Australia Day honours for 2020 have recognised 11 exceptional Central Coast community members including Olympic silver medallist Matthew Graham who was named ‘Citizen of the Year’.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Australia Day is an opportunity to acknowledge extraordinary Australians and in particular members of our very own Central Coast community.“Australia Day is a time to reflect on our history, to celebrate our achievements and to look to the future of our country,” Mayor Matthews said. “I would like to particularly acknowledge our Indigenous community, the Darkinjung people, who play a vital role in shaping the future of our region.

Central Coast Council has started an assessment of the region’s 1,000 kilometre network of footpaths, bike paths and shared pathways.Quad bike style vehicles will be used to capture video imaging of every Central Coast pathway to assess current condition and inform renewal strategies to improve connectivity, mobility and safety.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the region-wide assessment was part of Council’s commitment to the ongoing maintenance, improvement and development of the Central Coast’s pathways.“We are essentially taking a condition snapshot of every footpath, bike path and shared pathway on the Coast,” Mr Bolgoff said.“This is a huge project but with the use of the quad bikes we plan to complete the process in approximately four weeks.“Our region’s pathway network is a top priority for our community and this assessment will help to inform our ongoing renewal program.“This region-wide audit follows the finalisation of the first Bike Plan and Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) for the Central Coast, which focuses on new footpath, bike path and shared pathway projects for the Coast over the next 10 years.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the region-wide assessment is a further demonstration of Council’s commitment to the development and maintenance of an outstanding pathway network for the Central Coast.“With a region as large and beautiful as ours, pathways are important for so many reasons – as part of our transport network, as a means to get fit and active and to boost tourism,” Mayor Matthews said.“It is no small task to take capture video footage of every pathway on the Coast and the information we capture will be vital in helping us to target and plan our pathway renewal program.”The quad bike style assessment vehicles are fitted with cameras focused on the pathway surface only – no recordings of pedestrians, commercial, residential, private property or structures will be taken.Vehicles are operated by certified inspectors and will travel at a brisk walking pace with hazard lights and other warning devices in operation.

Central Coast Council has announced that the 2020 Australia Day Ambassador for the Central Coast is Viki Campbell, Superintendent for the Central Coast Rural Fire Service District.Viki’s tireless work in the emergency response field includes the role of Incident Controller for the 2019-20 bush fire emergency on the Central Coast, an appointment by the NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner.Her service within emergency response organisations has spanned 30 years with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and NSW Ambulance.

The Central Coast Series skate, scooter and BMX competition is back for another year, with a total prize pool over $10,000!Central Coast Council will host three heats across three different venues where young riders can enter in one or all competitions for a chance to claim the Central Coast Series Champion title.Rather than competing in a final, this year’s Champion and division winners will be determined by an accumulative tally across all three heats.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the competition for riders aged 5-24 has grown in popularity each year.“Originally, the Series was held during Youth Week to activate our skate parks and now it’s held across the Coast over three months, giving more opportunities to our young riders,” Ms Vaughan said.“As the competition grows, so does the prize money and the number of competitors.”The event is aimed at beginner, intermediate and sponsored riders, so provides an opportunity for young people of all skill levels to participate and compete.This year the Central Coast Series will be held at:Heat 1, Drop in at Dalbs – Wadalba Skate Park, Saturday 22 FebruaryHeat 2, Uminafied - Umina Skate Park, Saturday 7 MarchHeat 3, Beast of the Bowl - BATO Yard, Saturday 4 April Entry is open to all riders aged 5-24 years in skate, scooter and BMX as well as WCMX Wheelchair (BATO only).

