Council prepares for $70M Federal Government funding injection for Coast’s roads

Council has approved 29 road projects across the Central Coast that will be delivered with $70million in Federal Government funding committed in the lead up to the 2019 Federal Election.

Projects selected will be delivered as part of the ‘Central Coast Roads Package’ and will focus on busting congestion and increasing safety.

The significant scale of the funding package means that projects will be delivered over consecutive years starting in 2019-20 and continuing through to 2024-25.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said she was pleased to see the Federal Government deliver on its promise to fund local road upgrades on the Coast.

“This $70million funding injection from the Federal Government will allow Council to deliver projects the community have identified as priorities on the Coast,” Mayor Matthews said.

“Roads are a key priority for Council too with more than $240million in projects delivered over the past three years.

“Maintaining and developing our region’s extensive road network – spanning 2,200 kilometres – requires all levels of government to work together.

“The ‘Central Coast Roads Package’ is an example of a funding commitment that will make a real difference for our region.”

Community to have its say on amalgamation experience

Central Coast Council has recommended that additional questions be included in the annual Customer Experience survey for residents to provide their views on the amalgamation of the former Wyong and Gosford Councils, their experience and their satisfaction of the LGA. 

Council also advised that in early 2020, it will report on the estimated costs involved in amalgamating the two former Councils.

The report will also outline the progress on various aspects of the amalgamation and the associated expenditures.

Council supports community with over $695,900 in grants

Council has allocated $695,984 in funding to successful applications for community grants.

Council has allocated $631,022 of funding across four programs for Round 1 of the Community Grants Program 2019-20. The funding will be allocated to 35 successful applications within each of program.

• Nine Community Events and Place Activation applications will receive a share of $103,093 in funding.
• Eleven Community Development applications will receive a share of funding totalling $177,239.
• Ten Community Infrastructure applications will receive funding totalling $299,230.
• Five Social and Creative Enterprise applications will receive a share of $51,460 in funding.

In addition to the Round 1 funding, Council also provides small community support grants which are determined monthly. In September, the Community Support Grants program allocated $25,722 to seven organisations. Eleven projects will share the $39,240 allocated in October.

The funding provided will help the community deliver a variety of programs, events or projects that build connections and celebrate our community.

Council adopts Community Participation Plan

Central Coast Council has resolved to adopt a Community Participation Plan (CPP) after a period of public exhibition.

The CPP makes clear the role of the community in planning matters for the Central Coast by outlining how the system works, the responsibility and functions of Council, and the different public exhibition periods for various types of proposals and strategic policy matters.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the recently completed public exhibition period sought and received community feedback and the final plan will identify in simple terms how the community engages with Council on current development proposals and future planning.

“It is important that we continue providing every opportunity for our community to provide input into the future direction of the Central Coast and we believe this Plan will build community confidence in the planning system,” Mayor Mathews said.

“Community participation creates a shared sense of purpose, direction and understanding of the need to manage growth and change, while preserving local character.”

Winter patrols to continue at The Grant McBride Baths

Council will continue the patrol of lifeguards at The Grant McBride Baths during winter, seven days a week, from 8am to 1pm.

The service will resume following an initial trial during April to September 2019.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the decision will benefit the community and support a healthy lifestyle.

“The community feedback on the winter patrol has been extremely positive, with users of the popular facility commenting on how safer they feel knowing a lifeguard is on duty,” Mayor Matthews said.

“The decision also helps support an active and healthy lifestyle for the community throughout the year.

“The trial showed there is significant demand for the lifeguards during April to September, with approximately 11,580 people attending the pool.

“This is in addition to the 90,000 people who attend the baths each year during the summer peak period.”

Council to progress review of Central Coast Airport

Council has recommended that CEO Gary Murphy continue negotiations with the current consultant to complete the next phase of the Airport Review.

“Phase Two involves reviewing the decision-making processes, reports, agreement and general documentation for four projects, as well as constructing a timeline of key decisions and processes,” Mayor Matthews said.

“We will be inviting public comments during Phase Two to ensure the community is involved in the review.”

The four projects include:

• establishing a regional airport at Kiar Ridge
• development of an Aviation Hub at Central Coast Airport
• any activities relating to works at the Airport site
• processes and decisions relating to the Airport and Wyong Employment Zone.

“Following competition of Phase Two, a confidential report will be submitted to Council, which will determine if Phase Three is warranted. The objective of Phase Three is to determine whether any matters should be further investigated by external agencies,” Mayor Matthews said.

ANZAC memorial for Avoca Beach foreshore

A memorial stone and plaque will be installed in memory of ANZACs at the newly redeveloped Avoca Beach foreshore by the Avoca Beach Community Association.

The ANZACs are widely known and respected members of the local and national community and this memorial installation, which is funded by the Avoca Beach Community Association, will recognise the contribution of Australian service men and women to their country.