Media Releases

The Legends of League tournament, with a show of support from Central Coast Council, will be back at Central Coast Stadium again in November for six hours of action-packed, old school rugby league.The tournament will see six teams battle it out for the Legends of League title and $100,000 worth of prize money.

The Lakes Festival is back with over 25 events to celebrate our local waterways including ‘Norah Head Moonlight Cinema’, an interactive communal art project, ‘Lakeside Unity’, and the ‘Brisbane Water Eco Explorer’ – all new to the program this year.Central Coast Council also revealed that X Factor Australia winner, Reece Mastin and Band will headline the popular ‘Budgewoi Festival’, and The Delta Riggs will headline this year’s ‘Light up the Lake’ event, which will also feature ARC with band members from Jet, Spiderbait, Powder Finger and You Am I.Over 60,000 people attended The Lakes Festival 2017 with more than $6.7 million generated for the local economy.Council Section Manager Place Activation, Ashlee Abbott, said attendance at this year’s Festival was again expected to be strong as the event, and the love of our natural areas by locals and visitors alike, grows.“The popular free 10-day Lakes Festival is a celebration of what makes the Central Coast and our community so special – our waterways.” Ms Abbott said.“The program includes sporting, cultural, educational, art and live music events for the whole family to enjoy, and we are also bringing back our popular ‘Lakes Festival Scavenger Hunt’ to encourage people to explore our beautiful shoreline with the chance to win two major prizes brought to you by Rocky Trail Entertainment.“As we head into Summer, the Festival is the perfect opportunity to get out and about, rediscover places right on our doorstep and celebrate our natural environment with family and friends – with something for everyone, we hope to see you on and around our beautiful waterways.”The Lakes Festival will run from 9-18 November and is proudly presented by Central Coast Council.Events will be held at seven key hubs across the Coast including McKenzie’s Reserve Budgewoi, Long Jetty Foreshore, Gosford Waterfront, Toukley, Norah Head, The Entrance and Picnic Point.

Central Coast Council has welcomed today’s funding of $207,500 to investigate options to address erosion issues at Wamberal Beach.The funding under the State Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants Program will be provided for design and costings for a seawall and beach nourishment.

MEDIA RELEASEYoung people are being asked to get involved and be part of developing the first-ever Central Coast Youth Strategy.Central Coast Council wants to hear from young people and local youth services about what they see as important for young people who live, work or study on the Coast.Throughout October and November, all young people aged 12-24 can complete an online survey which explores their views about life on the Central Coast and what they would like to see for young people, now and in the future.The online survey will be complemented by face-to-face interviews at popular youth venues, events and schools, including focus groups with youth service providers.Mayor Jane Smith said it is important that Council listens to young people to hear about their challenges, issues and opportunities.

Central Coast Council has topped local workplaces and is a national leader in donating lifesaving blood to the Red Cross’ appeal for urgently required blood and plasma.Council headed a list of more than 30 local workplaces which donated blood in the Red Cross’ Red25 group donation program between January and August.

Central Coast Council presented Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) with a $207,100 cheque yesterday at Toowoon Bay Surf Life Saving Club, the second instalment of a three year sponsorship funding agreement from Central Coast Council.This funding will assist SLSCC with maintaining vital beach safety services across 15 surf clubs on the Central Coast during the 2018-19 summer season.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was pleased to support Surf Life Saving on the Central Coast.“Local surf clubs are vital to our community.

