The new Central Coast Council has now been operating for more than 100 days - and there is a lot to celebrate!

The 100-day mark is an important milestone for Council and the community, providing a great chance to reflect on the achievements so far, as well as the challenges ahead.

We are committed to making sure the community is proud of its new Council, and we know the key to this is a real focus on customer service and engagement with our ratepayers, residents and visitors.

Although there is a long road ahead, Council has already planned, implemented or delivered much-needed projects and initiatives that will enrich and enhance the lives of the Central Coast community.

Major projects completed include:

Bateau Bay – One of the biggest and most diverse skate places in Australia, Bato Yard, was opened, with hundreds packing it out every day.

Narara Valley – A new $370,000 park and playground with plenty of nature play opportunities, grassed areas and modern play equipment, has also opened.

Gwandalan – New multi-purpose courts worth $300,000 at Tunkuwallin Oval were unveiled.

Long Jetty – The foreshore has been restored with a new sandy area and seating for community enjoyment, right next to the historic Long Jetty.

Magenta and the Peninsula – Around two kilometres of shared pathways have been added to the existing network, giving residents and visitors even more opportunities to walk, jog, ride or skate their way around the picturesque Central Coast.

Council adopted its first Operational Plan and budget to deliver over $540 million in essential services and $183 million on infrastructure during 2016/2017, for the region’s growing population. The plan focuses on key community priorities, with more than $150 million dedicated to improving parts of the region’s road and drainage networks in areas like Terrigal, Lake Haven, Lisarow and Tumbi Umbi.

Other vital projects that have been identified and will be delivered include upgrades at Adcock Park in West Gosford, Swadling Park in Toowoon Bay, Cambourn Drive Playground at Lisarow and McEvoy Oval in Umina, as well as new recreational facilities at Halekulani and Tuggerah.

A number of pop up engagement stalls have been held at local shopping centres, where the Administrator, CEO and staff had the chance to speak directly with over 750 residents across 21 locations.

Plus, to improve efficiency, transparency and public engagement, Council will carry out a six month trial of live webcasting of its meetings. Meetings are currently 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.

The trial will include the installation of fixed cameras at both sites, with images and audio streamed live via our website.

Importantly, Council’s staff have invested a lot of effort in delivering great outcomes for the community during this time of immense change.

That’s why it’s been especially pleasing to see staff recently recognised with  major awards, including an Australian Entertainment MO award for Laycock Street Theatre and a Local Government Week award for Wyong Lakes Festival.

Clearly there are still many challenges ahead to make Central Coast Council the very best it can be, but the goodwill and commitment of our community and staff has got the journey off to a positive start.

Keep up to date with the latest Council news and initiatives via:

www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

www.haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.au

Twitter: www.twitter.com/CCoastCouncil

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CentralCoastCouncil

Instagram: www.instagram.com/centralcoastcouncil

Have you got a question for Council? Drop us a line at: ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au