The Central Coast Series skate, scooter and BMX competition is back for another year, with the total prize pool doubling this year, to more than $10,000!Central Coast Council will host three heats across three different venues where young riders can enter in one or all competitions for a chance to claim the Central Coast Series Champion title.Rather than competing in a final, this year’s Champion and division winners will be determined by an accumulative tally across all three heats.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the competition for riders aged 5-24 has grown in popularity each year.“Originally, the Series was held during Youth Week to activate our skate parks and now it’s held across the Coast over three months, giving more opportunities to our young riders,” Ms Vaughan said.“As the competition grows, so does the prize money and the number of competitors.”The event is aimed at beginner, intermediate and sponsored riders, so provides an opportunity for young people of all skill levels to participate and compete.This year the Central Coast Series will be held at:Drop in at DalbsHeat 1 – Waldalba Skate Park, Saturday 23 FebruaryUminafiedHeat 2 - Umina Skate Park, Saturday 9 MarchBeast of the BowlHeat 3 - BATO Yard, Saturday 13 AprilEntry is open to all riders aged 5-24 years in skate, scooter and BMX as well as WCMX Wheelchair (BATO only).

Council approves West Street Umina shop top housing developmentCouncil has approved a development application for a shop top housing development in West Street Umina comprising two shops, 20 residential units and car parking.No.

Wamberal Lagoon remains closed as a precautionary measure following a sewer main break last week. The break caused some sewage flow into the Forresters Creek inlet into Wamberal Lagoon, adjacent to Malkana Avenue, Forresters Beach. The broken pipe was fixed at that time containing the outflow to the immediate area of Forresters Creek. Council has continued to sample and monitor the water quality at the site whilst the clean-up and remediation process continued.

Central Coast Council has welcomed funding of almost $4million for the redevelopment of the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf following its successful bid for grant funding under the NSW Government’s Regional Communities Development Fund.Council’s Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the redevelopment of the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf will provide much needed improvements and ensure a safe, usable and accessible facility for recreational users and ferry operators.“Council has for many years sought to improve the current infrastructure facilities of the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf and today we are delighted to welcome funding from the NSW Government to progress with major upgrades,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The improved wharf will be able to operate in all weather and tide conditions enabling water access for the community particularly users of the ferry services.

Central Coast Council welcomed 22 young people to its staff this week as part of its popular workforce development program.At a special ceremony last week, Mayor Jane Smith welcomed the group and congratulated 11 others who successfully completed training programs with Council during 2018.During their 12 months with Council, university students complete internships or scholarships in areas as diverse as engineering and commerce to environmental sustainability and social science.Meanwhile, nine young people are starting apprenticeships or traineeships this year.

Central Coast Council has relocated the southern Chemical CleanOut event from Gosford Showground to the Mount Penang Gardens Event Park, Kariong with the northern location remaining at Long Jetty Depot.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the new location offered logistical ease for the community as well as additional capacity onsite, which is fantastic news given the last event recorded the heaviest amount of chemicals collected on record.“The Chemical CleanOut event will be held at Mount Penang Gardens Event Park, Kangoo Road, Kariong on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 February 9am-3.30pm,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Council’s Long Jetty Depot, will host a second weekend of the Chemical CleanOut event on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March from 9am-3.30pm.”“Items accepted as part of the Chemical CleanOut include car and household batteries, batteries, smoke detectors, pesticides, gas bottles, fire extinguishers as well as fluorescent globes and tubes.”Mayor Jane Smith encouraged residents to use this opportunity to clear their properties of any unwanted or out of date chemicals in order to correctly dispose of hazardous items from around the home, garage or shed.“A recent waste audit showed that paints and motor oils are still being found in our domestic waste and recycling streams which is a concern,” Mayor Smith said.“Many may not be aware that putting these chemicals in your garbage bin, pouring it on turf or down drains can contaminate our landfill sites and waterways, causing serious environmental effects.“Disposing of chemicals responsibly through this free collection will ensure your home is safer and you will also be doing your bit to help protect the local environment we all love.”Only household quantities are accepted.

