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Central Coast Council is inviting local business operators to apply for a licence to run commercial outdoor activities on public land in 2026-27.Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are open until Thursday 16 April 2026.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said licensing ensures shared community spaces, like beaches, parks and reserves, continue to be enjoyed by everyone.“Outdoor activities bring our public spaces to life by encouraging people to get active, try something new and enjoy everything the Central Coast has to offer,” Mayor McKinna said.“Our public open spaces are shared community assets and it’s important that commercial activities complement how the community already uses and enjoys them.“Licensing helps us support local businesses while keeping our beaches, parks and reserves safe, accessible and well cared for.”The temporary licence applies to a range of activities, including:•    personal training and group fitness•    water-based recreation•    outdoor education programs•    schools and camps•    equipment hire such as kayaks, surfboards and stand-up paddleboards•    corporate training•    clinics and coaching.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said businesses must hold a licence to operate on Council managed land.“A temporary licence helps ensure activities are safe, provide a benefit to the community and minimise impacts on the environment,” Ms Smith said.“Licences for the 2026-27 financial year are available for either six or 12 months.“Temporary licensing allows Council to regulate and monitor business activities on beaches, parks and reserves to ensure ecologically sustainable use and the safety and wellbeing of the community.”Application period closes 5pm, Thursday 16 April 2026.For guidelines and application forms, click here

We love that our community is passionate about playspaces - we are too!Thank you to the 1,093 community members who shared their views on playspaces in late 2025 through an online survey and interactive activities, in-person pop up sessions or the Access and Inclusion Reference Group workshop. We have carefully reviewed your feedback taking a detailed look at what matters most to you, how playspaces support social connection and play, and how they can continue to evolve to meet local needs and support growth in our region. View the summary of what you said in a snapshot summary. Your feedback helped us to draft a revised Playspace Strategy that will guide how we plan and manage over 270 Central Coast playspaces over the next five years.Go to Your Voice Our Coast to view the Draft Playspace Strategy 2026–30 and tell us what you think by 29 April.  

What you need to knowCentral Coast Council offices will be closed over the Easter long weekend from close of business on Thursday 2 April 2026, reopening at 8.30am on Tuesday 7 April 2026.Offices will also be closed for the Anzac Day public holiday on Monday 27 April 2026.During this time:some services will close completelyothers will reopen at different timessome will operate as usual or with adjusted hours.Explore full details on each service below.

Council's draft budget and strategic documents – get ready to have your sayCouncil resolved to place the draft Delivery Program (2025-29), draft Operational Plan (2026-27) and draft Fees and Charges (2026-27) on public exhibition after Easter.