Revitalisation of the Gosford Waterfront presents a major opportunity to unlock Gosford and the Central Coast’s full potential, and the time is right to progress this vision.A reimagined Gosford Waterfront will see the amount of public space significantly increased with a vibrant urban foreshore featuring entertainment, maritime services, tourism and residential living which will stimulate local economic and job growth.While Gosford has been the subject of many plans over the years, we have never had a greater opportunity to act than we do right now.

 At the 27 September ordinary council meeting, Council approved the recommendation to allocate $279,172.82 for the Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program and $289,860.51 for the Community Development Grant Program.

The Central Coast is home to many locals and community groups who regularly help make the Coast a better place to live, work and play.

The 2022-23 beach season will commence early this year, with the red and yellow flags to be placed in the sand on Thursday 22 September at many Central Coast Beaches. From Thursday, 10 of the 15 Central Coast beaches will be patrolled including Grant McBride Baths, ensuring the safety of those community members who intend to visit our scenic coastlines during the recently declared National Day of Mourning to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

An exciting new initiative to encourage people in San Remo and Blue Haven to ‘Get Active’ and discover the breadth of sports, active recreation and physical activity options in their community will kick off on 1 October 2022.Get Active – San Remo and Blue Haven has been developed in partnership by the NSW Office of Sport, Central Coast Council and Central Coast Local Health District’s Health Promotion Service.The initiative will highlight the unique range of activities, including swimming, basketball, yoga, dance and fitness offered by sport and recreation providers in the region throughout the month of October.Importantly, many of the activities will be offered for free or at low or reduced cost, with the aim to encourage people to try a new activity or sport and foster social connection – helping build a stronger and healthier community.The campaign has involved extensive consultation with the local community to help identify the activities and support needed, and which can be made available by local providers.The diverse range of offerings, taking place at a number of locations across San Remo and Blue Haven, will ensure there is something for all ages and abilities.Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the NSW Government partners were looking forward to supporting Get Active in the San Remo and Blue Haven area."Get Active offers a range of diverse and interesting activities for people of all ages and abilities,” Mr Crouch said.“With the support of local community sport and recreation providers, everyone can try a new sport or activity at Get Active San Remo and Blue Haven.”Get Active – San Remo and Blue Haven builds on work already done in the area to support community wellbeing, including the Central Coast Health Promotion Service’s Activate Your Space project.Central Coast Council’s Administrator, Rik Hart, said he hopes the initiative leaves a lasting legacy.“We’ve been really pleased by the support from community groups and organisations who have been so supportive and willing to offer new activities or existing ones for free or at discounted rates to encourage people to get involved,” Mr Hart said.“By working with sports and active recreation providers and listening to the needs of the community, we hope to create a supply and demand for physical activity that extends beyond our October calendar and well into the future.”Health Promotion Officer at Central Coast Local Health District, Nigel Tebb, said the initiative aims to remove barriers to improving our health.“Working in partnership with the community, we hope to remove some of the barriers that prevent people from being physically active and encourage people to try new activities,” Mr Tebb said.“Regular physical activity and exercise is so important for our health and wellbeing.

As the weather warms up, Central Coast Council will deliver an engaging program of activities and events throughout the spring school holidays, offering Central Coast families plenty of choices to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and keep young minds entertained.Parents, carers and guardians can head to the School Holidays 'What’s On' page on Council’s website to see everything on offer for kids and youth during the spring break - from themed interactive and creative workshops and live entertainment, to escape rooms and sports competitions, there’s something on offer for all ages, interests and abilities.To view a list of fun-filled events, visit Central Coast Council’s ‘What’s On’ page and search ‘School Holiday’.What’s on for our YouthCouncil’s Youth Services and local youth providers have plenty of exciting opportunities, events, and workshops to help young people across the Central Coast explore their passions, build skills, and be inspired while connecting and socialising with friends this school holidays.From entering or supporting a mate in the Central Coast Skate and Scooter Competition, enjoying the good vibes with friends at a free movie night (don’t forget to BYO beanbag!), to interactive workshops and upskilling opportunities for those with an interest in videography or construction, there will be something for minds of all ages and abilities.To view a list of exciting events suitable for young people, visit Central Coast Council’s ‘What’s On’ page and search ‘Youth’.What’s on for the whole familyThere will be plenty of opportunities for the whole family to get involved with a wide range of events and fun-filled outdoor initiatives that provide memorable family experiences these school holidays.Adults can join their children of all ages and make the most of the outdoors by discovering the plethora of sports, active recreation, and physical activity options in their own community, as part of Council’s newest initiative Get Active - San Remo & Blue Haven, proudly delivered in partnership with NSW Office of Sport and Central Coast Health District’s Health Promotion Service.

