Central Coast Council is inviting residents of all ages to discover a new way of learning during International Games Week, 3-9 November 2019.Since the successful introduction of games programming in Libraries as an alternate education method, Council’s Library Service has become more than a quiet place for reading - evolving into community hubs that offer diverse ways for people to connect, relax and learn.Council Section Manager Library Strategy and Connection, Benjamin Hartley said International Games Week is a great opportunity to promote the educational and social benefits of play.“There is a multitude of social, literacy and numeracy advantages for people who participate in games including reading, rule interpretation and mathematical probability,” Mr Hartley said. “Games encourage people to take a break from their device and engage with others in person developing key social skills.

First region-wide Youth Strategy adoptedCouncil has adopted the Central Coast Youth Strategy following a review of public submissions received during the Strategy exhibition period. Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Strategy is a first for the region and provides the strategic direction for the delivery of contemporary youth services and programs over the next five years.“The Strategy features six themes – Including Us, Happy and Healthy, Feeling Safe, Somewhere to Live, Living Green, and Skilled and Ready – developed following extensive research and consultation,” Mayor Matthews said. “The Strategy outlines Council’s plans to implement the actions and partner with the local youth sector, young people, schools and the community.”Over 7,500 suggestions and ideas were received during the development of the Strategy, following consultation with over 1,600 young people and 67 organisations across the Coast. The Strategy will be available on Council’s website. Council calls on State Government to ‘Save our Recycling’  Council will be once again be supporting the ‘Save Our Recycling’ campaign, which calls on the State Government to work in partnership with local governments to improve waste and recycling processes, while moving towards a circular economy.Less than a fifth of the $772million Waste Levy revenue collected last financial year has been invested back into waste minimisation, recycling and resource recovery.

Central Coast Council is encouraging community members to have their say on the $5.32million redevelopment of Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf. The largest wharf project undertaken by Council will feature a floating pontoon to ensure locals and visitors can use the amenity in most tide and weather conditions. Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the new wharf will deliver substantial benefits for Woy Woy and the Central Coast. “The wharf design we have developed will deliver a significantly improved amenity for our community, particularly commuters who regularly use ferry services, and will also boost tourism,” Mr Bolgoff said. “We’ve designed a floating pontoon that will lift and rise with the varying tides and ensure access to ferry services and facilities in most conditions. “Accessibility for community members who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices has been a priority throughout the design process, with one of the added key features of the project being infrastructure to accommodate a wheelchair lifting facility on the pontoon for recreational boat users.”  Design features of the new wharf include: floating pontoon to ensure community members and visitors can access ferry services and facilities in most tide and weather conditionsinfrastructure to accommodate wheelchair lifting facility on the pontooncovered gangway and passenger shelterdedicated fishing wharfwidened pathway (including cantilevered section) along part of The Boulevarde and Brisbane Water Drivewalkway surface constructed with decking made from recycled plastic solar lighting along the pontoon and covered gangway and in the covered passenger shelter smart benches with mobile phone charging capabilitystandard benchesbanner poleslandscaping including established salt water tolerant trees. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade, John Barilaro said the project will receive a $3.99million investment through the NSW Government’s Regional Communities Development Fund and $1.33million from Council. “The rejuvenation of the rundown Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf will help make the Woy Woy waterfront precinct accessible for all, while taking car pressure off local streets and ensuring local residents can keep enjoying a tranquil beach lifestyle. “It supports the vision of Central Coast Regional Plan 2036, to create well-connected communities that are great places to live, work and play including for first-home buyers, young families and retirees looking to make a sea change to beautiful Woy Woy.” Mayor Lisa Matthews said the project was a great example of Council and the NSW Government working together to deliver for the Central Coast.  “The new Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf will deliver far reaching benefits for the Woy Woy community, residents who use ferry services to commute and the broader Central Coast community,” Mayor Matthews said. “Thanks to a significant funding injection form the NSW Government, Council will deliver a wharf that will become a major attraction for locals and tourists alike. “It shows how great things can and do happen when different levels of government work together and hand-in-hand with the community.”  Ferry services will use the adjacent Commercial Wharf during the construction period and will continue as scheduled. Council is working closely with ferry services and nearby businesses and stakeholders to minimise impact during this important project.  Community members can have their say on the new Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf and other exciting projects and plans through ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ from Monday 28 October to Monday 2 December 2019.  Feedback can be provided by attending one of two Drop-In Information Sessions on Thursday 21 November 2019 at 10am-2pm or 4-7.30pm at the Country Women’s Association, The Boulevarde, Woy Woy or by clicking ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ at yourvoiceourcoast.com 

