In line with the most recent NSW Government announcement easing restrictions on the use of play spaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks, Central Coast Council will reopen these assets for public use from Friday 15 May.Gosford Olympic Pool will also reopen for lap swimming with restrictions in place, including requirements to pre-book, time-limited sessions and one-person lane limit.The outdoor spaces and pool have been closed recently in response to COVID-19 shutdowns.

Central Coast Council is now offering online delivery of a range of highly valued community programs with the launch of a new YouTube Channel – Coast Connect.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council recognised the importance of adaptation to continue offering services that improve the lives and wellbeing of residents on the Coast and looking for opportunities to remain connected.“Whilst our community are unable to visit their local theatre, library, gallery or leisure centre or attend face-to-face programs or events right now in response to COVID-19, Council will be bringing some popular programs directly into resident’s homes,“ Ms Vaughan said. “A range of entertaining, informative, and engaging videos are being created from our ‘TV studio’ set up at Laycock St theatre and will be available for everyone to view at their own convenience.”The health and wellness of our community is certainly in the spotlight at the moment and the series of ‘Live Well’ videos will help to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Coast Council has temporarily moved all community consultations online to obtain feedback about upcoming projects and strategies.Council usually encourages community members to have a say about major projects which will shape the future of our region by combining online promotion with face-to-face workshops, community events and other opportunities to physically view proposals.However, the need to maintain social distancing and restrictions on travel and public gatherings have prevented many of the usual ways Council consults with the community.During the COVID-19 shutdown, Council has continued to undertake and plan important projects.

Central Coast Council are inviting community members to have their say on the first draft Waste Resource Management Strategy, now available online for final public review until 21 June.Developed after extensive community consultation last year, the draft Strategy assesses current waste initiatives and seeks to encourage change to help minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill and its impact on the environment.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said with the constantly evolving challenges around waste, there has been a massive push both from our community and at a global level to find solutions that close the loop.“Thank you to everyone who took the time to let us know your ideas on waste reduction, which alongside our report information, has helped us formulate our first draft Strategy,” Mr Pearce said.“This information has underpinned the strategy’s key objectives - to drive waste avoidance, divert waste from landfill by increasing local recycling and reuse options, explore funding and collaborative opportunities over the next 10 years, and keep our streets and public spaces clean and clear.“We also want to change the view that what is traditionally known as ‘waste’ is actually a valuable resource to be managed.“As technology is advancing so rapidly in this field, our planning for waste management must consider both well-established principles and emerging trends.”The vision of this 10-year plan is on promoting our region as a creative environment for developing a local circular economy that values the recovery of resources and advocates prevention of waste.Council Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Strategy outlines key objectives and actions that will ensure Council provides waste services that are safe, secure and cost-effective.“Waste is everyone’s issue – we all have a role to play in reducing the amount of waste generated and its impacts on our community and the environment” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage everyone to go online and provide feedback on our draft Strategy so we can ensure we deliver the future waste resource recovery outcomes the community want and expect.”Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/our-coast-our-waste for further information and to have your say.

There are exciting projects underway across the Coast, and I’ve recently been able to get out and witness the progress of work being undertaken by our hard-working Council staff.

Council continues its investment driving tourism for the Central CoastCouncil’s integrated approach to tourism marketing and destination planning was endorsed by Council with commitment to a new three-year action plan.

Central Coast Council have welcomed the New Zealand Warriors NRL team to Central Coast Stadium to train while they are in Australia.

Central Coast Council’s first draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), which will play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future, is now on public exhibition for the community to have their say.The LSPS explains how state and regional plans such as the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 will be implemented in the Central Coast region.

Central Coast Council has marked an exciting moment for the future of the Central Coast’s water supply, as the first pipes are laid to mark the start of construction of the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline.Mayor Matthews said the 9km pipeline project is incredibly significant for our Coast as it will provide water to the expanding northern growth corridor and enhance the water supply network for the entire region.“Council is investing over $61million in this pipeline project, making it one of the largest single investments in the future security of our region’s water supply and a project we can be very proud of," Mayor Matthews said.Council Director of Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said managing our valuable water supply is a key priority for Council and this project is a prime example of how we are delivering essential infrastructure for the people of the Central Coast.“Recent conditions including extreme weather events and water restrictions that have faced our community and indeed communities across our state and nation, bring into sharp focus how important water security and water resilience is for everyone,” Mr Loader said.“The Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline will ensure a stable long-term water supply to new and growing areas in the north of the region to support anticipated levels of growth and development we need to deliver as part of the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036.“In addition, we will see an enhancement in bulk water transfers between ourselves and the Hunter which enables better planning for future water resourcing for both regions."The complex project has been developed over the past six years including close and ongoing consultation with the community to ensure we understand and manage the impacts of this project during the construction and commissioning phases.“Extensive investigations, design and planning have been undertaken to ensure the construction is delivered using the best technology available, including innovative trenchless construction techniques that will ensure sensitive environmental areas are protected,” Mr Loader said.“During the current COVID-19 crisis, our construction and field services crews continue to deliver essential services to the community.