Central Coast Council and Cleanaway are celebrating the one year anniversary of their business partnership providing high levels of household waste services to the Central Coast region.Council Director, Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said this working relationship was an excellent example of good governance and great partnerships that provide high level customer experience, value for money and quality services, a key objective of the Community Strategic Plan.“Thanks to this positive working relationship we have successfully delivered a reliable, safe, cost effective and environmentally responsible domestic waste collection for our community,” Mr Bolgoff said.“It is a substantial task to ensure household waste is efficiently collected, with an average day consisting of 56,000 household bins being emptied, 90 new bins delivered or repaired as well as 650 bulk kerbside collections removed, which doubles over the summer months.“Residential properties receive six free kerbside collections every twelve months, and with the anniversary of the contract, this also marks when household kerbside collections renew.“Over the last year the 72 collection vehicles travelled 2,998,080 kilometres to empty bins across the Central Coast, which is the equivalent of driving around the world more than 74 times,” he said.Mayor Jane Smith said these collections also contribute to keeping unwanted waste out of landfill with more than 31,000 tonnes of recycling recovered from yellow lid bins, saving over 225,000 cubic metres of landfill space.“This is thanks to residents correctly sorting and disposing of their waste and helping us work towards more than 45 per cent of domestic waste being diverted from our landfill sites each year, a key deliverable of our Community Strategic Plan,” Mayor Smith said.Michael Sankey, Regional Manager, Cleanaway Solid Waste Services NSW said Cleanaway and Council’s joint commitment to resource recovery has seen a dramatic reduction in contaminated bins.“Since we commenced our bin tagging program in July 2018, contamination has dropped from one in four bins to one in ten,” Mr Sankey said.“This is an incredible result, seeing more than 100 percent improvement in the Central Coast community to get educated and get it sorted.“We have also recently relaunched the improved, mobile responsive 1Coast website.“The key improvement residents will find is the more streamlined process to book in their own services, including kerbside collections.“We are committed to creating an enduring relationship with Council in order to continue delivering high levels of household waste services across the Central Coast and can’t wait to see what we achieve in the next twelve months.”To book a bulk kerbside collection or check what items can be placed in household bins visit 1coast.com.au or call 1300 126 278.

Central Coast Council is preparing to deliver one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects – a nine kilometre water pipeline from Mardi to Warnervale.The $61million project will boost water supply to the Central Coast’s rapidly growing northern suburbs and improve water security for the entire region.Council Director Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline project is the next major step to enhance the Central Coast’s water supply network.“The pipeline will run from the existing Mardi Water Treatment Plant through to Sparks Road at Warnervale, which will provide water supply to Warnervale Town Centre and the rapidly expanding northern growth corridor,” Ms Nel said.“The project will enhance the water transfer capability between Central Coast Council and Hunter Water, which further improves water security for the two regions.“Extensive investigations and planning have been undertaken to ensure we deliver a vital piece of infrastructure whilst also protecting the environment.“A range of innovative techniques will be used to deliver the pipeline including the use of trenchless methods.”Mayor Jane Smith said Council’s investment in the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline would deliver multifaceted benefits.“This project will ensure we can service our growing northern suburbs and increase water security for our entire region,” Mayor Smith said.The design phase of the project has been completed and construction is expected to commence in 2020.The community can find out more about the project and ask questions at Drop-In Information Sessions:Saturday 16 February 2019, 9am-11am, Watanobbi Community Centre (1 Harrington Close, Watanobbi)Thursday 21 February 2019, 3pm-5pm, Tuggerah Library (Westfield Tuggerah).Further project information is available at yourvoiceourcoast.com/M2WP.

