Media Releases

Community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Chain Valley Bay, Gwandalan, Mannering Park and Summerland Point are encouraged to apply for up to $30,000 in funding through the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program, now open for applications.This annual program is a joint initiative between Central Coast Council, Delta Pty Ltd and local communities, aimed at supporting projects that enhance community infrastructure and services in the area.Central Coast Acting Mayor, Doug Eaton OAM highlighted the program’s role in empowering locals to bring meaningful improvements to their community.“Last year, almost $44,000 was allocated in funding to eight projects,” Acting Mayor Eaton said.“Among these was the Mannering Park Community Garden, which has grown into a vibrant hub for fresh produce and neighbourly connection.“Other funded projects included School Sailing at Mannering Park, Ride to Success, solar jetty lights for increased safety, Teddy’s Bear Picnic, community noticeboards and other community events.”Delta Company Secretary, Steve Gurney said the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program is part of Delta’s ongoing commitment to supporting Mannering Park and surrounding communities.“Delta has a long-standing relationship with our local community.

Central Coast Council has commenced the next stage of planning for the proposed Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant, a key drought response project that would help secure the region’s drinking water supply in times of severe and prolonged drought.The proposed plant would be built next to the existing Toukley Wastewater Treatment Plant but only constructed if needed during a future drought.

Central Coast Council’s annual Lakes Festival has been recognised at the LGNSW RH Dougherty Events and Communications Awards, by winning the Innovation in Special Events Award.

Central Coast Council has installed a Flood Warning System at Burns Road, Ourimbah to provide timely warning of road closures to motorists and reduce the risk of vehicles becoming stranded in flood waters.The Flood Warning System consists of four road closed signs with flashing LED lights installed on Burns Road and a water level sensor located at Bangalow Creek.

Central Coast Council’s tourism marketing arm, Destination Central Coast, recently held the region’s first international showcase unveiling our beautiful region to a world-wide audience.The event named 'Meet Your Central Coast' held at Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures, showcased the Central Coast as an ECO destination with nature-based experiences, 4-5 star accommodation and venues, food and wine tastings.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreational Services, Melanie Smith, said the collaboration presented the region as a united front as part of Destination Central Coast’s strategy to drive tourism from international markets which brings $39.6m expenditure into the region annually (source Tourism Research Australia, YE March 2025).“It was fantastic to be able to showcase our world class Central Coast businesses, including the fact they are only an hour’s drive from Sydney, to a very discerning group of global tourism operators,” Ms Smith said.Throughout the day, eight Central Coast tourism operators impressed the visiting group with an engaging array of activations to provide just a taste of what Central Coast has to offer inbound groups.The program featured quad bike and horseback riding with Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures, a pearl and oyster mini masterclass with Broken Bay Pearl Farm, animal encounters with Australian Reptile Park and Iris Lodge Alpacas, complete with a chocolate and wine tasting by Firescreek Botanical Winery.Premium accommodation venues - Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, Encore by Mingara and the upcoming voco® Gosford – also presented, highlighting their international standard accommodation.Business Development Manager, Nathan Murray from Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures described the showcase as “a real milestone”.“It was fantastic to have so many international operators in the room and to be able to showcase (show off) our unique venue and offerings.“I think we proved this region isn't just a stopover, it's a destination in its own right, and we're ready to welcome the world,” Mr Murray said.Ms Smith added that tourism operators have now begun arranging their own on-site familiarisation events to offer agents a first-hand taste of their product and tour offerings to continue building relationships with international distributors.The Central Coast is now Ecotourism certified under Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised ECO Destination Certification, and is one of only eleven regions in Australia to hold this recognition in sustainable tourism.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the certification strengthens the Central Coast’s reputation as a leading eco-conscious destination which helps to attract even more visitors each year.“We’ve held an ECO destination status for the past two years, and it cements our ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism, responsible visitor experiences, and the protection of natural and cultural assets in partnership with our community and tourism operators.“We were immensely proud to host the recent inaugural showcase to support growth in international tourism and help put the Central Coast on the global map.“It strongly reflects the collaborative effort between Council and tourism operators whose collective aim is to see economic growth for the local economy, which will support more jobs and opportunities,” Mayor McKinna said.Visit lovecentralcoast.com/ecotourism to discover our region’s ECO journey and how you can be part of our journey to a greener, more sustainable future. 

