The NSW Central Coast is set for increased visitation and a further boost to the local economy with new digital content to attract visitation to lesser-known areas of the region.This grant funded project which begun in 2021, led by Central Coast Council’s Marketing and Tourism Section (Destination Central Coast), has enabled the development of multiple online content hubs on LoveCentralCoast.com that showcase and promote a diverse range of local tourism products, services and experiences to potential visitors – and aims to support the economic and social recovery of regional communities impacted by the bushfires of 2019-2020.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said many of the Central Coast’s unique offerings and experiences are on display to attract people from Sydney, NSW and beyond.“The newly launched content hubs on LoveCentralCoast.com offer locals and guests to the region the opportunity to explore areas of the Central Coast they may not be aware of.

Central Coast Council is now inviting all interested community members to share their feedback on the revised draft Dogs in Open Space Action Plan (revised draft Plan) until Sunday 1 October 2023.The revised draft Plan has been simplified and refined in response to the extensive community feedback received during the first round of consultation, as well as further technical studies and community workshops on key issues of concern.

Central Coast Council is now inviting all interested community members to share their feedback on the revised draft Dogs in Open Space Action Plan (revised draft Plan) until Sunday 1 October 2023.The revised draft Plan has been simplified and refined in response to the extensive community feedback received during the first round of consultation, as well as further technical studies and community workshops on key issues of concern.

Central Coast Council’s Façade Improvement Support Program is back for 2025-26, offering matched funding of up to $5,000 for eligible businesses and commercial property owners to enhance the appearance and accessibility of their shopfronts.The initiative supports properties in the town centres of Gosford, Terrigal, The Entrance, Toukley, Woy Woy and Wyong, and opens for applications on Monday 1 September 2025.

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.

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.

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. 

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.