Central Coast Council is urging all residents and businesses to use water wisely in the wake of the state-wide drought impacting NSW.Council Senior Manager for Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said that whilst total water storage levels for the Central Coast are in a relatively healthy position, Council is closely monitoring water levels.“Our total water storage levels are currently at 59.8 percent,” Ms Nel said.“The infrastructure we have built over several years and the strategies we have implemented mean that our total water storage levels are currently in a good position.“This being said, the prolonged dry weather has had an impact on our total water storage levels.“If the current dry conditions continue it may be necessary to introduce water restrictions in the future.“In the meantime, we want our community to continue to use water when they need to, but to remember to use it efficiently.“It’s easy to forget the simple ways we can reduce our water usage – like turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers or using a trigger nozzle on your hose – but these actions can make a difference.“By simply taking a few steps to be more water wise, we can help conserve this precious resource for the future.”Water restrictions were last introduced on the Central Coast in 2002 when total water storage levels dropped to approximately 43 percent during the Millennium Drought.The point for introducing water restrictions is based on a range of factors including water demands, seasonal outlook, population growth and best practice water resource management.To help the community use water resources wisely, the Central Coast has permanent water wise rules including:

Central Coast Council is inviting lovers of comedy and history to an open day to celebrate the recently unveiled Spike Milligan Exhibition Space at Woy Woy Library on Saturday 1 September, 9.30am-12.30pm.The first 100 attendees on the day will receive a limited edition commemorative Milligan tote bag.Benjamin Hartley, Section Manager Library Futures and Planning wanted to thank the community for their patience while this one-of-a-kind space in honour of the comedic legend was created.“This event is our way of showing our appreciation to the community for their understanding while we carried out works to provide a more active and flexible learning space,” Mr Hartley said.“The permanent Spike Milligan Exhibition provides a unique collection of memorabilia that pays tribute to the beloved entertainer, his family and their special connection to Woy Woy and the surrounding suburbs.“Come along and view the exhibition at your own leisure or join our incredibly passionate and knowledgeable Local History Librarian, Geoff Potter, who will be guiding visitors through the display and answering questions.“The brand new short film ‘The Milligans of Woy Woy’, which was created especially for the Exhibition, will be on loop in the small theatrette.“Art displays created by local schools, which will be incorporated into the Milligan collection, will also be revealed.”The morning will offer numerous 'Spike' themed activities for the children to enjoy including face painting, craft and a special Ning Nang Nong Storytime that will be held on the new deck at 10.30am.The morning will also celebrate the 70 year anniversary of Woy Woy Library, which was the first branch to open its doors to the Central Coast community on 13 August 1948 in the former Woy Woy Shire Council Chambers building, from where the library operates today.The Spike Milligan Exhibition and refurbishment was made possible thanks to an $188,429 Library Council of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grant and Central Coast Council.Find out more about the Milligan's connection to the region at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/spikemilliganexhibition/ENDSPhotos of Spike Milligan and the Exhibition are available on request.

Central Coast Council understands community concern over the use of herbicides in light of recent news coverage around the USA civil law suit connected to ‘RoundUp’ a commonly used herbicide.Council’s Unit Manager of Natural and Environmental Assets, Luke Sulkowski, said that the health and safety of Council workers and the community are taken very seriously and Council ensure responsible practices are in place for the safe use of herbicides whilst protecting the environment.“Council applies herbicides containing glyphosate for the purpose of weed control within the Central Coast Local Government Area.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to learn more about the consequences of plastic pollution at the free screening of, ALBATROSS, next Friday 31 August.Screened in partnership with Seabird Rescue Central Coast, the film delivers on Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) by providing ongoing educational initiatives to help maintain the Coast’s natural assets.Council Mayor Jane Smith said the film has universal appeal and draws many parallels to the issues impacting our local waterways and coastal areas.“Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue that needs to be addressed at local, national and international levels,” Mayor Smith said.“The impacts of littering and single use plastic waste are often unseen as it finds its ways into rivers, streams and eventually our oceans.”This film shows the catastrophic consequences of this plastic waste, which is literally suffocating our precious ecosystems.“If we want to preserve the incredible natural beauty of our lagoons, lakes and beaches we have to ensure we take the time and effort to refuse, reuse, reduce and recycle.”Council Learning and Education Unit Manager, Beth Burgess, said the film displayed a beautiful yet confronting look at the environmental tragedy caused by our complicit reliance on plastic.“This award winning and powerful film will draw you in and leave you contemplating the impact of our disposable society and what we can all do about it,” Mrs Burgess said.“The film is based on Midway Island, in the remote North Pacific Ocean, and with a population of only 50 you could be fooled into thinking it has escaped the devastation of plastic pollution, though nothing could be further from the truth.“ALBATROSS is an incredible film – its exquisite cinematography instantly captures the audience’s attention to promote one of the most important messages of our time.“It is a must see so reserve your seat today!”The free screening of ALBATROSS will be held at The Hub, Erina Fair, Friday 31 August at 7.30pm, followed by a short presentation from Seabird Rescue Central Coast.