Residents and businesses are being asked to ‘cast the spotlight’ on individuals and groups who are making the Central Coast a better place to live—by nominating them in the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2026!Council’s Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the annual awards highlight the local achievements of a growing community that is a fantastic place to live.“Each year the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the best and brightest from across the region.

Five local artists from diverse creative disciplines have been awarded commissions through Central Coast Council’s Creative Art Central program.The 2024-25 round of commissions offer collaborative opportunities for the community to contribute to artworks that reflect the Central Coast’s diverse stories - including those of First Nations people, people living with a disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse residents.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the Creative Art Central program continues to be a powerful platform for local artists and community.“To improve cultural inclusion and accessibility, the 2024-25 program introduced a dedicated First Nations Category.

Central Coast Council is joining councils across NSW to celebrate Local Government Week 2025 from 4 to 10 August.The week is a chance to recognise the essential services that support daily life and help build strong, connected communities.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Local Government Week is an opportunity to highlight the many ways local government contributes to everyday community life. “Councils provide people-focused services that help regions to grow and thrive,” Mayor McKinna said.“For Central Coast Council, this includes maintaining parks and pools, managing libraries and community programs, supporting events and venues, caring for bushland and waterways, and delivering infrastructure and planning services and more.“Council’s role is to listen, plan and deliver.

Tuggerah Library will be closed Monday, 11 August 2025, for refurbishment works co-funded by the NSW Government and Central Coast Council.From Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 August 2025, library services will be limited to: Collection of reserved itemsItem returnsStaff-facilitated printing from customer devicesAccess to a reduced collection for ad-hoc borrowingNearby branches at Bateau Bay, Lake Haven and Gosford remain open.The $214,584 project includes new mobile shelving, upgraded study areas, refreshed children’s furniture, and a new soundproof booth to better meet community needs.These improvements will help ensure that library services continue to evolve to meet community needs and expectations.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of public art in our region by providing feedback on its new draft 10 year Public Art Plan and Policy.Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the draft plan provides a coordinated and strategic approach to managing public art across the Coast, while supporting local creatives, enhancing public spaces and strengthening regional identity.“Public art is a vital part of how we express who we are as a community.

Central Coast Council advises that the current Gosford Library will close its doors at 12pm Saturday 16 August, to begin the transition into the new Gosford Regional Library.The much-anticipated facility will open its doors to the public in early September.The closure marks the beginning of a new era in local library services – delivering an innovative, inclusive and accessible space where our community can connect, create and collaborate in the heart of Gosford.During the transition period:•  

The Central Coast’s rock fishing community turned out in strong numbers for the Gone Fishing – Rock Fishing Safety and Skills Day at Avoca Beach on Saturday 19 July, with 160 participants taking part in free workshops, live rescue demonstrations, lifejacket fittings and family activities.The free, full-day event was delivered by Surf Life Saving NSW with support from Central Coast Council, as part of a series of initiatives aimed at reducing rock fishing incidents along the coastline.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the day was a great opportunity to engage local and visiting fishers, particularly multicultural groups, with practical safety education.“Rock fishing is one of the Central Coast’s most popular but dangerous pastimes.

Central Coast Council has completed car park upgrades at Rogers Park in Woy Woy and Don Small Oval in Tacoma, enhancing safety, access and parking capacity at these well-used community sportsgrounds.

Central Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its design concept for 1A Jaques Street, Ourimbah inviting comments on features they like or would like to see improved.

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.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Program (CMP), to ensure it reflects the values and priorities of our Central Coast community.

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?

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’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.