Central Coast Council has welcomed last week’s announcement by Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher and Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks to commit over $2.7 million toward vital road upgrades on The Peninsula, following an election victory.The $2.7 million investment would be shared among traditional trouble-spots including:$1.1 million for Murray Street in Booker Bay$900,000 for Davis Street in Booker Bay$750,000 for Ryans Road in Umina BeachCentral Coast Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds said that making roads on The Peninsula safer and more accessible would be a real win for the local community.“Council is continually advocating for improvements to road safety across the Central Coast, and this funding would be a real boost to improve the safety and accessibility of traditional trouble spots within our regional network,” Mr Reynolds said.“Residents on The Peninsula will be particularly pleased with local road improvements, as road safety and adequate pedestrian access are key priorities that will only enhance the surrounding business and residential community.“We are happy to see all levels of government addressing the backlog of road upgrades on The Peninsula as a key priority, and council looks forward to further announcements focused on improving Central Coast roads.”Next financial year council will spend over $100 million on local road upgrades. To find out what is planned go to www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

One lane of Showground Road in Gosford – at its intersection with Racecourse Road – will be temporarily closed for northbound traffic on Saturday 28 May 2016 from 7am to 6pm while important tree removal works are undertaken.Unfortunately, no access to Showground Road from Racecourse Road will be available during this time.The tree removal works are required to allow the construction of a safe, all-weather concrete footpath that will cater for the large number of pedestrians in this area.Southbound traffic flow on Showground Road will operate under traffic control and delays may be experienced.Warning signs are in place advising of the works and motorists will be required to detour around the work site.

National Reconciliation Week provides the focus for a number of significant art exhibitions by international, regional and local artists opening at Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery this weekend.Now in its fourteenth year Reconciliation 2016 is Gosford Regional Gallery’s highly popular annual exhibition and art competition.Opening this Saturday 28 May, it provides an opportunity for local Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to showcase their work and promote reconciliation in a positive and practical way across the community.This year’s prize winners will be announced at 11am this Sunday 29 May at the Gallery’s eagerly anticipated Reconciliation Award Ceremony.The day will also include an Indigenous arts and craft market from 12noon until 3pm, with 20 stalls featuring a variety of Aboriginal artwork, craft and food as well as children’s activities, live music and a bush tucker BBQ.Also opening at the Gallery on Saturday 28 May is a significant solo exhibition, Imagining Victory, by prominent artist Richard Bell.A leading force within contemporary Australian art, Richard Bell’s work confronts issues of race relations.The Imagining Victory exhibition centres on a trilogy of highly acclaimed and provocative video works that reveal how racism can be deeply lodged and passed on to future generations.Tim Braham from Gosford Regional Gallery said the new winter exhibitions address revealing aspects of community identity and participation, as well as reflect the varied aspects of the Gallery’s changing program.“As well as attracting and exhibiting work by leading international artists such as Richard Bell, the Gallery is an important platform for community achievement and connection, demonstrated by popular annual exhibitions such as Reconciliation, which this year features around 100 works of art including painting, sculpture and photography,” Mr Braham said.“A third exhibition entitled Shorelines by Robert Bennetts also opens this Saturday 28 May, whose rich abstract paintings have been inspired by the distinctive landscape of the Central Coast, particularly our region’s dramatic geography of water, land and sky.“Our new program of exhibitions and associated events provide real opportunities for Central Coast residents and visitors to engage with thought-provoking and inspiring exhibitions.“Don’t forget to drop in this Sunday 29 May from 11am to support all participants in the Reconciliation Award Ceremony and enjoy the variety of Indigenous arts and craft market stalls and cultural activities in our Gallery foyer,” Mr Braham added.For more information about these new exhibitions, visit www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/galleries.

Council meeting schedule adopted Council resolved to amend the Code of Meeting Practice to make it easier for residents from across the Central Coast to attend council meetings.Meetings will be held in the Council Chambers of the Gosford office on the second Wednesday of the month and the Wyong office on the fourth Wednesday of the month.   All meetings will be audio recorded.The Administrator has asked for a report on the potential web casting of future council meetings.Administrator Ian Reynolds said:

Central Coast Council has welcomed the announcement of $3 million funding for the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary.Council has a long history of working to improve the health of the Tuggerah Lakes system.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said the funding would build on the work Council was already doing to improve the health of the catchment and reduce pollution.“This financial year alone, we will build 11 gross pollutant traps, four of which received federal funding, on the shores of Tuggerah Lake,” Mr Reynolds said.“This additional funding will allow us to build on the work already done, focus on our foreshores and put some much needed attention into the catchment areas.“We welcome the opportunity to work with all levels of government in improving the health of the Tuggerah Lakes catchment so that future generations can enjoy our amazing estuary.”

