Solutions for the future of The Entrance channel

Council has heard loud and clear from its community that a long term solution is required for The Entrance channel.

The first step will be to set aside budget funding and to also seek grant funding to help guide the actions needed to improve the condition of the Tuggerah Lakes system and The Entrance channel.

Preliminary designs for a long-term solution to the channel’s silting will be developed, while a dredging program will be considered in the short-term.

Council will draw on previous studies conducted into the 2013 and 2015 to help guide the work.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the weekend’s storm event had been very distressing for all affected residents.

“The Entrance channel has been a longstanding issue for the Coast community, and we all want to see the area thrive and residents able to feel secure,” she said.

“Finding the best solution is a difficult and complex challenge and we are committed to getting it right. That requires us to look at the studies that have been conducted into the area, and to also seek funding support from other levels of government.

“This is a time to work hand-in-hand with the community and all stakeholders.

“The solution may well be expensive and while dredging may help in the short-term, we need to plan and act for the long term.”

Council expresses thanks for bush fire emergency response

Council would like to formally thank the Rural Fire Services (RFS), Fire and Rescue NSW and Emergency Services for their outstanding efforts during the recent bush fire emergency in preventing loss of life, properties, land and wildlife within our community.

Council also acknowledges and thanks all staff involved in responding to the recent bush fire emergency for their time, efforts and diligence.

Council thanks the broader community, residents and community groups who have joined together to support and protect our nation.

Council has identified a that a more ‘localised’ response is required in the future to ensure impact on the community at all stages of a natural disaster is minimal.

Council would also like to express our appreciation and gratitude for the hard and tireless work and dedication of the volunteers and worked who have been involved in the recent bushfires across the nation.

Council’s capital works projects on track and program increased

Council’s capital works program for 2019-20 has increased by $1.07 million.

The increase includes 21 additional capital works projects originally planned for delivery in 2020-21. These will now be delivered in the 2019-20 financial year:

• The Entrance Town Centre - playground fencing upgrade - $23,625
• Blue Haven Community Centre – interior fence replacement - $5,000
• Community facilities – replacement of tables and chairs - $30,000
• Community facilities - oven updates at 13 sites - $20,000
• Tunkuwallin Hall – new sound system - $9,000
• Laycock Street Theatre – upgrade of stage drapery, crossover tunnel, foyer and office carpet - $28,000
• Lakes Beach lifeguard tower - renewal works to building - $25,000
• Laycock Street Theatre – scoping project to expand - $100,000
• Wyong Olympic Pool – pop up bulk head for 50m pool - $125,000
• Leisure centres and swimming pools – equipment replacement - $200,000
• Niagara Park Stadium – facility improvement and equipment upgrade - $85,000
• Peninsula Leisure Centre – covered walkway from carpark - $137,000
• Wyong Olympic Pool – change room upgrades stage 3 - $110,000
• Childcare centres – playsets for eight centres - $35,111
• Childcare centres – toddler playsets for eight centres - $25,915
• Childcare centres - tactile reception series outdoor play for eight centres - $9,618
• Toukley Library – entryway flooring - $5,300
• Kincumber Library – replace roller blinds - $6,180
• Kincumber Library – replace seating - $18,034
• Libraries - program room upgrades - $48,000
• Libraries - upgrade of branch circulation peripherals - $28,200

Most capital projects are on track as planned and anticipated to be delivered by 30 June 2020.

Council reported the capital expenditure to 31 December 2019 is $91.5 million compared to a planned expenditure of $98.5 million.

Grants give community a $23,000 boost

Council has voted to provide more than $23,000 to seven projects through its Community Support Grant Program.

The Community Support Grant helps community groups deliver activities which require less than $5,000 of funding and/or in-kind support.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the funding helps the community deliver activities.

“It’s great to see so many community organisations benefiting from the Community Support Grant Program to produce activities and events for the local community,” Mayor Matthews said.

Council has allocated $23,461.21 to the following recipients:

• Central Coast Regional Show – 2020 Central Coast Regional Show - $5,000
• Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation – music and dance for Aboriginal youth - $4,000
• The Bays Community Group – rates subsidy - $739.21
• North Entrance Surf Life Saving Club – gymnasium upgrade – $4,750
• Wagstaff to Killcare Community Association – Australia Day recognition for 2020 - $2,810
• Chain Valley Bay Progress Association Incorporated – Australia Day community celebration at Joshua Porter Reserve - $4,062
• Tempo Terrific – rehearsal space support and development of band repertoire - $2,100.

Council’s Community Support Grant Program is open throughout the year.

For information, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/funding.

Level 1 restrictions remain in force as we further secure the water supply

Level 1 water restrictions remain in force after Central Coast Council last night lifted the storage trigger required for a return to Water Wise Rules.

Water restrictions were announced when the storage in Mangrove Creek Dam reached 50%, prior to last weekend’s storm event. The trigger point to end the restrictions had earlier been set at 52%. Last night, Council lifted this trigger to 55%.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the increased restriction trigger reflected the community’s desire to be resilient during times of drought.

“As planned, Level 1 water restrictions were introduced as Mangrove Creek Dam’s storage hit the 50 percent trigger set by Council last year,” Mayor Matthews said.

“We will need regular rainfall over a sustained period to reverse the downward trend our water supply has had in the past two years.

“Level 1 restrictions are not difficult for residents and businesses to comply with.”

In addition, Council is calling for the introduction of standardised water restrictions between different regions.

Water restrictions are set by different water authorities and councils which manage water supply across NSW. Trigger levels and allowable actions often differ between neighbouring regions, even when both are on the same water restriction level.

Council will write to the Water Services Association of Australia asking it to initiate discussions about achieving consistency in water restriction requirements.