Council News

It’s exciting that our former Council building will be transformed into much-needed student accommodation, right in the heart of Gosford. I congratulate the University of Newcastle leadership team on this initiative and thank them for their ongoing confidence in our region.Over the next few years, the building will be transformed into studio and shared apartments, with student services, study spaces and events areas on site.This will make it easier for people, both nationally and internationally, to choose to stay and study on the Central Coast. And more people living and studying in Gosford will be a major boost for the local economy, especially our service industries, and will support the growth of our night-time economy.The NSW Government’s Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 describes the importance of developing an education, innovation and employment precinct in Gosford. And residents told us they want ‘expanded tertiary education options to reduce the need to travel to Newcastle or Sydney’ in our Community Strategic Plan. We can see this emerging in Gosford with the University of Newcastle’s Central Campus and Hospital Campus providing centres of excellence in education and healthcare research, complemented by TAFE NSW services and Council’s new regional library and innovation hub.Affordable student accommodation further supports these goals. I believe partnerships are critical for enabling growth and together with the University of Newcastle, we’re working to create a prosperous future by growing the education sector.As our population continues to grow, I look forward to strengthening our commitment to projects that support enhanced education and training opportunities on the Central Coast. Mayor Lawrie McKinna

The skateparks at Halekulani Oval, Budgewoi and Hylton Moore Oval, East Gosford are ready for a refresh! You recently told us about your ideas on the style, layout and features that you wanted to see in the new skateparks.Specialist skatepark designers have used your feedback to develop concept designs and we want to hear what you think.You’re invited to attend an upcoming workshop with skatepark designers to view the concept plans and provide your feedback.

Council is committed to empowering young people to get involved in their community and be active in creating their future. People have told us that they want a range of leadership, recreation and training opportunities for young people and teenagers, and from this feedback we’ve identified ‘supporting youth programs and activities’ as a Councillor Priority.And we’re delivering on this through our actions. 

Regional Animal Care Facility construction set to begin in 2027We’re working towards preparing the final detailed design for the new Regional Animal Care Facility at Mardi, with construction planned to commence in April 2027.