Central Coast Council has launched ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’, an opportunity for residents, stakeholders and visitors to have their say on exciting projects, plans and strategies for the town centre.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said community input was vital to shape a number of major projects in the pipeline for Woy Woy.“We are committed to developing and enhancing our unique town centres across the Central Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“Woy Woy is one of our principal town centres and we have a number of projects and initiatives scheduled for this financial year that are designed to increase the vibrancy, safety and accessibility of this beautiful location.“Woy Woy locals, regular visitors to the town centre and commuters who access key services are best placed to inform plans and projects that will make a real difference and that will boost economic activity and tourism. “Some of the big ticket items that will feature as part of ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ are the redevelopment of the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf, the Woy Woy Town Centre Strategy and activation initiatives.”Projects, plans and strategies featured in ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ include:Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf RedevelopmentWoy Woy Town Centre Strategy Woy Woy Place ActivationCentral Coast Heritage StudyNew art installationNew Public Toilet Facility at Woy Woy Fishermen’s WharfUpgrade of Woy Woy Tidal BathNew Correa Bay Boat rampUpgrade of James Brown OvalNew amenities building at Roger’s ParkClimate Change Action Planning WorkshopsRoad and drainage projectsWater and sewer projectsMayor Lisa Matthews said community feedback from this consultation process will play a vital role in shaping the future of Woy Woy.“It’s time to talk all things Woy Woy – I encourage as many community members as possible to have their say on how we can make this great town centre even better,” Mayor Matthews said.“Woy Woy is an exceptionally beautiful hub for our region and we have a range of projects and plans under development that are designed to further enhance and activate the area.”Community members can have their say through ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ from Monday 28 October to Monday 2 December 2019. Feedback can be provided by attending one of two Drop-In Information Sessions on Thursday 21 November 2019 at 10am-2pm or 4-7.30pm at the Country Women’s Association, The Boulevarde, Woy Woy or by clicking ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ at yourvoiceourcoast.com 

Central Coast Council is seeking tenders from qualified and experienced artists for an exciting new public art project in Woy Woy town centre.A single, sculptural freestanding installation will be commissioned by Council and installed in Anderson Memorial Park, located on the corner of Brisbane Water Drive and The Boulevarde in Woy Woy.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the project was a key part of plans to revitalise the iconic coastal town centre.“Once completed, the sculpture will be visible from road, pedestrian, rail and waterway entrances to Woy Woy,” Ms Vaughan said.“This project is a chance for an artist to really make their mark with an original artwork that incorporates both past and future elements of Woy Woy’s saltwater and inland water ecology.” Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Woy Woy Public Art Project is just one of a number of place-based creative initiatives Council has planned to activate and upgrade town centres in the region.“The community have told us that they want to see more activity around town centres, foreshores and lakes for locals and visitors alike,” Mayor Matthews said.“This project will contribute to the identity of Woy Woy and help create a usable, sustainable and vibrant space for everyone to enjoy.”Artists must demonstrate their previous experience as public artists and provide a methodology of how they would develop an artwork for Woy Woy as part of the tender.Tenders for the Woy Woy Public Art Project close on Monday 11 November 2019 at 4pm.For further details on the Woy Woy Public Art Project, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/eoi

Central Coast Council presented Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) with a $213,250 cheque yesterday at Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club.

As part of the 2019 Lakes Festival at The Entrance, Central Coast Council will hold the inaugural Colour Our Coast fun run/walk on Sunday 10 November.The 5km circuit will feature five separate colour stations setup at 1km intervals to ensure entrants cross the finish line splashed in colour.

Central Coast Council’s stage one water mains cleaning program saw 11 suburbs on the Central Coast benefit from improved water quality, with stage two underway for residents in Springfield, East Gosford, Long Jetty and The Entrance.Acting Director Water and Sewer, Daniel Kemp said stage one of the program was hugely successful with works being completed on time, with minimal disruption and minimal water wastage.“Stage one of our water mains cleaning program saw 90km worth of mains cleaned in 18 days, with Council scooping up sediment and saving the equivalent of 8 Olympic sized swimming pools worth of water for the Coast,” Mr Kemp said.“Approximately 200 homes per day benefited from this first round of cleaning with many residents stopping to chat with our crews on site and learn more about the program and our water saving methods.“Council actively monitors and tests the water supply across the Coast and these results indicate areas due for cleaning.