Central Coast Council offices will be closed on the National Day of Mourning public holiday on 22 September 2022.Some of Council’s services and facilities are impacted however essential services will continue to operate. CUSTOMER SERVICE - partial closureCouncil’s Customer Service Centre at Wyong and Gosford will be closed on Thursday 22 September.Customers can contact Council with non-emergency enquiries, requests, reporting issues or formal feedback through our online Customer Service Centre 24/7 at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au which will be progressed by our Customer Service Team during business hours.We have an out of hours service available on 1300 463 954 to call in any urgent reports such as water main breaks, sewer issues or fallen trees over roads.50+ LEISURE AND LEARNING, SENIOR CENTRES - closedClosed on Thursday 22 September and re-open as normal from Friday 23 September.BEACHES - varied patrols (conditions dependant)The following beaches will be patrolled on Thursday 22 September, from 9am to 5pm:Umina BeachOcean BeachMacmasters BeachAvoca BeachTerrigal BeachShelly BeachToowoon BayThe Entrance BeachEntrance Tower ChannelSoldiers BeachGrant McBride BathsNote:

Like many, I am saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who served her nation and the Commonwealth with complete dedication for more than 70 years.

Central Coast Council is continuing its work to fix potholes and other road defects after a combination of three major flood events and higher-than-average rainfall patterns over the past eight months which resulted in unprecedented damage to the local road network.Since 1 March 2022, 73,000 potholes have been patched across the Coast’s 2000km road network.Council Director of Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff, said while Council has short, medium, and long-term strategies to manage and prevent potholes impacting the roads, the on-going wet weather has resulted in the need to adapt work plans.“Pothole patching is continuing across numerous suburbs which may also receive medium and long-term solutions such as heavy patching in the near future.“It is a priority for us to keep the roads open to traffic.

Council is taking part in mental health awareness campaign, R U OK?

Council is encouraging the Central Coast community to ask their friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours “Are you ok?” ahead of R U OK?

Road rehabilitation works have commenced on Wisemans Ferry Road which is expected to impact residents and motorists for approximately six weeks.Ongoing severe weather events in February, March and July of this year have impacted several sites along Wisemans Ferry Road, causing dangerous road conditions such as embankment failures, minor landslips and significant pavement damage.

Central Coast Council is giving the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog a helping hand by collecting and relocating tadpoles from the Bareena wetland to ponds at North Avoca, which were constructed by Council to provide additional habitat for the threatened species.

Over the last month I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting various community groups around the Central Coast to hear about the issues that matter to them. Community members and I have discussed a range of topics – from Council finances, to potholes and general service delivery – and I have appreciated hearing the passionate and informed perspectives of Central Coast locals.In early August I attended the Wyong Neighbourhood Centre’s Tuesday Discussion Group, where I was asked about Council’s financial position, libraries and how road works are managed and prioritised, among other topics.

Council has completed the Tuggerah Lakes Entrance Management Study which included the development of the Interim Entrance Management Procedure, to assist in reducing flood risk and impacts to the community. The interim procedure is intended to guide Council’s channel management until the Entrance Management Strategy is completed, as part of the Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program.

Council has received over 3,200 submissions to its Draft Dogs in Open Space Action Plan, with community consultation now closed.Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said Council would like to thank all community members who shared their valuable feedback.“Council reviewed a strong community response to the Draft Plan and we now have a lot of feedback to analyse and consider,” Ms Howe said.“This is not the last conversation that Council will have with our passionate community on this topic.

