Residents Guide to Gosford

Resident’s guide to Gosford City

About Council

Welcome to our resident’s guide to Gosford City. Here you will find handy information on contacting us, essential services, things to do in Gosford City and lots more.

Gosford City’s Local Government Area (LGA) is located approximately 80 kilometres north of Sydney and 80 kilometres south of Newcastle. It shares boundaries with Wyong (north), the Tasman Sea (East), Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury River and Hornsby Shire Council (south) and Hawkesbury City Council (west). It comprises of approximately 1,030 square kilometres and includes large sections of State Forest, National Parks, nature reserves and beaches and waterways.

Gosford City’s LGA consists of 77 suburbs.

Avoca Beach

Green Point

Mooney Mooney Creek

Terrigal

Woy Woy Bay

Bar Point

Greengrove

Mount Elliott

Umina Beach

Wyoming

Bensville

Gunderman

Mount White

Upper Mangrove

Yattalunga

Blackwall

Hardys Bay

Narara

Wagstaffe

Booker Bay

Holgate

Niagara Park

Wamberal

Bouddi

Horsfield Bay

North Avoca

Wendoree Park

Calga

Kariong

North Gosford

Wondabyne

Central Mangrove

Killcare

Patonga

Woy Woy

Cheero Point

Killcare Heights

Pearl Beach

Cogra Bay

Kincumber

Peats Ridge

Copacabana

Kincumber South

Phegans Bay

Daleys Point

Koolewong

Picketts Valley

Davistown

Kulnura

Point Clare

East Gosford

Lisarow

Point Frederick

Empire Bay

Little Wobby

Pretty Beach

Erina

Lower Mangrove

Saratoga

Erina Heights

Macmasters Beach

Somersby

Ettalong Beach

Mangrove Creek

Spencer

Forresters Beach

Mangrove Mountain

Springfield

Glenworth Valley

Marlow

St Huberts Island

Gosford

Matcham

Tascott

Gosford West

Mooney Mooney

Ten Mile Hollow

There are 77 suburbs in the Gosford Local Government Area...

About Council Residents Guide to Gosford City

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Contact us Gosford City Council prides itself on providing open and accessible customer service to all its residents.

To suit the varying needs of our community, there are variety of ways you can get in contact with us including: In person: Customer Service Centre locations Gosford (Head Office) - 49 Mann Street, Gosford. 8.30am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.

Erina – Erina Library, Erina Fair. 9.30am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.

Kincumber - Kincumber Library on Bungoona Road, Kincumber. 9.30am - 5pm, Monday – Friday.

Woy Woy - Woy Woy Library on the corner of Oval & Blackwall Road, Woy Woy. 9.30am - 5pm, Monday – Friday.

By phone: Call Centre: (02) 4325 8222 Operating hours: 7am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) An After Hours Duty Officer is available for council related emergencies from 5pm - 7am Monday – Friday, and 24/7 on weekends.

Contact options for deaf, visually and speech impaired customers: The National Relay Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through their website at relayservice.com.au The Internet Relay Service is also available by connecting to the National Relay Service website.

If you have a hearing impairment, you can contact Gosford Council by phoning the Speak and Listen service on 1300 555 727.

The Australian government’s Translating and Interpreting Service National can assist culturally and linguistically diverse audiences to access Gosford Council’s information. To use this service, call 131 450 and ask to speak to Gosford City Council on (02) 4325 8222.

In writing PO Box 21 Gosford, NSW 2250 Online

Via social media

gosford.nsw.gov.au

twitter.com/gosford_council

goscity@gosford.nsw.gov.au

facebook.com/GosfordCityCouncil

instagram.com/gosfordcitycouncil

About Council Residents Guide to Gosford City

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Getting Around Parking Gosford Commuter Carpark (free) Gosford Commuter Carpark is located adjacent to Gosford Railway Station, along Showground Rd, Gosford.

Gosford Town Centre Carpark (free) The Gosford Town Centre Carpark is open for parking 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Vehicular entry is available from the rear of the building off Albany Street North, with exit via William Street.

