Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to contribute to discussions on mountain biking across the Central Coast.Community consultation on the Mountain Bike Feasibility Study discussion paper is open until 22 March 2021.Council Unit Manager Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski said with participation in mountain bike riding as both a sport and a recreational activity increasing, it was important to plan ahead in a sustainable way.“There is currently no strategic framework for managing the rapidly increasing demand for mountain biking across the Central Coast,” Mr Sulkowski said.“As the demand for the sport increases, Council needs to have a way to balance the requirement of the sport with environmental and heritage protections for our natural areas.“By identifying the role that Council’s natural reserves may play in the provision of mountain biking experiences across the Central Coast, we will be better able to protect areas of high conservation and heritage value, minimise the building of unauthorised trail construction and maximise the safe use of Council reserves by all visitors.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said it was important for the community to engage in the discussion with respect.“We recognise there are different views within the community on how to respond to the demand for mountain biking on the Central Coast,” Mr Persson said.“However, our research shows there are also some areas of agreement – for example 95% of survey respondents supported mountain biking continuing in areas where it is currently allowed.“Our survey also showed that 87% were concerned about the lack of authorised trails for mountain biking and 75% about the lack of clarity regarding which trails are authorised.“I strongly encourage all members of our community interested in this topic to review the discussion paper and watch the information video before completing our survey.”In addition to the discussion paper and information video – community members are invited to submit a question regarding the discussion paper online though Council’s Your Voice Our Coast platform, or register to talk to our staff at a virtual drop in session.

Quarterly budget report confirms deficit reduction of $7.7M Council has provided the 2020-21 Q2 Business Report, which covers the progress of the operational plan actions, targets and financial performance for the period 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020.Remedial actions to reduce Council’s operating deficit continue including a structural reduction in operating expenditure, reducing capital expenditure, secured bank loans, generating additional income and moving to sell underperforming assets.Council Administrator Dick Persson AM assured the community budget savings were continuing to be made, while delivering essential infrastructure and services to the region.“Good news is all our hard work to find savings and rein in spending is working with the deficit reduced by $7.7M,” Mr Persson said.“We are also recovering faster than expected from COVID with an extra $3.3M in income from our Holiday Parks, Leisure Centres and child care centres.“This is in addition to a reduction of $4.4million in operational expenditure, with reduction of materials, contracts and other expenses as a result of stringent expenditure control.“The capital works program has been reduced by $53.3M to $170M a year with priority given to essential services and delivering projects over several years.“However, despite all this great work, Council’s projected financial position at 30 June 2021 will still be unsatisfactory with a current forecasted loss of $107.4M.“So the hard work will continue to find the savings and deliver a balanced budget for next financial year.

The success or otherwise of any Council depends on several key factors.One is the role of the CEO [or the General Manager].

Council is calling on community members that have an idea for a business venture, which will make a difference to our community, to attend an information session for this year’s Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program.Council’s Director of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the annual Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program supports the development of innovative new enterprise models within the region and helps to turn community focused business ideas into a reality.“The free program, which has been running since 2012, provides a step-by-step guide to research, plan, seek funding and establish a social enterprise that benefits our community – whether it be social, environmental or creative,” Ms Vaughan said.“This year’s development program will be delivered in a partnership between Council, Business Centre and Community Compass as a series of workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions from April to July 2021.“I’m pleased to hear of the successes that previous participants have had since undertaking the program and the positive contributions their social enterprise ventures have made to the Central Coast community.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to have their say on two draft Floodplain Risk Management Plans and Studies now open for public comment.The two documents, one for the Northern Lakes catchment and the other covering the Davistown/Empire Bay catchments, have drawn on community response and floodplain risk management studies, to offer options that will help mitigate the risk of future flooding events.Council has also commenced the initial stages of the Floodplain Risk Management Study for the Woy Woy catchment and asking community members to provide suggestions on how they would like to see flooding issues addressed.Council’s Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said that the plans focus on reducing the impact of flooding to residents and businesses within these catchments.“Our flood planning team and expert consultants look at a range of factors to evaluate a flood mitigation measures specific to each catchment,” Mr Cox said.“The plans also take into consideration feedback from consultation with the affected communities, and now is the time for these communities to make sure we have covered their areas of concern and that they understand the implications of the recommendations made.“For residents and business in the Woy Woy peninsula catchment, we are drawing on a number of historic plans to begin this process, we want them to help us understand the flooding impacts from a local point of view and encourage them to complete the survey.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said Council was providing several ways for the community to get involved, and he encouraged them to do so.“There are COVID-safe drop in sessions scheduled for the residents in all of these catchments as well as opportunity for virtual one-on-one meetings for the Northern Lakes and Davistown/Empire Bay catchments” Mr Persson said.“I highly recommend the residents take the time to read the documents and have a conversation with our staff about what it will mean for them.”Bookings are essential for all events.