Central Coast residents can now stay up to date on more than 350 key infrastructure projects thanks to a new interactive map.Administrator Rik Hart said the new online tool highlights the infrastructure projects from the $176 million capital projects underway across the Central Coast."Council is investing $176 million in more than 350 community, roads and other urban infrastructure, water and sewer, waste, environmental and sport and recreation projects and this map includes the details, dates, progress and costs of each project, updated monthly,” Mr Hart said."This initiative makes it easy for anyone to find works within their street or suburb and is another important way Council is being transparent and open about linking the delivery program with clear information for the community.”Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the map also facilitates a view of projects being undertaken by the NSW Government in the Central Coast Local Government Area.“While the map shows the capital works projects, hundreds more smaller jobs and routine maintenance tasks continue to be delivered every day by Council staff.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the opportunity to join with other stakeholders in discussing flood mitigation and preparedness, at the meeting convened on 23 August at Wyong.  The meeting provided for a productive dialogue between the SES, as the combat agency responsible for flood events, NSW Police, Council, and the Central Coast’s state MPs so that we can improve our joint approach to flood preparedness.Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Dr Alice Howe, said the meeting was also an opportunity to clarify future actions Council is already, or will be, undertaking.“Central Coast Council has received funding from the NSW Government to review and update the 2014 Tuggerah Lakes Flood Study (which will inform an updated Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan).  This project is now underway and will allow for an updated understanding of flood risk and behaviour within the Tuggerah Lakes floodplain in order to better identify and mitigate flood risk.  The updated study will be able to take into account intensified development within the catchment since the last study.

Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Gosford Art Prize, with $28,000 in prize money awarded to artists from across the Central Coast and beyond.This year 133 finalist artworks were selected for exhibition by a panel who aimed to include a variety of styles, content and techniques.

Get ready to once again enjoy American classic cars, vintage glamour and the sound of rock ‘n’ roll as the Central Coast Council’s annual ChromeFest returns in-person to The Entrance, October 21 to 23!After two years of being online due to the pandemic, excitement is building from car enthusiasts across Australia, local businesses and the community in general as the three-day tribute to hot-rods and everything 1950s and 60s event takes shape.Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said festival attendees can once again bask in the beauty of hundreds of show cars on display.“When you combine classic chrome with rock ‘n’ roll, vintage glamour and the beauty of The Entrance, you have quite a weekend on your hands,” Mr Cannard said.“Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, you won’t be able to resist lining the streets to watch the classic cars cruise through The Entrance.Mr Cannard said registrations are now open for eligible cars to be part of the spectacular, and encourages bookings for accommodation for participating car owners, general car enthusiasts and visitors to the Central Coast, to be made early.“In the past the ChromeFest weekend has attracted over 50,000 visitors, so planning ahead is important.“We invite locals and visitors to partake in a fun weekend that offers something for everyone – Show N’ Shine, vintage glamour fashion parade, retro market stalls, three outdoor stages with live entertainment, The Entrance Hotel Hub, roving entertainment, live caricature drawings, a walk down memory lane, paint and chrome workshops, the new speciality car zone plus more!Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said ChromeFest has become one of the Central Coast’s most successful events.“Not only does ChromeFest inject a great deal of money into our local economy –over $14 million in 2019 – it reintroduces tourists to The Entrance and surrounds, which has so much to offer!“ChromeFest has always been a huge and very successful event, and given that due to the pandemic, car enthusiasts have had to cool their heels by attending ‘on-line’ for the last two years – we expect this year’s ‘in-person’ event to bigger than ever.”ChromeFest 2022 highlights include:iconic car displaysretro market stallsthree outdoor stages boasting undercover dancefloors and live entertainmentvintage glamour fashion paradeNSW Pin Up Pageant Grand finalKittens & Chrome one on one hair and make upPaint N Chromesoaking up the atmosphere of this nostalgic event at outstanding cafes, restaurants and bars throughout The Entrance.ChromeFest is a free three-day event – Friday 21 October to Sunday 23 October – held at The Entrance and presented by Central Coast Council, with support from a range of sponsors.Road closures will be in place during the event.