As part of Central Coast Council’s commitment to improving access and inclusion for people with disability, local business owners and operators have the opportunity to attend a free information forum.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the focus of the Access and Inclusion Forums was to provide simple strategies that make a big difference to community members and visitors to the region who have a disability.“People with disabilities are an important part of our community and it is vital that all of our businesses and services on the Coast are as accessible and inclusive as possible,” Ms Vaughan said.“Our new forums will walk local businesses owners and operators through key information and simple changes that can have a big impact.“All event attendees will be provided with an exciting new resource kit – Making Access and Inclusion Your Business – and will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to welcome a range of new customers to their businesses.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said removing barriers for people with disabilities will help to make the Central Coast a better place to live, work and visit.“We have an increasingly diverse community here on the Coast and we certainly welcome diverse visitors throughout the year, which of course includes people with disability,” Mayor Matthews said.“I’d encourage our local business owners and operators to attend one of our free forums to ensure your business or service is open to as many people as possible.”Details for the Access and Inclusion Forums are provided below:The EntranceMonday 10 February 2020, 5.30-7.30pmCentral Coast Virtual Reality26 The Entrance Road, The EntranceGosfordTuesday 11 Feb 2020, 5.30-7.30pmGosford Smart Work Hub28 William St, GosfordWyongWednesday 12 Feb 2020, 5.30-7.30pmThe Arthouse19-21 Margaret Street, WyongWoy WoyThursday 13 Feb 2020, 5.30-7.30pmWoy Woy CWA30/32 The Boulevarde, Woy WoyCentral Coast business owners or operators can register to attend one of the forums up until Friday 31 January by calling 0408 807 758 or emailing Gregory.Combes@centralcoast.nsw.gov.auFind out more about Council’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/residents/support-programs/accessibility-and-inclusion

Applications for Central Coast Council’s second round of Community Grants and Sponsorship funding for 2019/20 are opening soon.

The new wharf at Spencer on the Central Coast will open to boaters this weekend as part of a key wharf implementation project to increase safety and accessibility on the Hawkesbury River.NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the NSW Government’s Boating Now program provides $98million in grants to provide NSW boaters with better and safer access to NSW waterways with upgrades and new infrastructure such as boat ramps, jetties, pontoons, car parks and sewage pump-out facilities.“This project demonstrates how the NSW Government and local council can work together to provide boating infrastructure for boaters accessing the popular Hawkesbury River,” Mr Hutchings said.Central Coast Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the $317,515 project was co-funded by the NSW Government and Central Coast Council and involved removal of the existing timber structure, building a new gangway, pilings, floating pontoon and solar lighting.“The Central Coast community can look forward to enjoying this new facility with increased visibility and accessibility in a variety of tides and weather conditions well into the future,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Spencer is located on the Hawkesbury River and this new wharf is already being utilised to assist in launching powered vessels and non-powered vessels such as kayaks by the local community.”Central Coast Council Mayor Lisa Matthews said the new Spencer Wharf is delivering significant benefits for the local community.“This fantastic new amenity is helping Spencer locals and visitors to enjoy our beautiful waterways,” Mayor Matthews said. “Central Coast Council is pleased to work with the NSW Government through the Boating Now program to deliver new services and infrastructure to our community.“The new wharf at Spencer is a great example of what can be achieved in partnership with the NSW Government.”Information on maritime infrastructure funding and other projects can be found at rms.nsw.gov.au/boatingnow

The newly upgraded amenities building at Heazlett Park, Avoca has opened its doors.The amenities building includes an accessible public toilet, male and female change rooms to service the sporting user groups and an equipment storage area for the Avoca Beach Kayak Club.Council’s Mayor Lisa Matthews said this new public infrastructure was a result of multiple levels of Government and local community groups working together.“This project is a great example of the Australian Government, NSW Government and Council working in consultation with local recreation user groups, including the Avoca Kayak Club who supported the project with in-kind contributions,” said Mayor Matthews.“Council is proud to deliver these new facilities that will benefit both local and visiting users of this popular sportsground and foreshore reserve.“This upgraded facility is a key objective of Council’s Community Strategic Plan which reflects our community’s vision for a liveable coast by ensuring sporting, leisure and open space areas are well maintained and activated.The project has been jointly funded by the Australian Government, NSW Government and Central Coast Council.Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was proud to provide $300,000 for this upgraded facility.“Avoca is the training ground for successful Olympians Lachlan Tame and Riley Fitzsimmons and many Junior Kayak Representatives in the Australian squad,” Mr Crouch said.“The Avoca Kayak Club has previously been operating off the back of a trailer and I’m so proud that this new facility provides a permanent home for the Club.Sport Australia CEO Kate Palmer said the Australian Government and Sport Australia are helping to get Australians more active in their own communities by investing more than $100 million in local sport infrastructure projects, as part of the Move It AUS Community Sport Infrastructure Grant program.“Australians love their sport.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to celebrate the first Australia Day of the 2020s by attending a fun-filled, family-oriented day at one of the special events across the region.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said vibrant events at Canton Beach, Woy Woy and The Entrance will celebrate all things Australian.“The devastating bush fire situation our nation is facing has seen so many incredible demonstrations of what it means to be Australian and Australia Day is an opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate our country,” Mr Cannard said.“We have three great Australia Day events across the Coast – each is jam-packed with fun and entertainment for the entire family.“If you’re looking to kick-off celebrations early, head to Canton Beach foreshore on 25 January where you can satisfy your appetite with a dazzling array of foods, be entertained by live music, and engage in a number of activities.“Head to Woy Woy to be entertained by a fantastic artists including headliner Live Baby Live:

