Council to proceed with Gosford Regional Library

Council has decided to move forward with Gosford Regional Library as a separate project and at the same time continue to review the business case for the Gosford Cultural Precinct.

Proceeding with planning for the regional library will help to secure any available funding and ensure delivery of this important public resource. 

Mayor Lisa Matthews said a region of our size and importance needs a major regional library. 

“Our community has waited a considerable amount of time for this project and tonight we made a financially responsible decision that means we are getting on with the job of delivering the Gosford Regional Library,” Mayor Matthews said.

“Items within the business case for the Gosford Cultural Precinct need further review and this process should not delay our regional library. 

“This library will be a dynamic space for learning and innovation and a vibrant meeting point for our community to connect. 

“Delivering a regional library for the Central Coast is an important step towards meeting the ongoing social, recreational, educational, technological and business development needs of our community.

At its December meeting, Council will consider the detail of the preferred location for the regional library, along with a timeline for design, development application and anticipated commencement.

Council continues to support vulnerable people

Central Coast Council has made a formal submission to the Federal government to ‘Raise the Rate’ for Newstart and Youth Allowance to align with the current cost of living.

Council joined at least 30 other councils to support an alignment of the Newstart Allowance, which has not been raised in real terms for 25 years.

Mayor Matthews said the submission was showing support for the most vulnerable people in society.

“The figures for vulnerable people on the Central Coast are staggering and the current level of assistance provided is inadequate,” Mayor Matthews said.

“Social issues such as unemployment, homelessness, lack of affordable housing, poverty and domestic violence have a profound impact on many residents and the broader community. 

“While Council is actively working to solve a range of social and health issues that impact community wellbeing and vulnerable people, raising the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance will provide that additional support to ease pressures, reduce poverty and increase the wellbeing and life chances of our community.”

The Central Coast has:

• 61,727 people living in low income households ($500 per week) (profile.id)
• 13,357 residents receiving Newstart or Youth Allowance (data.gov.au)
• One in five households in ‘housing stress’ (paying more than 30 percent of their gross household income on housing costs)
• An unemployment rate of 5.3 percent which is above state and national rates (Small Area Labour Markets, March quarter 2019), with some areas within the LGA experiencing unemployment rates of 6-11 percent
• A youth unemployment rate of 11.6 percent (Labour Market Information Portal July 2019)
• A 35 percent increase in homelessness from 2011 to 2016

Council’s submission to support those in need has been provided to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee. The inquiry and report to the Committee will occur in March 2020. 

Opportunities presented to activate our waterways 

Council has received a report on Kayaking and Canoeing Tourism Opportunities for the Central Coast, which drew on research and the expertise provided by Council service units, businesses and stakeholders working in the outdoor recreation space. 
 
Mayor Lisa Matthews said activating Central Coast waterways is a key focus for Council in both the Central Coast Destination Management Plan and the Tourism Opportunity Plan.
 
“The opportunities identified will promote and boost tourism that celebrates the natural and cultural assets of the Central Coast in a way that is accessible, sustainable and eco-friendly, and deliver on what the community has asked for,” Mayor Matthews said.
 
The report provided an initial assessment of the current level of active use of the region’s waterways for canoeing/kayaking and similar activities, the trends in low impact waterway activation for tourism purposes, and an overview of the sector including key peak bodies, key events and trends.
 
Council’s 2019-20 Council Operational and Capital Expenditure budgets allocates expenditure to undertake the Eco and Rural Tourism Feasibility Study and construction of the new kayak launching facility at Berkeley Vale.
 
The report will now be provided to the Tourism Advisory Committee for its input and strategic advice to advance opportunities in this sector.

Council allocates $24,435 in community grants

Council’s Community Support Grant Program has allocated $24,435.07 in funding across eight community programs. 

“The grants allow community organisations to deliver activities for residents on the Central Coast,” Mayor Matthews said. 

“The grant program provides support to the community to deliver quality programs, undertake projects, purchase equipment or hold events to build strong connections and celebrate our local community. 

“Eight of the 11 applications received for the Community Support Grant Program funding in July were approved.”

The Program provides up to $5,000 per project per financial year in combined funding and in-kind Council services. 

Projects to receive funding in July 2019:

1. Bears of Hope, Bears of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Community Garden – $3,275.62
2. Wheelchair Sports NSW Incorporated, wheelchair basketball training – $3,080
3. Erina Women’s Hockey Club, facemasks for junior hockey teams – $660
4. Central Coast Kids in Need, Adam Molch Hillier Memorial Surf Classic – $2,223.50
5. Wyee Probus Club Inc., defibrillator, first aid and office equipment – $4,447.95   
6. Tuggerah Lakes Christian Education Board Incorporated, F.U.S.E Camp annual school holiday program – $4,895
7. Wyong Garden Club Incorporated, audio visual equipment – $1,736
8. The Entrance and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fright Night at The Entrance 2019 – $4,117

Strong interest growth for Council’s investment portfolio in August 

Council’s Investment Report for August 2019 outlined interest growth of $842,000, which increased its total investment portfolio to $465.9million.

In managing its portfolio Council takes into consideration credit ratings of financial institutions, interest rates offered and the amount of investment portfolio already held with each financial institution.
 
Council continues to also look for ‘Green’ investment opportunities subject to prevailing investment guidelines.