The Land and Environment Court has today 15 October 2019, in accordance with section 34 of the Land and Environment Court Act 1979, upheld an appeal brought by A Denny after Central Coast Council refused to approve a development application for a Colourbond fence on Wards Hill Road, Killcare Heights.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to get out, meet the neighbours and buy second-hand for the ninth annual Garage Sale Trail on this weekend, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October.Local households, schools and community groups are getting ready to join a record number of garage sales with over 300 registered sales and stalls across the region.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the award-winning sustainability community event was a fun and social way to promote reuse, reduce waste to landfill and enable fundraising. “It is great to see so many of our residents embracing this opportunity to turn trash into treasure and make a positive impact on the environment,” Mayor Matthews said.“We are expecting thousands of shoppers to hit the streets in search of a bargain and there will be plenty up for grabs with more than 40,000 items listed for sale.“Whether you are after clothes, kitchenware, bric-a-brac or even something a bit out of the ordinary the Garage Sale Trail is the perfect place to find pre-loved treasures.”Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said it was not too late for sellers to register their garage sale.“Residents can register sales right up to the weekend, so if you have something in good condition that you are thinking of throwing out that could be sold instead, make sure you join this incredible community movement,” Mr Pearce said.“Our community’s commitment to reuse means there is the opportunity for more than 50 tonnes to change hands this weekend rather than being sent to landfill.”Shoppers can see what is up for sale and plan their trail at garagesaletrail.com.au/centralcoastHappy shopping!ENDS

Central Coast Council is inviting aspiring youth leaders to become members for the Youth For Youth (Y4Y) action team and make a difference to the lives of young people across the coast.Applications are now open for membership of Y4Y, a team of 12 young people who will make youth-led initiatives and ideas happen in our community.Director of Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said the program engaged and empowered young people through action, advocacy and advice.“Council is committed to working with the young people of the Central Coast to ensure they feel respected and a valued part of the community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This group represents a fantastic opportunity for young people to have their voice heard and make a difference.

An impressive line-up, plus new events and event hubs are set to make The Lakes Festival even bigger and better this November.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the annual celebration of the Central Coast’s spectacular lakes and waterways would feature 20 separate events across 10 days. “The Lakes Festival is our largest and most popular event and shines a light on our region’s lakes and waterways, which are among the largest and most magnificent in Australia,” Mr Cannard said.“November on the Coast has become synonymous with The Lakes Festival, with attendees entertained, educated and filled to the brim with community, culture, art, music and of course delicious food.“The headliners for ‘Light Up The Lake’ – Kingswood, Caravana Sun and Hot Potato Band – are not to be missed and don’t forget we’ll literally ‘Light Up The Lake’ with a fireworks display to conclude this special event. “Park Feast at Gosford Waterfront will satisfy all your culinary desires and this year we are launching the new Lighthouse Picnic, which is all about music, food and wine at Norah Head Lighthouse.“If you love to get active – we have stand-up paddle board yoga, kayak tours, Paddle to Pedal, Colour Our Coast (Colour Run), Terrigal Beach Netball Competition, the Bouddi Coastal Run at Killcare and much more.” Mayor Lisa Matthews said The Lakes Festival attracts more than 60,000 locals and visitors and delivers a significant economic boost to the Central Coast.“The Lakes Festival shows the importance of our waterways and injects millions into our  economy,” Mayor Matthews said. “There is something for everyone at the Festival so make sure you check it out.” Events will be held at 10 key hubs across the Coast including Budgewoi, Long Jetty, Gosford, Toukley, Norah Head, The Entrance, Terrigal, Killcare, Ettalong and Picnic Point.

Central Coast Council is preparing a Floodplain Risk Management Study for the areas of Davistown-Empire Bay as part of the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program.

As part of Mental Health Awareness month in October, Central Coast Council has implemented the Lost Bird Found Project, which is a creative initiative to encourage conversations around mental health.  Over 400 handcrafted birds, which were recently created by the local community, have been tagged with mental health information and placed around town centres and in libraries across the Central Coast for the community to find.