Central Coast Council have completed $760,800 redevelopment works on the BMX facilities at San Remo to create a highly active sporting hub for the north of the Central Coast.Mayor Jane Smith said this quality sporting precinct delivers on what the community has asked for, whilst providing a facility that promotes an active lifestyle and new attraction for visitors to our region.“Our community voted for the BMX track redevelopment as a top 10 priority project and we have fast tracked the project to deliver a state of the art BMX sporting facility suitable for recreational usage and to run local and regional competitions - during the day and night,” Mayor Smith said.The redevelopment works have created a high quality facility and included construction of an amenities building (that included a commercial grade kitchen and canteen, scorer’s room, accessible amenities and storerooms), redevelopment of the BMX track with installation of polymer coating to prevent erosion of the track surface, installation of start hill shelter, installation of competition track floodlighting and landscaping works.This project was made possible with thanks to a $710,000 grant from the NSW State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund, made available to amalgamated Councils, plus the investment from the NSW Government grants secured by San Remo BMX Club - $31,849 Family and Community Services Community Building Partnership grant and $11,165 from the NSW Office of Sports , local sports grant.The community are encouraged to visit the new facilities and try BMX riding at the official opening and San Remo BMX Club’s Ridein2BMX ‘come and try’ day on Saturday 27 October.

When the pavement is your canvas and chalk is your brush, creating an interactive gallery of chalk art that truly honours the amazing talent of local artists becomes challenging when Mother Nature has other ideas.But don’t let the rain blues get you down!

Central Coast Council is waging a war on single use plastic bags and is looking to partner with local fruit and vegetable suppliers to provide customers with free reusable produce net bags.

Central Coast Council has lodged its submission on the review of water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) and is reminding the community to have their say by 12 October.Following Council’s community consultation process all community members now have an opportunity to provide their feedback directly to IPART.Council Senior Manager Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said Council proposed to align prices across the two former local government areas.“Our submission to IPART recommends a reduction in average residential water bills across the Central Coast from 1 July 2019,” Ms Nel said.“We are also proposing changes to the way we calculate and apply the stormwater drainage charge.“The proposed changes to the stormwater drainage charges would see a decrease in the charge for all residential properties and most businesses.“However, the way businesses were charged in the two former local government areas was completely different and the alignment of prices will result in some businesses paying more for their stormwater drainage services.”Ms Nel said that most Central Coast residents and businesses already pay a stormwater drainage charge and Council is proposing that this charge be applied to all rateable properties.“Currently residents and businesses west of the M1 in the former Gosford local government area pay a stormwater drainage charge but equivalent residents and businesses in the former Wyong local government area do not.“We recently held information sessions specifically for residents and businesses west of the M1 in the former Wyong local government area and Council encourages these community members to provide feedback on the proposed changes directly to IPART.Council’s proposal to apply a consistent approach to the stormwater drainage charges reflects the regional benefit provided by the stormwater drainage network in protecting public and private property from flooding, helping to connect communities and support access to homes, schools and places of work, and enhancing our natural assets and waterways.For the proposed changes to the stormwater drainage charges to come into effect they require the endorsement of IPART and Council will then need to apply to the NSW Government for a new Drainage Area to cover all of the Central Coast local government area.Central Coast community members can provide feedback directly to IPART up until 12 October via ipart.nsw.gov.au and scrolling down to ‘Prices for Central Coast Council from 1 July 2019’.IPART’s Public Hearing on 27 November is also open to all community members.Council’s submission, details about the IPART consultation process and answers to frequently asked questions are available at yourvoiceourcoast.com/WaterPricing

Council submission raises concerns about State Government planning controls for the Gosford CBDCouncil has raised a number of key concerns regarding the Draft Gosford City Centre Development Control Plan (DCP) in a formal submission to the Department of Planning.The draft submission formalises Council’s previous communication to the Department in September raising concerns about solar access controls, protection of view corridors, built form controls including height and floor space ratio, key site controls, Gosford waterfront controls, car parking and heritage and signage in the Gosford CBD.

There is water over the road on Wells Street East, Gosford between Springfield Road and Avalon Road and in Shepherd Street, Umina.Signs are in place so please slow down and take care on the wet roads.Rain will continue today and we will keep you updated with conditions on our roads.With heavy rain continuing some roads may have become flooded and inaccessible.