Central Coast Council is advising residents that Wamberal Lagoon will remain closed following a sewer main break earlier this week. The break has caused some sewage flow into the Forresters Creek inlet into Wamberal Lagoon, adjacent to Malkana Avenue, Forresters Beach. Following reports of the break, Council immediately attended the site and stopped the flow of sewer from the broken pipe, containing the outflow to the immediate area of Forresters Creek inlet and Wamberal Lagoon. Council is now in the process of constantly monitoring the water quality at the site whilst the clean-up process continues.

New South Wales’ largest indigenous sporting event will be held at the Central Coast over the October long weekend this year.

Central Coast’s BATO Yard skate facility at Bateau Bay is hosting the King of Concrete skate bowl championships on 2 February, the largest skate bowl event in Australia for 2019.Following the success of the last years events, The King of Concrete is set to attract a line-up of local, national and international participants to compete across five categories (Masters, Open Mens, Open Womens, 16 years and under, 12 years and under, 9 years and under) to vie for a placement and share of $5,000 in prize money.Event organiser and Chairman of Australian Skateboard Federation, Renton Millar has confirmed world champion skateboarder Beaver Fleming, who took out the men’s open title in 2017, will be travelling from the USA to compete in this year’s event – which shows the high level of competition that can be expected.“The bowl event provides a great platform for the talented local riders to make a name for themselves and compete for a national ranking against the best,” Mr Millar said.“It also presents so many opportunities for all skaters to really show what bowl skating is all about - big airs and the best lines – which is what the crowds will see at King of Concrete,” Mr Millar said.Central Coast Council Acting Director, Environment and Planning, Jamie Loader said securing the King of Concrete series events again this year is another win for BATO Yard and demonstrates the high quality of this facility.“BATO Yard, which sits within EDSACC sporting precinct at Bateau Bay, is positioned as one of the biggest and most diverse facilities in Australia,” Mr Loader said.“It has attracted tens of thousands of visitors since its opening in 2016 and is a popular sporting destination for our local skaters, scooter riders and BMX riders of all ages.”Mayor Jane Smith said that Council are proudly supporting and running a number of skate events in 2019, which provide many social, economic and health benefits for our community.“In addition to promoting healthy and active lifestyles to our community, events such as The King of Concrete series provide an economic boost for our local businesses through ‘sports’ tourism with many competitors and their families, plus spectators from all over Australia visiting our region,” Mayor Smith said.“We have an incredibly strong local skate scene and I encourage the community to come along to this family friendly and free-to-watch event to support the best of our local talent compete alongside world-class riders.”The King of Concrete series events are proudly supported by Council in partnership with Australian Skateboarding Federation and Shredability.More event information can be found at centralcoast.com.au/events

Capital works program increased and projects on-trackCouncil’s capital works program for 2018-19 has been increased by $3.0million and now stands at $230.0million.The increase includes $2.7million in Stronger Country Communities grant funding for three new projects:Water Play Park at Peninsular Leisure Centre – $850,000Upgrade of Greenfield Road Empire Bay to include kerb and gutter, drainage and shared path – $1.8 millionCarpark remediation at Davistown Progress Association – $65,000.Council’s capital works program budget for 2018-19 has been increased by $3million and now stands at $230million.Mayor Jane Smith said Council’s capital works program was an important part of its contract with the Central Coast community.“We monitor our capital works program closely, particularly areas where we are tracking behind schedule, Mayor Smith said.“The majority of our departments are on track to deliver their 2018-19 projects before June 30.” Council’s investment portfolio in strong positionCouncil’s cash and investment portfolio stands at $491.7million as at 31 December 2018 and has recently achieved strong interest earnings – $1million in November and $1.1million in December.There was a net inflow of $17.8million due to quarterly instalments in November 2018 and a net outflow of $12million in December 2018 due to a spike in supplier payments prior to the end of year break.The management and monitoring of Council’s investment portfolio is in line with Council’s Policy for Investment Management which takes into account the credit ratings of financial institutions, the investment portfolio already held with each financial institution and interest rates offered. Small grants mean big things for communitiesCouncil last night voted to provide more than $21,000 to six projects through its Community Support Grant Program.The Community Support Grant provides support for community groups to deliver activities which require less than $5,000 of funding and/or in-kind support.Mayor Jane Smith said it is great to see organisations tapping into this funding.“Our Community Support Grants program recognises that community organisations often need only a small injection of funds to produce events and activities that have a big impact on local communities,” Mayor Smith said.Council will allocate $21,188.75 to the following successful recipients:The Bays Community Group – Bays Fair - $2,417.75.Tuggerah Lakes Art Society – 2019 TLAS Workshops - $4,410.Central Coast Heart – NSW State Aged Netball Championships -$3,300.The Bays Community Group – Repair and paint the Bays Community Hall exterior – $4,800.Volunteering Central Coast – Volunteering Expos and Awards 2019 - $2,411.Council’s Community Support Grant Program is open throughout the year.For information, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/funding Winney Bay Clifftop Walk to proceed with amended designCouncil will continue with its plans to amend the design of the Winney Bay Clifftop Walk to address the concerns of the community.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 2 metres and without the bridge and market stall spaces.“We came up with a compromise solution that still delivers a lookout, an upgraded and accessible walk, is more compatible with the local environment and better protects Coastal Open Space System (COSS) lands,” said Mayor Smith.“Council has a track record of delivering outstanding major projects for our community.