Next week Central Coast Council will be carrying out works to repair erosion damage to a section of the foreshore at Buff Point.As a result, a section of shared pathway between Weston Way, which will be used an access point for council vehicles,  and the footbridge at Edgewater Park, will be closed from 30 May to 30 June 2016.Throughout these works, the section of shared pathway will remain closed to ensure public safety due to truck and excavator movements around the area.Those wishing to use the shared pathway during this time will be required to bypass the works by accessing the below sections of Buff Point Road:Northbound users of the pathway will need to move off the path at Moola Road onto Buff Point Road and re-join the shared pathway at Edgewater Park.Southbound users of the pathway will need to move off the path at Karangal Avenue, Edgewater Park and use Buff Point Road to access Moola Road where the shared pathway can once again be accessed.Council would like thank the community for their patience and cooperation while these works are carried out.  Residents can “report an issue” to council via the Wyong website www.wyong.nsw.gov.au via their smartphone or their PC.

A $3.3 million upgrade to Kanangra Drive, Gwandalan will tomorrow be unveiled by Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter & Central Coast, Scot MacDonald, and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), Regional General Manager, Anna Zycki.The project was recently completed by the former Wyong Shire Council and RMS, to improve the road, which provides the only access from the Pacific Highway in and out of Gwandalan and Summerland Point.“The former Wyong Council invested $1.4 million, along with funding of $1.84 million from the State Government’s NSW Safer Roads Program, to improve the safety of this very important road,” said Central Coast Council Director Infrastructure and Operations, Mr Greg McDonald, who will also be attending the official opening.The upgrade works include widening of the Kanangra Drive lane width to 3.5 metres, provision of up to a two-metre sealed road shoulder, provision of two police enforcement bays, asphalt resurfacing of the road and installation of safety barriers, signs, guide posts, new line marking and reflective pavement markers to improve the safety of the road.The need for the upgrade was identified after 33 crashes were recorded within the past five years to 31 December 2015, one of which resulted in one fatality.“We understand that roads are one of the most important services our residents expect and rely upon,” Mr McDonald added.“As a new Central Coast Council, in addition to works currently being carried out, we plan to invest more than $100 million throughout the 2016/17 financial year alone to ensure our Central Coast roads and drainage are well on the way to meeting the expectations of our community.”

Central Coast Council will kick off National Reconciliation Week celebrations tomorrow with the official opening of the Maliga Indigenous Art Showcase.Maliga, which means ‘shine’ in Darkinjung, is a School Based Art Showcase promoting local Indigenous students multimedia art and craft, reflecting their identity and cultural connection to the Central Coast.The launch will take place on Wednesday 25 May from 10am-12pm at The Entrance Community Centre and includes the presentation of the Awards and morning tea.The Maliga showcase will be on display each day from 10am-4pm until Thursday 2 June.In other celebrations, Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery will be hosting the 14th annual Reconciliation exhibition in conjunction with NSW Fair Trading.This exhibition – which opens on Saturday 28 May and runs until Sunday 17 July –  showcases local Indigenous and non-Indigenous work about Reconciliation and gives artists the opportunity to be recognised for their endeavours.The Reconciliation award ceremony is being held at the Gallery on Sunday 29 May at 11am. It will include an Indigenous art and craft market as well as children’s activities, live music and a bush tucker BBQ.National Reconciliation Week is held annually from May 27 to June 3.

Central Coast Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, will hold a media conference detailing decisions of the inaugural Central Coast Council Meeting.When:

Central Coast Council welcomes the announcement for $2 million to improve EDSACC South sports facility.The amenities block was destroyed by an arson attack last year leaving a number of sporting groups without storage and canteen facilities.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this funding would be of great assistance to the community.“This $2 million promise from the Federal Government would go a long way to benefit the users and wider community,” Mr Reynolds said.EDSACC South sportsfield is used all year round by a number of groups such as rugby league, touch football, oztag, cricket and school carnivals.These upgrades will add to the amenity of the EDSACC sporting precinct which will soon be home to the region’s biggest skate place, Bato Yard.