Gosford City Carpark (paid) Gosford City Carpark offers car parking facilities that are centrally located (entry from Donnison St and Erina St), easily accessible and highly secure. Parking arrangements offered include: - Permanent Parking - Pre-paid Casual Parking - Early Bird Discount Parking - Special Events Parking Further enquiries, phone (02) 4324 7891 Off street parking Pay attention to any road markings or signs that may indicate specific parking conditions that apply, such as special parking zones and limits in traffic and parking control areas.

Bus travel Busways and Red Bus are the two main service providers on the Central Coast.

Timetables and route details are available at: Busways: busways.com.au or phone (02) 4368 2277 Red Bus: redbus.com.au or phone (02) 43 32 8655 Tips for bus travel • Arrive at your stop five minutes before the departure time •If you have a concession card, have it ready to show the driver • Raise your hand to hail the bus to stop • To get off the bus, ring the bell as the bus approaches your stop • When you get off, wait for the bus to leave before crossing the road Train Travel There are train stations located across Gosford City which provide economical and easy connections between our city and the greater Sydney and Newcastle regions.

The NSW TrainLink network covers suburban Sydney and the NSW Trains Intercity network extends to the Hunter, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and South Coast regions. To find out your closest station and timetable information visit sydneytrains.info

Residents Guide to Gosford City About Council

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Taxi Central Coast Taxis provides a customer oriented 24/7 taxi service for residents and visitors of Gosford LGA. The fleet consists of 89 taxis including 21 wheelchair accessible taxis (WAT). For more information or to book please call 131 008.

Bikeways Whether you are a local or visiting bike rider, Gosford Council encourages you to get outdoors and explore the picturesque Central Coast. Council is committed to improving bicycle facilities throughout the city as an alternative form of transport and to develop and improve recreational facilities for the community. Visit our Cycling Guide where you’ll find details of a variety of local rides, each graded with a level of difficulty and experience required to negotiate the proposed routes. There are rides suitable for everyone – from individuals to families to professional riders.

Ferries The Palm Beach Ferry Service provides a regular ferry service between Wagstaffe, Ettalong Beach and Palm Beach, linking to the Northern Sydney Peninsula Bus Service. Timetables and other information are available from Palm Beach Ferry Service on (02) 9918 2747 or visit palmbeachferry.com.au Central Coast Ferries provide a regular service from Empire Bay to Woy Woy (via Davistown and Saratoga) linking to train services. Timetables and other information are available from Central Coast Ferries on (02) 4363 1311 or visit www. centralcoastferries.com.au Charter ferry services and day cruises are available from Starship Cruises. Contact (02) 4323 1655) or visit starshipcruises.com. au

Essential Services Waste Services Waste and recycling services in Gosford City are contracted out to Remondis. For the majority of residents this service consists of a three bin system: yellow bin for recycling, green bin for garden vegetation and a red bin for general waste.

Remondis Bulk Kerbside Collections Some items which are too bulky, too heavy or too big to be collected in your bin can be collected as a Bulk Kerbside Collection. Each household is entitled to six kerbside collections per year. The maximum size for each collection is two cubic metres (about a box trailer load). Items accepted are general bulk: household appliances, furniture, mattresses etc and garden bulk: tree branches, vegetation, logs etc.

Need more space?

For a small annual fee added to the council rates of the property, additional recycling, garden vegetation or general waste bins can be obtained. An upgrade to a larger red bin for general waste is also available. For more information about waste services, bulk collections or additional bins please visit the Remondis website 1coast.com.au or phone 1300 1 coast (1300 126 278).

Landfills Gosford City has two landfill sites which are open every day (except Christmas Day, New Years Day and Good Friday).

For more information or to view Landfill Fees and charges visit>> Fees& Charges for 2013-2014 Woy Woy Landfill (principal site) - Nagari Rd, Woy Woy Phone: 4342 5255. Hours of operation: 7am - 5pm (Monday – Friday) and 8am - 4pm (Saturday – Sunday) Kincumber Transfer Station - Address: Cullens Rd, Kincumber.

