Council's draft budget and strategic documents – get ready to have your sayCouncil resolved to place the draft Delivery Program (2025-29), draft Operational Plan (2026-27) and draft Fees and Charges (2026-27) on public exhibition after Easter.

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.

A new youth-led sustainability initiative has made an impressive debut on the Central Coast, with the first-ever Coast Swap bringing together community, creativity and climate-conscious fashion. Coast Swap, a community clothes swap event launched in January at Gosford Regional Library and brought together 10 youth volunteers with over 70 community participants of all ages attending. With nearly 20 young people now involved, the program aims to build youth skills, confidence and community pride.Everyone is welcome to come along to the upcoming bi-monthly events to re-fresh your wardrobe and keep clothes out of landfill – all while supporting local young people as they step into leadership, build skills, and contribute to their community. Next event: • 

 Works are officially now underway on major plant upgrades following the ‘turning of the sod’ ceremony held this morning at the Charmhaven STP.The project, being delivered by BMD, will increase the plant’s capacity to service 75,000 equivalent persons (EP), with provisions to support future growth to 150,000 equivalent persons.

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.

Our Road Renewal Program is continuing across the region, with $27.3 million invested in 2025-26. Here's a snapshot of some recent road renewals underway:Mannering ParkWe’re carrying out road renewal works in the Mannering Park area to improve safety and extend the life of local roads.These works include:Heavy patching – a medium-term solution where a section of the road is treated.Resurfacing – a longer-term treatment where the pavement is completely resurfaced to restore or extend the road’s life.

Council is aware of the announcement made by Lake Haven Cinema Complex on social media last night that it would be ceasing to operate.

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 is inviting the community to have their say on their vision for the green spaces of Gosford Memorial Park and Rotary Park by 23 March 2026.Comments will inform the draft Gosford Memorial Park and Rotary Park Landscape Masterplan - a long term vision for two of Gosford’s most significant public and commemorative spaces.The masterplan will include Gosford Memorial Park and Rotary Park, along with the adjoining public reserve fronting Dane Drive on Gosford Waterfront, and will be guided by the park’s Conservation Management Plan, which is currently being finalised, following public exhibition.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said community feedback is essential to ensure the Gosford Memorial and Rotary Park Landscape Masterplan reflects local needs.“Council is developing a new masterplan for Gosford Memorial Park and Rotary Park, aiming to honour and preserve the history, heritage and unique character of these sites.

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.