade of the intersection of Empire Bay Drive and Scenic Road and Cochrane Street, Kincumber$500,000 to plan a future upgrade to Terrigal Drive between Chetwynd Road and Duffy’s Road$400,000 design of traffic lights on Terrigal Drive and Tarragal Glen Avenue, Erina ( current roundabout at Erina Fair/McDonalds), to improve local connections and support active transport$500,000 drainage upgrade on Central Coast Highway at WamberalCouncil’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said council was pleased with this important cash injection into the Coast’s road network, confirming the region’s significance in the eyes of the State Government.“The number one issue raised with me since I came here as Administrator is roads – our community want better roads to connect their homes and jobs and improve their access to the great recreational opportunities the Coast offers" Mr Reynolds said.“Council plans to deliver over $120 million in roads projects next financial year and it is heartening to see the State Government is willing to match this spend to deliver better roads for our community.“The investment in Wyong Road will be particularly welcome as local residents and workers will know only too well.”Administrator Reynolds confirmed the commitment of $133 million to continue the $348 million redevelopment of Gosford Hospital is particularly welcome news as improved health services were needed to meet the needs of the region’s growing population.“I understand this investment is the single biggest investment in the budget for any hospital in the State,” Mr Reynolds said.“This clearly shows how important our growing region is to the State Government and highlights the value to the community of the recent merger.“331,000 residents can now demand services with one voice and the State Government is listening.“An equal commitment to the redevelopment of Wyong Hospital is also needed and council will continue to push for this infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the community in the north of the Coast.”

As part of Central Coast Council’s Little Coast Kids commitment to provide dedicated childcare educators, three new trainees started work earlier this month.The trainees were selected through an innovative recruitment process in partnership with Training Services NSW and TAFE Ourimbah, delivering career opportunities for the local community.Council’s Section Manager Care and Education, Mrs Beth Burgess, said the selection of trainees helps ensure the provision of the best childcare possible.“Ten candidates went through four weeks of training provided by TAFE, which also included eight days of work experience at one of Council’s four Little Coast Kids Centres,” Mrs Burgess said.“This process allows us to get an idea of each applicant’s level of commitment and see how well they interact with the children and other staff.“Rather than selecting trainees solely through an interview process this method assists us to select the most suited and enthusiastic applicants for the positions allowing us to continue to provide superior care within the industry.”Council’s Organisational Development Partner, Mrs Linda Sutton, said the successful partnership between Council, Training Services NSW and TAFE Ourimbah has helped deliver local job opportunities.“Thanks to funding received through Training NSW we have been able to create entry level positions to help our community get a leg up in the very competitive job market on the Central Coast,” Mrs Sutton said.“This process also improves job prospects for the unsuccessful candidates who went through the selection process as all candidates now possess a four week statement of attainment in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.“TAFE Ourimbah will now continue to provide high quality training to the successful candidates through the remainder of the Diploma.”The successful applicants, Amanda Bailey, Stephanie Fisher, Rebecca McGuire-Read, will be placed at either the Wyong or Kanwal Little Coast Kids Centres. 

Central Coast Council has secured over $800,000 from the Australian Government to tackle road safety issues at seven notorious black spots.Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester approved the funding under the 2016/2017 Black Spot Programme for road safety projects in Somersby, Wyoming, Lisarow, Gosford, Patonga, Narara and Avoca Beach.Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds said the support from the Australian Government for these important works was very pleasing.“With this much needed funding now signed and sealed, we’re keen to get on with delivering these vital safety improvements so that the benefits are passed on to road users as soon as possible,” Mr Reynolds said.“Improving the road surface and installing new safety barriers and signage at these black spots will make sure motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are safer when they’re out and about on the Coast’s local roads.“I would especially like to thank the Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester for delivering this funding, as well as NSW Roads and Maritime Services for supporting these black spot nominations.”The latest approved projects for the Central Coast are:$55,000 to install a safety barrier and signage on Debenham Road (west of Kowara Road) at Somersby$35,000 to upgrade the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Cary Street at Wyoming$207,000 to install a safety barrier and improve the road surface and signage on The Ridgeway (east of Bishendens Road) at Lisarow$95,000 to improve the road surface and signage on Mann Street (near Gertrude Street) in Gosford$185,000 to improve the road surface and signage on Patonga Drive (south of Karool Road) in Patonga$77,000 to improve the road surface and signage on Mangrove Road (south of the Pacific Motorway) at Narara$163,000 to install a safety barrier on Avoca Drive (west of The Round Drive) in Avoca Beach

