In a bid to respond to the current business climate, a Central Coast COVID-19 Economic Task Force has been established to help local business through this volatile time.Business NSW, Central Coast Council, Central Coast Industry Connect, Central Coast Food Alliance and Regional Development Australia (Central Coast) have joined forces to assess the economic impact of COVID-19 to the Central Coast economy and respond with initiatives aimed at stimulating business investment, maintaining jobs and helping businesses withstand the effects of the pandemic.Central Coast Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy said they understand the growing stress and impact that the COVID-19 situation is placing our Coast’s business community and Council are dedicating resources, and working with local business groups and government agencies, to develop custom initiatives to lessen the affect locally.“Whilst every region’s economy will be affected at this time, our business community which is made up of small to large businesses across varied sectors, has its own unique issues and impacts that need to be considered,” Mr Murphy said.“Central Coast Council is throwing the full weight of its Economic Development team to this central Task Force, so that we are collectively armed with the right information about the economic shocks to the Coast’s local businesses and can develop customised initiatives and support to help keep our local economy going.“Central Coast is home to a full range of small to large businesses across many sectors, so understanding the array of issues that businesses are experiencing is important to developing initiatives that are bespoke to the Central Coast.”"The first priority for the Central Coast COVID-19 Economic Task Force is to help local business understand how to get through the pandemic and develop projects that stimulate local jobs."A Central Coast COVID-19 Information Portal (centralcoasteconomy.com.au) has been set up and businesses are encouraged to go online to see what relevant information and support is available to them, and are invited to submit questions.Regional Director Central Coast Business NSW, Paula Martin said “Local businesses are confused, scared and unsure of what the next six months has in store for them, so as business leaders of the Central Coast, banding together to help business was a no brainer.“Each entity is bringing to the table their collective knowledge, support and connections - by working together, we can address current challenges and the opportunities at a much faster pace,” Ms Martin said.“With the impacts of this pandemic changing on a daily basis, providing one place for businesses to go to get information that can help them locally will reduce confusion and anxiety,” Ms Martin continued.Central Coast COVID-19 Information Portal is now live at centralcoasteconomy.com.auCentral Coast Council has also developed a Community and Business Support Package and announced a range of new measures to help local businesses and the community through the COVID-19 crisis.

Central Coast public playspaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks have been closed in line with the latest direction from the Australian Government to reduce the spread of COVID-19.Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced last night new measures in response to COVID-19 which includes the immediate closure of some public facilities including skateparks and outdoor playgrounds, and that public gatherings must not be more than two people, excluding household members.Central Coast Council Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said these drastic measures to close these valued public facilities will greatly impact our children and families, but they are deemed necessary to protect our community’s health during this pandemic.“Council manages over 260 playspaces and 25 skateparks across out region and by their design are places our community come together to socialise but unfortunately that’s what we need to avoid right now,” Mr Cox said.“Public reserves, shared pathways, boat ramps, public wharves and jetties, sportsfields and other outdoor public spaces remain open at this stage, but we urge the community to continue to practice social distancing which includes maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres from others at all times.“Whilst it is not possible to physically close off all playspaces and skateparks, we ask that our community act responsibly and follow the Australian Government direction to help minimise the spread of COVID-19 on the Central Coast.”In response to the evolving situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19), Council is continuing to take measured precautions to ensure staff and community are kept safe. Information supplied by NSW Health and Federal authorities is monitored daily and Council will provide updates to the Central Coast community regularly as information comes to hand.For the latest details and updates from Council in relation to COVID-19 go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/covid-19For the latest Coronavirus news, updates and advice from the Australian Government go to australia.gov.au 

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 in the community, limit the need for residents to travel, minimise contact and ensure services are still being provided, Central Coast Council has changed some operations at its waste management facilities.Kincumber waste management facility will be closed until further notice.From Monday 30 March 2020, Woy Woy and Buttonderry waste management facilities will be closed to the public but remain open for waste collected only by essential waste vehicles, which include:Council’s household waste collection contractorcommercial waste collection contractorssmall business.For these essential waste vehicles, Woy Woy and Buttonderry waste facilities will be open:Monday to Friday                                     7:00am – 4:00pmSaturday, Sunday & Public Holidays          8:00am – 4:00pmThe standard types of waste and gate fees apply.What other options are available to the public?Council’s existing household waste collection service, 3 bin and bulk kerbside service, will continue as usual.