Council lifeguards from 16 beaches across the Central Coast will converge on Terrigal Beach on Wednesday 30 January to participate in the annual Lifeguard Challenge.More than 40 lifeguards will be put through their paces as they compete in a series of swimming, running and board paddling events, with the individual winner awarded the Howard Jones trophy and the winning team receiving the Cook Cup.

Cancer education and research advocate, Yvonne Crestani, has been named Citizen of the Year for her dedication to improving the life of cancer patients and their families, and providing educational opportunities for medical personnel on the Coast.Yvonne formed the Crestani Scholarships in Radiotherapy Foundation – which raises higher education and research study funds for medical personnel – in honour of her late husband, Chris Crestani, a respected chief Radiation Therapist at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney who passed away from cancer in 2006.One scholarship in particular has resulted in the team at Gosford Hospital’s Central Coast Cancer Centre being able to study a new technique which has reduced the number of radiation treatments for patients from 30 to just two or three.Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith said Yvonne’s commitment to improving the life of cancer patients, and the welfare of their family members, for over a decade made her a worthy Central Coast Citizen of the Year.“Australia Day is a celebration of our diversity, our values, our national achievements and our hopes for the future,” Mayor Smith said.“Each year we celebrate the achievement and contribution of prominent local community members through our Australia Day Awards.“Yvonne has been leading the Crestani Foundation for over a decade, and her dedication and commitment to delivering better outcomes for cancer patients is enriching our community and ensuring a better quality of life for residents.“Her scholarships help provide specialist education in radiotherapy treatment to advance techniques in cancer treatments and potentially save lives here on the Central Coast.“Yvonne has expanded her scholarship program steadily over the past decade, raising over $200,000 in funds for health workers.

From cooking, film making and art exhibits to retirement planning, line dancing and water sports – there’s something for everyone at this year’s NSW Seniors Festival.While the festival, supported by Central Coast Council, officially runs from 13-24 February, the entire month of February is jam-packed with events and activities for Central Coast residents aged over 50.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the Festival celebrates seniors and their significant contribution to the community as workers, volunteers, neighbours, friends, parents and grandparents.“People over the age of 60 represent more than 27 percent of our population, and they play a very important part in our community life,” Ms Vaughan said.“This Festival provides local seniors with a great opportunity to get together, make new friends, learn a new skill or try something different.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to take advantage of the incredible array of free online resources through their Library Service. Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess said the library provides the perfect way to put new devices to use with something for all ages and interests.

