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 Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said this milestone strengthens the Central Coast’s reputation as a leading eco-conscious destination which helps to attract even more visitors each year.“The globally recognised program assesses destinations on environmental management, cultural heritage, visitor experience and community benefits,” Ms Smith said.“Visitors have been able to immerse themselves in authentic, high-quality experiences inspired by nature that are offered by locally-run businesses dedicated to sustainable tourism and showcasing the natural beauty of the Central Coast.“We’ve held an ECO destination status for the past two years, and have advanced to the next level of Ecotourism, following an independent audit that was conducted against 105 criteria and interviews with a range of stakeholders.“This milestone recognising 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”.Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said this achievement reflects a collaborative effort between Council, tourism operators and the community, whose collective aim is to position the region as a top choice for responsible tourism.“Being an eco-destination encourages sustainable practices that preserve the beautiful natural assets, national parks and wildlife of the Central Coast,” Mayor McKinna said.“I strongly believe that being recognised by Ecotourism Australia will help support our local businesses, improve employment opportunities on the coast, and grow our visitor economy.”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. 

Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Danielle Toase as its new Director Environment and Planning, following an extensive recruitment process.Dr Toase will oversee the Environment and Planning directorate within Council, leading functions such as Development Assessment, Environmental Management and Environmental Compliance.Danielle is an Environment and Planning Executive with a wealth of experience across the corporate, consulting, regulatory, research and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) sectors.Widely recognised as a leader in her field, Danielle’s expertise has led her to publish over 10 academic papers and share her insights as an expert panellist and presenter at conferences across Australia, Europe and the USA.

MEDIA RELEASE The Central Coast had the highest NSW participation rate in the national 2024 second hand-shopping Garage Sale Trail event, with 12,629 locals taking part as a seller or shopper and highlighting a community commitment to re-use rather than waste disposal.Central Coast Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said it is great to see the local community embrace sustainability in such a fun way.“During the event held in November 2024, Central Coast locals sold and purchased the most items, re-using a staggering 14 tonnes by opting for pre-loved rather than new and helping to keep more than 26,000 items out of landfill," Mr Bolgoff said.“Local participating sellers collectively made over $138,000 and said that 42 percent of items would have gone to landfill if not sold through Garage Sale Trail. "Additionally, more than half of respondents said they would not have run a sale if it wasn’t for this Council promoted event.“Thank you to all those Coasties that participated in 2024 by hosting a sale or by hopping along its trail to help keep household items out of landfill.”Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said Council is pleased to participate in this great initiative each year.“The Garage Sale Trail builds in popularity each year and aligns with Council’s efforts to reduce waste, promote recycling and create a greener future for our community,” Mayor McKinna said.“This community-driven event shows how we can all band together to make a significant impact for our region’s environment, and discover a second-hand gem on the way!”To find other ways to reduce, recycle and reuse, search ‘waste and recycle’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au 

In celebration of International Women's Day this Saturday 8 March 2025, Central Coast Council is proud to recognise the significant contribution of its female lifeguards, aligning with the global theme of ‘Accelerate Action.’With 17 female beach safety staff currently rostered out of a total of 92, Central Coast Council has one of the highest representations of female lifeguards in New South Wales.

Central Coast Council adopted the Central Coast Airport Masterplan at its Ordinary Council meeting on 25 February 2025.The Airport Masterplan was informed through extensive industry and community engagement over the past four years.A key element in the adoption of the Masterplan by Council is the confirmation of the protection of the Porters Creek Wetland and surrounding areas of high ecological value through a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement (BSA), the highest level of environmental protection available in NSW.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on proposed amendments to the Backflow Prevention Policy, which is now on public exhibition.Council maintains a Backflow Prevention Policy to ensure property owners with a medium to high hazard of backflow contamination understand their responsibility to install and maintain backflow prevention devices when connecting to Council’s drinking water system. The proposed amendments provide clearer guidance on property owners responsibilities, including:The installation and management of backflow prevention devices. The requirement to register containment backflow devices with Council. The annual submission of test results for these registered containment backflow devices.Council Director of Water and Sewer, Danielle Hargreaves reinforced the importance of backflow prevention and reassured residents that the policy applies only to properties identified as medium to high hazard by an accredited plumber.