Phone: 4368 1229. Hours of operation: 8am – 4pm daily

Residents Guide to Gosford City About Council

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Hazardous Waste Disposal The disposal of many household waste items should be considered in terms of their potential to cause harm to the environment or community health. You can recycle some of these items at Woy Woy or Kincumber landfills, all year round. These items include: computers & televisions (free), motor oil (free), car batteries (free), fluorescent tubes and globes (free), aerosol cans (free), batteries (free) and gas cylinders ($4.50 each). For more information on hazardous waste disposal call Councils Waste Services on (02) 4325 8879.

Residential Chemical Clean Out Days Chemical Clean Out days occur approximately every six months at Gosford Showground car park. Items that can be dropped off on the day include: pesticides, solvents, paints and varnishes, fuels, batteries and much more. These days are advertised in both the local paper and on our website approximately two weeks prior to each event.

Gosford LGA Living Water Smart Central Coast residents are guided by Water Wise Rules. These permanent rules encourage people to use common sense in their water usage and choose behaviours that help conserve our local water supply for the future. To view the Central Coast Water Wise Rules and to find out more information on how you can live water smart both inside and outside your home, visit Living Water Smart.

Childcare centres There are four day care centres located in Gosford City with services catering children aged between 6 weeks and 6 years.

Providing a friendly, secure and supportive setting for children and their families; our programs are play based and are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework. All our centres are community based and non-profit making. All funds are directed exclusively into providing the best possible learning environment for young children. Locations: Kariong, Niagara Park, Terrigal and Umina Beach. For more information contact our Children’s Services Team Leader on (02) 4325 8352.

Things to do Gosford Olympic Pools The Gosford Olympic Pools offers the only 50 metre outdoor heated pool on the Central Coast. The centre also offers a 25 metre indoor heated pool, gentle indoor heated exercise pool and an indoor heated learn to swim pool. For more information phone: (02) 4325 1869 or visit gosford.nsw.gov.au Peninsula Leisure Centre (PLC) The Peninsula Leisure Centre is “more than a pool”, offering something for everyone. Full size sports courts, health club and group fitness studio, Olympic 50 metre - eight lane pool, leisure pool, learn to swim pool, warm water program / therapy pool, spa, sauna and steam room, grandstands, crèche, children’s play and party room, outdoor picnic / BBQ area and Cafe For more information phone (02)4325 812 or visit gosford.nsw.gov.au

Residents Guide to Gosford City About Council

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Peninsula Recreation Precinct The Peninsula Recreation Precinct is a multi-purpose recreation facility located at Umina Beach. The precinct incorporates a multi-level playground with equipment suitable for all ages and levels along with an active recreation area which comprises a junior and senior skate park, half court basketball/netball court and BMX track. The sports clubhouse building provides a venue for community hire for the staging of meetings, training, recreational and sporting based business activity such as fitness or organised sporting groups, community programs and corporate meetings along with a tennis facility consisting of five (5) courts including a multi-purpose court and mini children’s playground. For more information visit gosford.nsw.gov.au Senior Citizen – 50+ Leisure and Learning Centres These centres aim to be a focal point for activities and services for all seniors and people with a disability in the Gosford Local Government area. The centres promote ageing as a positive process through activities and programs which encourage lifelong learning. To find out more information on our Senior Citizen Centres visit gosford.nsw.gov.au Locations: Gosford Cnr Albany Street North & Henry Wheeler Place, Gosford.

(02) 4324 4749 Ettalong Cnr Broken Bay Rd & Karingi St, Ettalong. (02) 4341 3222 Terrigal Cnr Duffys Rd & Terrigal Dr, Terrigal. (02) 4384 5152 Youth Services Gosford City Council provides a recreational area for young people to hang out and relax while also providing support, advocacy and referral. They also offer a range of low/no cost recreational programming for young people. For more information on the services and programs Gosford City Council’s Youth Services offers phone: Community Development (general enquiries) – (02) 4325 8351 Kincumber Youth Centre – (02) 4369 5633 The Hill Youth Centre – (02) 4304 7039 Erina Youth Centre – (02) 4340 7104 Recreation, Sporting and Camping Services Sportsground Facilities Council has a host of sporting grounds for a range of sports – including rugby, soccer, cricket, netball, athletics, tennis, baseball and hockey – available to hire by clubs and associations. For more information contact our Recreational Services Unit on (02) 4325 8486.