The first ever ‘Chalk the Walk’ – which will turn the Waterfront Plaza at The Entrance into one giant canvas – has been postponed, due to forecast wet weather.With heavy rain set to wash the artwork away this weekend, the event will now run from 11 October through to 14 October.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events

Central Coast Council is investing $1.47million this financial year to upgrade and improve the performance of the Central Coast’s sewerage infrastructure,Council Senior Manager Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said the work is part of an $11million multiyear project to reline targeted gravity sewerage infrastructure across the region.“The innovative technology we are using to rollout our sewerage relining project means minimal disruption to services during works and minimal environmental impact as the need to excavate is eliminated in most cases,” Ms Nel said.“We are rehabilitating damaged pipelines by firstly clearing any blockages and then inserting a liner that reinforces the existing pipe structure, seals any leaks and significantly reduces the risk of future intrusion, particularly from tree roots.”This region-wide project is targeting gravity sewerage mains, manholes and junctions that have been identified for renewal.Ms Nel said tree roots and the flushing of inappropriate items were the main causes of partial and total blockages in sewerage systems.“Tree roots certainly do impact our sewerage network, particularly in heavily wooded areas like the Central Coast.“Flushing things that should not be flushed can also cause significant damage – please never flush cooking waste, fats and oils, cigarette butts, nappies, dental floss, sanitary items, and wipes – even if they are labelled ‘flushable’.”Central Coast Council operates and maintains over 2,200 kilometres of sewerage mains.

Central Coast Council has started a $1.7million project to install new drainage crossings underneath The Ridgeway, Stage 2 of a $7.8million upgrade of the road.The current project includes the installation of five drainage crossings, new kerb and gutter and new road pavement.In order to install the new drainage, Council will need to close The Ridgeway at night between Nexus Way and Tapley Road, Lisarow to all non-resident traffic from Monday 1 October to Thursday 11 October, weather permitting.A detour will be available via Fagans Road and work will take place between 6pm to 3am to minimise impact on traffic.Traffic control will be in place to ensure the safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.Residents who live along this section of road and emergency vehicles will have access at all times and will be guided by traffic control.Council thanks the community for their patience during these important works and apologises for any inconvenience.The current project follows on from Stage 1 which included similar road and drainage upgrades and construction of a large sandstone wall.

In a special 10 year celebration, ChromeFest is rock ‘n’ rolling its way back to the Coast with more American classic cars, more vintage glamour, a kids area and a new Retro Caravan display.A free event shuttle bus will also be in operation from Tuggerah Station, Toukley and Bateau Bay to make getting to the event easy for festival goers over the weekend.Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said over 50,000 visitors from across the country are expected to attend the popular three-day event which last year generated $9.5 million for the local economy.“There is a massive program of activities and events lined up to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of one of our biggest annual events, including live entertainment, retro market stalls, Vintage Glamour workshops and of course the iconic ChromeFest car displays.” Mr Cannard said.“New this year, Sunday will see the expansion of the program to include Lowriders at Picnic Point and Retro Caravans displayed along the water’s edge on The Entrance Road.“We also have a new ‘Kidz Zone’ with free activities including face painting, slot cars, a 9D virtual space movie experience, rides, motorised jeeps and a DJ with undercover dance floor.“We invite everyone to be transported back to the 50s and 60s and join in three days of ChromeFest fun.”ChromeFest will be held on 26-28 October and is a free event for the community presented by Central Coast Council and Californian Cruisin Incorporated.Road closures will be in place during the event.