Small businesses can now access subsidised expert mentoring and coaching services at the Gosford Smart Hub under a new three-month partnership between Central Coast Council and not-for-profit agency the Business Centre.Based at the Gosford Smart Work Hub each Monday until late October, a Business Centre Strategist will meet with individual business owners to provide expert guidance.

The $1.48million revamped Koolewong Boat Ramp was officially opened this afternoon by Central Coast Council and Roads and Maritime Services.Recreational boaters on the Central Coast can now enjoy the extensively upgraded Koolewong boat ramp and surrounding foreshore.Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said the upgrade had delivered what was promised – an enhanced experience for boating enthusiasts.“In addition to providing more user-friendly, recreational boating infrastructure, this extensive upgrade will increase usage capacity, from now, well into the future,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Not only have we constructed a dual-lane boat ramp with an on-ramp pontoon and an L-shaped floating pontoon, but we have also delivered improvements to car parking, as well as landscaping and ancillary works.“This upgrade is just one of six boating infrastructure projects we will deliver in the next year, with Council investing a combined total of $2.29million across these projects.”Mayor Jane Smith said one of Council’s priorities is to deliver enhanced recreational experiences on the Coast and the delivery of this upgrade meets that need for the growing number of boating enthusiasts, and the broader community.“Recreational boating is a popular pastime in New South Wales, with over 515,000 people in the state holding a boat licence, and 233,000 people with a registered boat and there are plenty here right on the Coast,” said Mayor Smith.“With its close proximity to the freeway, Koolewong is the perfect place for such a facility, as it can be utilised by both locals and boaters visiting the area for the day.”This project is jointly funded by Central Coast Council and a $750,000 contribution from the NSW Government’s Boating Now Program.NSW Member of the Legislative Council Taylor Martin said the delivery of this upgrade through the Boating Now Program was a great example of how different levels of government can proactively work together.“Since starting the Boating Now Program back in 2014, we have been able to commit funding to more than 250 boating projects across 50 local government areas in NSW,” Mr Martin said.“There are an additional two Boating Now projects under way in the Gosford electorate, which have been made possible with $1.42 million Boating Now funding.

Residents will have the opportunity to talk to their local Ward Councillors about what matters to them and their suburb as Central Coast Council kicks off a series of Councillor Listening Posts across the coast this September.Councillor Listening Posts will visit each of the five Wards across the Central Coast between September and December this year and provide the community with one on one access to Councillors that represent their local area.Mayor Jane Smith said Councillors wanted the opportunity to engage directly with their community on local issues and get a better understanding of the things that matter in suburbs and local neighbourhoods.“Councillors want to understand first-hand community concerns so they can be addressed at the local level,” said Mayor Smith.“Councillor Listening Posts will be held on weekends at local shopping centres or community events in each Ward, to reach as many members of the community as possible.”The first Councillor Listening Post will be held at Lake Haven Shopping Centre in the Budgewoi Ward on Saturday 1 September from 10am til 12pm.Councillor Listening Posts will be held in Gosford East Ward on 15 September, Gosford West Ward on 20 October, The Entrance Ward on 18 November and Wyong Ward on 1 December.“I encourage the community to drop by a Councillor Listening Post near them and engage with their Councillors on the issues that matter to them,” Mayor Smith said.For more information on Councillor Listening Posts visit www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/listeningposts