Central Coast Council Libraries are encouraging residents to ‘Discover More’, as they launch into Library and Information Week from 23 – 29 May 2016.To help celebrate a number of events and activities have been organised, bringing awareness to the varied range of free resources and services offered.Council’s Director of Community Growth, Ms Judy Jaeger, said libraries are an integral part of the cultural fabric of the local community and are about much more than just borrowing books.“Libraries have evolved over the last decade to meet the changing needs of the community operating as research facilities, meeting places, education and training spaces as well as entertainment venues,” Ms Jaeger said.“We now have 12 library branches located across the Coast that act as community hubs for people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds.“Libraries offer a vast range of services both in house and online from room hire to homework help, book clubs, language resources as well as adult colouring classes, family history and local heritage collections, to name just a few.“It’s great to see all our libraries already working so well.

One of the Central Coast’s premier entertainment venues, Laycock Street Community Theatre, is proudly hosting the Melbourne Ballet Company (MBC)’s esteemed production of Archè for a one night only event on Thursday 26 May at 7.30pm.Archè is a Greek word which indicates the beginning;

Central Coast Council is calling on residents to take the pledge to drive safely on Friday 27 May by signing a giant inflatable car as part of the National Fatality Free Friday campaign.The aim of Fatality Free Friday is to achieve zero deaths on Australian roads for just one day.The inflatable car will be set up at Council’s Wyong office this Friday 20 May for the public to come along and sign in person.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, will be signing the car and is urging other drivers to take the pledge too.“I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep safety at the front of your mind at all times while driving,” Mr Reynolds said.“Sending a text message or speeding because you’re running late is just not worth your life.“I think a Fatality Free Friday is a realistic target and I encourage everyone on the Coast to take the pledge to drive safely next Friday and every other day.“We are asking people to consciously think about their driving behaviour and stay safe on our roads.”Council’s Road Safety Officer, Ms Kate Keogh, said Fatality Free Friday is about raising awareness of road safety.“The number of lives lost on NSW is already much higher than last year with 154 fatalities on NSW roads compared to this time last year when it was 119,” Ms Keogh said“The blow-up car always creates a lot of interest in the community and gets people thinking more about safety to help better decision making on the road.“Distractions like texting seem so ordinary but illegal phone use is now a significant contributor to car crashes.“Other behaviours that lead to fatal and serious injury crashes are speeding, drink driving, not wearing a seatbelt and fatigue.“Just like this year’s theme says, the keys to road safety are in your hands.”If residents can’t get along to sign the car in person they can sign the pledge online at www.fatalityfreefriday.com

Central Coast Council is celebrating the announcement today by Education Minister Simon Birmingham and Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks MP, pledging $32.5 million for a world-class medical school and research institute at Gosford Hospital.Modelled on facilities at leading American and English universities, the $72.5 million Central Coast Medical School and Research Institute will become a landmark project for the Central Coast, after the University of Newcastle and the NSW Government previously each pledged $20 million for the facility.Central Coast Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said a state-of-the-art facility such as this will be a major catalyst for the further revitalisation of the Gosford CBD and deliver enormous benefits for the entire region.“This is a real win-win for our community – it will create more local jobs and deliver better health services across the Coast,” Mr.

First Climate Change Policy for the Coast to build community resilience and zero emissions by 2050A draft Climate Change Policy aiming for zero emissions by 2050 has been developed by Council and will be exhibited for community feedback.Read separate media release in full hereCouncil to investigate community survey and election poll on continuation of amalgamationCouncil tonight formally acknowledged the worthy efforts of staff in amalgamating the former Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council and called for community input in the future of Central Coast Council.Council staff and the CEO will now bring forward a number of reports for Council consideration including:community questionnaires and surveys conducted by the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils prior to amalgamationrealistic estimate of the costs involved in amalgamating the two Councils and timeline for completionprogress on various aspects of amalgamationconducting a community survey to assess current community views of the amalgamationestimate of cost and process regarding a proposal for a poll to be held at an upcoming election (either Federal or State) to gauge community support or rejection of the continuation, or the reversal of, the amalgamation.“We need to understand the full cost of amalgamation and whether it is what the community really want so we can move forward in the best interests of the Central Coast.” “Staff have done an incredible job delivering services and infrastructure for our community and they should be commended.”Council has endorsed a report by staff to the Hunter Central Coast Regional Joint Planning Panel (JRPP) recommending refusal of the application for development of a 63 bed integrated seniors living facility, new registered club and retail tenancies at The Sporties, Woy Woy valued at over $30 million.The development is incompatible with the principles of ecologically sustainable development, and flood hazards of the land.  Lack of on-site parking is also highlighted with a shortfall of 188 spaces needed for residential and club uses.  “The report is very clear on the extensive issues with this proposed development and with 94 community objections received, it is also clear how the community feel about it.” Mayor Smith said.“The community’s voice has been heard and they can also be confident that we have planning controls in place to support sustainable development and ensure only those developments that meet current planning controls and guidelines will be supported.” DAs with 15 or more objections to be automatically reported to CouncilThis replaces the previous threshold of 50 objections for a development application to be automatically reported to Council.

