Media Releases

Central Coast Council is celebrating National Tree Day by hosting two community planting events at Killcare Beach and Porters Creek Wetland, Wyong, on Sunday 27 July 2025.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in an artist’s studio?

Looking for a fun and interactive way to keep the kids entertained this school holidays?

Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery has announced Madi Feist as the winner of Emerging 2025 for her artwork BAG LADY - a playful and poignant installation examining femininity, cultural and social identity.This year’s judge, renowned Sydney curator Sebastian Goldspink, praised the calibre and diversity of shortlisted works.

Today, Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid MP, Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna, Councillors Belinda Neal and Sharon Walsh, and Central Coast Football’s Alex Burgin gathered at Patrick Croke Oval in Kincumber to celebrate the completion of lighting and amenities upgrades.The project was delivered by Central Coast Council and funded through a $210,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Investing in Our Communities Program and a $30,000 contribution from Central Coast Football.

Central Coast Council welcomes the confirmation of a Ministerial Authorisation for temporary coastal protection works to be undertaken by property owners at The Entrance North.Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that this is a significant development for The Entrance North community, allowing property owners to act swiftly to protect their homes.“Since the declaration of the Reconstruction Area in May, Council has collaborated with the NSW Government and private property owners to develop a scope of work for a temporary emergency coastal protection – which has now received Ministerial approval,” Mayor McKinna said.“The Ministerial Authorisation means private property owners at The Entrance North can now legally undertake temporary emergency coastal protection works - a crucial step given the escalating erosion risks in the area.“This authorisation will allow much needed protection for properties at The Entrance North, and importantly also provide time, while owners pursue the design and approval of a permanent solution.“I acknowledge the deep frustration and immense emotional toll felt by property owners impacted by the escalating threat of coastal erosion.

Families are set for fun and discovery with Central Coast Council’s winter school holiday program. Designed to spark imaginations and keep kids moving there’s something on the Coast for every interest and budget.

Central Coast Council are calling on Gosford businesses to share feedback on Gosford City Car Park hours of operation and fees.

Central Coast Council has invested $300,000 to launch the regions first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) – a dynamic space for cutting edge, immersive art experiences on the Central Coast.Gosford Regional Gallery installed the new gallery as part of celebrating 25 years in 2025.Central Coast Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the new Moving Image Gallery is a major step in the regional gallery’s history especially poignant in its 25th year. “Council is committed to delivering high-quality exhibitions and programs that support local and national artists to exhibit and connect with all people.“The decision to invest into the immersive gallery space followed an operational review of the gallery and extensive consultation with our community.“Permanent space for digital based work will draw more established and emerging artists to the Coast.

Central Coast Council will invest more than $1.3 billion over four years in capital projects, with $320 million being planned for this upcoming financial year after adopting the 10-year Community Strategic Plan (CSP), four-year Delivery Program, one-year Operational Plan, budget and resourcing strategies.Highlights include completing the Gosford Regional Library, building the Tuggerawong foreshore pathway and constructing a new Regional Animal Care facility at Mardi.Councillor priorities focus on renewing local roads, improving accessibility in sport and recreation, developing a masterplan for Warnervale Business Precinct, upgrading shared pathways, delivering Youth Strategy actions, implementing the Warnervale Airport masterplan and finalising Coastal Management Programs.Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna, said it was gratifying to produce a budget with input from elected representatives for the first time in four years.“These plans represent our community’s voice following the return of Councillors,” Mayor McKinna said.“Our Long-term Financial Plan shows Council’s commitment to maintaining financial sustainability, ensuring we stay in good shape.“Thank you to everyone who participated in our ‘Planning for the Future’ engagement sessions.

Central Coast Council has launched its Smart Water Meter Program, helping businesses monitor, conserve, and manage their water use more efficiently as part of Council’s Central Coast Water Security Plan. 100 of Council’s large, non-residential water customers have received a digital upgrade to their water meter and access to the MyWater digital customer dashboard—an online self-service tool providing water consumption data.Central Coast Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the introduction of the water efficiency initiative includes both environmental and financial benefits.“Unlike traditional analogue meters, smart meters provide around-the-clock insights into water usage, enabling businesses to detect potential leaks early and develop water-saving strategies.

Local sporting groups, players and community members have been enjoying upgraded amenities at Buff Point and Halekulani Ovals, with new facilities in use since the start of the 2025 winter sports season.Proudly funded by $2.8 million from the NSW Government, the projects were delivered by Central Coast Council and have created modern, functional and accessible spaces to support local sport and community connection.Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said the NSW Government is pleased to support projects which encourage community members to enjoy the outdoors.“Outdoor facilities like the ones at Buff Point and Halekulani Oval encourage sports lovers, their families and friends to get outdoors for exercise and connection,” Minister Moriarty said. “It’s great to see the community embracing them for the winter sports season and I look forward to seeing that extend into the warmer months too.”Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the upgrades replaced ageing amenities buildings with facilities that meet current standards and better serve community needs.“The new buildings were designed in consultation with local sporting groups to ensure they reflect how our community uses these spaces – whether that’s for training, game day or simply gathering to enjoy local sport,” Ms Smith said.“Each facility prioritises functionality and inclusion, with features such as accessible toilets, accessible changerooms with showers, canteens, referee rooms and dedicated storage.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the new facilities are already making a positive difference for local sport.“It’s great to see the new buildings at Buff Point and Halekulani Ovals in use this season,” Mayor McKinna said.“Having spent most of my life involved in sport, I know how important good facilities are for players, clubs and the wider community.“With clubs like the Budgewoi Bulldogs, Budgewoi Netball, Central Coast Cricket and Central Coast Gridiron based in the region, these upgrades give teams facilities they can be proud of, helping to keep players engaged in sport and attract bigger crowds to games.”Project detailsAt Buff Point Oval, a $1.58 million upgrade saw the demolition of a 44-year-old amenities building and construction of a new facility with two change rooms with individually partitioned showers, unisex and accessible toilets, a canteen, a canteen store, a referee room, a club room, two storage areas and improved walkways.