Central Coast Council is committed to working closely with the community and police in 2020 to reduce illegal graffiti across the Central Coast.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council continues to offer free graffiti removal kits to help the community to tackle graffiti.“It’s important to remember that graffiti is an act of vandalism and should be reported directly to police via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444,” Ms Vaughan said.“Removing graffiti as quickly as possible not only makes the process much easier, it reduces the likelihood that offenders will recommit.“Council is seeking to make graffiti removal as easy as possible by continuing to offer free graffiti removal kits to our community – the kits are available at all our libraries and our customer service centres.“The kits provide the chemicals and equipment needed to remove graffiti from your own property or, with permission, the properties of friends and neighbours.“Council is responsible for the removal of graffiti on our facilities and we encourage community members to notify Council if they observe graffiti on any of our properties.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said wiping out illegal graffiti across the Central Coast was a top priority for Council.“Graffiti can affect business, tourism, neighbourhood amenity and safety which is why we need to work together with police, businesses and the community to stamp it out,” Mayor Matthews said.“We all have a part to play by reporting it when we see it and if it is on your own property you can pick up a free kit and remove it straight away.”                                                                                           Free graffiti removal kits are available from all Central Coast libraries and Council’s Gosford and Wyong customer service centres.

Central Coast Council is holding a series of bush fire Community Information Sessions for Central Coast residents, as well as other community members, impacted or concerned by recent local bush fires.These sessions will provide our community with information on the current status of the bush fire and will share the latest recovery information and support available from Council, government and other emergency services.Council invites concerned residents to attend an information session at:Kulnura Hall – Tuesday 14 January 2020 5.30-7pmSpencer Hall – Wednesday 15 January 2020 5.30-7pmBlue Haven Community Centre – Friday 17 January 2020 1.30-3pmBlue Haven Community Centre – Tuesday 21 January 2020 5.30-7pmWhilst the Three Mile Fire which affected the Spencer, Kulnura and Mangrove Mountain areas, and the Charmhaven bush fire status are currently at advice alert level today, weather and fire conditions can change quickly.All Central Coast residents are encouraged to continue to stay informed, alert and vigilant. For the latest warnings, advice and information on bush fires, please refer to NSW Rural Fire Service’s channels (website, social media and ‘Fires Near Me NSW’ smartphone app), plus tune into ABC Central Coast 92.5FM radio and social media.Download the RFS ‘Fires Near Me NSW’ mobile app to your smartphone and set up your ‘Watch Zones’ for notifications.Ensure your Bush Fire Survival Plan is prepared and activate it if required.