One of the Central Coast’s premier sporting venues is being revitalised with the upgrading of key facilities.Duffy’s Oval Recreation Precinct at Terrigal is home to the Terrigal United Football Club and Terrigal Little Athletics Club, as well as being a popular location for many other sports including BMX riding.Work has recently been completed on the upgrade of the amenities building and work is now underway on redeveloping the BMX track.The amenities building upgrade focussed on improving accessibility and functionality, providing male and female toilets, change room and showers, accessible toilet and shower, multiple store rooms, canteen and a club function room.Meanwhile, work underway at the BMX track includes upgrading the tracks’ jumps, asphalting berms and laying a synthetic surface on dirt sections.

In surveying the community recently about a proposed rate rise, many suggested alternatives be considered.

Central Coast ‘Makers and Creators’ – individuals or groups who create something unique to share with the community and visitors – have an exciting opportunity to showcase their works. The inaugural creative activation 'Blank Canvas Central Coast' will give local makers and creators the opportunity to takeover a pop-up retail space in Ettalong or Long Jetty during April 2021. Selected makers and creators will be able to showcase and sell their works directly to locals and visitors. This project is fully funded through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery grants program, an Australian Government bushfire recovery initiative. To participate, complete and submit an Expressions of Interest by 11.59pm Wednesday 17 February 2021 at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/EOI

Central Coast Council is seeking community feedback on location options for a new shared pathway between Mannering Park and Kingfisher Shores, Chain Valley Bay.Two options for the shared pathway – along the foreshore or road – are now on public exhibition.Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said this community advocated project would deliver an array of benefits for locals and visitors.“This project will improve pedestrian safety, connectivity between local destinations, and provide an additional recreational facility,” Mr Bolgoff said.“This pathway will achieve multiple important objectives – complete a missing link, loop around a scenic waterway, improve connectivity and offer a healthy and environmentally friendly transport option.”"Our community has flagged this project as a priority and it is identified in Council’s Bike Plan and s7.12 Developer Contributions Plan.“The project is not currently fully funded and completion is dependent on securing of grant funding and completion in stages.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said he encouraged community members to let Council know their preferred option.“A shared pathway connecting Mannering Park and Chain Valley Bay is an important amenity, particularly for community members who live in the area,” Mr Persson said.“Consider the two options presented and let Council know what you think will deliver the best results for locals and visitors to the Coast.”Option 1Location – along foreshore from Griffith Street, Mannering Park (along Delta Power land) to Kingfisher ShoresLength – 2.9 kilometresEstimated cost – $6.5millionOption 2Location – from existing path near Griffith Street, Mannering Park via Ruttleys Road and the Pacific Highway to the existing shared path at Tall Timbers RoadLength – 6.1 kilometresEstimated cost – $7.8millionCommunity members can find more information – maps, answers to FAQs, details of a Drop-in Information Session – and have their say by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com

15% rate rise application submitted as part of Council’s financial recovery   Council will formally apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a 15% rate rise.

My first three months as Administrator for Central Coast Council has involved working out what had happened, who was responsible, and most importantly what we needed to do to return the Council to a positive financial position.

