Central Coast Council has recently completed the second stage of a major project to upgrade Everglades Catchment Drainage in Umina Beach.Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the project is significantly reducing the risk of nuisance flooding in the area.“The topography of this part of Umina Beach is very flat and has been prone to flooding which can limit access to properties,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Flooding is often caused by a build-up of sediment in the drainage system that causes blockages.“Our solution to resolve this problem is to install specially designed sediment pits to contain the sediment and stop blockages from building up.“We monitor the pits regularly but we encourage residents in the area to notify Council if they see sediment levels getting higher.Mr Bolgoff said Stage 2 works have focussed on the section of the Everglades Catchment Drainage that stretches from Carpenter Street to Glenn Street.“The current stage of works represents a $490,000 investment by Council and has focussed on the installation of the sediment pits.“Stage one of the project represented a $500,000 investment and involved blockage removal from the open channel along Carpenter Street and an upgrade of the drainage pipeline between the open channels to Carpenter Street.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Everglades Catchment Drainage project is delivering significant benefits for Umina Beach residents.“This project is a great example of Council delivering an innovative solution that makes a real difference to the lives of our community,” Mayor Smith said.“Roads, drainage and transport projects make up the largest component of our capital works program and we are committed to making every effort to secure more funding to deliver for our region.”Council determines areas that require major drainage through a multi-criteria system that assesses frequency, extent and potential damage of flooding.Futures stages of the Everglades Catchment Drainage project are currently in the design phase.

A bold new approach taken by Central Coast Council to help tackle roadside litter has seen a 97 per cent reduction in total litter volume across three litter hotspots at Blue Haven Link Road, Somersby Industrial Park and Kariong M1 on ramp.The Central Coast Roadside Litter Project was effectively delivered after securing $36,000 in round four of NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Litter Grants last year.Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said the success of the project was a result of a multi-pronged approach to litter prevention including education, enforcement and infrastructure at each target site.“This project has focused on encouraging behaviour change and educating the community on how to report littering from vehicles,” Mrs Burgess added.“With the main source of litter identified being single use takeaway and drink containers, we provided 4000 reusable tidy bags for motorists and passengers to keep their rubbish with them until they were able to dispose of it responsibly without worry of spills.“Of the participants in the initiative surveyed, 72% made changes to the way they disposed of their litter, with 68% advising they had learned about the reporting process.“In direct correlation to this we saw the number of registered reporters increase by 37% between July and December 2018 when compared to the same time the previous year.”Grant funding also went towards clean-ups of target areas, roadside signs at each site reminding motorists how to report littering from vehicles to the EPA as well as installation of 20 dash cams in Rangers vehicles increasing the chances of being caught littering.Council Mayor Jane Smith said it was fantastic to see the community taking pride in the region and coming on board to help ‘Keep the Coast Clean’.“The results demonstrate our community really want to do the right thing and can when given practical solutions to dispose of rubbish,” Mayor Smith said.“By working together with our community we can continue to ensure the natural environment of the Coast is preserved and protected for the future.”Littering from vehicles can be reported to the EPA online at epa.nsw.gov.au/reporttoepa or via the Report to EPA mobile App - it is unlawful for drivers to use a mobile phone to record this information unless the car is parked ignition turned off.This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.

