Gosford Regional Library welcomed thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds on Saturday to explore the Central Coast’s first regional library in the heart of Gosford.

Central Coast Council is working to improve the management of our region’s diverse waterways and advancing flood mitigation efforts in vulnerable locations, with several current and upcoming projects open for community feedback.Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said that through collaboration, Council and the community are, improving our waterways and reducing flood risks together.“Flood management, water quality and coastal erosion are major priorities for both Council and the community.

Families across the Central Coast now have even more places to play, connect and enjoy the outdoors, with Central Coast Council delivering a new district-level playspace in Tuggerawong and completing 13 local playspace renewals across the region.These projects are part of Council’s 2024-25 playspace renewal schedule, which forms part of a 20-year program to sustainably manage the lifecycle of more than 270 playspaces across the region.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the program focuses on creating safe, inclusive and innovative playspaces that promote active and healthy lifestyles.“These playspaces offer much more than equipment, they create spaces where children and families can connect, explore and learn together,” Ms Smith said.“Each playspace is designed to provide a whole-of-park experience, with features suited to a wide range of ages, abilities and play preferences.”The new district-level playspace at Tuggerawong has transformed the former community hall site into a vibrant space for all ages.

Central Coast Council Media AlertThe NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has now temporarily closed the Community Recycling Centre (CRC) at Buttonderry, due to storage capacity issues following the recent fire at their contractor Cleanaway’s facility at St Marys, Sydney. The following products are currently not accepted at Buttonderry CRC:•    Oil and water based paint•    Oils other than motor oil•    Gas bottles•    Fire extinguishers•    Household batteries•    Embedded battery products•    Fluoro globes and tubes•    Smoke detectors As the Buttonderry CRC closure is only a temporary measure we advise residents to hold onto their items and safely store them until the service resumes in the near future.The fire has also impacted the planned Central Coast Chemical CleanOut events in March, that are run in partnership by Councils and the NSW EPA.

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 is calling on local farmers, businesses, creatives, and event organisers to express their interest in being part of 2026 Harvest Festival – one of the Central Coast’s largest and most successful annual events!In an exciting new addition to the festival, Council will introduce Harvest Nights, a vibrant evening program designed to extend the festivities after dark.

Ecological restoration works commenced yesterday at the Peninsula Recreation Precinct in Umina Beach, South of Umina Oval.

Central Coast Council is inviting people of all ages to celebrate the opening of the Gosford Regional Library at a free Community Day on Saturday 6 September.Central Coast Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the Community Day will bring the new library to life and showcase just how much Gosford Regional Library has to offer.“We’re beyond excited to welcome our community into this incredible new space in the heart of Gosford CBD,” Ms Smith said. “The doors to the new Gosford Regional Library will officially open to the community at 9.30am on Saturday 6 September, marked by a ribbon-cutting by Central Coast Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna.“Our Community Day promises something for everyone – from craft stations, robotics and magic shows, to live music, guided tours and more!” The new state-of-the-art library features over 30,000 books, a children’s reading area, a sound recording studio, creative spaces, bookable meeting rooms, a 300 seat multi-use auditorium, free Wi-Fi and much more.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Central Coast’s first regional library is a milestone the whole community can be proud of.“Gosford Regional Library belongs to our community.

Central Coast Council has developed a draft Squirrel Glider Species Management Plan (SMP) to help ensure that local bushland continues to support this threatened species, while balancing development needs for a growing region.The community is now invited to review the draft Plan and provide feedback online via Your Voice Our Coast, up to 16 September 2025.The Squirrel Glider, listed as a Vulnerable Species under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, is under threat due to habitat loss and urban development.The SMP outlines a framework for land use planning and development assessment to protect critical habitat areas and support the species’ recovery.The draft Squirrel Glider Species Management Plan includes:an understanding of the Squirrel Glider’s ecology on the Central Coasta planning framework for development proposals in key habitat areasmanagement requirements to support long-term conservation.Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said the Plan seeks to balance development with environmental protection and ensure the survival of the Squirrel Glider on the Central Coast."The draft SMP responds to Council’s Biodiversity Strategy and Sustainability and Climate Change Action Plan, which call for targeted species management and monitoring," Mr Nicholls said.“Over the past five years, Council has conducted specialised studies to identify suitable habitat areas, with regions around Tuggerah Lakes and Lake Macquarie highlighted as critical for the species.

From a new community centre and children’s playspace to upgraded aquatic centre surrounds and improved public spaces, Central Coast Council is asking the community to help shape the future of Toukley through the Toukley Community Facilities Masterplan, now on public exhibition.The draft masterplan sets out a coordinated long-term vision for the area between Heador Street and Ray Street, transforming it into a vibrant, accessible hub for sport, recreation, events and community services.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the draft masterplan provides a clear framework for staged delivery as funding becomes available.“This plan brings together a range of facilities and upgrades in one coordinated vision, ensuring every improvement works together to create a functional and accessible precinct,” Ms Smith said.“It builds on earlier stakeholder engagement with the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre, Toukley Tennis Club and Toukley Lions Club, and responds to site constraints, community needs and projected growth. “Community feedback at this stage will help refine the concept before we move into detailed design phases for individual elements.”Key features in the concept include:a new 850m² community centrechildren’s playspace and interactive water playpicnic and event lawns, shelters and BBQ areasa multi-purpose court and skate plazaimproved parking, access and pathwaysplaza areas and upgraded surrounds to the Aquatic Centreexpanded childcare facilitiesretained tennis courts and upgraded amenities.Central Coast Council Acting Mayor, Doug Eaton OAM said community input will be key to shaping the final masterplan.“Toukley has always had a strong community spirit and this precinct is right at the heart of it,” Acting Mayor Eaton said.“This is your chance to help shape a space that brings people together, from sport and recreation to family activities and community events. “Whether you grew up playing tennis here, take your children to the aquatic centre or simply enjoy picnics on the lawn, your ideas can help make sure this area remains a vibrant focal point for generations to come.”The masterplan is unfunded at this stage and proposed to be delivered in stages over a number of years, subject to available funding from developer contributions and grants.Feedback can be provided via an online survey at yourvoiceourcoast.com or in person at a pop-up session from 11am to 1pm on Monday 8 September at Toukley Aquatic Centre.