Central Coast Council’s Laycock Street Community Theatre has recently launched their incredible line-up of performances for 2020.Delivering in excess of 245 varied productions every year for the local community, Laycock continues to engage with audiences giving them the opportunity to ‘see with emotion, feel in colour’.Council’s Arts and Culture Section Manager, Chris King said Laycock is once again hosting a large range of cultural productions that cater to all ages and interests across the community.“The 2020 season brings together an impressive range of live entertainment options to the Central Coast and we are thrilled they have chosen to perform at Laycock Theatre,” Mr King said.“We are privileged to present a wide selection of high-quality performances and touring shows throughout the year, including returning shows as well as home grown performers lighting up the stage.“Highlights include the return of Youth In Performing Arts, along with new productions from Victorian State Ballet presenting their enchanting take on Snow White, Tall Stories’ magical musical adaptation of The Gruffalo's Child and James Morrison Quintet.“Our popular ‘Morning Melodies’ productions also return in 2020, where audiences can enjoy a morning tea and show for only $20 – a wonderful outing that can be experienced across generations.“Whether you love classical music, children’s theatre, ballet, or appreciate a fun and interactive night out, our diverse selection of shows has something for everyone!”Mayor Lisa Matthews said it is great to see Laycock Street Community Theatre continue to attract quality performances to the Coast as well as a platform for local talent to shine.“The highly anticipated 2020 season of professional shows is no different, providing our community to see quality shows and performances here on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.“Tickets or gift vouchers for Laycock provide the perfect present for loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime.”To view the 2020 program, purchase tickets of gift vouchers go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/theatres or visit or call the Box Office on 4323 3233.ENDS

Central Coast Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the safety of the Central Coast community and visitors to the region is Council’s number one priority.“We know that many members of our community and visitors look forward to celebratory fireworks at our New Year’s Eve events.

Central Coast Council has announced 11 new members of the Y4Y (Youth For Youth) action team to represent young people around the Coast in 2020.

Central Coast Council will be absorbing the costs of green waste disposal for properties west of the freeway at its Buttonderry and Woy Woy Waste Management Facilities until 31 January 2020.The decision has been made to allow for properties that do not pay for or have access to domestic green waste collection services, to dispose of up to four tonnes of green waste for free.Mayor Lisa Matthews said she was pleased that Council was providing tangible support for residents impacted by this unprecedented fire threat on the Central Coast.“Residents have been asked to prepare their properties, by the Rural Fire Service, in the face of these fires and in doing so have generated a lot of green waste which they have found challenging to get rid of,” Mayor Matthews said.“They have enough to deal with at the moment and at least we have taken this concern out of their hands.”To be eligible, residents or their contractors must show evidence from where the green waste was generated.

Level 1 water restrictions will come into effect when storage in Mangrove Creek Dam reaches 50 percent, likely to be in early February. The dam is currently at 52.59 percent, and Water Wise Rules apply.  Earlier this year, Central Coast Council considered future water needs and the long-term weather forecast and lifted the restriction trigger from the previous trigger of 40 percent. Last night Council met to again review the water supply and restriction levels and agreed to retain the 50 percent trigger for Level 1 restrictions. Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council’s ongoing investment in water infrastructure and residents’ own water conservation has put the region in a strong position to face a prolonged drought. “Our dam levels are holding steady, with our total water storage falling by less than two percent in the past three months,” Mr Loader said. “Storage-wise, we have more water than at the beginning of the 10-year Millennium Drought in 2002.” “While our population has grown since then, we’ve also seen the introduction of water efficient appliances and building practices.

Central Coast Council Mayor Lisa Matthews visited bushfire impacted communities in Mangrove Mountain and Spencer yesterday with the Rural Fire Service and senior Council staff.