Last week marked the 70 year anniversary since both Woy Woy and Gosford Library branches first opened their doors to help meet the needs of a rapidly growing community.Council Local History Librarian, Geoffrey Potter, explained the creation of the Library Service was among the first major decisions made by the then newly instituted Gosford Shire Council, which officially began operating on 1 January 1947.“Our Library Service commenced operation on 13 August 1948 at Woy Woy, and 16 August 1948 at Gosford in the former Council Chambers of the Woy Woy and Erina Shires, respectively,” Mr Potter said.“Miss Phyllis Bennett, a well-respected educator and library board member was card holder Number 1, and she was always very proud of this fact.“At the time of opening, the Library collection was small but reflected the agricultural production interests of local farmer’s and subjects such as citrus-orcharding and vegetable-growing.“After four months of operation there were 5,000 items and 3,000 borrowers registered.“By the time the first purpose-built Gosford Library was opened in Mann Street in December 1951, there were 8,000 borrowers, which represented 40 per cent of the district population, and the Library collection was equally divided between fiction, non-fiction and children’s books.”Council’s Library Service has come a long way since its humble beginnings, now with 11 branches, two community branches and a Bookmobile helping to service residents of the Central Coast.“We now have over 112,000 members and boast one of the largest catalogues in the state with around 315,000 items, including books, DVDs, magazines, audiobooks, large print books, graphic novels, CDs,” Geoff added.Last financial year saw more than one million people visit one of Council’s library branches and over 1.5 million loans from the physical and online collections.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said Council’s Library Service is as relevant today as it was back then and has evolved to meet the needs of residents.“We have grown to become so much more than books,” Mrs Burgess said.“Libraries are constantly adapting to meet the changing expectations of our community, while simultaneously enhancing education, learning and recreational needs.“From storytime sessions to family history, knitting clubs to gaming meets, we offer something for all ages and interests.“In this day and age we also understand the need to be available 24/7, so many of our key services are available online giving people the freedom to access them, anywhere, anytime - this includes eBooks, eMagazines, research databases, music and film streaming, language tools, online homework help services and much, much more.“Our Gosford branch has served us well, though, like many of our branches, we are constrained by the building’s size and capabilities to continue changing to meet our community’s expectations.“The proposed multi-use Regional Library will ensure we can meet the contemporary and the future needs of our increasing population and provide an active and welcoming social space for people to meet, collaborate, research and exchange ideas.“Libraries have always been at the heart of creating liveable and connected cities through lifelong learning and that is definitely what we want to see continue, to help our region prosper.”The designs and cost estimate for both the Regional Library and Regional Performing Arts Conference Centre will go back to Council at the 28 August Ordinary Meeting.Those who work, live and study on the Central Coast can sign up for free at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/jointhelibrary and take advantage of the great range of resources and services on offer.ENDSPhotos can be found at flickr.com/photos/gostalgia/6514407849/in/album-72157628436707621/

Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith has welcomed the collaboration between Council and Transport for NSW which will see 49 mature trees retained at Kangy Angy around the proposed new access road to Orchard Road.Local residents have been calling for a change to the plans to save the trees and this has been achieved with a reclassification and redesign of the new access road to Orchard Road.

Central Coast Council has a Risk Management Plan (Plan) in place as well as trained staff working with experts to remove asbestos containing material at Wamberal and Terrigal beaches.

Central Coast Council is undertaking a floodplain risk management study around Lake Munmorah and Budgewoi Lake along with the suburbs of Wyongah, Kanwal, Toukley, Noraville, Norah Head and Canton Beach.The study, supported by the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program, will identify flash flooding ‘trouble spots’ and assess what measures are required to reduce the risk of flooding during significant storm events.Council Acting Director – Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff, said Council was seeking the community’s help to collect information on past flooding experiences and local flood knowledge.“Council is undertaking flood studies across all areas that have been identified as a priority and this study will focus on stormwater that overwhelms the drainage network causing flash flooding,” Mr Bolgoff said.“A paper survey will be sent to residences in the identified areas which we encourage residents to complete and return, or may be submitted online via www.yourvoiceourcoast.com.“Photos or videos of flooding events would also be of tremendous value and can be submitted by post or online.”The study survey is now open and will close on Friday 14 September 2018.

First Climate Change Policy for the Coast to build community resilience and zero emissions by 2050A draft Climate Change Policy aiming for zero emissions by 2050 has been developed by Council and will be exhibited for community feedback.Read separate media release in full hereCouncil to investigate community survey and election poll on continuation of amalgamationCouncil tonight formally acknowledged the worthy efforts of staff in amalgamating the former Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council and called for community input in the future of Central Coast Council.Council staff and the CEO will now bring forward a number of reports for Council consideration including:community questionnaires and surveys conducted by the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils prior to amalgamationrealistic estimate of the costs involved in amalgamating the two Councils and timeline for completionprogress on various aspects of amalgamationconducting a community survey to assess current community views of the amalgamationestimate of cost and process regarding a proposal for a poll to be held at an upcoming election (either Federal or State) to gauge community support or rejection of the continuation, or the reversal of, the amalgamation.Mayor Jane Smith said the community had strong views on the amalgamation process and how much it was costing - Council must listen to and be the voice of the community.“We need to understand the full cost of amalgamation and whether it is what the community really want so we can move forward in the best interests of the Central Coast.”“Community surveys were conducted pre-amalgamation by the former Councils but we have no real understanding about how the community are currently feeling about the amalgamation,” Mayor Smith said.“Staff have done an incredible job delivering services and infrastructure for our community and they should be commended.”Council recommends refusal of The Sporties, Woy Woy development applicationCouncil has endorsed a report by staff to the Hunter Central Coast Regional Joint Planning Panel (JRPP) recommending refusal of the application for development of a 63 bed integrated seniors living facility, new registered club and retail tenancies at The Sporties, Woy Woy valued at over $30 million.The report details 12 reasons the JRPP, as the consent authority, should refuse the application including failure by the applicant to meet basic statutory requirements under the Water Management Act 2000 and the proposed development contravenes clauses of the Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014 and State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability) 2004.

A draft Climate Change Policy aiming for zero emissions by 2050 has been developed by Council and will be exhibited for community feedback.This first consistent Policy for the Central Coast sets key actions on climate change as well as implements community initiatives for climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience.

Central Coast Council is calling on community groups and not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding for community projects which will directly benefit the suburbs of Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park.Up to $30,000 per project is available through the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program which is a joint initiative between Council and Lake Coal Pty Ltd.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the annual grants program was part of the consent conditions when Lake Coal’s project was approved in 2013.“This community funding program ensures the four suburbs closest to Lake Coal’s operations directly benefit from that economic activity,” Ms Vaughan said.“Local residents and organisations can apply for funding for projects which enhance and build the capacity of those communities.”Grant applications open on 14 August and close on 21 September 2018.Information sessions will be held on:Monday 13 August, 7pm Summerland Point HallTuesday 14 August, 7pm Chain Valley Bay Community CentreWednesday 29 August, 7pm, Mannering Park Community HallWednesday 12th September, 2pm-4.30pm, Wyong Civic Centre (drop-in).Funding guidelines and applications for the Chain Valley Colliery/Lake Coal Community Fund are available at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/grants.For further information, email community.grants@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or phone 4325 8940. ENDS View all Central Coast Council’s recent media releases at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.auTo keep up to date with Council’s breaking news like/follow our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Central Coast Council is inviting local farmers, businesses and event organisers to help make Harvest Festival 2019 the best yet by participating in its highly successful annual event.Over 16,000 people attended the event this year, a 60 percent increase on the year prior, boosting the local economy by $3.7 million.

To make Toukley Town Centre a more vibrant place to visit and spend time, Central Coast Council is looking to the local community for ideas and feedback on two different projects – the redesign of the Village Green and the reconfiguration of the Coles carpark.Mayor Jane Smith said that the successful delivery of these two projects will not only improve public spaces within the town centre, but it will also be a large step towards activating Toukley.“By relocating the existing amenity block from the Village Green to the Coles carpark, we will have a great new space that we can activate for our local residents and visitors.“As such, we would like to hear from the community about their ideas on what they want to see in this new Village Green space, so it will be a place designed by the community, for the community.“The second project is the reconfiguration of the Coles carpark, making it safer for pedestrians.

Central Coast Council was alerted to a burst water main at The Round Drive, Avoca Beach at approximately 6.20am on Wednesday 8 August.A Council team was sent to site immediately to repair the main, which was caused by the root system of an approximately 20 metre high gum tree directly above the main.Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said Council has a solution to minimise the risk of future water main breaks at Avoca Beach.“We have a plan in place for Avoca Beach and we will action this plan as soon as possible in light of recent breaks and associated property damage in the area,” said Mr Bolgoff.“Our plan for maintaining and improving the Central Coast’s water and sewer system includes a region-wide water mains renewal program that began in July this year and has been prioritised based areas that have experienced higher numbers of water main breaks in recent times.”Council has already completed replacement of 575 metres of pipeline along The Round Drive and had identified plans to replace a further 1600 metres of pipework which is currently planned to commence in October this year.The new pipework will be constructed in the roadway, which will preserve trees and minimise water supply disruptions to customers during construction.

Locals, visitors, families and lovers of Country music are making their way to the Central Coast for the annual, three-day Central Coast Council Country Music Festival which kicks off tomorrow evening and runs over the weekend.9,000 people attended the popular free Country Music Festival last year with even more Country music fans expected to gather and enjoy the 2018 event.Council Section Manager Place Activation, Ashlee Abbott, said a new movement of Country music performers inspired by today’s pop, rock and alternative genres have been brought together for the community to enjoy.“The Country Music Festival is a popular free event run by Council which brings people together to celebrate contemporary Country music.” Ms Abbott said.“A massive line-up of quality Country Australian performers will take to the main stage on Sunday, 12 August including Adam Eckersley, Homegrown, Peter Denahy, Gretta Ziller, Andrew Swift and Brad Cox – 2018 Toyota Star Maker winner.“New this year, Festival goers will also get a sneak-peak of the talented artists who will be involved in Council’s free four-day pavement art event – ‘Chalk the Walk’ – to be held on 4-7 October 2018.“We believe events like this are important in bringing our community together and in supporting local people and local businesses and I invite the community to join us for this great family weekend of free entertainment.”On Friday, 10 August and Saturday, 11 August local venues will feature live entertainment in their establishments including a mix of known and up-and-coming performers such as Chelsea Berman, Whiskey River, Red Dirt Band, Roadhouse, Keep It Country Trio, Peter Stefanson, Neilly Rich and Redneck Gentlemen.Also on Saturday, talented buskers will bring the streets to life with Country music as Festival goers check out The Entrance Markets, food stalls, rides and activities.Don't miss a great family weekend of free entertainment!

Central Coast Council will be holding a special memorial service on the eve of Father’s Day at Noraville Cemetery and Memorial Gardens to honour dads who have passed on.Father's Day is a day to recognise and thank our fathers and grandfathers for the innumerable contributions they have made to our lives – the advice, dad jokes, stories, encouragement and love.Mayor Jane Smith, who will be attending the memorial service, said that for those whose fathers have passed away, Father’s Day can be a day of mixed emotions.“All over the Central Coast, families will come together to celebrate Father’s Day, and pay tribute to the men in their lives.

Central Coast Council was alerted to a burst water main at The Round Drive, Avoca Beach at approximately 6.20am on Wednesday 8 August.As this was a large main, a sudden release of water impacted three properties on The Round Drive.There has been some water damage across the three properties including to the ground floor of property one, the garage of property two and the garden of property three.