Central Coast Council and Surf Life Saving Central Coast have announced that the red and yellow flags will not go up on Central Coast beaches for the rest of the season in response to the evolving situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19).This means that Council lifeguard and Surf Life Saving volunteer patrols will stop setting the flags from 25 March at the 15 patrolled beach locations.Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy said the decision responded to Federal and State Government calls to do more to ensure compliance with the regulations around physical distancing and banning outdoor gatherings of 500 or more people.“Unfortunately, the swim between the flags message is encouraging people to congregate in close proximity,” Mr Murphy said.“Our job right now is ensuring we play our part in managing as best we can the spread of Coronavirus, and protecting the health and wellbeing of our staff and community.

Due to the current COVID-19 health crisis, Central Coast Council tonight held a shortened Extraordinary Meeting to consider several significant matters which required time-sensitive decisions to ensure ongoing operations in the 2020-21 financial year.Other matters which would have been considered at a full-length ordinary meeting of Council have been postponed until a later date.Call for Federal and State support for economic stimulus packageCouncil will call on the Federal and State Governments to direct economic stimulus packages to local government in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.Mayor Lisa Matthews said that the NSW Government stimulus packages must include substantial funding and resources for councils to help drive local economic recovery.“We need to ensure there is local employment and support of local businesses across NSW, as well as ongoing investment in public infrastructure and community services for the public good,” she said.“We need all Governments to work hand in hand with Councils to help the community move beyond this pandemic and prosper in the future.”Pandemic triggers deferral of key strategies to allow public consultationCouncil is seeking to defer public exhibition of two key policies, due to the difficulty allowing the community to have its say during the COVID-19 pandemic.Council will write to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment seeking a 12-month extension for public exhibition of the Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement.Council has also voted to defer public comment on a draft Economic Development Strategy.Mayor Lisa Matthews said it was crucial that the community have its say on both the LSP and the Economic Development Strategy.“We are in the middle of a significant pandemic, and both of these documents will shape the future of our region,” she said.“We also don’t yet know what the outcomes will be for the local economy and we will continue to monitor the needs of our business community and adapt to the challenges which emerge.”2020-21 Operational Plan to go out for public commentThe draft Operational Plan 2020-21 is the third and final year of implementation for the three -year Delivery Program and lists every project and initiative Council has planned to deliver.  Council’s spending is focussed on providing services in areas important to the community and on improving asset management.During the 2020-21 financial year, it is proposed that Council will receive operational revenue of $551.6 million and spend $584.1 million on essential services.

Central Coast Council will close for public access the administration buildings at Wyong and Gosford, libraries, leisure centres, gyms, pools, the Gosford Regional Gallery, Edogawa Commemorative Garden, The Entrance Visitor Information Centre, Gosford Smart Work Hub and all community facilities such as halls.

Central Coast Council is set to commence construction on the Terrigal boardwalk project and rockpool restoration works in April 2020.The project, jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government, will deliver many benefits for the community.

Central Coast Council has launched an interactive virtual tour of one of the Central Coast's dams and water treatment plants to coincide with World Water Day this Sunday, 22 March. Recent bushfire events and the current precautions against COVID-19 mean Council is unable to host physical community tours of our water supply.

Central Coast Council continues to take precautions in response to the rapidly evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation guided by State and Federal health departments’ advice.In addition to the changes to Council services announced yesterday, these are more changes as at 19 March:Postponement of some programs and activities at the Leisure Centres and Pools until 30 April, including all learn to swim programs delivered by our instructors in the water;

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews has called an Extraordinary Council Meeting for Monday 23 March 2020 due to the current situation regarding COVID-19.

In light of the advice from the Australian Government regarding COVID-19, Central Coast Council has made the difficult decision to cancel Flavours by the Sea.