Time is running out to make that community idea happen with the first round of Central Coast Council’s 2018-19 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.With more than $1.7million available to help support and grow community-run local events, initiatives and projects, interested applicants are encouraged to get their applications in this week to ensure their project is considered this year.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the design of the Winney Bay Clifftop Walk that will lead from Captain Cook Lookout to Winney Bay Reserve.The draft concept plans for the $4.6million state government funded project were originally publicly exhibited by the former Gosford City Council in 2011, and incorporate a 3 metre-wide clifftop pathway, bridge and lookout.Mayor Jane Smith said that Council have listened to concerns and agreed to re-exhibit the plans to ensure the community could have a say in the final design of the iconic walkway.“In April, I attended a public meeting at Copacabana to discuss current and future plans for the walkway and it was clear that the community wanted more of a say with regards to this project,” Mayor Smith said.“The community wants to see these plans and have a say in the design and we will give them this opportunity.“Protecting and enhancing our natural environment is a key priority for Council as well as creating recreational and tourism opportunities.“I can assure residents that Council is already acting on these priorities, including commencing an environmental assessment for the project and developing a weed management and bush regeneration plan for the whole of the Winney Bay Reserve.“We also want to ensure that the project acknowledges the original inhabitants of the land in an appropriate manner by considering elements such as interpretive signage and the use of culturally significant endemic species.”Council will also be hosting a drop-in information session at Copacabana SLSC on Thursday 4 October from 3.30pm until 7.30pm.On 23 June 2018, the NSW government announced a $4.6 million grant to construct the part of the Winney Bay Cliff Top Walk between Captain Cook Lookout and the stairway.

With summer nearly upon us, residents and visitors are reminded of the importance of beach safety and swimming between the flags across the Central Coast.With the beach patrol season kicking off tomorrow, Saturday 29 September, Central Coast Council is encouraging beachgoers to be safe and take care, by following these simple safety tips:Only swim at patrolled beachesOnly swim between the red and yellow flagsRemember - if the lifeguards can’t see you, they can’t save youIf you do get into difficulty, remain calm, float and raise your arm to signal for help.Never swim if you’re feeling unwell or have been drinking alcoholRed and yellow flags indicate supervised and patrolled areasBlack and white flags indicate surf craft exclusion zonesMayor Jane Smith said it was important for beach goers to swim between the red and yellow flags and to understand the two main types of flags used on our patrolled beaches.“With an anticipated 3 million visitors using these patrolled beach locations throughout the beach season it’s necessary that people are advised about the importance of beach safety,” Mayor Smith said.“The red and yellow flags indicate areas patrolled by Council Beach Safety staff and Surf Life Saving members that are under observation for swimming.“To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, surfers and board riders are asked to remain outside of the black and white flags that are located next to the red and yellow flags.Council lifeguards patrol 15 beach locations from Monday to Friday, and the Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, while Surf Life Saving members patrol 15 beach locations on the weekends and public holidays.In non-peak holiday times (29 September – 2 December and 2 February to 29 April) patrol hours across all beach locations are 9am-5pm.During the summer peak holiday period, from 3 December to 1 February, all locations will operate from 9am-6pm, with the exception of Umina, Avoca and Terrigal which will operate from 8am - 6pm.

The historic ocean baths at The Entrance will be officially renamed ‘The Grant McBride Baths’ in memory of Grant McBride, State Member for The Entrance from 1992-2011.Formerly ‘The Entrance Ocean Baths’, the local icon will officially take its new name tomorrow, Saturday 29 September 2018, at a private ceremony involving Council and the McBride family and friends.A Council resolution was made in March of this year to rename The Entrance Ocean Baths to The Grant McBride Baths in recognition of the efforts Mr McBride took to protect the Baths for the Central Coast community.The Baths were constructed in stages between 1938 and 1965 and in 2002, Mr McBride campaigned with local residents to save the coastal icon from potential closure.Over 9,000 signatures were collected during the campaign, and in 2003 the Baths were successfully placed on the New South Wales Heritage List.Mayor Jane Smith said the Baths have been a longstanding iconic facility that Council is proud to operate for the enjoyment of our community.“Whether it be enjoying the sunrise during a morning lap swim, taking your family for a dip in the warm summer sun, or simply admiring the scenic beauty as you drive by, the Baths have provided cherished memories for many of us,” Mayor Smith said.“I am delighted we are able to honour the involvement of Mr McBride with this historic facility and am pleased that the Baths will be here for generations of residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”