Published On
22/02/2017Merger benefits realised as Council builds a solid foundation for the Central Coast
Council finances are on track for an end of year surplus this financial year, capital works are being rolled out and merger benefits are being realised according to two key reports presented at tonight’s Council meeting.
Ten major projects receive slice of $9 million funding pie
Ten major projects to improve community services and facilities on the Central Coast have been given a slice of $9 million in funding through the NSW State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund, following the establishment of Central Coast Council.
Merger delivers one library service for the Central Coast
Residents will soon be able to access all twelve Council libraries using one card.
In the new financial year all 70,000 members will be moved to the one Library Management System – Libero – residents can check the catalogue, borrow, reserve and return at all libraries across the Coast.
All Library fees have been reviewed and will be aligned across the libraries when the new system is in place.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this was a definite advantage of the merger as previously Coast residents could only access either five northern or six southern branches and now they will be able to access all eleven plus 2 community libraries in Gwandalan and Mooney Mooney.
“Currently there are two systems in place – you need two cards to access the services which is a hassle and inconvenient and fees are different as well,” Mr Reynolds said.
“Not anymore, in a few months either card will work at any library and new Central Coast Council cards will enable access to thousands of great resources and services anywhere on the Coast.
“There will be no more barriers and learning opportunities will be opened up right across the Coast.”
Australian owned and designed Libero Library Management System is already used in libraries in the former Gosford City Local Government Area. Libero has been chosen as the best option going forward due to its streamlined workflows and compatibility with many smart technologies including library eResource platforms.
Council nominates preferred site for Performing Arts Centre
Central Coast Council has nominated the Leagues Club Field as the preferred location for the proposed Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre (RPACC) for the region.
Regional Library and Learning Centre set for Parkside location
Central Coast Council has tonight announced the Parkside Building on Donnison Street in Gosford as the preferred location for a Regional Library and Learning Centre.
Chittaway Point Planning Proposal refused
A proposal for a housing development on Geoffrey Road Chittaway Point has been refused by Council.
The proposal was to rezone private recreation land to a low density residential zone to allow for the construction of five housing lots.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that while there was a need to provide more housing options for the growing Coast community, developments need to be safe, sustainable and have limited environmental impacts.
“While the area does have a lot of existing low density housing, this development would be a bridge too far as the site is particularly floodprone and has ecological significance which needs preserving,” Mr Reynolds said.
Council grants delivering a stronger Central Coast community
Council has allocated $20,000 to local community groups and talented locals as part of its ongoing and annual grants programs.
Each financial year Council provides $30,000 for the Community Subsidy Program, $50,000 for the Neighbourhood Activation Program and $20,000 for the Sport and Cultural Sponsorship Program and $35,000 for the Development and Recognising Talent Program.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the grants program was designed to reward, recognise and support the efforts of hardworking Coast residents and community volunteers.
“We have many dedicated people on the Coast who get out there and do good in the community,” Mr Reynolds said.
“We want to keep supporting their great work as they deliver services that often Council cannot.”
Seven local groups will share in more than $9000 of grants as part of Council’s Community Subsidy Program, including Tall Timbers, Pony Club, Uniting (NSW/ACT), Wyong RSL Sub Branch, Norah Head Surfing Fraternity, Norah Head Playgroup and Mannering Park Playgroup each received funds to help them continue to deliver essential community services.
More than $5000 has been allocated to three projects, as part of The Neighbourhood Activation Program, a program that targets localised grassroots initiatives that may previously have been ineligible government assistance.
Funding was awarded for start-up costs for the Long Jetty Produce Swap, a literacy program at Toukley Preschool and a trailer for the Australian Air League Association.
Dedicated and talented Coast residents are being supported through the Development and Recognising Talent (DART) program, with more than $6,000 in funding awarded to attend major sporting events.
Umina Surf Life Saving Club – Central Coast Trans Tasman team received $5,000 to help them travel to New Zealand to compete in the Trans-Tasman Series for Surf Life Saving.
Surfer Byron Stapleton’s grant of $500 will help him compete in the National Surfing Competition in Queensland and Miles Greenwood’s grant of $500 will help him compete in the 53rd Annual Sabot Nationals Sailing competition in Tasmania.
“We also have many talented athletes, and we’re proud to support them as they excel in their chosen field and represent the Central Coast at the national and international levels and we wish them well,” Mr Reynolds said.