Council Grants Deliver a Stronger Central Coast Community  

Central Coast Council is providing 21 local community organisations with just over $30,000 in funding in its latest round of grants under its Community Subsidy and Neighbourhood Activation Program.

Funding has been allocated to three groups from the Community Subsidy Program - Country Women’s Association, Wyong Family History Group and Toukley Art Society, to provide assistance and support to the Central Coast community.

In April, the former Wyong Shire Council launched a new grant program called the Neighbourhood Activation Program designed to benefit grassroots programs that in the past may not have qualified for other grant programs.

Administrator Reynolds said council received a positive response and a large number of applications for the program, targeted at local neighbourhood projects undertaken by one street or a small volunteer group.

“This was about finding projects that bring neighbours together to make a real difference in their local area,” Mr Reynolds said.

“It is about empowering communities to take control of their own destiny and be proud of their local area.

“It is fantastic that council can provide these grants to help make that happen.”

18 grassroots programs have received funding including San Remo Tidy Towns establishing a graffiti removal group, a drop-in centre at Gwandalan and a luncheon for the homeless in Wyong.

Community and sporting groups are also encouraged to apply for the $1 million in grants on offer under the NSW Government’s Stronger Community Fund.

This grant program has been made possible as part of $10 million made available to merged councils. Central Coast Council has been allocated $1 million for the grants and $9 million for new infrastructure.

Administrator Reynolds said groups can secure up to $50,000 in funding.

“We value the major contribution made by the many sporting, cultural, environment and local groups to ensure our community is a vibrant and socially inclusive place for residents and visitors,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Grant programs of this size don’t come around very often and I encourage groups to think big as this sort of money has the potential to transform facilities and really enhance the lives of our community.”

Applications for Stronger Community Fund grants close at midnight on Friday 26 August and can be made online at https://centralcoast.smartygrants.com.au/strongcommfund1

Merger Delivers Significant Savings in Insurance Costs

Combining insurance schemes into one has delivered a $720,000 saving for Central Coast Council.

Council remains a self-insurer as part of the State-Wide Mutual with cover for Public Liability and Professional Indemnity, Councillors and Officers Scheme, Industrial Special Risk and Comprehensive Motor Vehicle. Savings have also been found in Workers Compensation insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.

Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds said, while the size of the new council presents huge challenges there are also opportunities to find cost savings in procurement of services.

“Here is a great example of how as one council we can get the same level of service – in this case insurance – at a much better rate,” Mr Reynolds said.

“We have huge buying power now as one council and can now look to use these savings to deliver the services and projects our community need and want.

“Council is focussed on delivering even better road upgrades and new sporting facilities like the new skate place at Bateau Bay opening this weekend.”

Administrator Calls for Urgent Report on Gosford Land Sale Strategy

The community will be advised publicly on the next steps in the Land Sale Strategy after the Administrator called for an urgent update at tonight’s meeting.

In 2015, the former Gosford City Council commenced a program to consider the future classification and ownership of a range of land parcels.

A consultant was appointed in early 2016 to review the potential reclassification of community land to undertake community consultation process on council’s behalf.  Two public meetings were held on Wednesday 6 July.

Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds noted that a month had now passed since the public meetings and he was seeking an urgent report on where the review is up to.

“I have been asked about what is happening with this process on numerous occasions and I am seeking this report to clarify the situation for everyone,” Mr Reynolds said.