Central Coast Council has kicked off the new financial year with a median Development Application (DA) turn-around time of 38 days and a significant reduction in the number of DAs under assessment.At the time of amalgamation, the number of DAs under assessment was 810 - it now sits at 496.Council Group Leader of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, said with new DAs being lodged all the time, new initiatives were put in place to improve assessment times and has resulted in this significant improvement in turn-around times.“We want to give the community and the development industry assurance that DAs will be determined as quickly and consistently as possible and we have achieved that,” Mr Cox said.“Council have also just adopted a single housing Development Control Plan (DCP) for the entire Central Coast which will further assist to expedite processing times and simplify the DA experience for our residents.“The Premier has set a benchmark of 40 days for determination of housing DAs and we are ahead of the game at 38 days.“This is a credit to our staff who have used their new delegations to turn DAs around faster, significantly reducing our backlog without compromising on quality, and in consideration of appropriate community feedback.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Central Coast was a growing region and with a predicted increase in the population of over 70,000 in the coming 20 years.“Promoting sustainable and quality housing development is the key.

Coasties are encouraged to pre-register their interest in a seller site for the 2017 Garage Sale Trail, the biggest reuse, recycle and environmentally sustainable Garage Sale in Australia.

Central Coast Council will hold an Extraordinary Meeting on Monday 7 August to determine a number of matters including approving further fees and charges for this Financial year and the determination of a tender for waste management services from 1 February 2018.The meeting will be held at 5pm at the Wyong Chambers in Hely Street.Council’s current waste contract finishes in January 2018 and a new tender must be awarded to ensure this essential service to the community can continue.Other matters to be discussed include:Approval of additional 2017-18 Fees and ChargesApproval of 2016-17 Capital Projects to be continued in 2017-18Proposed waiver of certain feesProposed purchase and installation of replacement visual screen for Gosford StadiumConsideration of Fire and Safety Inspection Reports received from Fire & Rescue NSW in respect of various properties.Council papers are available on Council’s website at centralcoast.nsw.gov.auThe meeting will be open to the public and can also be viewed live on Council’s YouTube Channel.

The NSW Electoral Commission has announced that nominations for candidates seeking to be elected to the Central Coast Council are now open.

Central Coast Council has fined the driver and company responsible for the dumping of 70 tonnes of illegal waste on Sparks Road, Warnervale.The incident, investigated on behalf of Council by the Hunter/Central Coast Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squad resulted in fines and recovery of clean-up costs of $36,000 for the illegally dumped building and demolition waste that originated from a Sydney skip bin company.Council Group Leader, Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox said this was a great outcome for Council and the community and re-enforced the important role of the RID Squad in identifying and investigating instances of illegal dumping."Illegal dumping is a crime and Council is proactively seeking out illegal dumpers and taking the appropriate action to fine or prosecute them where required,” Mr Cox said.“In this instance, the outcome is a result of community reporting combined with over six months of intensive investigation involving interviews and evidence gathering to identify the key perpetrators.“Council was able to identify and fine an interstate waste disposal company and the driver involved issuing $12,000 in fines and recovering $24,000 in clean-up costs.

Central Coast Council has adopted a new community grants and sponsorship funding program for the Coast, giving the community more opportunities to apply for funding to support their community projects, events, programs and initiatives.Council has aligned its former Gosford and Wyong sponsorship and community grants policies to create programs that will enable Council to better support and build capacity in the Central Coast community.Council Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the amalgamation of the two Councils provided a unique opportunity to transform the former programs into a regional suite of community grant funding and sponsorship opportunities to meet the needs of the entire community.“Following an extensive review of the former programs, we now have a community grant and sponsorship program with a clear direction and framework to meet the community’s changing demands,” Ms Vaughan said.“We want to hear all ideas no matter how big or small, as we want to see programs that are dynamic, responsive and targeted to support and grow local community development, sporting, environmental, tourism and economic development initiatives.“We have created five new categories for our community grants, and some of the previous programs have been absorbed into the new ones making it easier to apply.“It may seem like there are big changes and that’s why we are holding a number of information sessions across the Coast to help groups better understand each category and how to apply to make a project happen.”There’s more than $1.4 million in funding available this financial year across the community grants and sponsorship program, including:Community Partnership GrantsCommunity Development GrantsPlace Activation GrantsCommunity Support GrantsHeritage GrantsAwarding Sponsorship Program.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Central Coast is the only Council in the state that is also its own region, so the new program is a great opportunity to get that big idea off the ground.“With more than $1.4 million up for grabs, as well as the Stronger Communities Fund from the State Government, there’s never been a better time to help improve the lifestyle on the Coast and put it on the map,” Mr Reynolds said.“This is a chance to think outside the square to deliver unique, big picture project or events to the Coast that really make a difference.“Together we can make the Central Coast the very best place it can be.”Council information sessions on the new community grants and sponsorship funding program will be held on:Tuesday 8 August, 5.30-7.30pm - Central Coast Council Office, WyongThursday 10 August, 1.30-3.30pm - Gosford Smart Work HubThursday 17 August, 1.30-3.30pm - Central Coast Council Office, WyongThursday 17 August, 5.30-7.30pm - Erina CentreThursday 24 August, 1.30-3.30pm - Woy Woy LibraryFriday 1 September, 1-3pm - The Entrance Community CentreFriday 8 September, 1-3pm - Kincumber LibraryFriday 15 September, 1-3pm – Blue Haven Community CentreTo find out more, please visit our Community Grants and Sponsorship Programs page.