Residents Guide to Gosford City About Council

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Patonga Beach Caravan / Camping area Located in the tranquil seaside village of Patonga about 25km south of Gosford, this camping ground is the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday or weekend getaway. The park offers 36 powered and 45 unpowered sites for caravans and tents, and boasts modern amenities. Enquiries and bookings can be made by phoning council on (02) 4365 6709 between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

BMX Tracks and Skateparks In the interest of providing a wide variety of recreational and leisure opportunities for residents and visitors, council has provided five BMX/ Skatepark facilities for use by skaters, rollerbladers, BMX and scooter riders.

Locations: • Narara (Showground Rd, Narara) • Mangrove Mountain (Bloodtree Rd, Mangrove Mountain) • Umina Recreation Area (Sydney Ave, Umina) • Kariong Oval (Mitchell Dr, Kariong) • Kincumber Frost Reserve (Avoca Drive, Kincumber) • Hylton Moore Park, East Gosford (Althorp St, East Gosford) Rumbalara and Katandra Reserves You don’t have to travel too far to enjoy Gosford’s beautiful bushlands and reserves. Uncover the secrets of hidden rainforests, unique wildlife, beautiful wildflowers, stunning views, enticing bush tracks and trails, fascinating historical sites and much more; all within reach of Gosford’s city centre. For more information contact 4325 8222 or visit gosford.nsw.gov.au Visual and Performing Arts Centres Theatres Laycock Street Theatre features many of the characteristics of a much larger metropolitan theatre, enabling external, national theatre companies as well as Gosford Musical Society to present quality performances in a professional environment. For more information phone (02) 4323 3233 or visit laycockstreettheatre. com The Peninsula Theatre is a smaller, purpose built community theatre. It offers a more intimate performance space with a seating capacity for 124 people. The shows offered at both theatres represent a diverse range of topics and genres with options to suit all age groups, from drama, community theatre and musicals, to nationally touring shows. For more information phone (02) 4323 7433.

Residents Guide to Gosford City About Council

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Gallery The Gosford Regional Gallery is located on the shores of Caroline Bay in East Gosford. It is part of a complex that also includes the Gosford/Edogawa Commemorative Garden, the Arts Centre and the Caroline Bay Brasserie, cafe and function centre. Admission to the Gallery is free and it is open daily from 10am to 4pm (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday).

Location: 36 Webb St, East Gosford 2250. For more information about the gallery or for current exhibitions phone 4325 0056 or visit www.gosfordregionalgallery.com

Council Libraries Our Library Services are the gateway to a world of print and electronic resources for education, information and recreation.

Locations: Gosford Library - 118 Donnison Street, Gosford Wyoming Library - Shop 3, 127 Maidens Brush Road, Wyoming Kariong Library - Shopping Centre Cnr Curringa Road and Arunta Ave, Kariong Umina Beach Library - Cnr West St and Bullion St, Umina Erina Library - Erina Fair, 620-658 Terrigal Dr, Erina Woy Woy Library - Cnr Blackwall Road and Oval Ave, Woy Woy Kincumber Library – 3 Bungoona Rd, Kincumber NSW We also have a Bookmobile which visits selected nursing homes and community locations and a portable Book Express service which services commuters at Woy Woy and Gosford train stations.

For more information on programs and services at our libraries phone (02) 4304 7500 or visit gosford.nsw.gov.au Playgrounds There are a wide variety of parks and playgrounds available for use by the young and young at heart across Gosford City. For a full list of playground location in Gosford City download visit gosford.nsw.gov.au

Your Neighbourhood Dealing with Neighbourhood Noise Neighbourhood noise, such as noise from animals, alarms, machines and parties can be very annoying. Council has a handy brochure available with tips on how to deal with neighbourhood noise and outlines time restrictions when noise from a residential premise should not be heard. For a copy of the brochure visit one of our Customer Service Centres or phone the Call Centre on 4325 8222 to arrange a copy to be sent to you.