Central Coast Council is planning the future water needs for our region and is looking to the community to be a part of the conversation.Residents can have their say on two important water projects:the Integrated Water Resource Plan:

Referendum to be held to reduce Councillor numbers and consultation to be held on preference for ward structureA referendum will be held at the same time as the 2021 Local Government elections for community consideration to reduce the number of Councillors from 15 to 9.Before the referendum question is finalised consultation will be undertaken to gauge community preference for a ward structure or even for no wards at all.Administrator Dick Persson said it was important that the elected body of Council works in a constructive and effective way for the benefit of the Central Coast community.“I believe 15 Councillors is simply too many and does not facilitate collaborative and effective decision making and that has to change,” Mr Persson said.“The only way to change this is through a referendum so the community of the Coast will have a direct say in this change.“Wards is another area that needs review.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has tonight presented to the community his 3-month Progress Report at an Extraordinary Meeting of Council. Mr Persson said this report, now 3 months into his term, brings the community up-to-date on events outlined in his 30-day Interim Report into Council’s financial mismanagement delivered in late 2020.

Central Coast Council is working with the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia NSW and ACT Division (IPWEA) to trial new technology using video footage and machine learning to deliver an automated assessment of road conditions.The exciting new technology has the potential to deliver superior data whilst also saving time and money.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the system is designed to be easily mounted to Council vehicles which are already driven across the road network on a regular basis.“Our goal is to deliver thorough, regular and cost-effective assessments of our road network and this incredible new technology could see standard Council vehicles equipped to asses our roads,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Video and machine learning is the future of road assessments and indicators suggest that the technology we are trialling could provide a safer and more cost-effective means for monitoring and assessing 2,200 kilometres of Central Coast roads.”Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM said it is Council’s responsibility to explore and utilise the most effective techniques for maintaining and developing the local road network.“The Central Coast is an expansive region with an extensive road roadwork and it is exciting to be exploring a technology that offers the potential to provide us with better data in a more cost-effective way.”IPWEA is also working with Canterbury Bankstown, Georges River and Blayney Councils for the trial and there is no direct cost to Central Coast Council to participate.The evaluation of the trial will be released at the IPWEA state conference, at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley from Tuesday, 23 March until Thursday, 25 March 2021.

Recently I explained why I was proposing a rate increase.

The Ordinary Meeting of Central Coast Council scheduled for 6.30pm on Wednesday 27 January will now be held on Wednesday 3 February.

This is my 9th year as a Council Administrator.

Central Coast Council is extending the survey options for the community to have their say on a rate rise for the Central Coast.

Twelve exceptional Coasties have received Australia Day honours, including long-serving Meals on Wheels volunteer Paula Hardwick who was named ‘Citizen of the Year’ at yesterday’s 2021 Australia Day Awards on the Central Coast.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that the annual Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to recognise Central Coast locals who have contributed positively to many facets of community life.“Each of our nine winners and three highly commended recipients have enriched our community through their unique achievements and contributions and I am thrilled to congratulate them on this honour,” Ms Vaughan said.“Our Citizen of the Year for 2021, Paula Hardwick epitomises what it means to be an Australian, having committed her time as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels Central Coast for more than 20 years.“When COVID-19 restrictions came into effect last year and Paula’s role as a flight attendant ceased, she increased her commitment to Meals on Wheels and started volunteering several days a week to ensure her clients received nutritional meals and valuable social interaction during a difficult time.“Paula is passionate about bringing happiness and smiles through every delivery, so much so that she made it her mission to arrive dressed in a different costume for each delivery!“It’s this commitment to going the extra mile to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community that makes Paula a worthy recipient of our 2021 Citizen of the Year Award.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said Australia Day honours are a celebration of the diverse and remarkable contributions of extraordinary Australians.“I would like to congratulate each of the winners across the eight categories, as well as all of the nominees,” Mr Persson said.“To be recognised for your outstanding contributions to community life is an exceptional honour of which you should all be very proud.“Australia Day provides an opportunity to reflect on our history, to celebrate rich tapestry of cultures which make up our community and to look to the future.“In doing so, I would like to pay special acknowledgement to the Coast’s Indigenous community, the Darkinjung people, who play a vital role in shaping the future of our region.”A brief biography of each of the Australia Day 2021 award winners for the Central Coast is included below.Citizen of the Year (Winner) – Paula HardwickPaula has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels on the Central Coast for the past 21 years.