Council finances are on track for an end of year surplus this financial year, capital works are being rolled out and merger benefits are being realised according to two key reports presented at tonight’s Council meeting.A revised Capital Works program will deliver $197.5 million in key infrastructure projects this financial year while also achieving an operating surplus of $10.3 million, excluding capital income.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council is implementing a robust merger program which is transforming the organisation to better provide services that strengthen and support the Central Coast community.“Our priority is to build a solid foundation in preparation for the newly elected Council in September 2017 and I believe we are in great shape to achieve that,” Mr Reynolds said.“It is a huge task to bring two organisations together and it is a real testament to our staff who have had to pull systems and procedures together quickly while still maintaining essential service delivery to our community.“We have established new legislative and governance requirements so we can operate as a single Council, implemented a new brand, aligned customer service processes so that residents can do business with us at whichever office they want to.“As a unified Council we have hugely increased buying power which is already paying off – we have saved $750,000 a year by consolidating supplier contracts, $700,000 in insurance costs and by removing merchant fees at our Wyong office with an estimated saving of $240,000 for ratepayers.“These savings are just the tip of the iceberg – we have done our homework and modeled the expected benefits and costs of the merger and forecast a net benefit of around $70 million over a ten year period.“These savings can and will be put straight into better services and infrastructure for our growing community.”Council is also adjusting its budget to make an important investment into a new technology platform – a future mode of operation – to future proof the business and make it easier for residents to access information and services 24 hours a day.“This project is built off the back of us listening to our residents and taking action to ensure we can serve them to the best of our ability,” Mr Reynolds added.“Both former Councils had ageing technology systems that required a revamp so the merger has given us a great opportunity to get one great system in place to serve the whole Central Coast.“We expect to see significant financial benefits well into the future thanks to the creation of a united, effective and efficient organisation.”Council is undertaking initiatives to better engage with the community through the recently adopted Engagement Framework.  Regular face-to-face interactions at pop-up stalls at events and shopping centres, online engagement tools and information sessions have all started.Engagement for the first Central Coast Community Strategic Plan will start in March.

Central Coast Council has tonight announced the Parkside Building on Donnison Street in Gosford as the preferred location for a Regional Library and Learning Centre.Council considered a number of options and settled on the Parkside Building as the most appropriate location for the proposed state-of-the-art community and education space.Group Leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said that this decision reaffirmed Council’s commitment to a Regional Library in the Gosford CBD.“This is an important project for the Central Coast community and will be the focal point for library services across the region,” said Ms Vaughan.“The Parkside Building presents a perfect location, right in the centre of the Gosford CBD.“Staff will now begin designing detailed plans to redevelop the site into an engaging learning space that will effectively meet the needs of the community.“We will also work with the current tenants of the Parkside Building to ensure they are completely informed of the progress of this development and their future options.”Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that Council would be working to ensure that the new Regional Library and Learning Centre and its services meet the needs of the community.“We will be engaging with the community on the services they want from their Regional Library and how that can effectively complement our existing library services,” said Mr Reynolds.“This is an exciting development for the Gosford CBD and illustrates the importance of Kibble Park as the heart of development in the area.“We want to lead the way in revitalising Gosford and this project is a fantastic starting point.”Council will also liaise with the Federal Government and the Member for Robertson, Mrs Lucy Wicks, to confirm the $7million funding for this project promised from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s Community Grants Programme.

Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) and its 15 surf clubs will today receive $147,000 in funding from Central Coast Council as part of an annual commitment to help them continue their vital beach safety work.“Safety on our beaches is incredibly important as thousands of local residents and visitors enjoy the Central Coast’s beautiful beaches each year, which are a key part of our way of life,” said Ian Reynolds, Council Administrator.“This funding enables SLSCC’s volunteers to work closely with Council’s own Lifeguard service to improve safety and rescue standards across the Central Coast and keep our beaches safe,” Mr Reynolds said.“Last season, volunteer lifesavers saved over 1,162 lives, prevented nearly 21,388 people from getting into difficulty and contributed over 97,400 volunteer hours keeping the public safe at our beaches - and I would like to thank them for their efforts,” Mr Reynolds said.The clubs also run training and education programs at the beaches and in schools which reached over 29,600 Central Coast children last season.