Central Coast Council’s expertise in planning has been recognised at the Local Government NSW Planning Awards announced yesterday.The Council’s Excellence in Planning Recognised at Local Government AwardsCentral Coast Council’s expertise in planning has been recognised at the Local Government NSW Planning Awards announced yesterday.The Planning Awards recognise excellence in planning and development services delivered by individuals and councils.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, received the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award for excellence in leadership recognising his positive impact on planning and development services within Council and innovation in the planning and development space.Mr Cox said he was honoured to accept the award and dedicated it to his team of professional and committed staff within Council.“Since the formation of Central Coast Council in May 2016, we have worked extremely hard to make the most of this opportunity to transform and improve all aspects of the environment and planning business and to deliver faster and better quality planning outcomes for the community and business.”“Our focus has firmly been on customer service priorities, accessibility, consistency and accountability and I believe this has been acknowledged through this award from NSW Local Government,” Mr Cox said.Council Chief Executive Officer, Brian Bell, said Scott is an exceptional leader at Central Coast Council.“Scott leads a high performing team at Council that has determined over 3500 development applications since the merger, equating to over $1.2 billion of overall investment approved to roll out across the coast,” Mr Bell said.“These achievements not only put Central Coast Council at the forefront of delivering for the community but also deliver a high level of staff satisfaction as they are trusted and have the autonomy to perform their roles to the highest standard.“Scott’s dedication to engagement with the development industry has also started the conversation about how Council and the sector can work together to deliver the housing, jobs and infrastructure the Coast needs.“Through leading by example and modelling key organisational behaviours, Scott has significantly impacted his team and is a respected and valued leader within Central Coast Council.”Planning Awards recognise excellence in planning and development services delivered by individuals and councils.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, received the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award for excellence in leadership recognising his positive impact on planning and development services within Council and innovation in the planning and development space.Mr Cox saidCentral Coast Council’s expertise in planning has been recognised at the Local Government NSW Planning Awards announced yesterday.The Planning Awards recognise excellence in planning and development services delivered by individuals and councils.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, received the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award for excellence in leadership recognising his positive impact on planning and development services within Council and innovation in the planning and development space.Mr Cox said he was honoured to accept the award and dedicated it to his team of professional and committed staff within Council.“Since the formation of Central Coast Council in May 2016, we have worked extremely hard to make the most of this opportunity to transform and improve all aspects of the environment and planning business and to deliver faster and better quality planning outcomes for the community and business.”“Our focus has firmly been on customer service priorities, accessibility, consistency and accountability and I believe this has been acknowledged through this award from NSW Local Government,” Mr Cox said.Council Chief Executive Officer, Brian Bell, said Scott is an exceptional leader at Central Coast Council.“Scott leads a high performing team at Council that has determined over 3500 development applications since the merger, equating to over $1.2 billion of overall investment approved to roll out across the coast,” Mr Bell said.“These achievements not only put Central Coast Council at the forefront of delivering for the community but also deliver a high level of staff satisfaction as they are trusted and have the autonomy to perform their roles to the highest standard.“Scott’s dedication to engagement with the development industry has also started the conversation about how Council and the sector can work together to deliver the housing, jobs and infrastructure the Coast needs.“Through leading by example and modelling key organisational behaviours, Scott has significantly impacted his team and is a respected and valued leader within Central Coast Council.” he was honoured to accept the award and dedicated it to his team of professional and committed staff within Council.“Since the formation of Central Coast Council in May 2016, we have worked extremely hard to make the most of this opportunity to transform and improve all aspects of the environment and planning business and to deliver faster and better quality planning outcomes for the community and business.”“Our focus has firmly been on customer service priorities, accessibility, consistency and accountability and I believe this has been acknowledged through this award from NSW Local Government,” Mr Cox said.Council Chief Executive Officer, Brian Bell, said Scott is an exceptional leader at Central Coast Council.“Scott leads a high performing team at Council that has determined over 3500 development applications since the merger, equating to over $1.2 billion of overall investment approved to roll out across the coast,” Mr Bell said.“These achievements not only put Central Coast Council at the forefront of delivering for the community but also deliver a high level of staff satisfaction as they are trusted and have the autonomy to perform their roles to the highest standard.“Scott’s dedication to engagement with the development industry has also started the conversation about how Council and the sector can work together to deliver the housing, jobs and infrastructure the Coast needs.“Through leading by example and modelling key organisational behaviours, Scott has significantly impacted his team and is a respected and valued leader within Central Coast Council.”