The former Wyong Shire Council and Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd (ACTP) entered into two contracts for the sale of two lots of land in Warnervale to ACTP in February 2016.Central Coast Council acquired the rights and obligations of the former Wyong Shire Council under those two contracts as a consequence of the 12 May 2016 proclamation that merged the former Wyong Shire and Gosford City Councils.The terms of those two contracts remain confidential.

The Central Coast’s Surf Life Saving Clubs will receive $201,000 annually as part of a three year sponsorship funding agreement with Central Coast Council to help continue their vital beach safety work.Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) and Central Coast Council are embarking on a newly developed funding program which will allow for the development and growth of Surf Life Saving on the Central Coast and continue to support the 15 surf clubs based in the region.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the surf clubs provide a vital service to the community and this support from Council would allow them to continue beach safety patrols and educational programs to the Coasts many residents and visitors.“There is no doubt that Surf Life Saving Central Coast volunteers make an invaluable contribution to our community,” Mr Reynolds said.“Last summer season, our volunteer lifesavers saved over 1,160 lives;

Destination Management Plan will put the Central Coast on the mapThe Central Coast will become the natural choice for leisure, business and major events in Regional NSW in a new plan developed by Central Coast Council.Council at its meeting tonight adopted the draft Central Coast Destination Management Plan for public exhibition.

Council and Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd (“ACTP”) were parties to two contracts for the sale of two lots of land in Warnervale to ACTP.On 19 July 2017 Council terminated those contracts, and pursuant to provisions in those contracts, retained the deposits paid to Council by ACTP under those contracts.Any other potential sale or uses of the land will be a decision of the future elected Council.

Work on the construction of an additional level at the Wilson Road Carpark is nearing completion, with the project to provide the Terrigal CBD with 110 extra parking spaces.The $2.3 million project also includes the installation of a lift within the carpark, CCTV and the provision of additional disabled spaces on each floor – enhancing the facility’s overall accessibility.The upgrade is scheduled to be completed by Tuesday 15 August, with a staged re-opening to commence from Thursday 27 July – subject to weather conditions.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said that an efficient program of works had assisted the successful completion of this major infrastructure upgrade.“Despite the impacts of some inclement weather during the construction period, we have worked closely with our contractor to ensure the efficient completion of this project,” said Mr Reynolds.“We’re continuing to invest in Terrigal as one of the state’s premier tourist destinations and infrastructure improvements such as this redevelopment will go a long way to supporting the ongoing growth of the area.“The addition of these 110 car spaces has been carried out in conjunction with upgrade works on the Scenic Highway – improving the overall connectivity and access to the town centre,” said Mr Reynolds.Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said that the upgrade of the Wilson Road Carpark was part of wider investment into the Terrigal region.“This is an exciting time for Terrigal as it continues to grow in popularity, with significant investment in and around the area,” said Mr Dowling.“We’re continuing to work on catering for the needs of the region to complement this growth and have plans to invest almost $2.2 million through improvements to the area’s pedestrian and traffic flow – thanks to the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.“Council will also be revitalising the Terrigal Lagoon Foreshore, with $825,000 invested into the redevelopment of the play space in the Rotary Park as well as the proposed construction of a skate park.”“I would like to again extend my sincere thanks to the Terrigal community for their patience and understanding during the upgrade of the Wilson Road Carpark.”Staged re-opening commences:

The next Central Coast Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 26 July 2017 in the Wyong Chambers at 2 Hely Street.The July meeting was originally scheduled to be held in the Gosford Chambers but as renovations are currently underway to accommodate new Councillors from September, this venue is unavailable.Council apologises for any inconvenience and reminds residents all Council meetings are live streamed and can be viewed live via Council’s YouTube channel.

Two new major exhibitions are open at Gosford Regional Gallery, showcasing innovative and versatile ways to display and use glass, granite, marble and stainless steel materials.GLASS:

Central Coast Council will be running information sessions on grant funding for community organisations to deliver projects in the Coast’s northern suburbs.Chain Valley Bay Colliery Community Funding is a joint initiative between Lake Coal Pty Ltd and Council for not-for-profit organisations to improve community infrastructure and services in the suburbs of Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park.In the 2017 funding round, groups can apply for up to $30,000 for a community project.Two information sessions will be held next week giving organisations an overview on the funding options available and how they can apply.Monday 31 July, 1-3pmChain Valley Bay Community HallThursday 3 August, 5.30-7.30pmMannering Park Community HallThe first round of applications will open in August.