Senior citizens across the coast will have the chance to take part in a range of events and activities as part of the NSW Seniors Festival running from Friday 3 to Sunday 12 March.From stand up paddle boarding to cupcake decorating and with over 80 events to choose from there is something for everyone.For 59 years, the NSW Seniors Festival has been the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere.

The NSW Seniors Festival is fast approaching and senior citizens across the Coast will have the chance to get involved in a range of events and activities from Friday 3 to Sunday 12 March.The festival provides local seniors with a great opportunity to make new friends or spend time with old ones, learn a new skill or try something new.It’s the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere and was previously known as NSW Seniors Week.

Merger benefits realised as Council builds a solid foundation for the Central Coast  Council finances are on track for an end of year surplus this financial year, capital works are being rolled out and merger benefits are being realised according to two key reports presented at tonight’s Council meeting.    See Separate Media ReleaseTen major projects receive slice of $9 million funding pieTen major projects to improve community services and facilities on the Central Coast have been given a slice of $9 million in funding through the NSW State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund, following the establishment of Central Coast Council.See Separate Media ReleaseMerger delivers one library service for the Central Coast Residents will soon be able to access all twelve Council libraries using one card.In the new financial year all 70,000 members will be moved to the one Library Management System – Libero – residents can check the catalogue, borrow, reserve and return at all libraries across the Coast.All Library fees have been reviewed and will be aligned across the libraries when the new system is in place.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this was a definite advantage of the merger as previously Coast residents could only access either five northern or six southern branches and now they will be able to access all eleven plus 2 community libraries in Gwandalan and Mooney Mooney.“Currently there are two systems in place – you need two cards to access the services which is a hassle and inconvenient and fees are different as well,” Mr Reynolds said.“Not anymore, in a few months either card will work at any library and new Central Coast Council cards will enable access to thousands of great resources and services anywhere on the Coast.“There will be no more barriers and learning opportunities will be opened up right across the Coast.”Australian owned and designed Libero Library Management System is already used in libraries in the former Gosford City Local Government Area.

Central Coast Council will celebrate the start of the $23.71 million regional sporting complex located on Lake Road, Tuggerah on Wednesday 22 February at 9am.The Tuggerah Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex is in a prime position to attract regional, state and even national events with Tuggerah train station and the M1 motorway close by providing direct links to Sydney and Newcastle.The first stage will consist of nine playing fields, including a premier field, public amenities such as change rooms, canteen, toilets and store rooms.

The results of a recent report for five beach swimming areas – Terrigal Lagoon, Copacabana Beach, Pearl Beach Bath, Ocean Beach and Lighthouse Beach - have improved as a result of Central Coast Council’s management.Council manages and tests 44 swimming sites across the region, including beaches, lagoons, lakes and baths, in collaboration with the Office of Environment and Heritage.Of all the sites, 28 returned very good or good water quality ratings.Council’s Group Leader, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said Council was committed to the ongoing management of beaches and other swimming spots around the Coast.“It’s pleasing the BeachWatch report verified that our management of water areas is leading to cleaner beaches,” Mr Dowling said.“Council does a lot to manage community beaches and swimming spots – we installed gross pollutant traps at a number of key locations, bins at popular dog walking areas to stop pollutants entering our waterways, as well as crews who clean Macmasters Beach and Pearl Beach Rockpool four times a year.”Some of the works that led to the reported improvements include an investment of some $30 million on improving major sewerage transfer systems that service Forresters Beach, Terrigal, Avoca, North Avoca and Kincumber.Council plans to invest a further $36 million on improving the sewerage system, sewage pumping stations and sewage treatment plants throughout the former Gosford Local Government Area.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this was great news for the community and tourism on the Coast, but there was still a number of projects to be completed.“We know how much the community loves our beautiful coast beaches and it is important our residents and visitors can swim in the water with confidence,” Mr Reynolds said.The Office of Environment and Heritage produces BeachWatch reports annually, using data and risks ratings provided by Council.

Laycock Street Community Theatre is encouraging audiences to hold their noses, when David Walliams’ award-winning book Mr Stink comes to life this February as part of a national tour, following its 2016 Sydney Opera House premiere.Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Laycock is looking forward to welcoming this charming and original Australian adaptation to its stage.“It promises to be a real crowd pleaser for children aged 6 to 12, and we’re sure that adults in the audience are going to have equally as much fun with this heart-warming and comical production,” Ms Vaughan said.Well known British comedian and TV presenter David Walliams is also the fastest growing children's author in the UK.

