Media Releases

Central Coast Council has completed a program of upgrades to fire trails across the region, improving access to bushland reserves and supporting community safety this summer.Council manages 223 fire trails as part of its ongoing support for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).These trails are a vital part of the Central Coast fire access network, which also includes other fire trails located on land owned by other authorities:

Central Coast Council is proud to announce completion of Vera’s Water Garden upgrades at The Entrance providing a fun, safe playpark for locals and visitors.Vera’s Water Garden has been transformed into a zero-depth water play park, improving safety, accessibility, and reducing ongoing maintenance.The new design features a range of interactive water elements all designed to spark movement, adventure and sensory play.

Following Central Coast Council’s resolution to implement a range of supports to assist affected residents of the Koolewong bushfire which ravaged the community last weekend, action is already commencing.Skip bins for use by fire impacted residents have now been delivered to Koolewong exclusion area, and waste collection services have re-commenced where bins are able to be accessed.

Central Coast Council hosted an afternoon tea on Tuesday 9 December to recognise 53 local groups recently awarded funding through the annual Community Grants Program.The program plays a vital role in building a stronger, more connected community by enabling local organisations to bring meaningful projects and events to life.Council’s Community Grants Program comprises three key streams:•  

Central Coast Council has taken a landmark step in the region’s development by resolving to accept the largest contract in its history for the major capital upgrade of the Charmhaven Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).Council will formalise tender arrangements, valued at just over $144 million, with B.M.D Constructions Pty Ltd, marking this as a significant advance in Council’s future sewer infrastructure works.The upgrade will increase Charmhaven STP’s capacity to serve up to 75,000 Equivalent Persons (EP), with the provisions for additional growth to 150,000 EP, while supporting the health of local waterways and addressing existing challenges related to pollutant discharges.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of the project for the region’s long-term needs.“This resolution marks the largest contract ever awarded by Central Coast Council and ensures the reliable delivery of essential services both now, and into the future, as our community continues to grow,” Mayor McKinna said.“This project also provides a boost for local businesses and industry, with requirements for approximately 20% of the contract value to be delivered through local suppliers and contractors.”Water and Sewer Director, Jamie Loader said the upgrade ensures Charmhaven STP will meet compliance expectations now and into the future.“The significant upgrade to Charmhaven STP will address urgent operational, environmental, and regulatory risks, with robust risk management and oversight throughout the processes, ensuring we meet the current and future needs of our Central Coast community,” Mr Loader said.The project will be funded through Council’s long-term financial plan and will be supported by future revenue under the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) pricing determination.Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and is expected to be completed by June 2028.

Central Coast Council is investing in the future of Gosford City Car Park with a major Smart Technology upgrade, set to deliver improved efficiency, enhance security and an improved user experience.The upgrade is scheduled to begin in coming weeks, and will be completed during the 2025/26 financial year, paving the way for a safer, smarter and more accessible city centre.The project will provide Council with advanced management, monitoring and reporting capabilities, supporting broader goals of sustainability, accessibility and operational excellence.Council Mayor, Lawrie Mckinna said the technology upgrade is an investment into the future of Gosford.“The technology upgrade of Gosford City Car Park is about creating a safer, smarter and more connected Gosford," Mayor McKinna said.“Council’s investment in modern infrastructure improves accessibility, supports local businesses and visitation to the region to help build a more vibrant, welcoming city for all to enjoy”.The upgrade will introduce modern, user-friendly features including:

Central Coast Council is proud to mark International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on Wednesday 3 December.

The Central Coast has reaffirmed its position as one of NSW’s leading destinations, proudly taking home two Silver Awards at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards, held on 27 November at Waterview in Bicentennial Park.Presented by the NSW Tourism Association, these prestigious awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements across the state’s tourism industry.Council took out Silver in the Local Government Award for Tourism as well as Silver for the Visitor Information Services category.

Central Coast Council has released its latest Waterways Report Card, examining the ecological health of Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water, lower Hawkesbury River, Coastal Lagoons and Lake Macquarie.

The Central Coast has reaffirmed its position as one of NSW’s leading destinations, proudly taking home two Silver Awards at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards, held on 27 November at Waterview in Bicentennial Park.Presented by the NSW Tourism Association, these prestigious awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements across the state’s tourism industry.Council took out Silver in the Local Government Award for Tourism as well as Silver for the Visitor Information Services category.