Small businesses can discover how to slash their water, sewage and trade waste costs, thanks to Central Coast Council’s new business water conservation education program. Using a range of “smart” technology and physical plumbing audits, Council will help businesses monitor how they use water and identify areas of waste, including hidden leaks. Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the new program will not only help small businesses to reduce their utility costs and increase their profits but will also help further secure the region’s water supply. “We already work with big businesses which use high volumes of water, and now we would like to provide practical water-saving tips for smaller businesses,” Mr Loader said. “With more than 23,000 businesses on the Coast, a small water saving for each business can add up to a large saving for the region.” As part of the program, a “smart” water logger will be installed for up to two months on the business’ water meter.

As part of its commitment to continual improvement, Central Coast Council is inviting community feedback on leisure and lifestyle facilities across the region.Community members can share their insights on Council’s leisure centres and pools, theatres and galleries and all Council-owned facilities by completing simple online or hard-copy surveys.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council is seeking to discover what is working well and areas for improvement.“Our numerous facilities across the Coast are well utilised by our community and we want to find out what we should keep doing and ideas for how the customer experience could be enhanced,” Ms Vaughan said.“The last surveys were completed in 2018 and we’ve addressed much of the community feedback provided, including a range of capital upgrades, improved programs and services.“For 2020 we have added a community facilities survey, which will give locals the chance to provide feedback on a range of facilities including community halls, community centres, youth centres, senior centres, sporting complexes and tennis facilities.”Community members can complete surveys on the following:Leisure Centres and PoolsLaycock Street Community TheatreGosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative GardenCommunity FacilitiesFeedback from surveys will be used to guide funding and resourcing decisions and to shape a number of key decisions including construction projects, programs offered and marketing.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council is committed to ensuring its cultural venues, assets and facilities are the best they can possibly be.“We have so many fantastic leisure and lifestyle facilities across the Coast and these surveys are an opportunity for us to check in with the community to identify strengths and opportunities, and shape plans for the future,” Mayor Matthews said.Community members have until Tuesday 31 March 2020 to complete the surveys which are available at yourvoiceourcoast.com/llcustomersatisfaction

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews is advising the community to continue to take precaution and follow good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of contracting the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. “We as a community need to remain calm, use precaution and take preventative measures to ensure in our day to day interactions we are reducing the risk of being exposed to COVID-19,” Mayor Matthews said.Good hand hygiene is likely the single most effective method for reducing the risk of spread of the viral illness, second is avoiding exposure.COVID-19 is having an increasing impact on the New South Wales community and the medical advice is rapidly evolving.