A surprise entrant from Nitro Circus skate sensation, Beaver Fleming, wowed the crowd on Saturday with his gnarly tricks, which ultimately saw him crowned Bato Yard’s King of Concrete for 2017.Central Coast Council supported the inaugural King of Concrete bowl competition which saw more than 70 competitiors from the Coast, country and overseas compete for the King of Concrete title and a wildcard entry into the BOWL-A-RAMA, the peak world bowl competition.Riders came from all over including Victoria, ACT, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, England and the USA to compete across the five catgories – Opens, 16 and under, 12 and under, Girls and Masters.Some used the competition as a practice round before Bondi, some tried to secure that wildcard for Bondi and others simply competed to test their skills against some of the world’s best.Despite the heat wave, more than 500 people came to Bato Yard to watch it get shredded with some top local and international skaters.Bato Yard was opened in July 2016 and is already making an impression on local and international riders alike:Beaver Fleming, California - member of the infamous Nitro Circus, said:

Filling up your water bottle while you’re out and about on the coast is about to get a whole lot easier, with the installation of nine new water refill stations.Central Coast Council is currently installing the water filter stations at high traffic areas including:Heazlett Park, AvocaRumbalara Reserve, SpringfieldMacKillop Oval, South KincumberHylton Moore Oval, East GosfordGreenvale Playground, Green PointThe Skillion, TerrigalTrafalgar Playground, Woy WoyHardy’s Bay ForeshoreNarara Valley Precinct Park.The project started in early November and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2017.The new fixtures will complement the 17 stations already established throughout the region at Woy Woy, Umina, Avoca Beach, Terrigal Beach, Ocean Beach, Kincumber, Copacabana, Ettalong Beach and Gosford’s Kibble Park.Each unit has multiple taps for drinking out of, with refill dispensers on each side.

Central Coast Council has agreed with auditors PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to extend the timeframe required to finalise the audit report into the finances of the former Gosford Council.As soon as the report is ready, Council if necessary, will call an Extraordinary Meeting in March to be held in the Gosford Chambers.Council CEO Rob Noble said the auditors are in the process of finalising their audit testing and Council is working closely with PWC to ensure the final accounts are transparent and understandable by the community.“As with many issues in respect of Council mergers, the alignment of Council financial management is a complex issue, so we want to ensure the community gets a clear view,” Mr Noble said.“We’re here to deliver the best possible services to our growing community, and having a thorough and consistent understanding of financial management across both former Council areas moving forward is essential.Council accounts are governed by a strict Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting, and by legally binding Accounting Standards.

Following the recent success of two blockbuster exhibitions during the holiday period, Gosford Regional Gallery is continuing its commitment to diverse and stimulating programing, with the opening of four new shows on Saturday 18 February.The new exhibitions include:Australian exotica:

The NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has confirmed all 20 recently merged Councils, including the Central Coast, will continue.The idea of holding plebiscites in merged Councils has also been abandoned by the Government.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the announcement was welcome news and provided the community and Council with the certainty needed to continue working together to make the Coast and its Council the best they can be.“Our staff have been working extremely hard over the past nine months to transform the Council as well as continue great service delivery to our community.

Central Coast Council is holding a free microchipping day this weekend to help pet owners take that first step in responsible pet ownership.Residents are encouraged to come along to the Animal Care Facility, at Charmhaven on Saturday 18 February and have their pet microchipped at no cost.Council’s Group Leader Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, said becoming a pet owner reaps many rewards, but it also comes with a great responsibility.“Owning a pet can be beneficial to our health and well-being – they can keep us active and give that extra comfort around the home – but they can also become costly if certain steps aren’t followed,” Mr Cox said.“Our animal care facilities receive a number of dogs and cats each year that have been abandoned as people don’t realise the level of care needed to raise a pet.”On average more than 45 per cent of dogs and cats that come into the facilities are not microchipped and less than 60 per cent of these are reunited with their owners.“Microchipping is the first step in responsible pet ownership and helps identify your pet if they should ever go missing,” Mr Cox added.“There is always an influx of animals brought into our facilities over the festive season.“By making sure your pet is microchipped, registered and details are up to date, with current address and phone number, we can reunite your pet and family faster.“We know how important it is to have your pet microchipped and that’s why we are offering this free service.”The day is more than a free microchip, it’s also a great chance to check chip details are up to date and talk to staff on responsible pet ownership, including lifetime registration.Everyone that comes to the Charmhaven facility to have their four-legged friend microchipped, registered or check their details are up to date will also receive a Happy Pet gift pack – a small bag full of treats, information and a toy for your pet.Find out all these details and more at the Free Microchipping Day at the Central Coast Animal Facility, Charmhaven on Saturday 18 February from 10am-3pm.Free microchipping will also be available at the Central Coast Animal Care Facility in Erina on the same day between 10am-4.30pm.Check out more about the free service by visiting wyong.nsw.gov.au/pets

