Central Coast Council is inviting the whole community to celebrate in the success of Tuggerah Library serving our community for the last 21 years.Come and join us on 19 October at 9.30am for this year’s big anniversary celebration with special guest appearances throughout the day and a delicious morning tea to mark this memorable occasion.Council’s Library Services Section Manager, Ms Andrea Edwards said, this celebration is a way to thank our community for its support in the last 21 years.“During this celebration local author and healer Laurie Leah Levine will talk on her three books and give practical guidance on how to live a more energised, peaceful and balanced life,” Ms Edwards said.“A free talk and a meditation session by members of the local Khedrubje Kadampa Buddhist Centre will also be made available for visitors on the day.“So come and join in on the festivities and have some fun at Tuggerah Library.“All bookings for talks, meditation sessions and the morning tea can be made by contacting the library directly on 4350 1560 or come in and see our staff.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said our libraries support lifelong learning for all people on the Central Coast and act as vibrant community hubs.“Turning 21 is a big milestone and over this time over 5.5 million items have been borrowed from Tuggerah Library,” Mr Reynolds said.“Over the 21 years this popular branch has had over two million visitors come through its doors and this shows just how important our local libraries are to this community.“We are committed to keeping up with technology and improving our services across the libraries so we can deliver what our community needs, wants and values.”Find out more of what our libraries have to offer by visiting www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

Places are now available for the popular Reading Buddy program run at select Central Coast Council libraries during Term Four (October – December 2016).Aimed at developing the literacy skills of school aged children and fostering a lifelong love of reading, the program matches students one-on-one with Reading Buddy volunteers from across the community.Council’s Library Services Coordinator Michelle Swan-Beardmore said Reading Buddy programs have been shown to enhance literacy outcomes in young people around the globe.“The Reading Buddy program is so successful because children enjoy quality time and the undivided attention of an adult dedicated to helping them improve their literacy skills and encourage their enjoyment for reading,” said Ms Swan-Beardmore.“Children develop a real rapport with their Reading Buddy and our volunteers gain just as much from the program as the students do.“Previous term programs run here on the Central Coast have been fully booked out, proving the program’s popularity and value with both volunteers and students.”The program consists of bookings for half an hour per week, every week for the ten-week school term.

Spring is in the air and the school holidays are just around the corner - a perfect opportunity to holiday in or explore the Central Coast.The Coast has a lot to offer to keep your family entertained these holidays, from the beach to the lakes, to the valleys and the bush - there’s something for everyone. As the weather warms up, it’s a great chance to head on down to one of our 15 patrolled beaches from the Lakes in the north to Umina in the south.Beach conditions are assessed daily to determine the safest part of the beach to swim and where to set up the red and yellow flags.If the beach isn’t your thing, we have been working hard to improve the Lake’s boat ramps and swimming areas with foreshore improvements, maintenance of netted swimming areas and buoy markers, as well as the general amenity of foreshore parks - but remember these areas are not patrolled by Lifeguards.There is more to the lakes than swimming and fishing. With more than 700 kilometres of shared pathways around the Coast (most of them along the water’s edge), this opens up a number of options to walk, ride explore the lake foreshores with family and friends.Check out the first section of Magenta Shared Pathway - 1.5 kilometres of shared pathway that runs along the edge of the Red Gum Forest - or the new pathways winding around the Peninsula.Along all our pathways there are a number of play spaces to stop play or rest and enjoy the views.We maintain more than 250 play spaces across the Central Coast catering for all ages and abilities – so there is bound to be one close to you.There are also 24 skate places on the Coast, including the new regional skate place at Bateau Bay called Bato Yard, which has shading, seating, a basketball court, parkour elements and much more.There’s so much to do and see on the Coast these holidays, and don’t forget to use #thisisthelife and share your favourite places.October long weekendThis year, the October long weekend falls in the middle of the school holidays.If you’re planning on going away, remember these simple travelling tips to ensure you arrive safely at your destination:Stick to the designated speed limit - speeding remains the greatest cause of fatalities and injuries on our roads.Recognise the tired signs.

Central Coast Council is holding a series of free green living workshops to help you live sustainably and reduce your environmental impact around the home.Learn from experts in their field on how to compost, setup an organic garden, use Australian bush flower essences, eat sustainable food, keep backyard chickens and clean your house without chemicals.To celebrate National Recycle Week, from Monday 7 until Friday 13 November, Council also has a range of workshops that focus on recycling around the home including in the kitchen, your backyard and even in your wardrobe.In addition, a variety of workshops will be on offer as part of the Wyong Lakes Festival from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 November.Council’s Environmental Education Officer, Anni Griffiths, said there are workshops to suit all households.“Regardless of what size your backyard is or whether you live in a unit, we have a range of workshops to suit everyone’s lifestyle and sustainability goals,” said Ms Griffiths.“By making small changes you can easily live a greener lifestyle.