Residents Guide to Gosford City About Council

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Backyard Burning or Bonfires Under the provisions of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2010, you are not permitted to burn waste, have a bonfire or any other type of backyard fire on private property by open fire or in an incinerator. There are severe financial penalties for a breach of the Regulation.

There are some exceptions to this including (but not limited to): cooking, agricultural purposes (including the burning of stubble and diseased crops and the clearing of land for agricultural use) and the purpose of giving instruction in methods of fire lighting.

Removing Trees on Private Property Consent will be required for the removal or any pruning of trees over three metres in height and are more than three meters in distance from a council approved structure (a fence is not considered a Council approved structure). Consent is NOT required for the following: - If the tree is one of the exempt species - Camphor Laurel, Coral Tree, Rubber Tree, Umbrella Tree, Cocos Palm, Willow Tree, Radiata Pine, Golden Cypress or non-native fruit tree - If tree is part of a current Development Application as this will be assessed as part of the DA process - Removal of a dead tree or pruning of dead branches - Clearing one meter around power or phone lines coming into your property from the street - Pruning to the edge of a roofline branches directly overhanging from your own or neighbours tree - this must be carried out in accordance with AS4373 Application can be made by completing the Private Tree Works Application. An application form can obtained online, from any Council Customer Service Centre or can be mailed out if required. Payment of a fee is required on lodgement for removal applications. There is no fee for pruning of trees.

Keeping Pets Pet ownership is an important part of our local community and there are a number of things you are required to do as a pet owner under the Companion Animal Act 1998.

Microchip your dog – All dogs must be microchipped.

Microchipping is performed by veterinarians and contains a unique identification number that allows council to identify the pet’s owner through a central registry.

Get your dog registered - All dogs must be registered for life.

Registration only needs to be done once and ensures that your pet can be returned to you if it is found wandering. You can register your dog at any of our Customer Service Centres all you will need to provide is a certificate of microchipping or a letter from your vet, and if applicable, proof of desexing from your vet.

Change of Owner / Address / Contact Details - If you change your address or contact details it is your responsibility to ensure the Companion Animals Register is updated with this information.

Change of Owner / Detail forms can be downloaded from dlg.nsw.gov.au under the ‘Companion Animal’ tab. Completed forms can be forwarded to council via email: goscity@gosford.nsw.gov.au, post: PO Box 21, Gosford, NSW, 2250 or in person to any Customer Service Centre.

Keep your dog on a leash or secured in your yard - Your dog must be kept on a leash or secured in your yard at all times. An unrestrained and unsupervised dog can be a danger to other people and animals. Penalties can apply to the dog owner or the person in charge for a dog that attacks, bites, harasses, chases or rushes at a person or animal.

Dogs are allowed off leash in specified Off-leash Exercise Areas.

Number of cats or dogs that residents can have – There is no limit on the number of companion animals that a person can own provided that the animals are properly cared for and do not pose a nuisance, health or safety risk to other members of the community.

About Council Residents Guide to Gosford City

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Restricted dogs – it is now an offence in New South Wales to sell, acquire or breed dogs on the restricted dog list. A restricted dog is one of the following:• American pitbull terrier or Pitbull terrier • Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino (Argentinean fighting dog) • Fila Brasiliero (Brazilian fighting dog) • Any other dog of a breed, kind or description, whose importation into Australia is prohibited by, or under, the Customs Act 1901 of the Commonwealth (Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario) • Any dog declared by an authorised officer of a Council, under division 6 of the Companion Animals Act 1998, to be a restricted dog.

For more details on responsible pet ownership visit the Department of Local Government’s website.

Outdoor Weddings in Gosford City Gosford City boasts many wonderful locations to host your special outdoor wedding ceremony. You can apply to use Gosford City beaches, reserves, parklands or lookouts for the special occasion.

As a wedding is a very personal event, we recommend you allow plenty of time to look around and find a location that best suits your needs. If you choose to hold an outdoor wedding, an event application form may need to be completed. It is recommended that you make application well in advance of your desired date to ensure availability.

