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 Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) is on public exhibition from Monday 18 May to Friday 24 July 2026. The LSPS identifies priorities for land use planning over the next 20 years, helping to inform Council’s strategic plans and guide key activities. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said while the draft has evolved to reflect the region’s future needs, many of the principles in Council’s original LSPS remain relevant including the focus on enabling growth in Gosford City. “Council is proactively planning for growth over the next 20 years, while preserving everything we value and love about life on the Central Coast,” Mayor McKinna said.“Renewing our town centres, ensuring we have good housing choices, protecting our natural areas, enriching cultural spaces, and advocating for efficient public transport continue to be key considerations.“The draft LSPS also proposes that new residential and employment areas are investigated and planned for, to ensure there’s enough zoned land to support new homes and jobs, with infrastructure coordinated and delivered in a timely manner.”The draft LSPS introduces place statements that identify the special qualities of places, as well as specific concerns and opportunities within local communities. Planning proposed in the Central Lakes District will ensure a coordinated response with Lake Macquarie Council to deliver housing, jobs and services in the northern areas.“We want to make sure people have a range of opportunities to participate in this important community planning.

MEDIA RELEASE  Gwandalan and Summerland Point communities, local sporting groups and visitors to Tunkuwallin Oval are now enjoying safer and easier access with two new carparks and landscaping completed by Central Coast Council.

Central Coast Council is moving ahead with the first stage of upgrades to Kibble Park in Gosford, marking a significant milestone for the heart of the city.This vision has been strongly reinforced by the community, who have played an active role in shaping the Kibble Park Place Plan.

Central Coast Council has adopted and progressed a suite of key strategies to guide jobs, investment, tourism, events and employment land planning across the region.At its meeting on Tuesday 28 April, Council adopted the Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030, Destination Management Plan 2026-2029 and Events Strategy 2026-2030, and endorsed the Central Coast Employment Land Strategy for submission to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.Together, the strategies set a shared direction to grow industries, attract investment, strengthen town centres and ensure the Central Coast has the land capacity needed to support future employment growth. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the key Council strategies help set the Central Coast up for the future.“The Economic Development Strategy, Destination Management Plan, Events Strategy and Employment Land Strategy give Council a clearer direction to support local jobs and businesses while planning for our growing region,” Mayor McKinna said.“Together, they help guide steady growth across the Central Coast as a great place to live, work, invest and visit.”Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said Council will use a single annual action plan to guide the delivery of the strategies.“The Economic Development Strategy, Destination Management Plan and Events Strategy will be brought together through one Regional Economy Strategic Action Plan each year,” Ms Smith said.“This will set clear yearly priorities, support coordinated delivery and be considered as part of Council’s annual planning and budgeting processes.”About the strategiesEconomic Development Strategy – The strategy brings together a targeted program of work that supports business, activity, investment and employment, while continuing to build a strong and resilient regional economy.Destination Management Plan – The plan brings together actions across destination marketing and management, tourism product and infrastructure, and industry development to grow visitation, increase visitor expenditure, support regional dispersal and deliver broader economic and community benefits.Events Strategy – The strategy streamlines event processes, strengthens internal coordination and reviews key guidelines to support the growth of events across the region, making it easier for more events to thrive and benefit the Central Coast community.Employment Land Strategy – The strategy provides a long-term framework for protecting, enhancing and expanding land for employment-generating uses across the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council and NSW Police are stepping up efforts this May to reduce speeding on local roads.Speeding continues to be the biggest contributing factor in fatal crashes across the Central Coast, with most crashes involving local drivers occurring on local roads used every day.NSW Police Inspector, David Prevett said too many local families are still being impacted by dangerous decisions behind the wheel.

An exciting milestone has been reached in Central Coast Council’s $3.81million Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct, with construction continuing to progress on the much‑anticipated community facility for the north of the region.Stage one of the project has been completed, delivering a formalised access road and an 86-space carpark, including six accessible spaces, that will improve safety and ease of movement for both drivers and pedestrians.Stage two is now underway, with construction progressing on the playspace, followed by works to deliver the skatepark, pump track, supporting park infrastructure and landscaping. Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct project was an important investment in supporting the region’s growing northern communities.“This $3.81million investment in the Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct is helping us deliver quality recreation and sporting facilities that meet the needs of our residents and support active, healthy lifestyles for our growing community,” Mayor McKinna said.“With support from the Australian Government, we are creating a modern, inclusive precinct shaped by community feedback, helping us deliver long‑term community infrastructure for this area.“Once complete, it will be a modern, inclusive destination where residents and visitors of all ages and abilities can be active, connect and enjoy the outdoors.”The $3.81million Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct is funded with $921,763 committed by the Australian Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and $2,888,237 by Central Coast Council. Federal Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy MP said the Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct project was about working together to help deliver for the local community.“With a $920,000 investment from the Albanese Labor Government, construction of stage two of the Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct is underway.

A long-term plan for the management of the Hawkesbury-Nepean river system has been prepared, and the community is encouraged to have their say.