Coast Olympians and Paralympians to be honoured with Civic ReceptionCouncil will host a Civic Reception next month to honour the Olympians and Paralympians from the Central Coast who represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Games.Four athletes from the Coast made their Olympic debuts in Rio including Matt Dawson in the men’s hockey team, Jesse Parahi in Rugby 7s and Lachlan Tame and Riley Fitzsimmons in canoeing.Five Paralympians represented Australia in Rio - Liesl Tesch in sailing, Dylan Littlehales in canoeing, Rae Anderson in athletics with Matt Formston and Nick Yallouris in the cycling team.Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said the athletes were great ambassadors for the Central Coast and the community was proud of what they have achieved.“These athletes have taken on the best on the world’s biggest sporting stage and have done themselves, and our region, proud,” Mr Reynolds said.“To be the best takes a lot of time and sacrifice - but it is worth it when you get to represent your country in a sport you love.”“We are proud of how these athletes have performed in Rio and are delighted to have them as sporting ambassadors for our great region.”The athletes and their families will be invited to a civic reception to be held within the next month.Monthly Council meetings go live onlineCentral Coast Council meetings will now be held monthly and broadcast live to a potential audience of 331,000 residents.Council will utilise new technology and install fixed cameras in both the Gosford and Wyong Chambers to allow residents to see what is discussed and decided at a council meeting.Council’s Administrator said the community has shown this is something they want as often due to distance and time constraints they cannot always attend Council meetings themselves.‘Like residents, I am looking forward to having the option available.  It is an open and transparent way to show how Council works,” Mr Reynolds said.“Unfortunately, many people don’t understand how local government works which limits their opportunities to be involved.“I hope that once the community can see the proceedings without having to attend, there will be a greater understanding of the governance of Council and how decisions are made.Council meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of every month from January to November inclusive and continue to alternate between Gosford and Wyong.The next Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 26 October in the Gosford Chambers in Mann Street.Council shelves Gosford Land Sale Strategy Council has abandoned plans to reclassify a number of land parcels under the Land Sale Strategy of the former Gosford Council.In late 2015, the former Gosford Council resolved to reclassify a number of identified parcels of public land from "community" to "operational".

The Terrigal Haven boat ramp has been officially reopened, following its $1 million makeover.Officially reopened by NSW Premier The Hon.

NSW Premier Mike Baird is on the Central Coast today to announce a new aircraft manufacturing facility that will establish in the region and create a new aerospace industry and subindustries in Australia.Premier Baird said that Amphibian Aerospace Industries will relocate its off-shore manufacturing to the Central Coast and become the first transport category aircraft manufacturer to set up in Australia since the 1940s.It will create 240 direct jobs in aircraft manufacturing, as well as thousands of indirect jobs in auxiliary industries like parts supply, instrumentation, interior fitouts and avionics.“This is a great day for the Central Coast – this announcement means thousands of jobs for the region with a significant flow on to the Central Coast economy,” Premier Baird said.“The decision by AAI to locate here is a testament that NSW is Australia’s prime location for business growth and investment.”Council Administrator Ian Reynolds said the announcement was the culmination of over 12 months of negotiations between AAI and Central Coast Council staff.“Bringing jobs to this region and enabling employment growth are some of the key priorities of Central Coast Council.

An internationally recognised public art installation is set to call the Central Coast home on Friday 30 September.The interactive artwork titled ‘IMAG_NE’ will put imaginations into overdrive as visitors to the sculpture picture themselves as the missing piece.Based on the game of Scrabble, 'IMAG_NE' features large letter pieces which spell out the word I-M-A-G-I-N-E, with a space where the second “I” would be - inviting the community to interact with the sculpture to complete the word.Created by Australian visual artist and creative producer, Emma Anna, the artwork originally exhibited at Bondi’s famous Sculpture by the Sea in 2008, and has since featured around the world including at Denmark’s inaugural Sculpture by the Sea in 2009.Central Coast Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the moving sculpture purchased in April 2016, will exhibit at a range of locations and popular destinations on the Coast.“We are thrilled to present the sculpture to the community as it moves around the region,” said Mr Reynolds.“It is a great opportunity to promote our beautiful landscapes and environment.“I encourage everyone to visit the artwork and make the most of the great photo opportunities it will create across our beautiful vista.”The artwork will be unveiled to the public on Friday 30 September, at the Gosford waterfront (opposite Central Coast Stadium), where it will be located for up to three months.The artwork will then move around the Central Coast and feature in locations including Terrigal and Norah Head.