Central Coast Council welcomes today’s announcement by the NSW Government to base the new Tourism Destination Network office in Gosford.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said it was an exciting time for tourism on the Central Coast with more changes happening now than have happened in the last twenty years.“Combined with Council’s increased investment in tourism marketing and industry services, the recent appointment of new providers to deliver this, a new Destination Management Plan and the advent of a new marketing approach to implement it – we are working towards delivering more for the region,” Mr Reynolds said.Destination New South Wales set up a new regional tourism network structure in 2016, creating six destination networks to focus on increased visitor growth opportunity.  The Central Coast is part of the Sydney Surrounds North region including Blue Mountains, Hunter, Hawkesbury, Penrith and Lake Macquarie.Council Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said that the location of the new State tourism office on the Central Coast was a significant acknowledgement of the region’s tourism value and positioning as a visitor destination in New South Wales.“Tourism is a major industry on the Central Coast employing over 12,500 people and generating over $900 million a year for the regional economy,” Ms Vaughan said.“The passion and commitment of the Coast’s tourism industry is great.

Central Coast Council launched its Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) today at The Erina Centre - a Plan that will help create an inclusive and accessible community for everyone on the Coast.The Plan was developed in conjunction with staff, residents, local organisations and an external Disability Inclusion Reference Group.

Council crews have been busy finalising road and drainage upgrade works at Jilliby, Gwandalan and Gorokan as major infrastructure upgrades continue across the northern suburbs of the Central Coast.Stabilising, sealing and asphalting works were recently completed on a one kilometre section of Dicksons Road, Jilliby, as part of a systematic renewal program for the road.A section of Kanangra Drive, Gwandalan — from Summerland Road to Parraweena Road — also underwent asphalt renewal valued at $250,000.Drainage upgrades at Coorabin St, Gorokan, are almost complete with the installation of a new drainage line and street drainage complemented by road renewal works and kerb and guttering — an overall investment of more than $750,000.Crews will now focus their attention on upgrade works at Gascoigne Rd, Gorokan, with the installation of a new drainage system in addition to road renewal and kerb and gutter works from Leichhardt Road to Kennedy Street.Collectively, these projects equate to a $1.9 million investment in roads across Jilliby, Gwandalan and Gorokan.Council’s Operational Plan for 2017/18 also delivers more than $70 million worth of roads, transport and drainage capital works.

Central Coast Council’s Indigenous health and education program for high school students will be presented at an international conference in Canada later this month.Council’s Indigenous Community Development Worker, Matt Sonter, will present Ngura (meaning place) at the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Toronto, Ontario, from 24-28 July.Known as one of the most prestigious Indigenous education events the world has to offer, WIPCE attracts highly-regarded Indigenous education experts, practitioners and scholars from across the globe to share successes and strategies for culturally-grounded Indigenous education.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said this is an amazing feat for something that started as a program aimed at encouraging Indigenous students to develop a healthy lifestyle and live a fuller life.“The Ngura program is gaining a real sense of recognition on the Central Coast and internationally,” Ms Vaughan said.“Each year the program continues to grow in our local schools and you can see the benefits from the students attending, as well as growing recognition in the wider community.“The awesome performances by students in the dance residency program at the NAIDOC Week celebrations are another great example of how Council is working with students to reconnect with their culture.“The community were blown away by the standard of dancing from the students, but more so the pride they showed while performing.“Ngura focuses on more than the students.

Central Coast Council is calling on budding authors to be discovered and have their creative efforts recognised as the annual Short Story Competition kicks off today.The competition is one of the most anticipated library events on the calendar and last year attracted over 220 entries.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the competition offered an incredible opportunity for local writers of any age to have their creative efforts recognised and published.“Everyone has a story in them and this is your opportunity to get it out and share it with the community,” said Mr Reynolds.“Whether it be a happy or sad story, a real life event or fake news, it’s time for all aspiring authors on the Coast to let your imagination and creativity run wild and get writing.”Entries for the 2017 Short Story Competition will be accepted from Monday 10 July until 5pm Friday 31 August.Stories can be up to 1500 words and there will be four categories;

Central Coast Council has welcomed the release of Infrastructure Australia’s Corridor Protection report today which looks at the issue of preserving land for the high speed rail corridor between Melbourne and Brisbane.Council will study the report closely to assess any ramifications for planning on the Coast.The report is timely given Council is already working closely with the Coordinator-General for the Central Coast, Ms Lee Shearer on an infrastructure plan for the Central Coast.