As the Little Terns start to arrive at Karagi Point, The Entrance North, to begin nesting, Central Coast Council wants to remind everyone how they can help protect the endangered species during this critical time.Little Terns migrate from South-east Asia to Australia each year and are protected under both State and Federal threatened species legislation.

The Central Coast has confirmed its place as a leading New South Wales destination, with the exciting announcement the region has taken home three golden wins in the 2023 NSW Tourism Awards, powered by Business NSW and presented in partnership with the NSW Government and Destination NSW, held on 8 November at White Bay Cruise Terminal, Balmain.The three Gold wins include Destination Central Coast managed by Central Coast Council winning the category Local Government Award for Tourism, along with the Australian Reptile Park winning the Major Tourist Attractions category, and Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific also winning Gold in the Business Event Venues category. Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said this is a massive testament to the Central Coast and all of those who make it a great place to work, live and play. “This highly respected Gold Award is the third win for Council’s Marketing and Tourism team in the Local Government Award for Tourism category at the NSW Tourism Awards, with Council taking out Silver in 2022 and Bronze in 2021,” Ms Smith said. “The category is open to all local government authorities and recognises excellence in tourism planning, the provision of tourism facilities and services, marketing, event development and management, and the overall contribution made to the NSW tourism industry.“We would like to extend a congratulations to the Australian Reptile Park and Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific for their incredible Gold win achievements last night, as well as Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures for achieving finalist status in the Award for Visitor Litter Prevention category presented by Long Jetty-based organisation Take 3 for the Sea.

Central Coast Council is pleased to present national touring exhibition OCCURRENT AFFAIR – at the Gosford Regional Gallery featuring new and recent works by influential Aboriginal artist collective proppaNOW from 18 November to 11 February 2024.Established in Brisbane in 2003, proppaNOW is one of Australia’s leading cultural collectives.

Central Coast Council has posted a modest surplus for a second year in a row, testament to the due diligence which has, and will continue, to be applied to ensure the organisation is in good shape when Councillors return in late 2024.This second year of surplus follows two large losses in the previous two years, indicative of the strengthened and stable position Council is in now.Council had budgeted for a surplus of just over $7M but has achieved a slightly larger surplus of $35M – achieved partly to an unbudgeted early payment of the government Financial Assistance Grant of $18M.Council CEO David Farmer said while Council is now out of crisis, it now moves into a similar phase to most NSW local governments, with ongoing challenges where costs are growing at a faster rate than the rate peg.“Ongoing diligence will be required to maintain satisfactory financial performance – including paying down the emergency loans taken out at the end of 2020.“Sound financial management, which has included achieving surpluses, considered asset sales, and seeking external funding to assist our capital program, will allow the largest of our emergency loans to be paid off in full in December this year, with the plan to pay off the second loan in full in November 2025.”Mr Farmer said Council has met key government benchmarks for operating results and cash levels, and Council’s audited financial statements were delivered on-time this year for the first time since the merger, and indication of Council’s growing competence.“It should be noted that the audit by NSW Audit Office is more than just finances, it also includes a review of IT and Cyber security, governance processes, payroll, procurement and asset areas.Mr Farmer added that partly a result of achieving surpluses, Council’s cash position also continues to improve with total cash increasing year on year and adequate unrestricted cash being maintained.

Council has moved a step closer to delivering a new sporting and recreation complex for the north of the Central Coast with negotiations for the purchase of land given the green light at last night’s Council Meeting and confirmation of a $6M State Government funding grant. The Colongra Sporting Complex site spans across 2 hectares on Scenic Drive at Colongra and this exciting new facility will include two new turfed sporting fields, three netball courts, sporting amenities building with accessible toilets, playspace, carpark, pathways and access road.Council CEO David Farmer said this project was already well advanced in planning both financially and with extensive community consultation having contributed to detailed design plans.“Council has an existing long term lease over the land and already undertaken extensive investigation which means development of the land can occur at relatively short notice, subject to relevant planning proposals,” Mr Farmer said. “The estimated cost of construction of the facility is between $8.5M and $10.5M. “There is $7M currently allocated in the adopted Capital Works program for Colongra Sporting Facility construction over the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years,” Mr Farmer said.

Australians are choosing to holiday at home post-pandemic, with the top 10 domestic travel destinations in Australia all regional, and nine out of the ten – coastal!The latest DSpark report, commissioned by Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) Australia, shows visits by Australian travellers surged for all top 10 regional tourism destinations during the recent summer/autumn (December 2022-May 2023), compared to pre-Covid. The Central Coast is sitting at number 10, with overall growth post-pandemic 2%. 

As part of our commitment towards delivering quality water and sewer infrastructure, Central Coast Council Water and Sewer have been working with contractors to complete an extensive works program to ensure Gosford GBD can keep pace with growth over the next 30 years.  Works to upgrade the sewer pumping station on Showground Road and the installation of a non-return valve on Mulkarra Ave in Gosford are now completed as well as the construction of a Water Pressure Reduction Valve at Gosford Golf Course which services Gosford Hospital.  Director for Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said Council’s ambitious program of works is on track with 60 water and sewer projects on track for completion by the end of 2024.  “The next round of works due to commence include the construction of a new sewer rising main that will connect to a new sewer pump station located on the Gosford waterfront.

Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) has been presented with a $116,000 cheque from Central Coast Council as part of their sponsorship partnership.