Talented artists from around the country have been recognised in this year’s Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize.Winners were announced at the Gosford Regional Gallery exhibition opening on Friday 23 September.The popular competition received 566 entries submitted by over 420 artists, with over 70 percent of artists from the Central Coast.Team Leader at Gosford Regional Gallery, Tim Braham, said the receipt of artworks for the annual competition is both a frantic and thrilling time for the Gallery.“The Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramics Prize is a genuine demonstration of a wealth of talent, skill and artistic diversity in our community,” said Mr Braham.“In total, 141 works were selected for the final exhibition.

Central Coast Council welcomes today’s announcement for a NSW Government grant to promote responsible pet ownership on the Coast.The NSW Government introduced the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants scheme in 2014 to target programs that encourage owners to microchip, register and desex their pets.Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, said the funding boost will help Council provide important programs for pet owners on the Coast who need it most.“The scheme helps promote projects that encourage responsible pet ownership and aims to reduce the euthanasia rates and dog attacks,” Mr Crouch said.“Pet dogs and cats are important family members of many households across NSW and it is vital we support our community to promote responsible pet ownership.“The Baird-Government is committed to improving the positive benefits of pet ownership while strengthening safety and education in our local neighbourhoods.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this funding will assist Council to implement new services that help local pet owners.“Council wants our residents to be responsible pet owners and this funding will help deliver that.” Mr Reynolds said.“Microchipping helps reunite pets with owners and comes at a cost for owners.

Central Coast Council’s own Misbah Khan was crowned the Newcastle Professional Engineer of the Year at the recent Engineering Excellence Awards.These Awards, sponsored by Engineering Australia, celebrate and recognise engineering accomplishments of individuals and companies Australia wide.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said, this recognition highlights the standard of talent working at Council and the innovative ways staff are delivering original and creative projects for the community.“Misbah is Council’s Senior Asset Systems Engineer and was recognised for his research in improving road assets allowing Council to improve the sustainability of our roads,” Mr Reynolds said.“Winning the Newcastle division of Engineer of the Year is well deserved by Misbah and is a prestigious achievement.“The $3.6 million Mooney Mooney Raw Water Pump Station power supply project was also recognised at the awards night as one of 13 finalists for engineering excellence.“This innovative project supplies water to the Somersby Water Treatment Plant that services our community in conjunction with Mardi Water Treatment Plant at Wyong.“These innovations in engineering are helping us deliver the essential infrastructure our growing community needs.“We are proud of the quality of excellent staff that have contributed to this success and it is awards like these that recognise the home grown talent we have here on the Coast.”Misbah Khan has also been nominated for the Australian Professional Engineer Award 2016, held in November this year.

Central Coast Council is considering the best way to manage flooding in the Wyong River catchment area and is calling on residents and businesses to share their experiences so a permanent floodplain management plan can be put in place.The catchment area includes a number of residential, industrial and commercial areas including Wyong, Tacoma, Mardi, Yarramalong, Cedar Brush Creek and Dooralong as well as the Tuggerah Straight Industrial area.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the ultimate aim of the management plan is to reduce the impact of flooding in the local community.“The community is more aware than ever of the risk of flooding as we have experienced a number of east coast lows in recent times,” Mr Reynolds said.“By understanding the potential risks of flooding in the area, we can better prepare the community to minimize flood damage and avoid possible loss of life.“Flooding can place a significant financial burden on the community so we must be proactive in understanding the impacts in key catchment areas such as Wyong River.“I urge all residents and businesses in this area to share their experiences so we can put the right plan in place to protect the community from future flooding.”A community information session will be held at Council’s Wyong Office on Tuesday 4 October from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.  Staff and Council’s consultants will be available to answer any questions about the study and flooding issues in the catchment area more generally.Local residents and businesses in the area will receive a questionnaire in the mail shortly or can share their experiences online at www.wyongriver.fprms.com.au

The Central Coast beach season will be launched this weekend with the official raising of the flags at Killcare Beach.

Two sewage pipes (mains) that run underneath Terrigal Lagoon will undergo rehabilitation works over a number of weeks until November 2016, as part of Central Coast Council’s extensive Sewage Pump Station Upgrade Program.The works will involve placing a plastic liner inside each of the steel pipes and removing the temporary polyethylene pipe that was installed in July 2013.The two mains cross below the bed of the Lagoon in an east west direction, from the Sewage Pump Station on Bundara Avenue, Wamberal, to the intersection of Beaufort Road and Ogilvie Street, Terrigal.Council’s Construction Delivery Coordinator, Mark Losurdo, said the works will ensure Council’s pump stations and rising mains will continue operating to the highest standard.“Council is committed to protecting the community, our waterways and the environment against sewage overflows,” said Mr Losurdo.“In July 2013, a temporary 355mm diameter pipe was installed to replace one of two sewer rising mains that was not functioning to its optimum capacity.“The temporary pipe will be decommissioned and disposed of, whilst minimising the risk of any environmental impact.“Construction works will also be undertaken for the rehabilitation of the existing mains, including civil works required for the interconnection at the eastern and western shores of Terrigal Lagoon.”Construction is expected to commence on Monday 26 September 2016, and is due to be completed in November 2016.

