All 54 of the projects included in the Civic Infrastructure Strategy follow.
The first group consists of the 33 projects that Council seek to fund through the modest rate rise. The second group consists of the remaining 21 projects that Council will seek to source funding for over the next few years.

Gosford Bypass Road Planning

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2010

Planning for the construction of a bypass road system to allow vehicles to travel around, rather than through Gosford City. This will alleviate the current congestion at peak times and make Gosford City and the surrounding areas more liveable and workable.

Performing Arts and Convention Centre – Gosford

Indicative timeline:

• 2 year feasibility & planning
• 3 year design development & implementation
• Construction to commence 2013

Development of a Performing Arts and Convention Centre in Gosford to accommodate audiences of 1600 patrons for a variety of musical and theatrical performances, including an outdoor amphitheatre. This Centre will provide opportunities for local children to develop their talents and for Central Coast performers to showcase their skills. The centre will also become a tourism destination and help position Gosford as a centre for arts.

Gosford CBD Streetscape and Park Enhancement

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2010

Enhancing the streets and parks of the Gosford CBD is another key ingredient in the transformation of Gosford City’s image, role and identity as the capital of the Central Coast. Upgrades to Kibble Park, Watt Street, Erina Street, Donnison Street, Henry Parry Drive and Baker Street are included and will make the Gosford CBD more friendly, modern and safe.

Surf Clubs Development

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2008

Our beaches and surf clubs are a part of Gosford City’s identity and lifestyle. The proposed development program will assist with funding the Copacabana SLSC, Umina SLSC, Ocean Beach SLSC, Wamberal SLSC and Killcare SLSCs.

Ettalong Beach Foreshore Enhancement

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2009

Ettalong Beach is fast becoming a new gateway to the Central Coast for tourists, especially visitors from Sydney and around NSW. Currently the Ettalong Beach Foreshore has degraded and is unappealing for locals and visitors alike. The Foreshore enhancement will provide ramps and viewing decks to ensure access to and views of the beach and Broken Bay, while maintaining and reinforcing sand dunes. It is envisaged that this program will generate tourist investment and stimulate further growth of Ettalong and the wider Peninsula.

Workbased Childcare Centre

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2009

Childcare is an integral part of balancing work and family. During the Gosford Vision 2025 process, the community indicated that they wanted Council to play a role in the development of Childcare facilities. The first step in this commitment is the construction of a Workbased Childcare Centre to allow opportunities for parents to have their children cared for, near or at the workplace.

Community Facilities Audit and Upgrade

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2010

The Community Facilities Audit and Upgrade would provide a review of the adequacy, functionality and accessibility of Council’s approximately 69 community facilities including aged care, child care and youth centres, community centres, public halls and a range of other buildings used for services such as mental health, women’s health and counselling.

Upgrading Sportsground and Park Lighting

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2009

The proposed upgrading of lighting for all Council owned ovals and playing fields that require it, would provide more appropriate facilities for our region’s youth and sporting teams to develop their skills, represent the region and have fit and healthy lifestyles. This includes completing the development and upgrading of the ovals at Ozanam Recreation Centre.

Ozanam Recreation Centre

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2008

The Ozanam Recreation Area is a multi use recreational facility which includes sportsgrounds, tennis courts, hard surface courts and a skate park. The facility will provide the wider Central Coast community with a variety of opportunities to participate in sport and recreational activities. It will also enhance opportunities for staging regionally significant sporting events on the Central Coast which in turn will improve the development of sport and youth on the Central Coast.

Coastal Open Spaces Strategy

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2009

Action strategies upgrading tracks & trails, weed control, directional signage and general upgrades and developments that will allow our coastal open spaces to be better utilised as lifestyle and recreation resources by locals and tourists alike.

Coastal Management Plan

Indicative timeline:

• Stage 1 complete by 2016
• Further stages funded under Council's Capital Works Program

The Civic Infrastructure Strategy will allow for the implementation of the Coastal Management Plan for Terrigal Beach, Wamberal Beach, MacMasters Beach, Copacabana Beach, Avoca Beach, North Avoca Beach and Forresters Beach. Possible upgrades to each beach include management of dune vegetation, reinforcement of dunes, maintenance of seawalls and provision of boating and recreational facilities.

