The Central Coast is known for stunning beaches but the region’s exceptionally beautiful and fertile hinterland is set to shine at the unique Harvest Festival.Central Coast Council will host the region’s third Harvest Festival across the June long weekend and the event promises to be bigger and better than ever with its trademark focus on farm, friends, food and fun.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said Harvest Festival celebrates exceptional fresh and seasonal local produce amidst a backdrop of stunning views.“Harvest Festival is all about sharing one of the Central Coast’s best kept secrets – our stunning hinterland region,” Mr Cannard said.“This event gives us a unique glimpse behind the farm gate and an opportunity to explore eight rural farming communities and their picturesque heritage villages.“We invite locals and visitors to explore our lively event hubs and follow the event trail through Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby and Calga.“Be treated to fantastic food and wine experiences, soak up the live music and free entertainment or wander through our orchards and pick your own produce – there is something for everyone.”Mayor Jane Smith said Harvest Festival offered a unique opportunity for locals and tourists to explore some of the Central Coast’s rural pockets.“We are blessed to have such a beautiful and fertile hinterland on our doorstep and I’d encourage locals and tourists alike to enjoy the full program of events on offer at Harvest Festival, including eating your fill of delicious locally grown food,” Mayor Smith said. “Harvest Festival brings a great deal to the Central Coast – it builds local pride, celebrates sustainability and boosts the economy.“This much-loved event is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, and contributes to the continued growth and development of the Central Coast.” Harvest Festival Central Coast is supported by Destination NSW’s Regional Flagship Events Program.Event attendees can experience working farm tours, bush tucker and fruit factory tours, eco warrior and edible flower workshops, or follow the Wyong River from Kulnura to Wyong and learn about the environment and waterways before enjoying a delicious lunch. The 2018 event attracted over 16,000 people, up 60 percent from the inaugural event, and provided the Central Coast economy with a $3.7million boost. Harvest Festival 2019 will run from 8 to 9 June and a free shuttle bus service will be in operation.For more information, or to view the full program and shuttle bus schedule visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/harvestfestival.

Individuals or community groups interested in undertaking environmentally based projects are encouraged to apply for funding under the Protection of the Environment Trust (POET).The POET, established in 2006, promotes the protection and enhancement of the natural environment, in particular, the conservation of indigenous flora and fauna, and only applies to land or projects in the former Gosford City Council Local Government Area.Mayor Jane Smith, who chairs the POET management committee, said a key purpose of the Trust was to directly fund initiatives that make a positive difference to the natural environment.“Our community value the natural environment of the Central Coast, it was a key finding when we were developing the first Community Strategic Plan,” Mayor Smith said.“Thanks to the POET Trust, $60,000 is now available to directly fund projects that will help us deliver on our promise in the Community Strategic Plan to protect and enhance our natural environment.“Individuals and groups who have great ideas or projects that have an environmental focus and can demonstrate outcomes that promote and enhance the natural environment or provide information, education or research about a significant aspect of the natural environment are encouraged to apply,” Mayor Smith said.“Some of the projects that have received funding in the past include foreshore and fish habitat restorations and an education program to protect the Yellow Bellied Glider.”Applications close on Friday, 7 June and will be assessed by the POET committee at their next meeting.