Central Coast Council was alerted to a burst water main at the corner of Wells Street and Wattle Street, East Gosford at approximately 6pm on Tuesday 22 January 2019. A Council team was immediately sent to site and is working to repair the main as quickly as possible.As this was a large main, the break did cause a sudden release of water.  During the assessment of the site 11 residential units were found to be water affected and Council is working with impacted families who require support. The repair of the main has required the water supply to be temporarily cut to properties on Wells Street, Wattle Street, Coburg Street, Lynette Crescent, Lushington Street, Margaret Rose Drive, Bay View Drive, Waratah Street, Susan Street, Wonga Avenue, Denver Close, Gloster Close, Sullens Ave, Finlay Avenue, Rubie Crescent, Boronia Street and Emma James Street (approximately 190 customers).Water is expected to be restored to impacted residents by 10pm on Wednesday 23 January 2019. An alternative drinking water supply is available at Hylton Moore Oval, Wattle Street, East Gosford.

Central Coast Council is increasingly using recycled tyres in the construction and maintenance of roads across the region.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said Council is using a product that is helping to save thousands of tonnes of tyres from ending up in landfill.“We take a crumb rubber binder made from 100 percent recycled Australian tyres and mix this with bitumen and asphalt for use in spray sealing and asphalt works across the Central Coast,” Mr Bolgoff said.“It is fantastic to be able to build and improve our road network with a product that is recycling some of the 56 million used tyres generated in Australia each year.”Mr Bolgoff said the quality of the recycled product is equivalent or superior to traditional bitumen and asphalt.“Asphalt and spray sealed road surfaces mixed with used tyres are more elastic, durable and crack-resistant, which increases the longevity of the road.“Our supplier takes approximately 25 used truck tyres and creates one tonne of crumb rubber binder, which we use across the Coast’s 2,200 kilometre network of roads.“The product we are using is predominately made from truck tyres as they contain less steel and other fibres compared to car tyres.” Mayor Smith said Council is committed to implementing waste-saving initiatives across all areas.“Using recycled tyres to build Central Coast roads is a great example of how we can deliver essential projects and maintenance using green and sustainable methods.”

Central Coast residents, businesses and community groups are invited to apply for a share in more than $1.7million to create vibrant and sustainable community events, activities and initiatives across the region.Central Coast Council is now accepting applications for funding in the second round of its 2018-19 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said more than $823,000 was awarded to 69 projects through the first round of funding in October 2018.“After the success of the first round, we are hoping to see even more quality projects put forward for funding in round two,” Ms Vaughan said.“To help potential applicants, we are holding a series of information workshops in early February explaining our different grant and sponsorship programs and will provide best practice examples of how to write an application for funding.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Community Grants and Sponsorship Program provides direct support to organisations for projects, events, exhibitions or performances which contribute positively to the Central Coast community.“We are investing in our community to help fund a diverse range of projects which support and grow local community development, sporting, environmental, tourism and economic development initiatives,” Mayor Smith said.“We want to hear all ideas for projects, great and small, which will help to deliver on our vision to create a smart, green and liveable region with a shared sense of belonging and responsibility.”Applicants can apply for funds in the following categories:Community Support GrantsCommunity Events and Place Activation GrantsCommunity Infrastructure GrantsCommunity Development GrantsSocial and Creative Enterprises GrantsHeritage GrantsSponsorship.Applications for the majority of grants close on Thursday, 28 February 2019.

Would-be student entrepreneurs have an opportunity to undertake business studies with a difference, thanks to a new program being launched by Central Coast Council.The inaugural Ignite Business LaunchPad will provide 20 school students with the chance to refine their business idea and pitch it to potential mentors.Eight students will then be selected to participate in a free 12-month mentoring program.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the program would benefit both individual young people and the wider Coast community.“This program will teach skills which improve the chance of students’ business ideas becoming a reality, and will potentially open up future local employment opportunities for more Coast residents,” Ms Vaughan said.“This is an outstanding learning opportunity for young people who have a passion to work as entrepreneurs.