Media Releases

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

Tonight, during the Ordinary Council Meeting, Council confirmed it will take the lead in planning Gosford’s future, adopting a coordinated approach to fast track the renewal of the city centre and waterfront.Council agreed on a set of actions and initiatives to strengthen governance, partnerships and delivery as Gosford continues to grow as the Central Coast’s capital city.The resolution will see Council leading the formation of a Gosford Renewal Partnership with the NSW and Australian Governments, establish a Council-led Implementation Taskforce, and prepare a comprehensive Gosford CBD and Waterfront Implementation and Business Plan to guide future investment and project delivery.Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said Council has a clear role in driving Gosford’s long term transformation.“Gosford is the capital city of the Central Coast and its success will shape the economic future of our entire region,” Mayor McKinna said.“For too long we have talked about Gosford’s potential.

Central Coast Council is pleased to announce that the Creative Journey open studio Art Trail is set to return over June long weekend, with expressions of interest (EOI) now open for local artists, makers and creative collectives.Led by Council, Creative Journey is an initiative that celebrates the region’s diverse and vibrant creative community by inviting the public into the working spaces of local creatives.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the return of the Creative Journey Art Trail reflects the strength and momentum of the region’s creative sector.“The Creative Journey Art Trail event is a wonderful celebration of the artistic talent that thrives across our region,” Mayor McKinna said.“Opening studios to the public not only showcases the incredible work of our artists but also strengthens community connection and supports the growth of our cultural economy.

Central Coast Council has partnered with the University of Newcastle to undertake a comprehensive scientific study of ocean outfalls and surrounding marine environments, strengthening Council’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health and coastal ecosystems.The Ocean Outfall Water Quality and Benthic Process Monitoring Program involves seasonal scientific surveys at Council’s three licensed near shore ocean outfalls at Winney Bay, Wonga Point and Norah Head.

Central Coast Council will recognise Harmony Week across the Coast, aligning with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March through activities that promote respect and meaningful community participation.This year, Council has worked closely with young people on the Coast to explore key themes in meaningful and creative ways.Through a series of workshops delivered at Wyong High School, students aged 12-18 took part in drawing, collage and storytelling activities designed to spark conversations about migration, culture, identity and belonging.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the student’s stories reflect the many voices and rich diversity that defines life on the Central Coast.“Harmony Week reminds us that our community is made up of people from many different cultures and backgrounds and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

Mayor McKinna today announced significant progress in Council’s efforts to improve planning and development assessment services, following a targeted program of investment, recruitment, and process reform.“As Mayor, I’m committed to improving Council’s services and processes, especially those that enable the growth and prosperity of our region,” Mayor McKinna said.“We listened carefully when industry professionals told us that applications were taking too long and that too many were stuck ‘in the system’.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to share their feedback on the Draft Hardys Bay Foreshore Masterplan.Developed in collaboration with the Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association and local residents, the masterplan sets out a long-term vision to improve access, safety and environmental integrity of the foreshore. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the plan was developed in response to community concerns about the condition of the Hardys Bay foreshore.“People who live in and around Hardys Bay have told us that the foreshore needs some much-needed care and attention,” Mayor McKinna said.“Residents raised concerns about erosion, flooding, the lack of footpaths and basic amenities, which affect safety and accessibility for families and older people.”“The foreshore is a much-loved place for locals and visitors.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Central Coast Development Control Plan - Heritage Conservation Controls, which is now on public exhibition until Monday 30 March.The draft controls have been reviewed to ensure they align with best practice heritage conservation standards, and comply with current legislation - while providing clear, consistent guidance for property owners and the wider community.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the exhibition period is an important opportunity for the community to review the proposed changes and share their feedback.“The Central Coast’s heritage is rich, varied and valued.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on updates and changes to the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Program (CMP), which is now on public exhibition for 28 days.At its 24 February 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council resolved to place the revised draft CMP on public exhibition, providing the community with a final opportunity to review changes made following previous rounds of consultation. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said this final phase of exhibition highlights the most recent updates to the draft CMP that reflects community priorities while addressing the complex challenges facing our coastline.“We’re inviting the community to share their feedback on the key revisions made to the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Plan,” Mayor McKinna said.“This exhibition presents the most recent updates to the draft CMP, shaped by what our community and stakeholders told us mattered most.” “Our coastline is one of the Central Coast’s greatest assets, and it’s essential that the community has an opportunity to review the proposed actions and tell us what they think.”Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said the draft Open Coast CMP sets out a coordinated, long term approach to managing coastal hazards and protecting coastal environments along the Central Coast’s open coastline over the next 10 years.“We encourage residents, coastal users and stakeholders to review the draft program and provide feedback to help inform Council’s final decisions,” Mr Nicholls said. The draft Open Coast CMP and supporting information are available online, with feedback open from 2 March to 30 March 2026.Following the exhibition period, Council will review all submissions before considering whether to submit the program to the NSW Government for certification.To view the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Program and make a submission, visit:

