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 will recognise Harmony Week across the Coast, aligning with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March through activities that promote respect and meaningful community participation.This year, Council has worked closely with young people on the Coast to explore key themes in meaningful and creative ways.Through a series of workshops delivered at Wyong High School, students aged 12-18 took part in drawing, collage and storytelling activities designed to spark conversations about migration, culture, identity and belonging.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the student’s stories reflect the many voices and rich diversity that defines life on the Central Coast.“Harmony Week reminds us that our community is made up of people from many different cultures and backgrounds and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

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.

Central Coast Council is proud to unveil the 2026 Gosford Regional Gallery exhibition program, a vibrant year-long celebration of creativity that highlights both local talent and acclaimed artists from across Australia.The 2026 season also continues the gallery’s 25th anniversary celebrations with a renewed commitment to artistic excellence, community connection and meaningful cultural engagement.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Gosford Regional Art Gallery’s 2026 program reflects the region’s strong creative spirit and the gallery’s role as a cultural hub for the community.“The Gosford Regional Art Gallery continues to be a place where people come together to be inspired, to learn and to celebrate the incredible creative talent that exists within our community,” Mayor McKinna said.“This year’s program not only honours 25 years of artistic excellence but also strengthens the connection between our residents, our stories and the cultural life of the Central Coast.”Visitors can expect a dynamic calendar of exhibitions ranging from major retrospectives by highly regarded Australian artists to imaginative contemporary works shaped by student creativity and national touring exhibitions.A key feature of the program is the gallery’s dedication to presenting influential and boundary‑pushing artists.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Central Coast Development Control Plan - Heritage Conservation Controls, which is now on public exhibition until Monday 30 March.The draft controls have been reviewed to ensure they align with best practice heritage conservation standards, and comply with current legislation - while providing clear, consistent guidance for property owners and the wider community.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the exhibition period is an important opportunity for the community to review the proposed changes and share their feedback.“The Central Coast’s heritage is rich, varied and valued.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on updates and changes to the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Program (CMP), which is now on public exhibition for 28 days.At its 24 February 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council resolved to place the revised draft CMP on public exhibition, providing the community with a final opportunity to review changes made following previous rounds of consultation. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said this final phase of exhibition highlights the most recent updates to the draft CMP that reflects community priorities while addressing the complex challenges facing our coastline.“We’re inviting the community to share their feedback on the key revisions made to the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Plan,” Mayor McKinna said.“This exhibition presents the most recent updates to the draft CMP, shaped by what our community and stakeholders told us mattered most.” “Our coastline is one of the Central Coast’s greatest assets, and it’s essential that the community has an opportunity to review the proposed actions and tell us what they think.”Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said the draft Open Coast CMP sets out a coordinated, long term approach to managing coastal hazards and protecting coastal environments along the Central Coast’s open coastline over the next 10 years.“We encourage residents, coastal users and stakeholders to review the draft program and provide feedback to help inform Council’s final decisions,” Mr Nicholls said. The draft Open Coast CMP and supporting information are available online, with feedback open from 2 March to 30 March 2026.Following the exhibition period, Council will review all submissions before considering whether to submit the program to the NSW Government for certification.To view the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Program and make a submission, visit:

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.

Council is proud to welcome the incoming 2026 Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Leadership Team, while also celebrating the outstanding achievements of the graduating 2025 team who have made a lasting impact on young people across the Central Coast.The Y4Y Leadership Team is a youth leadership program that brings together young people aged 15 to 24 who care about local community challenges and want to work collaboratively to create positive change, while gaining valuable leadership experience and skills.

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.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on a proposed Special Entertainment Precinct in Gosford, aimed at supporting a vibrant and growing night-time economy.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Gosford was the natural choice for the Central Coast’s first Special Entertainment Precinct, with the city centre experiencing strong residential growth and increased demand for after-dark activities.“Gosford is changing, with more people choosing to live in the city centre.