Highlights of the 13 May 2019 Council MeetingSurprise firefighting levy burns Council’s budgetCentral Coast Council is calling on the NSW Government to fund the first 12 months of an unexpected emergency services levy designed to provide improved workers compensation to career and volunteer firefighters.NSW councils have only just been informed of the increased levy to fund the workers compensation insurance, which resulted from legislation passed last November.Revenue NSW has sent Central Coast Council an emergency services levy invoice for $4,825,320, which is an increase of $624,977 (14.9%) on last year’s levy.Local Government NSW has called on all NSW councils to protest the unexpected levy increase, which comes at a time when they are finalising their 2019-2020 budgets.Mayor Jane Smith said while Council supports improved workers compensation for emergency services staff and volunteers, the unexpected levy would impact Council’s ability to deliver services to the community.“Many of our own staff members are also volunteers and we want them to have adequate workers compensation if they or any other emergency worker is unfortunate enough to need it,” Mayor Smith said.“However, the implementation of this increase has been poorly planned and goes against the NSW Government’s commitment to work in partnership with the Local Government sector.“I will be writing to the Premer and NSW Opposition Leader, key Ministers and our local State Members requesting that the State Government pay the first 12 months of this extra cost, and that it work with local government to redesign the future implementation of the scheme to ensure it is fairer for councils and their communities.”Council to fund business support program for Central Coast town centresSix business groups across the Central Coast will share in $180,000 in funding through Council’s Business Development Support Program for Town Centres.The program is part of Council’s recently adopted Town Centre Management Operational Model and aims to develop small business in town centres by supporting local initiatives.Funding will be provided in the 2019-20 financial year with $30,000 to be provided to the following groups:The Gosford Business Improvement DistrictThe Wyong Regional Chamber of CommerceGreater Toukley VisionThe Peninsular Chamber of CommerceGosford, Erina and Coastal Chamber of CommerceThe Entrance and Districts Chamber of CommerceCouncil is committed to a collaborative approach whilst changes to the Town Centre Management Model take effect and the regional Economic Development Strategy is developed.Mayor Jane Smith said creating vibrant and active town centres is important for the future of the Central Coast.“Strong town centres are important elements in attracting visitors to the Coast and will also provide economic opportunities for local businesses which in turn, leads to jobs for Central Coast residents,” Mayor Smith said.Community projects to share $5.6million in grants and sponsorshipThirty-nine community projects and events will share in more than $5.6million after the second round of Council’s 2018-19 Grant and Sponsorship Program.Mayor Jane Smith said Council received 111 applications for funds from the Community Grants Program and 10 applications for funds from the Sponsorship Program.“Our Community Grants and Sponsorship Program offers fantastic opportunities to not only improve the lifestyle of Coast residents but to promote the region as a great place to visit.“I am pleased to see so many diverse organisations accessing grant funding to run events and programs or to improve or preserve equipment and buildings,” Mayor Smith said.The grants and sponsorship funding will be allocated to:Community Events and Place Activation Program – 23 applications will share $227,243.74 from the 2018-19 budgetCommunity Infrastructure Grant Program – 5 applications will share $190,359.53 from the 2018-19 budgetSocial and Creative Enterprise Program – 5 applications will share $34,850 from the 2018-19 budgetSponsorship Program – six projects will share $111,200 of funding, to be paid over three years until 2020-21.Terrigal Catchment Audit remains high priority for CouncilCentral Coast Council has confirmed that no sewage entered the stormwater system at Terrigal Beach in April and maintains the ongoing Terrigal Catchment Audit is a high priority project for the area.A report to last night’s Council meeting said that over the Easter long weekend, Council received reports by community members of unpleasant smelling and discoloured water being discharged at the southern end of Terrigal Beach.

Central Coast Council are inviting community members to have their say on the Draft Single Use Plastic Policy, which is now on exhibition until Sunday 9 June.The policy further reinforces Council’s commitment in the elimination of single use plastics and to advocate for legislative change, while educating and building capacity within the community to find suitable alternatives.Council Mayor Jane Smith said Council has already taken strides in the right direction when it comes to reducing plastic waste.“The production and use of single use plastics is increasing at alarming rates, causing significant environmental pollution on a global scale,” Mayor Smith said.“So while thinking globally we are acting locally by working towards reducing the use of single use plastics at all our facilities and when we host events.“This complements our interim Sustainable Event Management Policy and reinforces the importance of the education programs on offer to involve the community on ways forward to seek alternatives of single use plastics.“So we will work with the community to reduce single use plastic and to prevent litter from entering our local ecosystems, which is a key focus area in our Community Strategy Plan.“We will continue to use of influence to lobby all levels of government to drive policy change that reduce production and use of single use plastics.”Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff added this was an important change for the community to make as part of the war on waste.Council does not have the statutory powers to prohibit the sale or distribution of single use plastics across the community.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to have their say on waste management practices to help develop the first Waste Management Strategy for the region. The draft Strategy will reassess current waste initiatives and seek to inspire change to help minimise the amount of waste diverted to landfill and its impact on the environment. Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff urged residents to let Council know their trashy ideas and jump online to help shape the future of our waste. “Waste Management in Australia is constantly evolving and everyone has a role to play in reducing the amount of waste generated and its effects on our community,” Mr Bolgoff said. “Council cannot do this alone – we need our community to help guide where this Strategy goes and their willingness to come on board with future initiatives will be the key to its success. “This can be seen through the many innovative free recycling options and education programs we already offer to help reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill, which includes the most recent record-breaking Chemical CleanOut event, as well as our e-waste, battery, light globe and mobile phone recycling programs, to name a few.