There are two different types of bookings: Passive Booking – Allows you to hold a gathering of up to eighty people on Council land for up to two hours. Application is granted with the understanding that no structures will be erected on the area applied for. This application does not give you exclusive use of the area and nominal fees are applied upon application process.

Special Event – This booking is best suited to those who want exclusive use of an area, longer than 2 hours and structures such as seating or marquees may be used.

For more information please contact our Council Booking Officer on 4325 8431 or download our latest brochure Outdoor Wedding Locations Cemeteries There are several cemeteries in the Gosford LGA, Gosford City Council own and run two Cemeteries at Wamberal and Point Clare. All other cemeteries are either privately or church owned and manages.

Opening hours and location of Council cemeteries: Wamberal – The Entrance Rd – October to April 6am to 8pm – May to September 6am to 6.30pm Point Clare – Coolarn Ave – 24hrs.

Whether you are enquiring about our online name search to assist with the location of those buried in either of our cemeteries or interested in purchasing plots for burial or memorial sites for the interment ashes our Cemetery Officer will be there to assist every step on the way.

Councils cemeteries officer is available Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm on (02) 4325 8177.

Council Trusts Council has established trusts to benefit the Gosford City Community.

The Protection of the Environment Trust was entered into the Register of Environmental Organisations and entitled under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 item 6.1.1 of subsection 30-55(1) to receive tax deductable donations. Contributions and Gifts to this Trust can be used for the acquisition, maintenance, preservation, enhancement or embellishment of land. Funds can also be used to inform the public on environmental issues.

The Gosford foundation Trust was set up by Gosford City Council to encourage and facilitate benevolent acts by public spirited citizens and to manage and acknowledge donations received. Gifts to the Gosford Foundation Trust may be applied to items such as, but not limited to, public libraries, the arts, enhancement to public places including benches, gardens, trees, decoration of pavements, shelters, public sporting facilities as well as preservation of historic buildings.

For more information contact (02) 4325 8222 or visit gosford.nsw.gov.au

About Council Residents Guide to Gosford City

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Council Meetings Gosford City Council conducts a Closed Confidential Session, commencing at 6pm on Tuesday of Weeks 2 and 4 of each month. Open Sessions to the public will commence at 6.45pm.

Agenda papers (reports) to Council meetings are available from Council Meetings from 12.00pm of each Thursday immediately preceding the next scheduled meeting date.

Council encourages members of the community to participate in the decision making process of the Council. If you are interested in participating at a public meeting of Council you can do so through ‘public participation’ or ‘community forums’ - please view Council’s public participation information page or Council’s community forums information page for further details on how to become involved. Visit gosford.nsw.gov.au

Council & Our Environment The natural environment of Gosford is highly valued by the community and its protection and management are important roles for Council.

Sustainability Reporting Sustainability can be defined as: meeting the needs of current and future generations through simultaneous environmental, social and economic improvement. Every 4 years Council produces a comprehensive Sustainability Report which reports on the city’s progress, and assists Council and the community to work towards the goal of sustainable development.

Coastal Open Space System Our Coastal Open Space System (COSS) spans over 3,000 hectares and is made up of rainforested ridge lands, gully rainforests, cliffs, wetlands and creeks. These areas provide a home for the city’s diverse natural heritage, including threatened species and important indigenous Australian art and cultural sites.

Bushcare A joint community and Council conservation program, Bushcare encourages and supports local community participation in the care and management of Gosford’s natural areas. Bushcare groups work on land managed by Council and are supplied with tools, supervision and resources they require to protect and enhance local reserves. Typically, groups work 2-3 hours per month.

Coastal Resource Management Gosford’s waterways are extensive and diverse. They include the Hawkesbury River and its tributaries as far as Wisemans Ferry, freshwater and marine wetlands, rock platforms and sandy beaches, estuaries and creeks. Council is currently undertaking a review of all coastal and estuary management plans and will include consideration of future climate change impacts.

Information on these management plans (as well as other helpful information) is available on Council’s website, or by phoning Council on (02) 4325 8222.

