Council takes extra time to finalise housing affordability options

Central Coast Council last night deferred consideration of the draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy to allow more time for councillors to further discuss the strategy prior to finalising an approach to affordable housing on the Coast.

Mayor Jane Smith said this was an important strategy to address more housing choice for households earning less than $100,000 per year.

The draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy will return for consideration to the 29 April Council meeting.

Council leading the way on reduction of single use plastic waste

Council has further strengthened its leadership position in the elimination of waste following the endorsement of the draft Single Use Plastic Policy which will be placed on public exhibition.

Council Mayor Jane Smith said this was a positive step forward to help minimise waste and strengthen education opportunities for the community, key objectives of the Community Strategic Plan.

“This policy complements our interim Sustainable Event Management Policy and reinforces the importance of the education programs on offer to involve the community on ways forward to seek alternatives of single use plastics,” Mayor Smith said.

“It also further strengthens Council’s commitment to lead by example through purchasing practices and identifying opportunities to incorporate reusable products made of recycled materials.

“On behalf of our community we will continue to lobby all levels of government to drive policy change that look to help reduce production and use of single use plastics.”

Majority of Council’s projects on track

A 2018-19 Capital Works Project Status report has identified that 85 percent of Council’s projects are on track and the majority are on schedule for completion as forecast before the end of the financial year.

As at 28 February 2019 Council had delivered over 330 projects and commenced over 270 projects.

Mayor Jane Smith said it was pleasing to see Council’s capital works program tracking well.

“Our capital works program together with all the services are at the heart of what we deliver for our community,” Mayor Smith said.

Nine community projects to receive almost $30,000 in grant funding

Council last night granted nine projects almost $30,000 in funding through its Community Support Grant Program.

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

Mayor Jane Smith said the funding can go a long way for a wide range of services that benefit the community.

“Our Community Support Grants program recognises that community organisations often need only a small injection of funds to produce events and activities that have a big impact on local communities,” Mayor Smith said.

Council will allocate $29,433.50 to the following successful recipients for February:

• Central Coast Cycling Club – Cyclocross NSW State Series Round 5 - $4,717
• Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club – auditorium upgrade - $4,997
• Lions Club of Green Point Avoca– awning over BBQ at Lions Park Avoca Beach - $3,407
• Rotary Club of Gosford City – 2019 Central Coast MUNA event - $800
• Summerland Point Progress Association – purchase of tools - $2,924.50
• Alison Homestead – community support and education in conjunction with Alison Homestead, Wyong and Central Coast Harvest Festival - $3,770
• Toukley and Districts Art Society– Toukley Arts and Craft Fair by the Lake - $1,980
• Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW – Digital Projector System - $2,018
• We Care Connect Limited – Charity Promotion Change Strategy - $4,820

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

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

Council approves modifications to Avoca Beach Theatre for mixed use development

Council has granted approval for modifications to the mixed use development at 69-71 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach.

The modification application comprises both internal and external changes to Avoca Beach Theatre.