Waste services on the Central Coast are provided by REMONDIS under a contract with Council.Council understands that REMONDIS and its drivers are currently negotiating a new Enterprise Agreement.Council expects that waste services will continue to be provided while these negotiations continue.Council has no role in negotiations between REMONDIS, its employees and the Transport Workers Union on this matter.An invitation for tenders for waste services across the Central Coast from beyond 31 January 2018 is in the process of being finalised.For any advice on delayed waste services, please contact REMONDIS on 1300 126 278.

A Festival highlighting the hidden gems of Wyong has renewed pride in the area.More than 4,500 people braved the heat to check out the inaugural Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival – a unique event coordinated by Central Coast Council in partnership with local businesses and community organisations.Council’s Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the Festival showcased how the revitalisation of the Wyong CBD is changing perceptions of the area for the better.“The aim of the Festival was to drive economic development and revitalise the town centre of Wyong while showing visitors the unique character it has to offer,” Ms Vaughan said.“And it certainly did just that!“There was a great vibe and atmosphere as festival-goers lined the laneways of Wyong.“Despite the weather, it was great to see so many people experiencing the good food and entertainment as well as rediscovering the historic town.“The CBD was transformed for one evening – like never before and everyone loved it!”Wyong was filled with so much colour and activity and the visitors also agreed.Some of the feedback received from attendees included:“Sensational night.

The long-awaited BMX track at San Remo will be officially opened this weekend, and it’s your chance to try the new facility, as well as watch some of Australia’s best riders in action.The Extreme Sports Park has been given a makeover to cater for the growing interest in BMX riding and will complement the existing track at Terrigal.It’s an exciting new facility for riders on the Coast and will not only suit professional and technical riders, but also cater for the young developing ones as well – attracting riders from across the region.Come and try itBring along your bike, your helmet and try the new track, or simply sit back and watch some of the top notch riders test it out.Alex Cameron, Dean Johnston, Steve Wakeham and Clare McNamara are some of the country’s top BMX riders that will be demonstrating their skills and signing autographs.The ‘Come and Try Day’ will be held on Sunday 19 February from 10am to 2pm and includes a free sausage sizzle, jumping castle and so much more.Plus, find out how you can get involved in the newly established BMX club.For more details, check out wyong.nsw.gov.au/sanremobmxWhat work was involved?We’ve been working with riders – both local and skilled – as well as the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre to reactivate the area and gain their valued input to make this a high quality facility.The track has been reshaped to BMX Australian competition standard, to enable hosting of major events and competitions.Works include an eight lane, competition-style barrel gate, four straights coated in crushed granite, asphalt on the berms, as well as a downhill starting ramp, turfing around facility and additional car parking.The skate area on site has also been upgraded with an increased plaza-style area and a quarter pipe – which can now cater for more styles of skate, scooter and blades of all abilities.Future plans to make the park more attractive include lighting, an upgrade to amenities and spectator areas, as well as a junior track, so watch this space.Increasing our recreation facilitiesThe San Remo BMX track will add to our ever-growing list of free recreational facilities on the Central Coast.The Terrigal BMX track is a competition-level facility located on Duffys Road and already holds significant regional and state events run by the local club.We also have two smaller BMX tracks located in popular recreational areas, suitable for beginner and intermediate level riders.

The worldwide success of TV shows such as Who Do You Think You Are?

The long awaited BMX track at San Remo will be officially opened this weekend with some of Australia's best riders testing the track, demonstrating their skills and signing autographs.Central Coast Council has given the Extreme Sports Park a makeover to cater for the growing interest in BMX riding.