Council takes extra time to finalise housing affordability optionsCentral Coast Council last night deferred consideration of the draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy to allow more time for councillors to further discuss the strategy prior to finalising an approach to affordable housing on the Coast.Mayor Jane Smith said this was an important strategy to address more housing choice for households earning less than $100,000 per year.The draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy will return for consideration to the 29 April Council meeting. Council leading the way on reduction of single use plastic wasteCouncil has further strengthened its leadership position in the elimination of waste following the endorsement of the draft Single Use Plastic Policy which will be placed on public exhibition.Council Mayor Jane Smith said this was a positive step forward to help minimise waste and strengthen education opportunities for the community, key objectives of the Community Strategic Plan.“This policy complements our interim Sustainable Event Management Policy and reinforces the importance of the education programs on offer to involve the community on ways forward to seek alternatives of single use plastics,” Mayor Smith said.“It also further strengthens Council’s commitment to lead by example through purchasing practices and identifying opportunities to incorporate reusable products made of recycled materials.“On behalf of our community we will continue to lobby all levels of government to drive policy change that look to help reduce production and use of single use plastics.” Majority of Council’s projects on trackA 2018-19 Capital Works Project Status report has identified that 85 percent of Council’s projects are on track and the majority are on schedule for completion as forecast before the end of the financial year.As at 28 February 2019 Council had delivered over 330 projects and commenced over 270 projects.Mayor Jane Smith said it was pleasing to see Council’s capital works program tracking well.“Our capital works program together with all the services are at the heart of what we deliver for our community,” Mayor Smith said. Nine community projects to receive almost $30,000 in grant fundingCouncil last night granted nine projects almost $30,000 in funding through its Community Support Grant Program.The Community Support Grant provides support for community groups to deliver activities which require less than $5,000 of funding and/or in-kind support.Mayor Jane Smith said the funding can go a long way for a wide range of services that benefit the community.“Our Community Support Grants program recognises that community organisations often need only a small injection of funds to produce events and activities that have a big impact on local communities,” Mayor Smith said.Council will allocate $29,433.50 to the following successful recipients for February:Central Coast Cycling Club – Cyclocross NSW State Series Round 5 - $4,717Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club – auditorium upgrade - $4,997Lions Club of Green Point Avoca– awning over BBQ at Lions Park Avoca Beach - $3,407Rotary Club of Gosford City – 2019 Central Coast MUNA event - $800Summerland Point Progress Association – purchase of tools - $2,924.50Alison Homestead – community support and education in conjunction with Alison Homestead, Wyong and Central Coast Harvest Festival - $3,770Toukley and Districts Art Society– Toukley Arts and Craft Fair by the Lake - $1,980Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW – Digital Projector System - $2,018We Care Connect Limited – Charity Promotion Change Strategy - $4,820Council’s Community Support Grant Program is open throughout the year.For information, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/funding. Council approves modifications to Avoca Beach Theatre for mixed use developmentCouncil has granted approval for modifications to the mixed use development at 69-71 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach.The modification application comprises both internal and external changes to Avoca Beach Theatre.

Central Coast Council is nearing completion of a 2.5 metre wide shared pathway on Pacific Highway, Lake Munmorah that will stretch for two kilometres from Tall Timbers Road to Carters Road.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the pathway would improve safety and access along this busy stretch of road.“We are constructing this new shared pathway in Lake Munmorah to provide a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists to access the local schools and shopping centre,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The pathway will provide a dedicated route for walkers, runners, cyclists, parents with prams and community members who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids.“This project will also see a pedestrian refuge, new road pavement and kerb and gutter installed at the intersection of Pacific Highway and Kangaroo Avenue.“We are rolling out and planning a range of pathway projects so that people of all ages and abilities can walk and cycle throughout the Central Coast using safe, inclusive and connected facilities.“Our focus is on projects that complete missing links, create routes that loop and connect the region’s scenic waterways, and provide increased connection between centres, recreation spaces and public transport.”Mayor Jane Smith said the liveability and sustainability of the Central Coast would continue to improve with further development and expansion of the region’s network of footpaths, bike paths and shared paths.“Our network of pathways not only provide a means to get active and experience our beautiful environment but also offer a legitimate alternative transport mode,” Mayor Smith said.“Creating the right mix of footpaths, bike paths and shared paths will also boost regional and economic development by encouraging tourism.”The new shared pathway on Pacific Highway, Lake Munmorah is scheduled for completion in May 2019, weather permitting.All of Council’s major pathway, road and drainage projects for 2018-19 can be viewed on an interactive map by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/roadanddrainageprojects.

Central Coast Council is celebrating National Youth Week 2019, hosting a wide range of events where the next generation of leaders are being inspired to get involved and be heard.With a theme of ‘Connect, share, speak out and celebrate’, Youth Week is organised by young people, for young people aged 12-24 years in a number of communities across the state and country from 10-18 April.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan is urging young people across the Central Coast to connect with each other by sharing their ideas, talents and getting involved in local events.“Youth Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the contribution young people make to our community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This year’s Youth Week is perfectly timed with the school holidays to keep everyone entertained during the break.”Even before the official Youth Week, local celebrations will kick off with a free family celebration at Canton Beach Foreshore on Sunday 7 April.Throughout the Week itself, there is something for everyone - with skate skills workshops and competitions, festivals and carnivals, art talks and exhibitions, a gaming tournament and film screenings, along with workshops about everything from animating and playwriting to DJing.Young people can also prepare for the future by attending information sessions about joining the workforce, accessing study allowances and finding secure housing.Mayor Jane Smith said young people aged between 12 and 24 represent 15.3 per cent of the Coast population or more than 50,000 people.“Youth Week is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the many and varied contributions of young people to our society – culturally, socially and economically,” Mayor Smith said.“Young people are our future and we are committed to supporting them to not only access activities that are fun but also help build skills they can use in the future.“Right acros the Coast there will be a range of activities and celebrations taking place and I would strongly encourage everyone to find out what’s happening and get involved.For a full copy of the Youth Week calendar, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/news.