The 2022-2023 State of the Beaches Report – the annual rating of ocean and estuarine swimming sites across NSW using Beachwatch results – has rated 94% of the Central Coasts ocean beaches and ocean baths as ‘Good or Very Good’. Central Coast Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said the annual report is an important resource to help Council manage water quality at swimming sites across the region.“Beachwatch is a state-wide public health program monitoring water quality at swimming sites to ensure swimming sites are safe for swimming and the public have a way to find out likely pollution levels.“The program aims to provide the community with access to a predictive model of likely water quality at our beaches enabling individuals to make informed decisions about where and when to swim.

Exciting changes are coming to the Gosford CBD in late 2023.

Central Coast Council Water and Sewer are encouraging the Central Coast community to be water-wise this National Water Week.National data released by The Water Conservancy shows that 9 in 10 Australians are concerned about saving water, 7 in 10 rate themselves as being knowledgeable about water usage and 9 in 10 say they either currently limit their water usage or intend to do so in the future.Director of Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said small changes can make a significant difference when it comes to saving water every day.“Keeping your shower time less than five minutes, ensuring your washing machine and dishwasher is full before you turn it on and installing water efficient taps and shower heads can make a massive difference.“While we know awareness is high and intentions are good, it is now time we educate ourselves around the small changes that can make a big difference when it comes to saving water every day.“I am encouraging our community to sign up for Water Night, this National Water Week and turn their taps off between 5-10pm this Thursday 19 October,” Mr Loader said.Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said knowledge is power when it comes to conserving water.“Each one of us has the ability to make a positive impact and save more water.“Water Night is a great way to kickstart that journey,” Mr Hart said.CEO of The Water Conservancy Chris Philpot said it was clear that the majority of Australians are concerned about the environment and water supplies, yet unaware of the daily micro habits that all add up when it comes to preserving water.“Most of us are unaware of how often we reach for our taps.

Central Coast Council is recruiting for its unique youth leadership program ‘Youth-for-Youth’ (or Y4Y) Action Team to help build a brighter future for Central Coast community for generations to come.Applications are now open for this once in a lifetime opportunity to join the 2024 Y4Y Action Team – a group of 12 young people, aged 15-24, connecting like-minded individuals who care about community challenges and want to work together to develop meaningful solutions that create positive change.Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the program engages young people, empowering them to take action, be advocates for their peers and provide advice on Council initiatives from a young person’s perspective.“Now in its fifth year, the Y4Y Action Team has developed a thriving network in the local youth sector committed to working with Council to continue to create positive change and shape a thriving, dynamic Central Coast community guided by the Central Coast Youth Strategy,” Ms Smith said.“The Y4Y leadership program equips young people with essential skills like communication, teamwork, project delivery and problem-solving.

Mark the dates in your diary now! 

Central Coast residents are invited to help determine the future of a portion of Woy Woy’s Austin Butler Access (adjacent to Austin Butler Oval and Peninsula Plaza) through an online community poll via yourvoiceourcoast.com.The online poll simply asks the community whether they support Austin Butler Access remaining under the control of Council, or whether a sale to the shopping centre should proceed with the funds going towards the long-term greening of the local area.Council’s Director of Environment and Planning Alice Howe said that the online poll is open to all Central Coast residents to have their say.“Council has been approached by Peninsula Plaza to sell the land to provide improved pedestrian safety and facilitate goods vehicles docking.

Central Coast Council’s Draft Deferred Matters Lands Planning Proposal, is now on public exhibition.

Central Coast Council Water and Sewer are working with Eire Constructions to improve water and sewer infrastructure in West Gosford.  Works commenced Wednesday 11 October, running through to Saturday 14 October.

With the 2024 Local Government elections less than a year away, Central Coast Council is hosting three public information sessions for any members of the community who may be interested in becoming a Councillor.The first of the three pre-election candidate information sessions will be held on Wednesday 18 October from 6pm in the Function Room of the Wyong Administration Building, with further dates planned for March and June 2024.Council’s Director of Corporate Services, Marissa Racomelara, said it’s important that people from all stages and walks of life consider running for election.“If you have a strong sense of community and are keen to make a difference, you should consider becoming a councillor.

Mental health support is on the way for Wyong men this Mental Health Month with The Men’s Table launching a local support group. Central Coast Council have partnered with local Primary Health Network to establish a Men’s Table in the Wyong area. The Men’s Table will host a community engagement pop up event at Bunnings Tuggerah on Saturday, 21 October from 10am to 4pm. Council Unit Manager of Community and Culture Glenn Cannard said The Men’s Table program is a safe place for local men to come together to share and be heard in a confidential and non-judgemental environment, creating a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and connection. “The Men’s Table’s first community engagement event aims to engage local men in the program and attract volunteers to assist with the on-going running of the program, ,” Mr Cannard said. “According to the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, over two in five Australians aged 16-85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life. “Beyond Blue statistics state that men make up an average of seven out of every nine suicides every day in Australia and Central Coast Health District has reported the highest number of deaths by suicide in Australia since 2016.” Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council was committed to creating new opportunities for connection, inclusion and community activities that strengthen our collective sense of self. "Programs like Men’s Table allow us to work together to solve pressing social issues, to support those in need and enhance community safety,” Mr Hart said.Council has a range of resources and information on men’s health referrals to download or collect from any Central Coast Council library or Wyong customer service centre including business cards, coasters and posters. For more information about Men’s Table pop up and resources search ‘Men’s Table’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council has partnered with the Water Conservancy to promote Water Night this National Water Week 16-22 October 2023.  Water Night is a national event that occurs every year during National Water Week.

Swimmers will be welcomed back in the water at Wyong Olympic Pool from today, 3 October for the opening of the new season. Community members will be greeted with refreshed and upgraded facilities including maintenance of the pool which took place during the winter closure period.