The recently upgraded Lemon Grove Netball Courts at Ettalong has been well received by the local netball playing community as the 2019 season kicks off. Central Coast Council completed the $1.12million redevelopment works which included full court resurfacing, ‘Fast5’ game line markings on eight of the 14 courts and adjustable goal posts for junior competitions.  Upgrade works also included the installation of new floodlighting, carpark resurfacing, installation of a drink bottle refill station and new park furniture.  The project was jointly funded with a $905,620 investment by Council, $200,000 contribution from the Woy Woy Peninsula Netball Association, plus a $50,000 grant received from NSW Government’s Community Building Partnerships Program for the upgrade to drainage system to support court upgrade. Netball is the most popular social sport in the world for women and has been played in Australia since 1897!   On the Central Coast, netball continues to be a leading participation sport for all ages. Woy Woy Peninsula Netball Association President Lisa Coakley said the netball court upgrades have come at the right time as the popularity of the sport continues on the Peninsula. “Our association was first founded in 1974 and we continue to have members of all ages, with many of our adult players first stepping onto a netball court as a junior with our association,” Ms Coakley said. “The club is also introducing netball to the next generation of netball players on the Coast with the NetSetGo Junior program developing the skills of children aged 5 to 12.  “These recent upgrades are fantastic and were much needed.

Central Coast Council is working with Sweeney Interpreting to improve the accessibility of productions held at Laycock Street Community Theatre for the deaf community.This new initiative brings three Auslan interpreted stage productions, plus a number of Auslan interpreted backstage tours to Laycock Street Community Theatre, making the productions more inclusive for visitors and the community.Council Unit Manager, Leisure and Lifestyle Phil Cantillon said the Central Coast is home to a diverse and growing community and Council is committed to continuous improvement of accessibility, inclusivity and liveability within the community.“Council has developed a Disability Inclusion Action Plan which sets out strategies to achieve positive outcomes for people with disability to fully participate in mainstream community life,” Mr Cantillon said.“We are committed to increasing inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life including through this new initiative at Laycock Street Community Theatre, which provides accessibility for all who visit and enjoy the performing arts.“Not only do we have three upcoming performances that are Auslan interpreted, but on Sunday 19 May the Theatre will be hosting Auslan interpreted backstage tours where visitors can experience areas such as the mainstage, backstage, dressing rooms and bio box, providing a unique ‘behind the scenes’ insight of Laycock Theatre.”Mayor Jane Smith said inclusion and active participation are key to building a strong community.“We are committed to creating a society where everyone belongs and everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of community life, that is why belonging is at the heart of Council’s Community Strategic Plan,” Mayor Smith said.“We will continue to create opportunities, for people with a disability in our community to enjoy the range of experiences and quality of life on offer on the Central Coast.”Upcoming Auslan interpreted productions include:Sydney Comedy Festival, Saturday 8 June 8pmThe Sapphires, Sunday 23 June 2pmPossum Magic, Saturday 31 August, 12pmFree back stage tours for all ages will also commence on Sunday 19 May at 10am, 11am and 12pm and run for approximately 45 minutes each, providing a sneak peek into the performing arts.Bookings are essential.

Central Coast Council Library Service will be ‘Connecting People, Places and the Past’ as part of the 2019 Australian Heritage Month celebrations, on now until 19 May.Two major exhibitions paying homage to local history and beloved children’s author May Gibbs will be on display during the Festival, with Libraries also relaunching their new platform Central Coast Memories.Council Section Manager Library Futures and Planning, Benjamin Hartley said this online resource showcases historic photographs, postcards, and other memorabilia held in the Library's Local History collection.“The site delves into the region’s rich history and illustrates the transformation of the region from simple beginnings as a timber getting, and agricultural area to more recent times,” Mr Hartley said.“We will be commemorating the early timber industry through the ‘Broad Axes and Bullock Bells’ photographic exhibition, which illustrates the working lives of the bullockies, sawyers and saw-millers, with images dating as far back as the early 1900’s.”The display is on exhibition at Tuggerah Library now until Friday 24 May, then Kincumber Library from Monday 3 June to Thursday 4 July.“Sure to be a family favourite, the ‘May Gibbs:

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to have their say on the revitalisation of the heritage of Gosford CBD.