Get ready to roll!

Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery celebrates 25 years in 2025 and this year’s program of exhibitions and events is set to bring people together through art.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said over the past 25 years, the Gallery has held almost 500 exhibitions presenting artwork created by thousands of artists from all over the world.“Our Gallery’s major exhibition program for 2025 celebrates artistic excellence, creativity and community engagement, while serving as a platform for emerging and established artists to share their work and enrich the cultural fabric of our region,” Ms Smith said.“This year, there’s a cutting-edge exhibition featuring a real-time generative artwork of the Central Coast, alongside national treasures from the Australian War Memorial and the highly anticipated Archibald Prize from the Art Gallery of New South Wales.”Two remarkable exhibitions opened on 15 February and will show until 23 March:Art in Conflict:

Central Coast Council will commence pro-active early flood mitigation works this month at The Entrance channel, establishing a pilot channel, in preparation for any significant weather events that may occur in the coming months.Council Director Environment and Planning, Jamie Loader said the timing for the work’s commencement follows the end of the 2024-2025 Little Tern breeding season at Karagi Point sand pit, with the last birds departing the site in early February.

A wild rabbit control program is set to take place across the Greater Sydney Local Government Areas, including the Central Coast, on 3 March 2025. 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 six locations:•    Norah Head•    Wadalba•    Ourimbah•    North Avoca•    Avoca Beach•    Umina BeachAdditionally, private landholders and other public land managers will release the virus across the region.Wild rabbits are Australia’s most destructive agricultural pest, causing severe competition for resources and land degradation.

Central Coast Council is excited to welcome a new line-up of local artists to the Gallery Container in the Toukley Village Green, as part of its Creative Spaces Program for 2024-25.Designed to foster innovation and creativity, the Gallery Container provides a vibrant space where local artists can exhibit their work, host workshops, give artist talks and showcase unique exhibitions throughout the year.

Central Coast Council has restored the use of the lift at the Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club building, enabling locals and visitors to the Club to have easy access to the upstairs social amenities in the building.

Get ready to shine!

Central Coast Council’s Mangrove Creek Dam Visitor Centre has been awarded the 2024 Newcastle Excellence in Building Award in the Public Buildings category (under $5 million).

Central Coast Council is pleased to report that new testing results taken from Terrigal Reservoir system, have confirmed that there is no E.

Central Coast Council’s popular ‘Dogs Day Out’ returns on Saturday 22 February from 9am-3pm at Terilbah Reserve in The Entrance North.

Central Coast Council is excited to announce the renewal of 13 local playspaces across the region as part of the Central Coast Playspace Strategy.

MEDIA RELEASE The Lakes Festival is making its return from 7-16 November 2025 and Central Coast Council is calling on businesses, community groups and event organisers to help make the 10th anniversary program the most vibrant and memorable yet.The Lakes Festival is an annual celebration of one of the Coast’s most cherished assets - our waterways.

MEDIA RELEASE Central Coast Council has announced the winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards, with the overall Citizen of the Year Award going to non-for-profit organisation Happiness Habits Inc for their support of local disadvantaged women. Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said these annual awards are a way for Council and the wider community to acknowledge those who are going the extra mile and are making a real difference. “The nomination process always brings to the forefront many of the unsung heroes of the Central Coast that make an outstanding contribution to their local community and worthy of the spotlight and recognition,” Ms Smith said.“Happiness Habits Inc were awarded the Citizen of the Year Award for their support to women on the Central Coast that face social isolation, domestic violence, and mental health challenges.

Local artists shine in The Grumpy Princess at Laycock Street TheatreCentral Coast’s thriving arts scene comes to life at Laycock Street Community Theatre on Thursday 23 January with the premiere of Grumpy Princess, an original musical performance developed through Central Coast Council's arts and culture program, Performance Illuminated.•    The Grumpy Princess•    Where: