Central Coast Council has welcomed the State Government’s commitment today to urgently dredge the Ettalong Channel.Council called for this commitment at its last Council meeting and agreed to apply for funding under the ‘Rescuing Our Waterways’ program.  Mayor Jane Smith said she was pleased the State Government accepted responsibility to keep the Channel open and the announcement of emergency dredging was welcome news for the community.“The State Government has always had the means and the funding to be able to keep the Channel open and it is pleasing to see the Government now fulfil its responsibilities,” Mayor Smith said.

With the aim to drive more visitors to the region, AFFINITY, in partnership with the tourism industry and Central Coast Council, have officially launched the new-look website for the Central Coast destination – visitcentralcoast.com.au.As tourism is a key economic and employment generator for the Central Coast, Council has increased its investment in tourism to ensure more visitors know about the sundrenched coastline, spectacular forests, internationally acclaimed food and wines and the amazing range of services and resorts the Central Coast has to offer.Council Director Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Council wants to drive more visitors to the Central Coast and visitcentralcoast.com.au is a great digital asset to help deliver that.“With 88% of all Australians owning a smart phone*, a mobile ready destination website can effectively become a more practical and digital alternative to a traditional visitor guide,” Ms Vaughan said.“Visitcentralcoast.com.au does this by offering more information in a highly engaging, dynamic and usable form, ensuring visitors to the Central Coast have the ability to easily access destination based information which will encourage their dispersal throughout the region.”Mayor Jane Smith said that the vision for the Central Coast is to be the natural choice for leisure, business and special events in regional NSW.“We’re making sure everyone knows that the Central Coast is the ideal destination – be it a long weekend trip, a relaxing holiday or even a picturesque sea change,” says Mayor Smith.“This great new platform showcases all the adventures that the Central Coast has to offer including our beautiful beaches, exciting activities, natural environment and gourmet delights.”In order to ensure potential visitors to the Central Coast have a positive perception of the destination, visitcentralcoast.com.au provides local tourism businesses with the opportunity to list their offerings on this centralised destination website.

Expressions of Interests are now open for interested community members to sit on the Pedestrian Access and Mobility Advisory Committee (PAMAC);

Council calls on State Government to urgently dredge Ettalong ChannelCouncil agreed to apply for State Government funding to contribute to the cost of dredging the Ettalong Channel and called for the State Government to provide emergency funding in the short term.Mayor Jane Smith said the decision on dredging Ettalong Channel provides a clear path forward but requires the State Government to take action now.“We have agreed to apply to the State Government for Rescue Our Waterways funding,” said Mayor Smith.“It is clear that this funding will not be available for several months and that it will not cover even 50 percent of the cost of dredging Ettalong Channel.“In light of this, we are calling on the State Government to provide emergency funding in the short term to ensure Ettalong Channel remains open.“The State Government has dredged Ettalong Channel twice in the past, they have the equipment and funding to take immediate action and we calling on them to do this.“Today’s decision provides a way clear way forward for the Ettalong community, Council and the State Government.“To develop a long-term solution, we will create a working party of stakeholders to look at maintenance dredging, technical issues, environmental implications, community impacts and funding.”Council has agreed that any dredged sand be used to replenish works on adjacent beaches.Council’s community focused budget delivers $761M for the Central CoastThe 2018-19 Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan including the budget (Plan) and draft Resourcing Strategy are among a suite of documents Central Coast Council has placed on exhibition for public comment.Read separate media release in full hereProposed Wamberal Child Care Centre refused by CouncilCouncil has refused to approve a development application for a proposed child care centre at 612 The Entrance Road, Wamberal.The development application was initially considered at a Council meeting on 18 December 2017, when Council resolved to seek additional information on a number of issues including previous traffic calming measures for Old Gosford Road and control plans relating to entry and exit driveways.

Central Coast Council contractors will start surveying the Terrigal boardwalk area from Tuesday 15 May as investigations get underway on a proposed Boardwalk to connect Terrigal Haven and The Esplanade.

The 2018-19 Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan including the budget (Plan) and draft Resourcing Strategy are among a suite of documents Central Coast Council has placed on exhibition for public comment.Council’s Plan will deliver $561.5M in essential services and $199.8M in capital works in the priority areas, outlined in the first Community Strategic Plan (CSP) for the Central Coast – the road network;

Central Coast Council has begun building a $1.05M boardwalk in Springfield that will provide an essential link between the residential neighbourhood and the local community school.‘Chertsey Boardwalk’ will traverse Springfield Road Reserve with a three metre-wide, 80 metre-long raised walkway over the wetland, connecting Balfour Close with Willow Road.The project is jointly funded by a $679K contribution from Council and $375K from the Federal Government through its Improving Your Local Park and Environment program.The boardwalk is positioned within an identified reserve area which is prone to flooding during storm events.Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling said that Council has invested in an engineered design with considered materials.“Our priority is to build sustainable infrastructure to increase the quality of life for local communities now and into the future”, Mr Dowling said.“The walkway will be constructed of a strong and durable composite fibre, ensuring that this is a long-term structure that will continue to allow safer passage for many years to come.

In order to allow for installation of new mobile shelving, the main library floor in the rear of Woy Woy Library will be inaccessible this Thursday 17 and Friday 18 May.The new shelving has been organised in conjunction with the new Spike Milligan Exhibition Space to provide more active and flexible community spaces for the community.Over the two days there will be very limited access to popular collections and limited 15 minute print facilities.

Central Coast Council has reaffirmed that it is willing assist the State Government to dredge the Ettalong Channel as long as it covers the full cost.Council is seeking to help the community better understand its position, through an education campaign including an online survey.Council has received three legal opinions about this issue and it is clear that the NSW government is responsible for the dredging of the channel for navigation purposes.

Construction is now underway at Central Coast Stadium to deliver two additional change rooms for the accommodation of multiple teams in time for the start of the 2018 A League season.Central Coast Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said that the delivery of these change rooms is another step Council is taking to continuously improve this important Central Coast asset.“The construction of these change rooms forms part of the Stadium’s long term strategy to provide ongoing improvements to the Stadium – something that is key to the longevity of the Stadium,” Mr Dowling said.“In addition to providing hirers with more facilities for use, these extra change rooms will improve both the appeal and functionality of the Stadium to a wider section of the community and in turn prove our reputation as a leading sporting, entertainment and recreational venue.”Mayor Jane Smith says that continuing to invest in upgrades to the Stadium is a key component to bringing in key events and tourism opportunities to boost the economy of the Central Coast.“Central Coast Stadium is an iconic asset for the Central Coast region and it is a priority for Council to continue to manage this asset as a quality venue for our community,” Mayor Smith said.“We would like to see more world-class sporting events on the Coast that grow interest in sport on the Coast.

Central Coast Council Lifeguard, James Koch, dominated at this year’s Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association’s (APOLA) Conference at Coffs Harbour on Friday 4 May.The Conference, held at Park Beach, saw James take out first place in the Lifeguard Carnival surf race, board race and lifeguard mission, a great achievement to see out the end of the beach patrol season.Mayor Jane Smith was pleased with James’ efforts and congratulated him on a well-deserved win.“We always knew our Lifeguards were the best in the business and James’ success across all events has confirmed this,” Mayor Smith said.“I would like to congratulate James on his win and the entire Beach Safety team for another great season.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Conference, attended by a number of coastal councils across New South Wales and Gold Coast City Lifeguards, focused on beach water safety programs and the role of knowledgeable bystanders and highlighted the importance of educating the public to look out for one another.“Keeping our community safe on local beaches is a top priority and a vital tool in doing this is educating all beachgoers about how to look out for one another when in and around the surf,” Mayor Smith said.“Having the knowledge to be able to identify rips and how to react in an emergency situation is a crucial step in minimising beach incidents, especially now the beach patrol season has finished.”Central Coast Council beach patrol season came to an official close on Monday 30 April with the past summer season seeing over three million people visit the Coast’s patrolled beaches.

Central Coast Council has appointed Mr Gary Murphy as the new permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO).New CEO Gary Murphy will commence his five year contract on Monday 2 July 2018.Mr Murphy has been a successful Chief Executive of local government organisations since 2003;

Central Coast Council will be holding a special memorial service next week, at Wamberal Cemetery, to honour mums who have passed on.Mother's Day is a day to recognise and thank our mothers for the innumerable contributions they have made to our lives.Mayor Jane Smith, who will be attending this memorial service, said that for some whose mothers have passed away, Mother’s Day can be a day of mixed emotions.“All over the Central Coast, families will come together to celebrate Mother’s Day, and pay tribute to the women in their lives.

Council is aware of community concerns in relation to the premises at 424 Mann Street, North Gosford.  Council is currently investigating these concerns and it is not appropriate for Council to comment on an ongoing compliance investigation.

This week, Central Coast Council kicked off $2,807,000 of important coastal foreshore and rehabilitation works at the southern end of Avoca Beach.  The works, funded by the NSW State Government as part of the Stronger Communities Fund, will improve the infrastructure and amenity of the area as well as to deliver important coastal protection and rehabilitation works to stabilise the foreshore.Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, said that the upgrades will provide the community and visitors with a safer and more accessible foreshore area.“The first stage of works will deliver a more substantial rock wall next to the rock pool to stabilise the foreshore,” Mr Dowling said.“It will also see a relocation of the drainage outlet to the eastern end of the rock pool and renew the existing walkway between the surf club and eastern rock shelf incorporating initial landscaping.”“The second stage, scheduled to commence in April 2019, will further improve the area by rebuilding the small rock wall, adding a new larger ramp near the surf club, upgrading the beachfront walkway and providing additional landscaping.” Mayor Jane Smith said the project was an example of Council working together with the NSW State Government to deliver projects the community want and need.“The need for these works was identified in the Masterplan for Avoca Beach in 2012,” Mayor Smith said.“Since then, Council has consulted with the community about what they wanted to see at the foreshore and Hunter Park and I am really pleased to see community priorities, such as shade structures, shower and wash down areas, sitting steps and open grass spaces incorporated into the planned works.“Council staff also held a pre-construction Information Session attended by over 60 locals in early April where our Project Managers presented plans and discussed construction expectations with the community.

Central Coast Library Service is creating a stress free HSC for students by offering a number of FREE events to help calm nerves, and maximise potential and results during this critical time.The free events are open to senior students from years 10 through to 12 and will be led by a series of experts to equip students with the tools they need to succeed.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, said these events are a fantastic opportunity for students to get hints and tips from professionals without the cost.“We understand that the senior years of school are an important and often stressful time for many students and we are pleased to offer this special series of events for our community.” Mrs Burgess said.“The initiative is part of the Library’s investment to assist with meeting educational needs across the Coast and we encourage all year 10, 11 and 12 students to take advantage of these excellent learning opportunities.”Max your HSC marks – how to bounce back from the half yearly exams will kick-off the series this afternoon with Rowan Kunz, author of the book Secrets of HSC Success Revealed and founder of Art of Smart Education tutoring service, providing students with a toolkit of techniques to increase the efficiency of their study, improve their time-management skills and reduce stress.Award-winning author, Felicity Pulman, will also be running a creative writing workshop How to make good stories even better which will help participants generate ideas, flesh out characters and scenes, and address the basics behind every page-turning story.“According to the NSW Education Standards Authority, the Central Coast was one of the top 10 largest regions for HSC enrolments last year so programs like these are important.” Mrs Burgess added.“We remain committed to providing learning and development opportunities for students on the Coast and encourage them and their parents to take note of the free events and book now.”Events will be held in the Tuggerah, Toukley and Erina libraries.1 May              Max your HSC marks8 May              How to make good stories even better19 May            Activated HSC workshop - The Tempest24 May            Understanding PIPs and Society and Culture2 June             A Parent’s Guide to the HSC:

Council Staff Pop Ups coming to a shopping centre near youCouncil is holding a series of Pop Up Stalls at shopping centres across the Central Coast from May until December 2018 where the community will have a chance to talk one on one to Council’s Executive Leadership Team and Senior Managers.The Pop Ups were established in 2016 as part of Council’s Engagement program and proved as an effective and popular way of engaging with our community.Each monthly Pop Up sessions will provide a means of connecting the community to Council decision makers including the Executive Leadership Team and Senior Managers and will give residents the chance to ask questions, raise concerns and share what matters most to them.Consistent conversations with our community are one of the most important activities we undertake in Local Government.

Central Coast Council is asking for public comment on the first strategy to manage flying-foxes on the Central Coast.The Central Coast Flying-Fox Management Strategy, assisted by the New South Wales Government and supported by Local Government NSW, provides a framework for the management of all local flying-fox camps and their habitats.Council Director Assets, Infrastructure & Business, Mike Dowling, said the Strategy was developed in partnership with other regional councils to provide a consistent approach to flying-fox management.“Whilst the strategy has a local focus, our collaboration with Hunter Councils Environment Division acknowledges that flying-fox colonies extend beyond our region and confirms the commitment by Council to delivering a holistic and sustainable management approach,” Mr Dowling said.“Flying-foxes are key to the biodiversity of our region and play an important role as pollinators and seed dispersers for many of our native trees.“It is about ensuring the protection of these species with a strategy that proactively addresses the lack of understanding and potential conflicts in our urban areas.”The Strategy considers the four known active flying-fox roosting or ‘camp’ areas on the Central Coast - Watanobbi, Woy Woy, North Avoca and Wyoming - along with dormant historic or new camps which may become active in the future.Mayor Smith said that Council’s exhibition of the strategy will provide an opportunity for input from the community.“Community feedback is an important part of this process and we want the community to review the strategy and have your say,” Mayor Smith said.“Once the Strategy has been adopted, Council will be eligible to apply for funding to help manage issues that may arise from local flying fox populations.“Council will also undertake further education and engagement with the community as the Strategy is rolled out.”Details of the Central Coast Flying-fox Management Strategy and how to put in a submission can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.com.

Central Coast Council and NSW Police are working together to reduce speeding related crashes and fatalities in the region through a targeted education and enforcement campaign across May.Speeding is a factor in 23 per cent of crashes causing injury or ‘casualty crashes’ on the Central Coast, seven per cent higher than the NSW average.

Central Coast Council is working on its submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) review of water, sewerage and stormwater prices on the Central Coast.Council Director Assets and Infrastructure, Mike Dowling said the IPART pricing review would be the first for the merged Council and will set prices for customers from 1 July, 2019.“As Council is a designated Water Authority, prices for water, sewerage and stormwater services are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal,” Mr Dowling said.“IPART usually conduct a review of all of the water, sewerage and stormwater charges for our customers every four years and then set the prices for the next four year period.“Council is preparing a comprehensive pricing proposal for the current review.“Our community will have to a number of opportunities to input into our submission.