Health Crisis? The recent outbreak of the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) has forced authorities to take measures to practice self-isolation and physical distancing. So hence CEN has had to cancel its upcoming events, that engage us with our natural environment and each other through our numerous programs. As well as being a…

The year is 2050 and our Central Coast Youth are now leading in their respective fields in our communities across the coast. The transition to renewable energy production is now complete, the local economies are interdependent on sustainable industries, run and owned locally. Community gardens are a hive of activity and…

If you think about our first response to emergencies and disasters, we generally look out for our fellow community members. We offer them shelter, feed and care for them, it’s in our DNA, we just do it automatically without giving it much thought. Recently, a wider cross section of our…

Depending on who you ask, ‘what is human nature?’ You’ll receive a completely different response. The lens with which the world is viewed is the key here. An economist may say human nature is to strive for development and growth, a health practitioner may say human nature is to strive…

Last night, 28 November was CEN’s End of Year get-together where we celebrated together the achievements of this past year. We also presented the 2019 Be a Team (BAT) Awards and CEN Staff gave a brief update on their activities for the year. The 2019 winners are: Most outstanding all-rounder “BAT”…

The recent catastrophic fire conditions have highlighted the deep disconnect we have with nature and lack of understanding of our interdependency with this living system, of which we are a part. This ignorance at all levels of our complex societies, has detached the connection between deforestation leading to soil erosion…

Please make a submission - they close on Monday, 11 November, 2019.  Central Coast Council has recently exhibited a draft Biodiversity Strategy. We note that there are many good actions in the document that staff have prepared. It is also a well presented document with lots of good information and illustrations.…

Nature is diverse, connected, interdependent, restorative, and regenerative which has with time generated resilient communities of species and natural wonder. Those of us who do enjoy spending time in our natural environment would recognise this quality about being human, we are aware of nature’s beauty and bounty.

Building our Youth, for the future is something as community members and leaders we should be refocusing our energies. To quote Franklin D. Roosevelt, “We cannot always build a future for our youth, but we can always build our youth for the future.” As a community campaigner over the years…

We face challenging times across the globe with global warming and climate change, these challenges also bring opportunities to develop sustainable development, that is in balance with our basic needs of clean air, water and soil to grow our foods and plant our trees. A balanced approach is needed to…

Mountain Districts Association (MDA) and the Community Environment Network (CEN) are now calling for an Independent Commission of Inquiry and investigation by the NSW Police into the Mangrove Mountain Landfill as a matter of urgency. We are also calling on the NSW Premier to sack the EPA Board. Did you see the ABC 4Corners story exposing the waste…

Background information on Mangrove Mountain Landfill Mangrove Mountain Landfill sits at the highest point of the Central Coast water catchment and threatens the quality of the Central Coast water supply. The Landfill is located at the Mangrove Mountain Golf Course on the boundary between Gosford LGA and Wyong LGA. The…

CEN belives that this is a very bad policy that will impact the health of many people with asthma as it allows burning without a permit and increases the amount of fuel by 270%. The existing RFS/NSWFB Policy on Pile Burning does all that is needed for keeping properties clear…

The Coastal Open Space System (COSS) is a network of reserves supporting natural vegetation that are managed by Gosford Council for a number of environmental and community values. COSS lands provide important ecological habitats (or homes) and essential linkages (wildlife corridors) for diverse fauna and flora. These natural areas are…

The Central Coast Council has recently placed its Draft Tree and Vegetation Management Chapter XXX on exhibition for public comment. While the draft chapter generally requires landowners to obtain a Permit from Council to remove or prune a tree, the draft also describes Exemptions to avoid having to obtain a…

The shark was found at a popular NSW central coast diving spot. Our oceans are under threat, with warming oceans, pollution and over fishing we need to ensure we establish protected marine environments for future generations. Shark Drowned in Marine Sanctuary http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-29/divers-find-shark-strung-up/4850334 The Shark was caught, stabbed and drowned in…

The State Government has released a series of documents.They are colourful, have lots of photos and drawings.But the devil is in the detail.This fact sheet explores the detail. Here is the detail - download The State Government is proposing to take away planning controls of Council; allow overshadowing of parks; eliminate…

As part of our 20th Anniversary Celebrations, CEN will be holding an Amateur Photographic Competition. Objectives of the Competition:  To showcase the Environment of the Central Coast. That is, the flora and fauna, native to the region and the beaches, waterways and landforms from the Hawkesbury River in the south…

Wyong and Wyee residents have banded together to oppose the proposed Warnervale Airport. Make your voice heard - and ensure that the proposal to increase the capacity of Warnervale airport is not carried forward in the Central Coast Regional Plan. Do not accept Wyong Council’s proposal for a B737 and A320…