Living Cultural Centre

Indicative timeline:

• 2 year feasibility & planning
• 3 year design development & implementation
• Construction to commence 2013

To develop a Living Culture Centre to interpret both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous regional culture and heritage to the local community and visitors to the region. The Centre will be a vital element in the Civic Precinct and may be co-located with the Regional Library.

Regional Library

Indicative timeline:

• 2 year feasibility & planning
• 3 year design development & implementation
• Construction to commence 2013

The planning for the Regional Library has been in process for a number of years. Council has been investigating options for possible sites, including the site adjacent to the Council Chambers in Mann St, Gosford and the current library site in Kibble Park, Donnison St Gosford.

Cycleway Strategy

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2010

Council has adopted a Cycleway Network for the city. The objective is to link transport nodes, locations of scenic or recreation attraction, commercial centres and community facilities such as schools, libraries and active recreation areas. The present availability of funding will mean the realisation of the network is decades away, the focusing of additional funding in this area will achieve outcomes in approximately half the period, with the contingent road safety, recreational and quality of life benefits.

Regional Footpath Construction and Upgrade

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2012

Council has adopted a Footpath Network for the city and a priority for the delivery of this key element of community transportation and recreational infrastructure. The objective is to link transport nodes, locations of scenic or recreation attraction, commercial centres and community facilities such as schools, libraries and active recreation areas.

Umina Beach Coastal Walkway

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2011

This project includes scaling of Mt Ettalong opposite the foreshore to minimise the risk of falling rocks, construction of concrete pathways on approaches to the headland and construction of a walkway structure around the headland.

Traffic Facilities Projects

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2010

Council has approved the installation of traffic facilities on the basis of recommendations received from the local Traffic Committee. A backlog of safety works including pedestrian refuges, intersection treatments, traffic calming devices and similar structures is delaying the implementation of identified road safety works. This project will eliminate the backlog and allow road safety improvements to be implemented as soon as approval for the individual works is given.

Sustainability Report Implementation

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2008

Implement the management actions of the 2005 Supplementary Sustainability Report including restoration works to walking tracks and associated recreation facilities in coastal open spaces and natural reserves, review acquisitions of coastal open spaces land and continue acquisitions.

Skate Park Strategy

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2013

Implement the management actions of the Gosford City Skate park Strategy including the provision of future skate park facilities in: East Brisbane Water precinct (3), Coastal precinct (1), Coastal Valley (1), Peninsula (2) and Narara Valley (2).

Bridge and Wharf Upgrade and Maintenance Program

Indicative timeline: Implemented by 2011

Council is required to maintain approximately 45 timber bridges and 20 concrete bridges. Many of these have been assessed as warranting either major maintenance or complete renewal. Current resources place severe restrictions upon Council's ability to maintain this infrastructure to a suitable level. Council maintains 52 public wharves, the majority of which are high maintenance timber structures. Financial resources allow major refurbishment to 2 wharves per year, resulting in an overall decline in the condition of the asset. The project will allow maintenance of both bridge and wharf infrastructure to proceed at a rate where the overall decline in the condition of both community assets is redressed.

Implementation of Caroline Bay Plan of Management

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2012

Includes implementation of a bush regeneration program, provision of information boards, repaint Edogawa fence, revegetation of bare or eroded areas, introduction of regular maintenance work, community consultation, provision of recreation facilities and revision of Plan of Management.

Implementation of Kincumber Mountain Plan of Management

Indicative timeline:

• Stage 1 complete by 2015
• Further stages funded under Council's Capital Works Program

Includes upgrading interpretation material, implementation of a weed control program, upgrading and maintaining fire trails, upgrading tracks including access track from car park to picnic area and investigation of establishment of a track to provide access to the Mountain for the disabled.

Implementation of Yattalunga Foreshore Reserve Plan of Management

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2011

Includes construction of pedestrian/cycle path, installation of appropriate recreational infrastructure, cover open stormwater drains, construction of a sandstone seawall, introduction of regular maintenance work on the reserve and installation of new drainage infrastructure where required.