A small section of Showground Road, Gosford, will be reduced to single-lane traffic from 8:30pm tonight while Council undertakes essential repairs to a water main.The northbound lane of Showground Road adjacent to Gosford High School, will be closed from the roundabout.Traffic controllers will be on site and traffic diversions will be in place.Council urges motorists to take an alternate route to avoid traffic congestion expected at this intersection.The road is expected to reopen by 6pm Saturday 18 November 2017.Council apologises for any inconvenience.ENDS Media Contact:

First Climate Change Policy for the Coast to build community resilience and zero emissions by 2050A draft Climate Change Policy aiming for zero emissions by 2050 has been developed by Council and will be exhibited for community feedback.Read separate media release in full hereCouncil to investigate community survey and election poll on continuation of amalgamationCouncil tonight formally acknowledged the worthy efforts of staff in amalgamating the former Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council and called for community input in the future of Central Coast Council.Council staff and the CEO will now bring forward a number of reports for Council consideration including:community questionnaires and surveys conducted by the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils prior to amalgamationrealistic estimate of the costs involved in amalgamating the two Councils and timeline for completionprogress on various aspects of amalgamationconducting a community survey to assess current community views of the amalgamationestimate of cost and process regarding a proposal for a poll to be held at an upcoming election (either Federal or State) to gauge community support or rejection of the continuation, or the reversal of, the amalgamation.“We need to understand the full cost of amalgamation and whether it is what the community really want so we can move forward in the best interests of the Central Coast.” “Staff have done an incredible job delivering services and infrastructure for our community and they should be commended.”Council has endorsed a report by staff to the Hunter Central Coast Regional Joint Planning Panel (JRPP) recommending refusal of the application for development of a 63 bed integrated seniors living facility, new registered club and retail tenancies at The Sporties, Woy Woy valued at over $30 million.The development is incompatible with the principles of ecologically sustainable development, and flood hazards of the land.  Lack of on-site parking is also highlighted with a shortfall of 188 spaces needed for residential and club uses.  “The report is very clear on the extensive issues with this proposed development and with 94 community objections received, it is also clear how the community feel about it.” Mayor Smith said.“The community’s voice has been heard and they can also be confident that we have planning controls in place to support sustainable development and ensure only those developments that meet current planning controls and guidelines will be supported.” DAs with 15 or more objections to be automatically reported to CouncilThis replaces the previous threshold of 50 objections for a development application to be automatically reported to Council.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is inviting residents to clear out unwanted hazardous chemicals from around the home and safely dispose of them for free at the local Chemical CleanOut events this March.Community members can safely drop off unused, out-of-date or unwanted household chemicals for free over the first two weekends of March: Saturday 2 March and Sunday 3 March (9am-3.30pm), Kincumber – former Kincumber Waste Management Facility on Cullens Road.

Spring is well and truly in the air and with school holidays looming on the horizon, Central Coast Council has released its much-anticipated program of activities of a fun filled break for all ages.During the school holidays (Monday 25 September – Friday 6 October) a huge selection of activities will be available across the community with the vast majority of these being free or at minimal cost.Activities to boost the imagination – Central Coast libraries will be a whirlwind of activity throughout the holidays with a dazzling range of activities.