Central Coast Council is continuing to deliver for the region during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic with a Water Play Park at the Peninsula Leisure Centre (PLC) - one of the exciting new projects now underway.Over $1 million will be invested to deliver the interactive water-based play and education space, which is proudly funded by the NSW Government with $850,000 from the Stronger Country Communities fund and over $200,000 from Council.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the water park would be accessible to all Central Coast Community members.“Our community has told us they would like to see the outdoor space within the PLC better utilised and we’ve listened,” Ms Vaughan said.“This new Water Play Park can be enjoyed upon entry to the PLC – we expect it to attract community members from the Peninsula and across the Coast, and of course visitors to our beautiful region.“The design selected is focused on creating a safe, water-based play space that can be accessed by people of all ages and abilities for fun and education.”The nautical themed Water Play Park includes a tipping bucket, interactive (cause and effect) features, shade sail, in-built filtration system and zero depth (for safety and accessibility).Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro congratulated Central Coast Council on getting shovels in the ground and said the water park would become a treasured asset for people living in or visiting the region.“The NSW Government knows how important it is to support our regional communities with new facilities and better infrastructure and that’s why we funded this important project under the Stronger Country Communities Fund,” Mr Barilaro said.The $400 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local programs and infrastructure that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Water Play Park is one of many projects Council will deliver during the current difficult situation.“COVID-19 has changed all our lives in unimaginable ways but Council is getting on with the job of delivering essential services and important projects whilst adhering to State and Federal legislation and physical distancing requirements,” Mayor Matthews said.“We’ve listened to our community and will deliver an exciting new Water Play Park that will contribute to several of the objectives outlined in our Strategic Plan ‘One – Central Coast’ including creating liveable cities and healthy lifestyles for our growing community.”Construction of the Water Play park commenced in April 2020 and is expected to be completed by the end June 2020.

While there have been changes to some Central Coast Council services, essential works continue to be delivered, helping keep locals employed and the Central Coast economy going.Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy said essential services will continue as the situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves.“Council is focused on the continued delivery of the essential services needed to support our community now, but we are also continuing with essential works to cater for the future needs of our community when life returns to normal,” Mr Murphy said.“Important maintenance work and projects continue including upgrades to open space and recreation infrastructure, road maintenance and construction, and water and sewer maintenance and upgrades.“Council is also continuing with established projects including the construction of Terrigal Boardwalk, upgrade of the Rock Pool and the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline, with adjustments made to comply with the latest NSW Health and Government requirements around social distancing and keeping our staff and community safe.”Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews said continuing these essential works is important for people and for the local economy.“As Council, we are committed to bettering the lives of our community and creating a smart, green and liveable region with a shared sense of belonging and responsibility,” Mayor Matthews said“We know many people are doing it tough during this time and this is one-way Council is able to help keep locals, Council workers and contractors employed, as well as positively contribute to our economy.”Some current works which continue across the Coast include:Open Space and Recreation InfrastructureProjectLocationAmenities building constructionEDSACC South, Bateau BayAmenities building constructionDon Small Oval, TacomaAmenities building upgradeDuffy's Reserve, TerrigalAmenities building constructionGarnet Adcock Memorial Park, West GosfordLocal playspace softfall renewalPeninsula Recreation Precinct, Umina BeachDistrict Playspace upgradeEmpire Bay Tennis CourtsDistrict Playspace upgradeSusan Fahey Park, CopacabanaDistrict Playspace upgradeWallarah Point Peace Park, GorokanLocal Playspace upgradeLentara Ave, Umina BeachLocal Playspace upgradePinyari Park, KincumberLocal Playspace upgradeGoonak Pde, NararaLocal Playspace upgradeGavenlock Oval, NararaLocal Playspace upgradeTreeline Cl, NararaLocal Playspace upgradeBrisbane Ave, UminaLocal Playspace upgradeWalder Cres, AvocaLocal Playspace upgradeFagan Park, Point ClareReserve upgradeHeazlett Park, AvocaFencing upgradeBlue Haven OvalBoat ramp, jetty and carpark upgradeSouth Tacoma Boat RampBoat ramp upgradeCorrea Bay, Woy WoyCarpark upgradeKoolewong Boat RampAmenities building constructionAdcock Park, West GosfordIrrigation, Drainage and FloodlightingSir Joseph Banks Oval, Bateau BayAncillary Facilities upgradeBerkeley Vale Skate ParkTennis Court upgradeAdelaide Street Tennis Courts, Tumbi UmbiTennis Court upgradeSohier Park, OurimbahTennis Court upgradeEmpire BayDog Park upgradeTuggerah Dog ParkRoad maintenance and constructionProjectLocationRoad stabilising and paving maintenanceWisemans Ferry Road, Kulnura and Chain Valley Bay Road, Chain Valley BayWatermain Relocation and stormwater drainage construction.Davistown Road, SaratogaDavistown Wharf replacement and upgradeDavistownKerb ramps and footpathPark Road, Woy WoyFootpath reconstruction and associated worksOcean Beach Road, Woy WoyFootpath construction and associated worksSurfers Road, James Sea DriveTerrigal / WamberalShared Path ReconstructionSite restoration and asphaltAnzac Parade, WyongFootpath Replacement Community Centrewithin the reserveDebra Anne Avenue, Bateau BayRetaining wall worksWisemans Ferry Road, SomersbyStormwater drainage worksOceano Street, CopacabanaWater and sewer maintenance and upgradesProjectLocationSewer Pump Station upgradeClarke Road, NoravilleWater Treatment Plant major upgradeMardiMardi to Warnervale PipelineVarious suburbs from Mardi to Warnervale (via Watanobbi)Water Mains renewal programCoast-wideSewer Main rehabilitation