Implementation of Blackwall Mountain Plan of Management

Indicative timeline:

• Stage 1 complete by 2013
• Further stages to be funded under Council's Capital Works Program

Includes upgrading of tracks, upgrading of picnic areas and lookout, installation of interpretive signage, development of interpretive materials and revision of the Plan of Management

Implementation of Terrigal Haven Plan of Management

Indicative timeline:

• Stage 1 complete by 2015
• Further stages to be funded under Council's Capital Works Program

This project involves the Terrigal Haven road reconstructing parking & recreation facilities upgrading, Terrigal promenade completion, an enhanced footpath link from the CBD to Terrigal Lake and the Lions Park.

Implementation of Broken Bay Beaches Plan of Management

Indicative timeline:

• Stage 1 complete by 2011
• Further stages funded under Council's Capital Works Program

This project will cover Putty Beach, Killcare Beach, Umina Beach, Ocean Beach, Pearl Beach and Patonga Beach. Actions include repair and maintenance of vegetation (all locations), removal of weeds (all locations), regular monitoring of beach processes (all locations), repair and maintain rock pool (Pearl Beach), maintain and repair drainage outlets as required (all locations) and a complete revision of the Plan of Management.

Implementation of Lisarow Wetlands Plan of Management

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2011

The Lisarow Wetlands Plan of Management includes development of a weed control program, pathway construction and installation of necessary signage.

Implementation of Natural Areas & Bushland Plan of Management

Indicative timeline:

• Stage 1 complete by 2012
• Further stages funded under Council's Capital Works Program

The project involves upgrading of walking tracks, upgrading of fire trails, rehabilitation of riparian vegetation and preparation of weed control program for natural reserves which are owned by Council, but not part of the Coastal Open Spaces Strategy.

Implementation of Coastal Lagoons Plan of Management

Indicative timeline:

• Stage 1 complete by 2014
• Further stages funded under Council's Capital Works Program

The project will see the removal of weeds along the bank, rehabilitation of riparian vegetation and installation of signage within coastal lagoons across Gosford City.

Implementation of Everglades Lagoon Plan of Management

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2010

Includes alligator weed control, bush regeneration, revegetation, signage, access formalisation, community education program, community involvement and interpretive signage

Implementation of Saratoga Recreation Centre Plan of Management

Indicative timeline: Complete by 2011

Includes installation of signage, regular ranger patrols, construction of drainage bank, eradication of foxes, weed control and community consultation.

Implementation of Brisbane Water Plan of Management

Indicative timeline:

• Stage 1 complete by 2012
• Further stages funded under Council's Capital Works Program

Includes a revision of the Blue Line oyster lease areas, installation of dinghy racks, implementation of the ongoing renewal program of tidal baths, regular surveillance and enforcement of commercial fishing ban, investigation and design of a program of works for the removal of sediment, investigation and assessment into the origin, nature and sediment movements of fine silt and a planning review for a Local Environmental Plan for Brisbane Water.

Unfunded Projects

Somersby Driver Skills Development Centre

The project will provide a community driver skill development centre to proactively promote and facilitate road safety. The facility will include an internal roads network, skills course, car park, education building with lecture theatres and the fitout of the education building.

2004 Sustainability Report Management Actions

This project will see the management actions from the Gosford City Council 2004 Sustainability Report, which aimed to highlight methods that Council can promote, facilitate and reflect environmental sustainability across the region.

Woy Woy Waterfront Development

This project will develop and enhance the public and private berthing facilities at the Woy Woy waterfront as well as providing additional foreshore amenities including a new promenade and footpath/cycleway. The project will include:

• new pontoon ferry wharf
• new public mooring wharves
• new commercial wharf
• new waterfront promenade
• footpath/cycleway between Brisbane Water Drive and Brick Wharf Road footpath/cycleway

Laycock Street Theatre – Stage 2

This project will see the development of an arts hub incorporating rehearsal spaces and studios, administration spaces, a café, an additional performance space and back of house facilities. The project will include the purchase of adjoining properties, closure of Laycock Street, the development of a new entry to the facility, a multi-storey administration wing, cafe and the addition of a dress circle to the existing theatre to increase the capacity.

Unsealed Roads Program

Accelerating Council's existing Capital Works Program activity of sealing all urban and rural roads will enhance traffic safety, minimise the pollution of local waterways through the erosion of unsealed roads and provide the economic benefits of a safe and efficient road network. There is a backlog of approximately 200 unsealed roads or segments of roads across the Gosford region, which will be addressed by the project.