Central Coast Council was the first of the 19 new NSW councils visited by Local Government Minister, the Hon Paul Toole MP, today.Minister Toole met with Administrator Ian Reynolds, CEO Rob Noble and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and 35 Central Coast Council staff this morning to see first-hand how the new council was going and to present a cheque for $20 million to fund community infrastructure and help with merger costs.Administrator Reynolds said the funding was welcome news for staff and the community who had come together quickly to embrace the new council.”The Minister experienced the enthusiasm staff have for the new council, most of them live on the Central Coast and want to see this area thrive and prosper.“That is also the word on the street – everyone I have spoken to has embraced the change as they see it will mean bigger and better things for the Central Coast.”Minister Toole echoed the Administrator’s comments and said the Central Coast Council is shaping up to be an amalgamation success story and a credit to staff who had been working together for months beforehand to make it happen.“I got to see for myself this morning the enthusiasm of staff and respect for the new administration and I am impressed.“I was at a Chamber of Commerce dinner last night and they had nothing but praise for the way the new Council has hit the ground running.“We wanted mergers to lead to stronger communities and deliver better services and infrastructure for residents.“The new Central Coast Council is well on the way to achieving these goals.”Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it was a truly exciting time for everyone on the Central Coast especially the staff at the new Central Coast Council.“I congratulate the staff for working so collaboratively in the lead up to the creation of our new regional council,” Mr Crouch said.“They have a truly exciting opportunity ahead to deliver for our entire community, and from what I have seen they are more than up to the task.“I believe it speaks volumes that the first visit by Local Government Minister Paul Toole to a new council in NSW was to the Central Coast Council.”

Central Coast Council has today announced an interim leadership team to deliver the newly merged Council’s plans for the Coast.The appointments follow an intensive, merit based, internal recruitment process.Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said the new leadership team was created to best support the outlook and vision of the new Central Coast Council.“My vision is to build on the tradition of strong leadership of the two former Councils as we move to a new era for the Central Coast,” Mr Noble said.“I have chosen leaders who are customer-focused, collaborative, passionate and professional and can lead and support this Council and our community through this change creating an organisation that cares about people, places and quality of life on the Central Coast.”The new Executive Team for the Central Coast Council is:Chief Financial Officer – Stephen NavenGroup Leader Customer and Community Relationships – Judy JaegerGroup Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business – Mike DowlingGroup Leader Environment and Planning – Scott CoxExecutive Manager People and Culture – Kellie ReevesExecutive Manager Governance – Brian GlendenningExecutive Manger Transition and Business Performance – Janine McKenzieThe eighth position, a Chief Information Officer, is yet to be appointed.Four senior staff have chosen to leave the organisation altogether, including Paul Anderson, former General Manager of Gosford City Council who has decided to pursue opportunities outside of the public sector.Mr Noble said he had nothing but thanks and praise for the senior staff who have served the community so well for many years.“Each and every one of them has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Central Coast community and I thank them for that.”

Central Coast Council is appealing to the community to report any unusual activity observed along Sparks Road Warnervale Tuesday night following the discovery of a massive amount of illegally dumped waste.The dumping is thought to have occurred sometime between 5 and 6pm, Tuesday 14 June, and judging by the huge scale of waste a large truck must have been involved.Council’s Section Manager Ranger Services, Ms Rennae Projceski, said the site was inspected this morning by a Regional Illegal Dumping officer, who estimated around 30 tonnes of rubbish has been dumped near the airport.“The waste is covering a massive area, measuring more than 62 metres in length, 6 metres deep and 1.5 metres high,” Ms Projceski said.“With such a huge amount of waste being dumped along a main road during peak hour, someone must have seen something.“Illegal dumping not only costs ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to clean, but also poses series serious environmental and health risks for the community.“We are currently searching through the waste to try and identify the dumper as our community shouldn’t have to foot the bill for those that do the wrong thing.“If you have any knowledge of the dumped waste along Sparks Road please call our Customer Contact team on 4350 5555.”On the spot fines for illegal dumping can be anywhere upwards of $2000.Ms Projceski said there is never an excuse for illegal dumping with the number of waste disposal options available to the community.“Alongside comprehensive garbage collection, residential properties are also entitled to six free kerbside collections each year,” Ms Projceski added.“We also manage three waste facilities;

Registrations are now open for The Hub Erina’s most prestigious musical competitions, Battle of the Bands and the SeaFM DISCOVERED Series, both commencing this July.Battle of the Bands is open to unsigned bands of all genres, with band members aged 12-24 years, and the SeaFM DISCOVERED Series is open to unsigned singer/songwriters and cover version vocalists aged 7-24 years.Council’s Director Community Growth, Judy Jaeger said these contests build on existing programs in the youth sector to provide a platform for young people to showcase their passion and talent.“These competitions allow talented young people to showcase their skills in an intimate performance space and can provide further opportunities for young performers from our local community.“With amazing prize incentives, professional development opportunities and the chance to connect with industry professionals, Battle of the Bands and the SeaFM DISCOVERED series offer our aspiring stars a platform to launch their musical careers,” Ms.

Central Coast Council will receive $20 million from the NSW Government to help fund vital infrastructure, community projects and merger costs.Ten million dollars has been allocated under the Stronger Communities Fund (SCF).

Temporary traffic controls will be in place along part of Cullens Road, Kincumber while Central Coast Council carries out works to replace the existing safety barrier.Works are commencing today and are expected to take approximately three (3) weeks, with crews working Monday through to Saturday, weather dependent.Traffic controllers will be on-site to manage two-way traffic in the area via Stop/Slow controls during this period in order to undertake the works safely.Warning signs will also be in place and motorists are being advised to expect minor delays.Local residents in the vicinity of the works will still be able to access their properties.Council thanks community members for their cooperation and apologises for any inconvenience while these important safety works are carried out.