Traffic diversions are in place, with one north bound lane shut down on Central Coast Highway in front of the Caltex complex opposite Erina High School, while council crews work to investigate the cause of damage to a water main in the area.Access into both the Red Rooster and Caltex complex opposite Ernest Street is restricted from both directions.The diversions are expected to be in place until 11pm tonight, with more lanes potentially affected as investigations continue.Council is appealing to motorists to avoid the area if possible.Nearby properties may experience intermittent water supply for the duration of the works.For all enquiries please contact council on 4325 8222.

Council has welcomed the findings of the Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) investigation into pelican deaths at Blackwall.An extensive investigation by the EPA has concluded that algal growth and toxins in stormwater are the most likely cause of death of the pelicans.Council has been assisting the EPA with its investigation and has developed a strategy to reduce the presence of blue-green algae in the stormwater canal north of Alpha Road.Council is committed to working with the EPA and other relevant experts and agencies to protect the pelican population in Blackwall and prevent further deaths.

Central Coast Council is celebrating the completion of the $1.1 million boat ramp and carpark upgrade at one of the Coast’s most popular reserves.The boat ramp next to Saltwater Creek reserve at Long Jetty has been re-opened to the public today and Council welcomes all locals and visitors to experience the new easy access to Tuggerah Lakes.Council’s Waterways and Asset Manager, Mr Peter Ham, said this work involved significant upgrades to the boat ramp, main car park and trailer parking facilities in the Saltwater Creek reserve area.“This new boat ramp and better trailer parking make it easier to launch your boat into the Tuggerah Lakes,” said Mr Ham.“Council has provided 10 designated trailer parking spaces that will enable plenty of manoeuvring room for cars and boat trailers ensuring safer access to the water.“In addition to the new boat ramp, boat owners can now enjoy the many facilities in the Saltwater Creek Reserve, including an open space reserve, barbeques, a BMX track and play spaces for children.”The main carpark has been significantly upgraded to provide 83 designated car spaces and can now better service this very popular park and shared pathway.The shared pathway through the site has also been realigned to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said these new facilities delivered on a Council promise to deliver more and better recreational opportunities for the community.“We want our residents and visitors to get out and experience all the great things there are to do on the Coast, Mr Reynolds said.“We know boating is a major pastime for our locals and having better boat ramps will mean the community can enjoy it more easily and safely.“Not only has this upgrade improved the safety and access for boat and trailer users in the area but has raised the profile of the area and will attract more tourism into Long Jetty.”The main carpark has re-opened to the public.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to recycle their old fridges and freezers and be rewarded for helping the environment at the same time.Residents with unwanted or old working fridges and freezers can organise to have their items collected through the Fridge Buyback program.Run under the NSW Government’s Energy Saving Scheme, the award-winning energy savings program collects unwanted and old working fridges and freezers (200L or more in volume) for free.The collected whitegoods are then degassed and the metal recycled.

If you have always wanted to know the secrets to cultivating a prize winning garden, now is your chance, as this year’s Garden Competition recipients generously open their green sanctuaries to the public on Sunday 25 September 2016.The 2016 Garden Competition, run by Central Coast Council, dug up a wealth of talent across the region and the public will have the opportunity to explore eight gardens as part of this year’s Open Garden day.This year’s Open Gardens showcase some of the most diverse domestic and commercial gardens in the region.

Kings and queens of the garden variety were crowned at Central Coast Council’s 2016 Garden Competition presentation evening on Thursday 15 September.The top gardens and gardeners were recognised across 13 categories at the ceremony held at the Laycock Street Community Theatre.There was not a leaf out of place as judging took place over a number of days in August, to reveal the best of the bunch in the former Gosford City Council local government area.The excellent design and wonderful outlook in John and Lesley Cleary’s garden won the judge over for the title of ‘Champion Residential Garden, Over 1,000 Square Metres’.Alva Bell took out the ‘Champion Residential Garden, Under 1,000 Square Metres’, where the judge noted that the pretty and colourful garden was obviously tended to with constant care.Woy Woy Peninsula Community Gardens took out one of the ‘Best Eco Friendly Garden’ awards for a wonderful community garden that showed passion and dedication.