Central Coast Council is inviting local skaters, scooter riders and community members to help shape the future of two new skateparks at Budgewoi and East Gosford.Community feedback is now open on the design of new skateparks at Halekulani Oval, Budgewoi and Hylton Moore Oval, East Gosford though an online survey and poll at yourvoiceourcoast.com.The existing skate facilities at both locations are ageing and limited in their offerings. Council is planning modern upgrades that better reflect how these spaces are used today and into the future, catering for a wider range of ages, abilities and riding styles.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said community vision and input feedback will guide the design of the two new skateparks at Budgewoi and East Gosford.“Skateparks are for the people who use them, and we want to hear directly from our local skaters, scooter riders and families in these communities,” Mayor McKinna said.“We encourage residents to share their ideas so we can deliver fun, inclusive facilities that align with community expectations.”Have your sayCommunity members are encouraged to share their ideas on the style, layout and features they would like to see in the new skate parks, including what type of wheels they ride and how they want to use the space.Feedback for both skateparks can be provided online via a survey at yourvoiceourcoast.com until 23 March 2026.Council has engaged specialist skate park designers who will use community feedback to develop concept designs.

Council is proud to welcome the incoming 2026 Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Leadership Team, while also celebrating the outstanding achievements of the graduating 2025 team who have made a lasting impact on young people across the Central Coast.The Y4Y Leadership Team is a youth leadership program that brings together young people aged 15 to 24 who care about local community challenges and want to work collaboratively to create positive change, while gaining valuable leadership experience and skills.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on a proposed Special Entertainment Precinct in Gosford, aimed at supporting a vibrant and growing night-time economy.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Gosford was the natural choice for the Central Coast’s first Special Entertainment Precinct, with the city centre experiencing strong residential growth and increased demand for after-dark activities.“Gosford is changing, with more people choosing to live in the city centre.

The Creative Journey Art Trail is back for 2026! Expressions of Interest have now closed for Creative Journey Art Trail 2026, a Council-led open studio art trail celebrating the diverse and vibrant creative community on the Coast.Following a successful inaugural year, Creative Journey returns in 2026, inviting local artists, makers and creative collectives to open their studios and creative spaces to the public and showcase their work as part of a region wide cultural experience.The Creative Journey trail will take place across the Central Coast from Saturday 6 - Monday 8 June 2026.About Creative JourneyCreative Journey is an initiative of Central Coast Council that supports local visual artists and makers by providing a platform to:Showcase their work and creative spacesConnect with visitors and the local communityIncrease visibility and professional opportunitiesContribute to a growing regional cultural programThe open studio trail encourages residents and visitors to explore the Central Coast, discover local creativity and engage directly with artists in their working environments.Who can applyExpressions of Interest are open to:Visual artistsDesignersMakersCreative collectivesApplicants must have a studio or creative space located on the Central Coast and be available to participate during the Creative Journey trail dates.Both emerging and established creatives are encouraged to apply.What participation involvesSuccessful applicants will be invited to:Open their studio or creative space to the public during the trailBe included in Council led marketing and promotional activityFeature on the Creative Journey trail map and digital platformsCouncil will support the program through coordinated promotion across Council and Love Central Coast channels.

Central Coast residents can safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals for free at two upcoming Chemical CleanOut weekends. These events provide a safe and environmentally responsible way to clear out hazardous items from your home, shed or garage.Chemical CleanOut event details:Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 MarchFormer Kincumber Waste Management FacilityCullens Road, Kincumber9am - 3.30pmNote:

District playspace, Illoura Reserve, Davistown

A wild rabbit control program is set to take place across Greater Sydney Local Government Areas, including the Central Coast, on 2 March 2026.Led by Greater Sydney Local Land Services, Central Coast Council is participating in the program to release the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1-K5) — also known as Calicivirus — at seven locations on the Central Coast:

Central Coast Council will commence a dredging program for The Entrance Channel on Monday 16 February 2026.The commencement of the project follows the June 2025 Ordinary Council meeting resolution to allocate $1.2 million to fund dredging in Tuggerah Lake.Councillor Rachel Stanton, Chair of the Coastal, Estuary and Floodplain Risk Management Subcommittee said Council’s dredging program responds to community feedback.“The start of this program shows Council’s commitment to turning community priorities into action.

Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the return of the Love Lanes Festival, taking place in Wyong on Saturday 7 February from 4-9pm.

Central Coast Council will transition Gosford City Car Park (levels 1-5) and the Pay By Plate Parking Area (ground level) at 1 Baker Street, Gosford, to cashless payments only from 2 March 2026.The change forms part of the Smart Technology upgrade and reflects current customer behaviour, with only 2% of transactions made in cash.

The Lakes Festival is back for 2026! The Lakes Festival is back for 2026 and will be held from 6 November to 15 November 2026.We are looking for organisations and businesses to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to help us build The Lakes Festival program for 2026 with a range of fun and innovative activities and events.