Central Coast Council’s delivery of new inclusive, safe and engaging playspaces and a skate park upgrade has entered an exciting phase with community consultation for multiple projects running from October.Council’s Director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox believes the new playspaces at Green Point, Empire Bay, Gorokan, Toowoon Bay and Mangrove Mountain, as well as the redeveloped skate park at Narara will become significant assets to their local communities and is encouraging the public to have their say on what they would like to see included. “Council are committed to maintaining and building safe and quality playspaces for the benefit of our community and visitors to our region, and we proudly manage over 260 playspaces across the Central Coast as well as 25 skateparks.“We are investing in our community by providing facilities that encourage active and connected lifestyles for improved wellbeing and quality of life,” Mr Cox said.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council’s investment in these projects underscores a commitment to listen to the community and deliver what they want.“Our strategic plan, One Central Coast, is not just a written document.

Central Coast Council is inviting families to celebrate Parker the Platypus’ second birthday and launch of his sixth children’s book with stories and cake at Saltwater Creek Reserve on Monday 21 October, 10.30am.Parker is part of Council’s Paint the Coast REaD program, which encourages parents, grandparents and carers to read, sing or rhyme with children every day from birth to help set them up for a lifetime of success.Council Unit Manager Libraries, Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said since hatching only two-years-ago, Parker has not only become a prolific author, but also one of Council’s beloved mascots.“Research has shown that more than 20 percent of Australian children arrive at school without the necessary skills to make the most of their early education,” Mrs Burgess said.“Through Paint the Coast REaD we aim to encourage the community to support the development of children’s early literacy while creating a sense of excitement and enthusiasm around reading, which is exactly what Parker creates for children and families.“This month Parker is launching his fifth book that focuses on road safety, and he will personally be handing out copies at his birthday picnic as well as at select Storytime sessions in late October.“We have also recently provided local schools with A3 copies of the first three books allowing children to continue making positive connections to literacy development in the classroom.”Mayor Lisa Matthews encouraged parents with children under the age of six to engage with Council’s Library Service to help them develop a love of learning.“Our Library Service ensures all members of our community have equal access to the latest in technology, resources and information,” Mayor Matthews said.“Whether in branch or through their great range of online services available anywhere, anytime, there’s never been a better time to reconnect with your local library and discover the amazing resources and opportunities on offer.”Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries for further information on Parker’s Storytime visits, to become a member and access to online resources and services 24 hours a day.Library membership is free for those who live, work or study on the Central Coast.ENDS

Tourism Plan sets stage for $70million regional boostCouncil has adopted a five-year Tourism Opportunity Plan for the Central Coast which will maximise opportunities to attract visitors to the region.The plan recognises the strengths of our region, identifies challenges and opportunities and seeks greater efforts to capitalise on them for the future, with a goal to boost the visitor economy for the region by $70million.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the adoption of the Plan would allow Council, tourism operators and the community to work on improving visitors’ experiences of our region.“This Plan encompasses the very small to the large.

Central Coast Council is urging local students who need help with relentless homework tasks to take advantage of the Library Service online tool Studiosity.While the service is available for students from Year 3 to tertiary education, Year 12 students will particularly benefit at this time of year as they study in the lead up to Higher School Certificate exams.Council Section Manager Library Strategy and Connection, Benjamin Hartley said the features of the service can give students an edge while simultaneously alleviating the worry they often feel while studying alone.“The way students engage with technology has changed dramatically and Studiosity is a natural extension of the classroom, which aims to promote equality in education,” Mr Hartley said.“We are excited to announce the real-time online chat tool is now available 24 hours!

Council is inviting the community to join in the celebrations at Bazaar by the Sea, an annual fete featuring market stalls, handicrafts, artworks, raffles, live entertainment, trash and treasure and more.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the release of the NSW ‘State of the beaches’ report, with 93% of our ocean beaches receiving a good or very good quality rating for 2018-2019.The annual report uses the Beachwatch results to rate designated ocean and estuarine swimming sites across the state.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the report shows Central Coast beaches to be in good condition overall.“Most of our ocean beaches have received a Good or Very Good rating for swimming water quality, which is great news for our community,” Mayor Matthews said.“It is also great to see many local sites showing improvements in water quality over recent years, with the report noting Council management actions are likely improving water quality at these sites.“Many residents will be pleased to see Terrigal Beach has improved and received a Good rating for the reporting year.