The first combined Waterways report card for the Central Coast has been released.The report examines the ecological health of Southern Lake Macquarie, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water and the coastal lagoons over the 2017-18 year, providing a clear picture of the estuarine sections of the whole Central Coast waterways network.Central Coast Council Environment and Planning Director, Scott Cox said that whilst the report, which is compiled from ongoing monitoring and assessments, shows overall positive results it also provides a valuable tool to Council to identify areas for further investigation.“Council uses a recognised monitoring program to assess the ecological health of our waterways, allowing us to monitor the condition, monitor changes over time and target investment and on ground works to improve ecosystem health,” Mr Cox said.“For the 2017-18 year we have seen good results in all of the southern Lake Macquarie, Cockrone and Wamberal Lagoon sites, plus the majority of sites in Tuggerah Lakes, Lake Munmorah and Brisbane Water.“Other sites that have shown a mix of poorer results, include Budgewoi Lake, Terrigal and Avoca lagoons, and some other sites where creek systems enter larger waterways.“These results will allow Council to review our management actions and plan for on ground works to help improve waterway health over time.”Council’s program is delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, using a scientifically robust methodology and is the most comprehensive program of its kinds provided by local government in NSW.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the release of the report card was an exciting step in understanding the waterways of the Central Coast as a whole.“Our local waterways make up 13% of the total area of the Central Coast, it is important to understand the state that they are in, so that we can make informed decisions,” Mayor Matthews said.“It’s exciting to have a report that that encompasses almost the whole of the Central Coast for the first time.“We acknowledge the importance of transparent reporting back to our community on the health of our waterways.“This report will enable a greater understanding of our waterways and allow the community to take a role, in partnership with Council, to help maintain and improve the health or our rivers and lakes.”The 2017-18 Waterways report card also outlines the actions Council has taken to target improvements in waterway health including:rehabilitation of natural wetlands at Elizabeth Bay, Doyalson, Budgewoi, Toukley, Tacoma, Chittaway Bay, Berkeley Vale, Erina, Davistown, Saratoga, Bensville, Point Clare and Tascottprotection and rehabilitation of Coastal Saltmarsh and foreshore bushland along the shores of Tuggerah Lake and Brisbane Water construction of new stormwater quality improvement devices at Canton Beach, Summerland Point and Mannering Park to reduce pollutant loads to the waterwaysmaintenance of a network of over 418 stormwater quality improvement devices throughout the estuary catchments to improve water qualityremoval of 967 tonnes of sediment and pollutants from stormwater quality improvement devices removal of 14,855m3 of excess seagrass wrack and floating algae from Tuggerah Lakes to enhance water quality and improve circulation in nearshore areas.For all the details visit the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary page.ENDSAdditional information/quotes for each of the waterway categoriesTuggerah Lakes Estuary Central Coast Council has been monitoring the ecological health of the Tuggerah Lakes estuary since 2011.

Central Coast Council has completed priority works to ensure the integrity of water mains on Cape Three Points Road and The Round Drive, Avoca Beach.The area was deemed a high priority in Council’s Water Mains Renewal Program when the old water mains unexpectedly broke, flooding a number of residents’ homes.Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said Council had been working closely with residents on a solution to prevent the situation occurring again. “Avoca residents have experienced several water main breaks in the past two years which have caused significant impact to them.

Central Coast Council is preparing a special New Year’s Eve event at the Gosford Waterfront, with more than 10,000 locals and visitors expected to join in the celebrations.The event highlights a collaborative approach between Central Coast Council and The Central Coast Mariners with the aim to deliver an event that connects all activities in the precinct around the stadium and to create a family friendly, safe and entertaining atmosphere. New Year’s Eve at Gosford Waterfront will feature live music, food stalls, amusement rides, glow products and show bags, kids craft activities, face painting, and a spectacular fireworks display if conditions permit.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard invites locals and visitors to celebrate the last sunset of 2019 with family and friends on the beautiful Gosford Waterfront.“This event has something for the entire family and is a great way to celebrate 2019 and the start of the 2020s,” Mr Cannard said.“There will be food options galore, great live entertainment, amusement rides and fun activities for the kids, and of course don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display to conclude the festivities at 9.15pm (dependant on weather conditions and possible fire bans).”Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council was delighted to host this special event for community members and visitors to the Central Coast.“Gosford Waterfront is magical location and a great spot to bring in the new year,” Mayor Matthews said.“Let’s come together with family, friends, our community and visitors to celebrate all that was achieved in 2019 and all 2020 has to offer.” Council’s NYE Event at Gosford Waterfront will be held at Alfred Higgs Place and under the Brian McGowan Bridge and runs from 5pm to 9.30pm. SPECIAL EVENT ROAD CLOSURESVaughan Avenue between Mann Street and Dane Drive from 6-11pm.Dane Drive between Donnison Street and Georgiana Terrace from 4-11pm.Georgiana Terrace between Baker Street and Dane Drive from 6pm-11pm.The Central Coast Highway between Hely Street and Masons Parade (including the Brian McGowan Bridge and Alfred Higgs Place) from 6-11pm.No parking under the bridge is permitted in the lead-up to the event.