Funding commitments identified for the Central CoastCouncil has identified funding commitments for the Central Coast region from the New South Wales and Federal Governments in 2019 as a welcome development but says more needs to be done to ensure promises are delivered for the community.The bulk of the funding – $387million dollars will be invested in the duplication of the Central Coast Highway between Wamberal and Bateau Bay, which will see a dual carriageway along the full route between the M1 Pacific Motorway at Kariong and Bateau Bay, easing congestion and improving safety for motorists who use this section of the Highway each day.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council will continue to work with all levels of outcomes to deliver for the Central Coast community.“It’s fantastic that both the New South Wales and Federal Governments have recognised that the Central Coast is a growing region in its own right,” Mayor Matthews said.“These funds are important to help us deliver important infrastructure to our community, and we look forward to seeing these projects and associated benefits come to fruition in the coming years.”Council secures funding in December quarterCouncil staff sourced, developed and successfully received grants from the NSW and Australian Government across a broad range of areas in the December quarter.A report covering the period of October-December 2019 identified that $338,600 in funding was allocated to 19 projects, bringing the value of grants in the first two quarters to more than $9.9million dollars.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council will continue to apply for funding from the NSW and Federal Governments in order to continue to deliver important projects for the Central Coast Community.“It has been a huge effort from staff which has resulted in many elaborate andthoroughly considered expressions of interests, business cases and applications being submitted,” Mayor Matthews said.“It’s important that we advocate for funding and grant opportunities wherever we can to help us deliver on our goal of delivering services, programs and infrastructure for our community.”Council calls on State Government to allocate $50M to permanent solution for The Entrance ChannelFollowing a Mayoral Minute, Council will call on the State Government to allocate $50million from the 2020-2021 state budget towards a permanent solution for The Entrance Channel.Council acknowledged the ongoing clean-up efforts and support provided by Council Staff, community groups and volunteers following the recent floods on the Central Coast.Council noted that as of 27 February, 4,200 tonnes of additional storm waste has been sent to Council waste facilities collected from affected properties, 2,500 tonnes of wrack has been cleared from our foreshores and over 1,200 tonnes of debris has been collected from Central Coast beaches, with more expected to be cleared over the coming weeks.The 2018-19 audited financial statements for Central Coast Council and Central Coast Council Water Supply Authority functions presented to CouncilThe NSW Audit Office has issued unqualified audit opinions however noted a breach of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 from a self-reported error with administration fees which was corrected in the 2018-19 financial statements for Council.Central Coast Council 2018-19 fast facts:total income from continuing operations of $637.3millionnet operating surplus of $62.4million including capital grants and contributionsnet operating deficit of $5.1million excluding capital grants and contributionsnet assets increased to $7.2billion with Infrastructure, Property, Plant and Equipment totalling $7.1billionexceeded the Office of Local Government performance measures for own source operating revenue ratio, unrestricted current ratio, debt service cover ratio and cash expense cover ratioexceeded the building and infrastructure renewals ratio.Council’s Water Supply Authority 2018-19 fast facts:total income from continuing operations of $227.4millionnet operating surplus of $31.3million including capital grants and contributionsnet operating surplus of $5.4million excluding capital grants and contributionsnet assets of $3.6billion with Infrastructure, Property, Plant and Equipment totalling $3.7billion.Community facilities review concludesCouncil has developed a new Draft Facilities Leasing and Licencing Policy following an extensive review of the use and management of all community facilities.The review focused on the use and management of community facilities that operate under lease, licence, hire and volunteer models, consisting of over 300 community facilitiesDuring the review process community engagement was encouraged through stakeholder discussions, workshops and the opportunity to participate in an online survey.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the review was important to provide clear equity across Council’s portfolio of community facilities in a consistent and transparent manner.“Our community facilities provide opportunities for sport, recreation, cultural activities, events, meeting spaces, social gatherings, learning, volunteering and business premises,” Mayor Matthews said.“Council is committed to continue to provide community facilities at an affordable rate and to keep them maintained to a standard the community expects.”The new Draft Facilities Leasing and Licencing Policy is a good news story for the community with many organisations providing vital services and programs through the wide range of community facilities that are leased, licenced or hired.The Draft Facilities Leasing and Licencing Policy will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 60 days to enable community feedback.Outcomes of Urban Spatial Plan consultationCouncil considered the outcomes of the draft Urban Spatial Plan (USP) community consultation and public exhibition which was completed late 2019.More than 170 submissions were received online throughout the consultation process with stakeholders and the public also engaging through community information sessions.Community feedback and the USP will provide an initial framework for the development of the Central Coast’s first Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).The LSPS will focus on the vision and planning priorities for land use planning in the region over the next 20 years and together with Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) will identify the long-term social, environmental and economic aspirations of the community and provide a clear direction for growth that will inform future strategic plans and planning instruments.Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Community Strategic Plan or ‘One Central Coast’ is a platform to build a region that all Central Coast Community members can be proud of.“The upcoming LSPS is an opportunity for the community to have their say and engage as we seek to make the Central Coast an even more liveable and desirable place to call home,” Mayor Matthews said.Council defers decision on consolidated planning controlsCouncil recommend changes to the draft Central Coast Local Environment Plan (CCLEP) and Central Coast Development Control Plan (CCDCP) and deferred its decision on the Plans.Councillors will receive a further briefing on the draft CCLEP and CCDCP and Councillors and Staff will meet with Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to discuss and outline a process to take key strategic planning processes forward.The draft CCLEP and CCDCP were developed following a period of public consultation, which generated over 700 written submissions.The purpose of the Plans is to consolidate and harmonise planning controls across the region and simplify planning processes and is the first stage in the Central Coast Comprehensive LEP Review.