Central Coast Council has recently installed an additional 21 CCTV cameras at community facilities in Umina, Woy Woy, San Remo and Terrigal to enhance community safety within neighbourhoods, public spaces and places.This project has seen 11 CCTV cameras installed at various sites within the Peninsula Recreation Precinct in Umina, including the amenities building (consisting of public toilets and a commercial space that accommodates Jasmine Green’s Park Kiosk), BBQ area, skate park, BMX track, Col Gooley Field sports field and Umina Rugby League sports amenities building.An additional four cameras have been installed at McEvoy Oval in Umina, two cameras at Banjo’s Skate Park in Terrigal and four cameras at San Remo BMX Facility.Council received $47,000 from the Federal Government under the Safer Communities Fund towards this project.Mayor Jane Smith said the project was part of an overall strategy to improve the amenity of public spaces.

Draft concept design plans for the redevelopment of Umina Skate Park and adjoining recreational zones are now on display online at yourvoiceourcoast.com and ready for further community feedback until 21 April.The community have strongly supported plans for Central Coast Council to further enhance the Peninsula Recreation Precinct and now that funding has been secured from the Australian Government, our community’s goal will become a reality.On Saturday 30 March, Member for Robinson, Lucy Wicks announced an $8.25million grant from the Federal Government for a number of upgrades to the Peninsula Recreation Precinct and adjacent facilities at Umina Oval.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to provide feedback on the draft determination for water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices for the Central Coast from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).Council Director Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said Council and community members can provide feedback directly to IPART from 2 April to 24 April 2019. “We are entering the next important phase of IPART’s process for the Central Coast – a review of the draft determination,” Ms Nel said.“Council will provide IPART with detailed feedback on the draft determination for our region and we encourage community members to do the same.“IPART will deliver its final determination for the Central Coast in May, so this is the last opportunity for Council and the community to have a say.”Ms Nel said Council would use the next three weeks to review IPART’s draft determination and to prepare a detailed response. “We will look carefully at all elements of the draft determination to assess any implications for Council and our region.“The Central Coast community continues to have an important role in this process and now have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft determination directly to IPART.”Council engaged in a community consultation process from April to September 2018 to develop a detailed submission to IPART outlining its recommendation for the Central Coast’s water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices. Community members were given an opportunity to provide feedback to IPART on Council’s submission in writing and by attending a Public Hearing held on 27 November 2018. IPART reviews and determines the maximum water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices for major water utilities across NSW.

Central Coast Council is looking to replicate the success of last year’s reusable produce bag initiative and is once again looking to partner with local fruit and vegetable suppliers to help ‘Keep the Coast Clean’.Council Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said the initiative received an incredibly positive response from suppliers and customers alike.“In Australia, 150 million plastic bags end up as litter each year, half of which were used just once,” Mrs Burgess said.“This campaign highlights our commitment to help reduce single use litter by providing an item of value that can be reused over and over again, rather than something that is disposable.“Many suppliers provided incredible feedback that the bags were all distributed within 48 hours and have since had customers use them time and time again, which is fantastic!”“Each time you remember your reusable produce bags when shopping you are becoming part of the solution to protect our environment from litter and plastic pollution and keep the coast clean.“I would strongly encourage any local fruit and vegetable businesses that want to become part of the solution to prevent plastic pollution to get on board.”Council Mayor Jane Smith said the popularity of the produce bags showed the community is keen to embrace sustainable initiatives.“Choosing reusable produce bags, being careful with our recycling, selecting sustainable products – these are all actions we can take to keep the Coast beautiful and clean,” Mayor Smith said.“Council is right behind our community’s efforts to reduce waste going to landfill and plastics into our oceans and will do everything we can to support it.”The initiative forms part of Council’s commitment to the Don’t be a Tosser!

The Hon Michael McCormack MP Deputy Prime Minister;

Central Coast Council has welcomed today’s announcement by Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks for $35million for commuter car parking at Gosford and Woy Woy Stations.

Central Coast Council’s Draft Operational Plan 2019-20 which will deliver $791 million worth of investment in essential services and capital works will be placed on exhibition for public comment from 1 April, 2019.The Draft Plan, which forms the second year of Council's Delivery Program 2018-21, will deliver $567.8million in essential services and $223.2million in capital works in the priority areas of roads;

Council’s Draft Operational Plan 2019-20 to deliver $791M for the Central Coast communityCentral Coast Council’s Draft Operational Plan 2019-20 which will deliver $791 million worth of investment in essential services and capital works will be placed on exhibition for public comment from 1 April, 2019.The Draft Plan, which forms the second year of Council's Delivery Program 2018-21, will deliver $567.8million in essential services and $223.2million in capital works in the priority areas of roads;

Business leaders and community members have the opportunity to see the future next week when a group of Central Coast students go head-to-head in a “Shark Tank” style event to win support for their ground-breaking business ideas.Digital apps, mental health support, modest exercise outfits and a physical gaming space are just a few of the concepts that will battle it out at a pitch night styled on the popular entrepreneurial television program.