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from people who live or work on the Central Coast to be part of a Community Focus Group (CFG) for the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Coastal Management Program.The Tuggerah Lakes Estuary catchment is around 790 square kilometres and takes in the plateaus of Kulnura and Somersby, the river valleys of Dooralong, Yarramalong and Ourimbah and the floodplains wrapping around the waterway from Lake Munmorah to Bateau Bay. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the CFG is an opportunity for the community to help shape the future of the much-loved Tuggerah Lakes Estuary and its surrounding catchment. “Council is inviting passionate community members to join us to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary,” Mayor McKinna said.“Together we can help protect and enhance this iconic waterway for generations to come.”Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said the ideal applicants for the CFG would include representatives from local resident associations, environmental or recreation groups, local business owners, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal community representatives, youth representatives and anyone who is passionate about our waterways. “The CFG will support Stage 3 and Stage 4 of the Coastal Management Plan (CMP) development by providing input into the identification, evaluation and selection of management options for the estuary, ensuring community values and perspectives are reflected in the CMP,” Mr Nicholls said.Expressions of Interest are open until Monday 15 December.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to the Make it Big Markets at Gosford Regional Gallery on Saturday 29 November 2025, from 4-8pm.This free, family-friendly event is the region’s largest artists and makers market and will transform the Gallery forecourt and parklands into a vibrant Christmas twilight celebration.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Make it Big Markets help boost the local creative economy by bringing together artists, makers and the wider community.“This event is a fantastic celebration of local talent,” Mayor McKinna said.“It’s a chance for people to connect, discover local talent and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere that makes our region a standout destination for arts and culture.“Whether you’re an art lover, a family looking for a great evening out or just keen to support local makers and buy unique Christmas presents, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.”Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the event offers a diverse program.“Attendees can enjoy more than 70 stalls, free art-making stations, live entertainment, food trucks and the rare opportunity to explore the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens at twilight,” Ms Smith said.“The award-winning Archibald Prize 2025, an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition, will also be on display in the main gallery, giving visitors the chance to experience one of Australia’s most celebrated art events alongside the festive atmosphere of the markets and the beauty of the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens.”Make it Big Markets is free to attend and open to all.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is continuing its commitment to creating cooler, greener and more liveable communities through its ongoing Street Tree Planting Program, which sees around 60 - 70 trees planted across the region each year.As a one-off initiative this financial year, Council has allocated an additional $150,000 for a street tree pilot program focused on the Peninsula suburbs.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said more trees means more shade, cleaner air and improved community spaces for people to enjoy. “These programs show our commitment to greener, more liveable neighbourhoods,” Mayor McKinna said.“We are planting more trees to help reduce heat stress, improve air quality, and make our suburbs more enjoyable places to live, work and play.“The Peninsula was chosen for the additional Street Tree Planting Pilot Program as it has been identified as a priority area under the Central Coast Greener Places Strategy.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents to come together and celebrate Social Inclusion Week 2025 at the Paddock to Lake community event, taking place at the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre from 11.30am-1pm on Thursday 27 November.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Paddock to Lake creates a welcoming space for people to connect and explore healthy eating and cooking. “Paddock to Lake is a wonderful example of how food and shared experiences can bring people together,” Mayor McKinna said.“Council is proud to support programs that strengthen social connections, celebrate our region’s diversity, and help residents make informed choices about healthy meals.” Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the event combines practical cooking education with community connection.“Now in its annual return, Paddock to Lake will feature a live cooking demonstration from a local chef who will showcase simple, nutritious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced produce,” Ms Smith said. “Guests will then share a meal together in a group dining setting, with take-home recipes and cooking essentials provided to encourage healthy, affordable meals at home.”Social Inclusion Week, held from 23-30 November, aims to help all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society.

Central Coast Council is planning to relocate the fenced off-leash dog park at Buff Point Oval and is calling on locals to vote on where they want it to be positioned, to help create a better space for everyone.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the decision on where to relocate the dog park in Buff Point will be guided by the community.“We’ve identified two suitable sites and now we’re asking the community to let us know which option they prefer,” Mayor McKinna said.“Relocating the dog park will allow Council to make better use of the available space for both recreational and sporting purposes, while ensuring the dog park continues to be a safe, accessible and enjoyable space for the community.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents to come together and celebrate Social Inclusion Week 2025 at the Paddock to Lake community event, taking place at the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre from 11.30am-1pm on Thursday 27 November.

MEDIA RELEASE Applications are now open to join Central Coast Council’s youth leadership program ‘Youth-for-Youth’ (Y4Y) Action Team 2026.

Council Acting Mayor John Mouland has welcomed the NSW Government’s Planning System Reforms Bill 2025, calling it a transformative step toward streamlining development processes and unlocking housing and economic growth across the region.Recently passed by both houses of Parliament, the Bill marks the most significant update to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in nearly 50 years.“This is a pivotal moment for regions like ours,” said Acting Mayor Mouland. “For too long, complex and overlapping planning processes have delayed the delivery of essential housing, infrastructure, and jobs.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is asking locals to tell them how they like to play, slide, climb, and swing as the region’s Playspace Strategy is updated.

MEDIA RELEASE Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the completion of improvement works at the iconic Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, which were funded by a Federal Government grant program.