Council calls for urgent report on best site for the Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre for the Coast 

Council tonight reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre (RPACC) for the Central Coast with a call for an urgent report on all possible sites for the Centre to come before the next Council meeting.

The Leagues Club Field on the Gosford Waterfront was resolved as the preferred site by Council, under Administration, in February 2017.  Tonight, Council asked the Acting CEO to report on other potential sites including those owned by Council and on Crown Land that could house the RPACC.

Mayor Jane Smith said it was important that the question of the site be resolved once and for all and that Council was open to other sites as long as it meets the operational needs of Council and the requirements of the significant Federal and State Government funding.

“Council is conscious and grateful for the funding commitments of the State and Federal Governments for the Centre so we are very keen to get it moving,” Mayor Jane Smith said.

“We want to create a world-class, financially viable facility that the Central Coast can be proud of.”

Council is in the design stage of the project and is currently conducting stakeholder workshops with representatives in the arts, cultural and conference sectors as well as State and Federal Members on what they want to see the RPACC deliver.

“The RPACC is a priority project for Council and one that we want to deliver for our community,” Mayor Jane Smith said.

“Getting the venue specification and business model right is important for the RPACC’s longevity and overall success – ensuring the community can see the full value of this cultural facility for generations to come.”

Council approves amendment that brings consistency to tree management on the Central Coast

Following community consultation, Council has adopted an amended Chapter in the Wyong Development Control Plan 2013 (WDCP) that is consistent with the Tree and Vegetation Management Chapter of the Gosford Development Control Plan  2013 (GDCP).

The approved amended chapter re-worded Chapter 3.6 of the WDCP to be consistent with Chapter 6.6 of the GDCP.  One impact of the amendment was to remove the previous control introduced by the former Wyong Shire Council which allowed a landowner to remove any tree or vegetation on a residential property (less than 1500 square metres) without an application.

The amendments were exhibited in December 2017, with 119 submissions received with 84% of those submissions in favour of the proposed change.

Mayor Jane Smith said that it was an important step for the Central Coast to have a consistent approach to tree management controls that demonstrated best practice in sustainability and that enhanced and protected the local environment.

“Trees and the greenery of the Coast is one of the reasons people love living here and we need to ensure it is protected and enhanced,” Mayor Jane Smith said.

“We have undertaken initial consultation with the community on this issue, heard their comments and concerns and have a clear mandate to continue down this path of policy alignment.”

“It is imperative that Council establish clear and consistent policies for our residents that align with community sentiment and deliver for the coast.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer will organise a workshop for Councillors on implications of the new policy with a further report to come to Council.

A report will also come to Council in relation to developing an Urban Forest Policy to protect and enhance the environmental amenity, ecological value and scenic character of the area.

Council’s development approvals streets ahead of Regional Plan targets

Council’s quarterly report into the activities of the Development Assessment and Environment and Certification Units reveal 6,181 additional dwellings have received approval since the commencement of the Central Coast Regional Plan, more than 2031 ahead of the target of 4150.

894 development applications were determined in the final quarter of 2017 alone including 155 additional lots and 599 dwellings including secondary dwellings, detached dwellings, dual-occupancies, multi dwelling housing and units within residential flat buildings.

Mayor Jane Smith said as the Central Coast community grows, Council is committed to facilitating development that provides a variety of housing to suit the needs and lifestyles of the community, support local jobs and services while protecting and enhancing the local environment.

“We know from the Central Coast Regional Plan, the Coast is expected to grow by approximately 75,000 people by 2036 taking our population to over 415,000,” Mayor Jane Smith said.

“To meet these needs, the region will require 41,500 new homes by 2036, an average of 2075 new homes per year over the 20 years life span of the plan.

“We can meet this need, whilst still maintaining the Coastal lifestyle we enjoy and value, through a shared and collaborative process between the development sector, the State Government, Council and the community.”

The report also detailed the significant reduction in outstanding development applications from over 800 at the time of the Council amalgamation to 496 in January 2018.  An average long term target is 450 applications, which, when met, will mean the Central Coast will deliver one of the most efficient assessment systems in NSW.

Council updated on Operational Plan progress

Council tonight received its quarterly report detailing Council’s performance against the 2017-18 Operational Plan.

At the end of Q2 (31 December 2017) Council’s overall progress has tracked well, with 67 projects on target and 7 behind. Six projects have already been completed.

The Q2 year to date operating surplus (excluding capital income) is favourable to the budget by $42.3 million, consisting of an actual surplus of $133.8 million compared to a budgeted surplus of $91.5 million.

Council Mayor Jane Smith said the Operational Plan is Council’s service contract with the community and it is important Council demonstrates accountability and transparency in reporting.

“Our community want better roads, recreational facilities, waterways, water and sewer infrastructure and how we prioritise that is outlined in our Operational Plan,” Mayor Jane Smith.

“This quarterly report ensures there is openness and transparency with our community about where projects are up to and how our capital works program is tracking.”

Council has revised its capital works program with a reduction of $6 million bringing the total funding allocated this financial year to $221.8 million.

The underspend is due mainly to budget phasing as projects have been delayed due to contractor availability, weather conditions and the complexity in the design phase of major projects.

“Where projects have been delayed, Council endeavours to bring forward other projects to ensure we continue to deliver services to our community.

Key infrastructure projects delivered over this period include the completion of 5 social housing improvement projects with play spaces, footpaths, and skate parks upgraded at Berkely Vale, Killarney Vale, Lake Haven and Wyong; the installation of temporary fencing and signs to protect endangered sea birds a The Entrance North, the welcomed Australian Government funding to install innovative parking solution at Terrigal and Gosford CBDs and the launch of Council’s annual scholarship program for first and second year university students providing an outstanding opportunity to combine study and paid employment.

Council now boasts one of the largest catalogues in the state with the streamlining of Library Services meaning members now have access to more than 320,000 items across 11 branches and online.

For more details on projects in the Operational Plan go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/operationalplan

Council to re-sign sister city agreement with Japan

Council tonight resolved to send a delegation to Edogawa City in Japan in May on a cultural exchange visit as part of our Sister City relationship and to re-sign the agreement.

Reaffirming the agreement with Edogawa City will see Council continue its 30 year mutually beneficial friendship and cultural exchange.

Mayor Jane Smith said the agreement is more than connecting the Central Coast to Japan, it is about mutual understanding and trust fostered through broad exchanges in education, culture, industry and economy.

“We recently accepted a donation to build a Japanese Tea House in the Japanese Commemorative Gardens at the Gosford Regional Gallery which will help strengthen our ties and knowledge of Japan within the community,” Mayor Smith said.

“Re-signing the agreement will not only complement the additions to the Gardens, it will also enhance our friendship and cultural exchange.”

Council has allocated up to $25,000 to send the Mayor, Deputy Mayor Holstein, Councillor Mehrtens, , and two staff to Japan for five days (including two days travel) for the delegation visit in May 2018.

The itinerary will include a tour of the government facilities and cultural events.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the Mayor of Edogawa City who has had a long standing relationship with Gosford and working with him on future planned activities related to the sister city agreement as well as how we can utilise technologies for future exchanges,” Mayor Smith added.