Residents Guide to Gosford City About Council

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Environmental Education Our environmental education programs aim to develop habits and behaviours within our local community that will protect and enhance our built and natural environments. Council staff conduct educational programs which target schools, businesses, and the general community, focusing on a wide range of environmental issues.

Development Almost all developments require Council approval. The minor activities that do not require approval are listed in Gosford’s Planning Controls (Gosford LEP 2014 & Gosford DCP 2013) as exempt development.

Generally a development requires both Development Consent and a Construction Certificate.

Developments include: Building a house, Renovations/Alterations to an existing building, Ancillary structures (garages, pools, sheds, pergola), Subdividing land, Demolition, Land use including home businesses/industries, and much more.

Gosford Chambers is open Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm with Development trained staff including a Duty Planner and Duty Surveyor available to assist with your enquiries. Alternatively contact Customer Service on 4325 8222 for further assistance.

Swimming Pool / Spa Registration

website www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au

All swimming pools & spas are required to be registered, including new/just built pools and spas. This is a free service - To register your pool you can log onto the Department of Local Government’s

If you have any further enquiries please contact Customer Service on 4325 8222.

Council Land & Water Rates Council Levies rates for a financial year – 1st July to 30th June.

These rates are payable in full annually by 31st August or in quarterly instalments.

Instalment 1 – from 1st July to 30th September – Payment due by 31st August Instalment 2 – from 1st October to 31st December – Payment due by 30th November Instalment 3 – form 1st January to 31st March – Payment due by 28th February Instalment 4 – from 1st April to 30th June – Payment due by 31st May Water Consumption – Water meters are read twice per financial year (financial year - 1st July to 30th June) An account is issued / sent after each meter reading and all consumption is charged at the current rate per kilolitre. – See councils Website for current chargers per kilolitre under ‘Fees and Charges’ link

About Council Residents Guide to Gosford City

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

Payment Options In Person - At any of Council’s Service Centres using: Cash, Cheque, Credit Card (except American Express (Amex) /Diners), Money Order. Payments can also be made in person at any Post Office- you will need to have your bar coded notice to make this payment.

Internet: By Credit Card (except American Express (Amex) /Diners) You will need to have your rates assessment number (located on your rates notice) – Council web site www.gosford.nsw.gov.au at the top of the page on the blue line (or new location?) select the option ‘payments’.

BPAY: Please use your payment reference number and biller code located at the bottom of your Rates notice.

Telephone: Credit Card Payment (except American Express (Amex) /Diners) – Telephone 1300 660 731 (outside Australia +61 9770 3410) – please use your payment reference number located at the bottom of your Rates notice.

Post: by cheque or money order – Please send a copy of your notice and address to Gosford City Council, PO Box 21 Gosford NSW 2250.

Direct Debit: Only Savings and Cheque accounts can be used – you can no longer set up a Direct Debit with a Credit Card.

Payment frequency options: Land rates – Weekly / Fortnightly (taken on Fridays), Monthly (taken last Friday of the month), Quarterly or Annually (taken on due dates). Water rates - Weekly / Fortnightly (taken on Fridays), Monthly (taken last Friday of the month), full amount taken on due date 6 monthly.

Pensioners Rebates on Rates and Water/Sewer Charges may apply if you are the holder of a current Pensioner Concession Card from Centrelink or Veterans Affairs and you own and live on the property. If you are not already receiving a rebate and believe that you are eligible, please contact council’s call centre on 4325 8222 or visit your closest Customer Service Centre (Gosford, Erina, Woy Woy or Kincumber).

The maximum annual rebates are- Land Rates $400.40 and Water Consumption $ 24.60.

The amount given is calculated once the application is processed. The amount received varies depending on several things such as rates zone, card start date & ownership of the property. To complete application visit your closest Customer Service Centre or go to gosford.nsw.gov.au

Stay in touch Stay up to date with local events, initiatives and news through our Gosford Connect lift out available in the Central Coast Express Advocate (Gosford edition) each Wednesday, or by subscribing to our Gosford Connect eNewsletter.