Kariong Library will relocate to new premises in a move that will improve serviceability to the community at a reduced operating cost.After 16 years at its current location, Kariong Library will relocate to a new space in the Council owned Hill Youth Centre, 98 Mitchell Drive, Kariong on Tuesday 31 March.To ensure a smooth relocation, the existing Kariong Library branch will be closed from Tuesday 17 March.

Central Coast Council has announced it is working with multiple providers to deliver 100 Gigabit per second connectivity to the Central Coast.Access to a 100Gb/s connection will enable high-speed, high-performance fibre optic data network for Central Coast businesses, providing access to 100Gb/s data speeds and a range of high performance services.Council CEO Gary Murphy said this enabling infrastructure was a key component of Council’s strategy to generate economic returns for the Central Coast."We will partner with a commercial provider to install the 100Gb/s network to give business on the coast a distinct competitive advantage."We are confident in the coast’s affordability, lifestyle, natural beauty and welcoming community making it a desirable destination.   Being able to enable better business digital infrastructure is a game changer,” said Mr Murphy.The 100Gb/s network moves business traffic from the internet to dedicated links and interconnects.   It helps businesses overcome cloud connectivity issues due to ever-increasing domestic traffic caused by streaming television, online gaming, and high definition multimedia.  It provides another choice for cloud connectivity for businesses.“Council is involved for more reasons than facilitating a competitive business edge,” said Mr Murphy. "44,200 Central coast residents live the commuter life daily.   This means over a quarter of our workforce commute outside the Central Coast.  The impacts of this are beyond travelling time to and from work – sometimes up to five hours per day - whether by car or public transport.  Our research shows leaving the coast for work can impact on family and social relationships, mental health wellbeing and community betterment.  This all has serious impacts on the quality of life for our residents.  That is why Council is driving this initiative,” said Mr Murphy.Mr Murphy added that research showed more than fifty per cent of commuters could do their work remotely, or if better enabled, their businesses could be predominantly based on the Central Coast.“As a snapshot, the potential impact to local businesses per day from the loss of the commuting population has been calculated as $400,000 in coffee and lunches, and $35,000 in haircuts daily.  This is a significant loss for Central Coast businesses in that money not being spent here on the coast.  “There are many other multiplier economic impacts such as business supplier chains and health service providers that could impact from more residents being able to work physically on the coast instead of commuting.

Gosford Regional Gallery will feature three exciting exhibitions from March, all focused on showcasing the work of up-and-coming artists.Explore the work of finalists for EMERGING, The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize and A Central Vision 2020.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Tim Braham said community members and visitors are invited to explore diverse works using a range of mediums.“EMERGING is an exhibition of the incredible contemporary work of the four finalists vying for this prestigious $5,000 prize,” Mr Braham said.“The works of this year’s finalists for EMERGING span digital media, textiles, sculpture and conceptual art and explore a host of challenging social and political issues.“We are also hosting the works of the finalists for another prestigious prize – The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize – if you love contemporary photography, don’t miss this opportunity to explore the work of the 30 finalists.“This year entrants for the sought after $50,000 photographic prize have explored the experience living in Australia – the places, people and lifestyle that make our lovable country quintessentially Australian.

The second of the 17 Climate Action Planning community workshops will be on at Doyalson RSL on Wednesday 11 March.Following Central Coast Council’s adoption of a Climate Change Policy last year, the community is encouraged to become actively involved in the program’s next phase.

The benefits and importance of a healthy lifestyle will be front and centre from March 28 when Central Coast Council brings an extended program of the popular Live Well Festival to Gosford.Last year’s inaugural festival was well received by the community and this year’s event is expected to be bigger and better with the inclusion of a week of activities leading into the main event day on Sunday 5 April.Council Section Manager Place Activation, Cobey Linsley said the event is not only a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the health industry to come together and network but for people to embrace the healthy lifestyle of the Central Coast.“Our main event day program will focus on four key health HUBS – Eat, Move, Think and Love Your Earth.