Central Coast Council has started a major road project on Louisiana Road, Hamlyn Terrace to better connect two recently completed subdivisions.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the $1.58million project would deliver an important piece of infrastructure for this booming suburb.“This 110 metre section of Louisiana Road in Hamlyn Terrace will provide an improved connection between two new communities in Hamlyn Terrace,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The topography of this site presents drainage challenges and we have developed a solution that will make the road meet the one in 100-year flood free standard.“Our drainage solution includes a substantial section of culverts – 20 metres long, 22 metres wide and 1.2 metres high.”Mr Bolgoff said the project would also improve pedestrian access and safety.“We will be constructing a shared pathway as part of the project, which will allow locals and visitors to walk, run and cycle around the area.“Pedestrian and cyclist safety will be further increased through the installation of road safety barriers and pedestrian fencing.Mayor Jane Smith said the project was a prime example of delivering infrastructure for major growth areas.“Hamlyn Terrace is a growth hot spot for the Coast and this section of road and shared pathway will be well utilised by this growing community.“This project will also make it easier for locals and visitors to explore the area through completing a ‘missing link’ of a shared pathway.”Project works will also include kerb and gutter, driveway and water main adjustments, road pavement works and line marking.Landscaping will be completed towards the end of the project to ensure the works are aesthetically pleasing for locals and visitors.During works Louisiana Road will be closed to through traffic at Clinton Way and Rushmore Place from Monday 6 May 2019 and the project is expected to take approximately 14 weeks to complete, weather permitting. Detours are in place with access available via Sparks Road and Warnervale Road (if travelling to Louisiana Road from the North) and via Warnervale Road and Minnesota Road (if travelling to Louisiana Road from the South).

Small businesses owners and social enterprise start-ups on the Central Coast are invited to join in the conversation with like minds and create future connections and collaborations for their enterprise. The second session of the ‘The Power Hour’ series, run by Central Coast Council in partnership with The Business Centre at The Smart Work Hub in Gosford, on Thursday 2 May, will allow local business owners to hear from: Stephanie Moscovis, Communication and Marketing Manager at The Business Centre and founder of Idea Bombing Newcastle.

Highlights of the 29 April 2019 Council MeetingCouncil commits to improving housing affordability and finalising an Affordable and Alternative Housing StrategyCentral Coast Council last night committed to addressing affordable housing in a bid to provide more housing choice for households earning less than $100,000 per year.Councillors authorised the Chief Executive Officer to finalise an Affordable Housing Strategy which draws heavily on the draft strategy which was on public exhibition for 103 days last year.During that time, 441 submissions were received, along with supportive petitions containing 1,718 signatures.Following the public consultation period, councillors worked together to develop a united approach to housing affordability.

Central Coast Council and NSW Police are joining forces this May in a bid to save lives and reduce the incidence and severity of speed-related road crashes on 50km/h local roads.According to NSW Police, speeding continues to be a serious concern on the Central Coast, with over 22 percent of all crashes having speed as a contributing factor, which is almost six percent higher than the state average.Large speed warning signs will be placed on strategic roads while Police will target drivers who speed on built-up streets zoned 50/km per hour.Highway Patrol Sergeant Matt Rees said it was important drivers observed speed limits, as even a small increase in speed significantly increased the likelihood of being involved in a serious-injury collision or worse.“All urban roads are zoned at 50km/h unless otherwise signposted,” Sergeant Rees said.“Highway Patrol officers from Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes are committed to reducing road trauma on Central Coast roads.“This is why we are happy to work with Central Coast Council on such a vital project.”Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith said education can have a big impact on reducing speeding and ultimately saving lives on the Central Coast.“We have a higher than average incidence of speed-related crashes on the Central Coast, that needs to change and that is why we have joined forces with the NSW Police,” Mayor Smith said.“We need people to understand speed limits on roads are there for a reason and sticking to them is important for the safety of the community. “By slowing down, you can be a part of saving lives on the Central Coast.”The campaign will include 50km/h educational messages and police enforcement.

With summer now behind us and as winter draws nearer, Central Coast beaches will cease lifeguard patrol operational hours for the 2018-19 season.The last day of patrol for Central Coast Council’s lifeguards at 15 beach locations will be Monday 29 April 2019.Mayor Jane Smith said Council lifeguards have had another busy yet successful patrol season.“Since October 2018, more than 2.4 million people have visited our beaches, with Council lifeguards performing 1,122 rescues, attending to 5,496 first aid incidents and responding to 34,775 preventative actions across the Central Coast,"  Mayor Smith said.“Our lifeguards have certainly worked hard and done an amazing job during another busy season.“I thank them for the work they do in keeping our beaches safe for our community and visitors to our region.”Lifeguards will remain on patrol at The Grant McBride Baths, The Entrance, throughout the winter season with reduced hours from 8am until 1pm, Monday to Sunday.Beach patrol services for the 2019-20 season will commence on Saturday 28 September 2019 at all Central Coast beaches and The Grant McBride Baths from 9am until 5pm.