Showground Road/Racecourse Road Upgrade

The objective of this program is to establish an effective traffic relief route around the Gosford CBD by reconstructing the Racecourse Road/Showground Road/Etna Street intersection and widening the bridge over the Great Northern Railway Line. The major bridge and road works will address not only traffic circulation concerns at this location but cater for pedestrian and community activities at the nearby Gosford District Hospital, Gosford High School and Gosford Showground. It will also enhance vehicular access to the entire western area of the Narara Valley. This project supports the Gosford City Centre LEP.

Spencer Foreshore Development

A master plan for the orderly implementation of road and public area infrastructure improvements in the village of Spencer has been prepared by an architect engaged by Council in consultation with all community stakeholders. The master plan addresses parks and foreshore recreational improvements including improved facilities at the public wharf and the provision of road infrastructure including improved footpaths, stormwater drainage and a shared footpath/cycleway linking the two main areas of the village. Additional road safety benefits will be achieved by the introduction of traffic calming and enhanced pedestrian facilities.

Umina Beach CBD Streetscape Improvements Stages 4 & 5

The project will involve the reconstruction and landscaping at Umina Beach CBD streets including:

• West Street
• Trafalgar Street
• Bullion Street

Gosford Regional Gallery Stage 2

This project will develop an integrated entry foyer and improved visitor facilities at the Gosford Regional Gallery and Arts Centre. It will also expand the workshop, lecture theatre, gallery, research areas and collection management spaces to incorporate digital media, sculpture and Indigenous arts through the addition of a second storey to the Arts Centre.

Gosford Swimming Pool Research

The objective of this project is to review the current status of the Gosford Olympic Pool and identify a future strategy with regard to the refurbishment of the existing or building or of a new facility at a preferred location.

Traffic facilities related to the citywide kerb and guttering project

Traffic facilities including traffic calming and lights associated with the City Wide Kerb & Gutter project.

Peninsula Theatre – Stage 2

This project seeks to further develop the Peninsula Theatre into a performing arts hub through the construction of an additional wing to the east of the existing theatre to incorporate the additional facilities.

Umina Library Upgrade

The present Umina Library would be demolished under this project and a new library of approximately 700 square meters in size and similar in design to the new Kincumber Library constructed.

Implementation of Gosford Regional Playground Strategy

This project will strategically plan for and develop creative and inclusive playgrounds across the Gosford region to meet the needs and interests of local communities. A Regional Playground Strategy will be prepared to steer the development of regional, subregional and local playground areas.

Upgrades to Children’s Services Buildings

Maintenance is required to meet DoCS regulations at the 8 Childcare Centres managed by Council. A condition audit of buildings and playgrounds has established a maintenance program of improvements which will cost approximately $1.0 million over 5 years.

Roads infrastructure

Upgrading the level of service provided on regional and local roads is critical to the social and economic life of Gosford City. The selected roads will be of regional significance.

Terrigal Haven beach & lake foreshore enhancement

To develop and enhance the main tourist areas of Terrigal through the provision of new and upgraded paving, landscaping and public amenities. This project will include:

• Terrigal Haven - road reconstructing parking and recreational facilities upgrading
• Terrigal promenade completion
• Enhanced footpath link from the CBD to Terrigal Lake/Lions Park

High priority stormwater drainage works

This project will implement high priority stormwater drainage works, with particular emphasis on mitigating flooding of homes and property and a sustainable environment. The selected locations will identify high priority projects on the basis of floods mitigation criteria and sustainable environment considerations.

Local Area Traffic Management Schemes

Local Area Traffic Management Schemes have been adopted in all residential areas throughout the city where it has been necessary to assess overall traffic patterns when implementing very localised road safety improvements. The LATMS have been developed through extensive consultation with all community and public authority stakeholders, with each suite of improvements in each area recommended by the Local Traffic Committee and approved by Council. The proposed project will accelerate the program of implementation of LATMS and deliver community road safety benefits immediately.

City wide kerb & gutter strategy

This project will lead to substantially progress in the provision of kerb and gutter/other edge treatment and street stormwater drainage in all Gosford City roads. The selected roads will be those of regional significance that will receive most benefit from the provision of kerb and gutter/edge treatment and stormwater drainage.

Remediation of contaminated lands

This project will see the remediation of contaminated lands across the Gosford City region.