Thanks to the passion and commitment of Central Coast residents, soft plastics recycling is now available to every household across the region.Since the Curby Community Recycling Program launched in 2021, the Central Coast has led the way.

Central Coast Council together with the University of Newcastle have announced an exciting collaboration in the soon-to-be completed Gosford Regional Library.Located on the top floor of the new Library, the ‘MakerSpace’ will provide an inclusive space for students, community members and local businesses to learn, create and innovate using low and high-tech equipment, with the aim to foster social connection, develop technical skills, encourage experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the MakerSpace will be run by both Council and the University – ensuring it offers a service and opportunity for students and the broader community alike.“The new Gosford Regional Library is a modern and iconic building in the heart of the Gosford central business district, which will add to the growing capabilities and offerings of the city and the region as a whole,” Ms Smith said.“It is much more than a traditional library, and this collaboration with the University of Newcastle is indicative of what it can offer to other organisations and community groups, who want to utilise this extraordinary facility.”Under this agreement, the University of Newcastle will provide modern equipment as well as the expertise of its staff to work alongside Council staff to deliver creative opportunities for the community and university students.

Central Coast Council is calling for community and industry feedback to ensure the right land use and planning is in place to support future jobs and economic growth on the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council’s annual Harvest Festival, held over the June long weekend, has once again welcomed thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to provide feedback on the proposed Mannering Park Shared Pathway – a major infrastructure project that will deliver a safer, more accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists.The new pathway, linking Mannering Park, Kingfisher Shores and Chain Valley Bay will add to the region’s active transport network, improving connectivity to local schools, parks, services and recreational areas.Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff, said the project represents a major step forward for active transport on the Central Coast.“During previous consultation, 93% of stakeholder feedback supported Option 1 — the foreshore route,” Mr Bolgoff said.“This investment will deliver safer and more sustainable active transport options for our community.”The project is fully funded, with $5.7 million from Council Developer Contributions and a $7 million grant from the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program.The concept design proposes a 2.9-kilometre pathway stretching from Griffith Street, Mannering Park to Tall Timbers Road, Kingfisher Shores.

Central Coast Council has been recognised for outstanding achievement across multiple areas of service and innovation, taking home one of the prestigious 2025 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards in Sydney.Council was awarded top honour for Community Partnerships population over 150,000 - for the 'Every Day I like to play' children's book.‘Every Day I like to play’ is a children’s picture book, developed by Central Coast Council, to promote respectful relationships and break down gendered stereotypes of traditional roles within the home.Central Coast Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the award reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful, community-focused outcomes.“The creation of this children’s book has been a wonderful initiative, as it explores positive and respectful relationships, encourages acceptance and celebrates kindness. “Being recognised with the NSW Local Government Excellence’s Community Partnerships Award for Council’s ‘Every Day I like to play’ children’s book is an honour and a testament to the passion and professionalism of our staff,” Mayor McKinna said.Council was also named as finalists for seven additional projects, showcasing the breadth of its work across the organisation:•    Schools Water Efficiency Program (Flow Forward) •    GLOW Women’s Initiative •    Customer Liaison Program •    Sustainable Futures Festival•    Bushfire Risk Analysis and 5-Year Risk Mitigation Program Plan•    Eco Advocates and Excellence Program•    EduCAT ProgramMayor McKinna said receiving the NSW Local Government Excellence Community Partnerships Award and being recognised as finalists in another seven categories significantly enhances Council’s reputation and provides state-wide recognition for the innovative programs being developed and delivered by Council.“Whether it’s focusing on families, empowering students to save water, supporting women in leadership, or transforming the way we support our customers—these programs are helping us build a more inclusive, sustainable and customer-focused Council.“Every one of these projects shows the innovative practices and positive impact on our community, achieved when we work together with purpose and care.”The Local Government Excellence Awards, hosted by Local Government Professionals Australia NSW, recognise outstanding efforts and achievements by councils across the state in delivering best practice, leadership and service to their communities.Image - left to right: Leah Haydon, Council Community Development Worker, LGEA award presenter and Belinda McRobie Council Section Manager Community Development  

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Leisure and Aquatic Strategy 2025-2035, on public exhibition from Thursday 5 June to Thursday 3 July 2025.The draft strategy sets a clear, 10-year framework to guide the future of the Coast’s key leisure and aquatic services and facilities.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on a new draft Water and Sewer Concessions and Rebate Policy, now on public exhibition until 23 July 2025.The proposed policy aims to replace three existing policies from the former Gosford and Wyong Councils, creating a single, streamlined approach to providing financial assistance for customers facing hardship due to home dialysis, concealed leaks, or sewer connection costs.Council Director of Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the draft policy demonstrates Council’s ongoing commitment to fairness, transparency, and putting customers first.“This draft policy is about making it easier for our community to access support when they need it most,” Mr Loader said.“We know life can throw up challenges, and this policy aims to respond with compassion, clarity and consistency.