Anzac Day 2020 was like no other we’ve experienced before.

As quarterly rate bills land in ratepayers’ letterboxes, Central Coast Council is reminding residents it has put financial hardship measures in place to help support the community during this difficult time.As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Council may provide interest waivers on outstanding accounts until 31 August 2020 for those home owners who have been impacted.

Local government plays a critical role in keeping locals in jobs and keeping the local economy going.

Mayor calls for more assistance from NSW Government Central Coast Council Mayor Lisa Matthews is calling on the NSW Government to deliver more financial support to enable Council to continue to operate effectively and provide essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With fine weather forecast for the weekend, Central Coast Council is reminding the community that during the COVID-19 outbreak, the use of beaches is restricted to exercise only,Permitted activities include walking, swimming, fishing, running and surfing.

Commemorating Anzac Day in 2020, we find ourselves functioning quite differently.

Central Coast Council has announced that it is likely the closure of some major facilities will stay in place until 30 June as Council continues to respond to Federal and State Government restrictions about the spread of Coronavirus.Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy said Council’s priority is the health of staff and the Central Coast community and continuing to deliver essential services.“Our job right now is ensuring we play our part in managing as best we can the spread of COVID-19, and to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and community.“I want to assure the community that all our essential services are not interrupted, and this includes water and sewer;

The essential services Central Coast Council is continuing to deliver during COVID-19 (Coronavirus) include road maintenance and construction and this week the Central Coast became the first region in Australia to benefit from a revolutionary new technology to construct roads.Council is using a new road stabilising and paving technology to lay foamed bitumen in a way that reduces construction time, increases use of recycled road pavement, reduces greenhouse emissions and delivers a more consistent road surface.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the exciting new road construction technique will be revolutionary in Australia.“We are very excited to be the first Council in Australia to deliver a range of road construction benefits for our community by using this innovative technique,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Not only does this equipment deliver a superior finished product in less time, it also reuses more of the existing road material and reduces greenhouse emissions.“The technology essentially combines a series of machines into one interconnected production line spanning 50 metres.“Existing damaged road pavement is ripped up, mixed with new bitumen, before being discharged onto a conveyor at the back of the machine.

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews said commemorating Anzac Day in 2020 will be quite different but how we remember our fallen and pay our respects holds the same value. “We as a community are functioning quite differently at present, whilst how we remember and pay respect to our fallen soldiers has been impacted, our want to acknowledge and commemorate our heroes remains the same,” Mayor Matthews said.“The Australian way is to band together and support one another through a crisis, the significance of Anzac Day and the sacrifices made allows for a time of reflection and puts things into perspective. Formal services across the nation were cancelled on 15 March as a result of gathering restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.  “There are many ways Australians, our local community, can commemorate Anzac Day.