Central Coast Council can confirm that a proposal has been submitted to host the NSW Waratahs Rugby at Central Coast Stadium in 2020.If the bid is successful, the Stadium will see elite level rugby return to the Coast.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was excited at the opportunity and is open to hosting more sporting events at Central Coast Stadium.“Council is committed to bring high level sporting events to the Coast and is always interested in talking to any teams and promoters seeking a venue,” Mayor Smith said.“The Stadium has recently undergone a range of upgrades, including new change rooms, corporate facilities, accessible amenities, big screens and sound systems, which has further strengthened the reputation and longevity of this great venue.“If the Waratahs bid is successful, the high calibre games will be delivered on the back of a range of successful world-wide events held at the Stadium including the Lionel Richie concert in 2018, Nitro Circus in 2011 and 2017, international Rugby World Cup in 2003, Asian Champions League and National Rugby League games.”

Central Coast Council will be hosting a Mother’s Day memorial service to remember mum’s who are no longer with us.The special service and morning tea will be held at Noraville Cemetery on Saturday 11 May 2019 at 11am.Mayor Jane Smith said the event is an opportunity for people to connect and share their stories.“Mother’s Day can be a day of mixed emotions for many people, so this service provides a supportive environment for the community to come together, to remember and share stories about their dearly departed,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is pleased to be once again putting on this special service in partnership with White Lady Funerals.”Attendees are encouraged to bring a framed photo of their mother or loved one to display during the service.Please RSVP for catering purposes by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events and searching ‘Mother’s Day’.

Central Coast Council has closed a section of the informal track along the Winney Bay clifftop due to community safety concerns.Council undertook geotechnical surveys as part of the design phase of Stage 2 of the walk.

The Central Coast Series Champions for 2019 have been named at Bato Yard during National Youth Week, claiming a total prize pool of $10,000.Three heats were held at Wadalba Skate Park, Umina Skate Park and Bato Yard where more than 140 young riders of all ages and abilities showed off their skills on BMX, skate, scooter or WCMX (wheelchair) for their chance to claim the Central Coast Series Champion title.As well as competing young people were also involved in judging and MCing throughout the seriesFor the first time, rather than competing in a final, the winners were determined by an accumulative tally across all three heats.Congratulations to this year’s Champions:SkateSponsored – Callan DixonRunner-up - Joel WhittonOpens – Cody ReidRunner-up - Ocean TurnerWomen’s – Lexi RussellRunner-up - Ashlee ValleUnder 16s – Duke CooperRunner-up - Ky O’ReillyUnder 12s – Harvey CampbellRunner-up - Kohen ScottScooterOpens – Jayden WrayRunner-up - Cooper RobertsWomen’s – Faith FinlayRunner-up - Deanna VulcaniUnder 16s – Brock MooreRunner-up - Maximus LeaitnaUnder 12s – Regan LakeRunner-up - Caleb Di FrancoBMXSponsored – Christian PowellRunner-up - Josh EvansOpens – John SimpsonRunner-up - Rhyan LeeUnder 16s – Jonny ValentaRunner-up - Lucas BowersCouncil would also like to thank their sponsors who helped make the event a success – 360 Pro Scooters, Bateau Bay Square, Active Outthere and Central Coast Credit Union.National Youth Week celebrations will continue across the Central Coast this week.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan now on public exhibition.Council Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the draft Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan was developed through significant analysis and stakeholder engagement, and once finalised will deliver the first cohesive long term vision for land use in this important growth area of the Coast.“This draft Plan sets out a long-term vision for the Greater Lake Munmorah study area, ensuring the area is designed for sustainable growth, liveability and employment opportunities whilst protecting the area’s unique character and sensitive natural settings,” Mr Cox said.“With a coherent framework for the development, facilitation of future growth and prosperity of the area, the plan identifies appropriate development footprints for new residential and employment land, relevant staging requirements, plus appropriate transport, environmental and open space networks.”The study area is a collection of ten precincts connected by the Central Coast Highway – a biodiversity corridor;

Central Coast Council offices and a number of services will be closed over the Easter Long Weekend and ANZAC Day from Friday 19 to Monday 22 April and Thursday 25 April, respectively, including Gosford and Wyong Offices, libraries, works depots, Niagara Park Stadium, Laycock Street Community Theatre and childcare centres.Residential waste collection and water treatment are considered to be essential services, and will continue to be delivered over the public holidays.Surf Life Saving volunteers will provide service at all 15 patrolled beaches across the Coast with Council lifeguards providing patrols at The Grant McBride Baths and extra patrols at Budgewoi Beach for the Easter long weekend only.