Community members can now provide feedback on two separate draft studies and plans on floodplain risk management – one for Wyong River catchment and the other for Ourimbah Creek catchment.Now on public exhibition, these draft studies and plans have been prepared by Central Coast Council with the assistance of funding from the NSW Government (though the NSW Floodplain Management Program) to evaluate the management options available to reduce the impacts of flooding in these catchment areas.Both studies and plans aim to build community resilience to flooding and include flood mitigation works, emergency management plans, flood warning processes, land use planning, and suitable design of infrastructure and buildings.Drop-in information sessions for the community to discuss the studies and plans with staff will be held on 27 March, 5.30 – 8.30pm and 2 April, 5.30 – 8.30pm at Council’s Wyong office, 2 Hely Street, Wyong.The draft studies and plans will remain on exhibition until 26 April, and can be viewed either in person at Council’s Wyong or Gosford officers or online at yourvoiceourcoast.com/Currently-on-Exhibition.Submissions close at 5pm on 26 April 2019.

Central Coast Council are hosting a weekend of celebratory sporting events 29 to 31 March to test out the sportsgrounds of the new Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex and provide some great sports entertainment!A number of local and NSW sporting organisations will be holding matches, gala days and showcases throughout the free-to-watch opening weekend, with the diverse and exciting line-up providing something for everyone!The program includes a display of football, AFL, rugby league, rugby union, t-ball, and Oztag for spectators but it’s not only ball sports on offer.

Central Coast Council has released its April School Holiday Program with over 100 free and ticketed events, live entertainment, art and sporting activities.The program features events across the Coast including Niagara Park, Jilliby, Lake Haven, Toukley, The Entrance, Terrigal, Erina, Kincumber and Gosford plus activities on the Peninsula including Umina Beach and Woy Woy.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council’s School Holiday Program is fast becoming a popular go-to resource for locals and visitors on the Central Coast looking for activities to get involved in during the holidays.“Council runs and supports many quality events and activities right across the Coast for our community and our school holiday program delivers one of the largest and most diverse programs available this April,” Ms Vaughan said.“The program, available on line, is designed so you can easily identify activities suitable for your children, and register for them.

Wet weather has affected safety on the site and unfortunately Flavours by the Sea 2019, due to be held at The Entrance tomorrow 16 March, has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled for 2019.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov/events or the Flavours by the Sea Facebook event page.

Local skateboard, scooter and BMX enthusiasts need to get down to BATO Yard Skate Park on Saturday 23 March, as Central Coast Council has proudly partnered with YMCA NSW and Skate Australia to bring the 2019 Skate Park League BATO Yard Competition to the region.This community-based, grass-root event provides the perfect opportunity for all Coastie skate, scoot and BMX enthusiasts – of all ages and abilities – to compete and be part of Australia’s biggest and most established series of its kind.Action sports such as skateboarding, scooting and BMX have rapidly risen in popularity in the last few years with the typical age group widening as new generations have more opportunities to ride in safe facilities, and older generations returning to the sport.

Central Coast Council is celebrating World Health Day with a brand new event showcasing the healthy living, nutrition, food, wellness and happiness made possible by the amazing lifestyle on offer to us here on the Central Coast.Industry expert, personal trainer and well-known women’s fitness influencer, Sally Matterson is the official ambassador for the inaugural ‘Live Well Central Coast’ and will share her knowledge on modern exercise methods and nutritional secrets for a healthy living.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the new event will give the community access to a number of different health, fitness and nutritional experts that will inspire them to look after their minds and bodies.“We are truly lucky to live in such a beautiful place with many different opportunities to get outside, get active and look after yourself,” Mr Cannard said.“Like many people in our community, I think health and nutrition is very important so bringing a new event like this – with guest speakers, fitness demonstrations, workshops, activities, information stalls and more – to our region is quite exciting.“There will be five event zones with five different stages that focus on the various components of healthy living and we invite the community to head down to the Gosford Waterfront, join a workshop or class, meditate, eat at many of the healthy food stalls, connect with local businesses and experts, and just take some time to look after YOU!”Council Mayor Jane Smith said this year’s World Health Day theme celebrates universal health coverage for everyone, everywhere.“World Health Day occurs on 7 April each year and is aimed at focusing worldwide attention on important aspects of global health,” Mayor Smith said.“It is important to think global and act local and we are certainly doing that with this new event for the Coast focussed on community health and wellbeing.