Central Coast Council is calling for community and industry feedback to ensure the right land use and planning is in place to support future jobs and economic growth on the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council’s annual Harvest Festival, held over the June long weekend, has once again welcomed thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to provide feedback on the proposed Mannering Park Shared Pathway – a major infrastructure project that will deliver a safer, more accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists.The new pathway, linking Mannering Park, Kingfisher Shores and Chain Valley Bay will add to the region’s active transport network, improving connectivity to local schools, parks, services and recreational areas.Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff, said the project represents a major step forward for active transport on the Central Coast.“During previous consultation, 93% of stakeholder feedback supported Option 1 — the foreshore route,” Mr Bolgoff said.“This investment will deliver safer and more sustainable active transport options for our community.”The project is fully funded, with $5.7 million from Council Developer Contributions and a $7 million grant from the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program.The concept design proposes a 2.9-kilometre pathway stretching from Griffith Street, Mannering Park to Tall Timbers Road, Kingfisher Shores.

Central Coast Council has been recognised for outstanding achievement across multiple areas of service and innovation, taking home one of the prestigious 2025 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards in Sydney.Council was awarded top honour for Community Partnerships population over 150,000 - for the 'Every Day I like to play' children's book.‘Every Day I like to play’ is a children’s picture book, developed by Central Coast Council, to promote respectful relationships and break down gendered stereotypes of traditional roles within the home.Central Coast Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the award reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful, community-focused outcomes.“The creation of this children’s book has been a wonderful initiative, as it explores positive and respectful relationships, encourages acceptance and celebrates kindness. “Being recognised with the NSW Local Government Excellence’s Community Partnerships Award for Council’s ‘Every Day I like to play’ children’s book is an honour and a testament to the passion and professionalism of our staff,” Mayor McKinna said.Council was also named as finalists for seven additional projects, showcasing the breadth of its work across the organisation:•    Schools Water Efficiency Program (Flow Forward) •    GLOW Women’s Initiative •    Customer Liaison Program •    Sustainable Futures Festival•    Bushfire Risk Analysis and 5-Year Risk Mitigation Program Plan•    Eco Advocates and Excellence Program•    EduCAT ProgramMayor McKinna said receiving the NSW Local Government Excellence Community Partnerships Award and being recognised as finalists in another seven categories significantly enhances Council’s reputation and provides state-wide recognition for the innovative programs being developed and delivered by Council.“Whether it’s focusing on families, empowering students to save water, supporting women in leadership, or transforming the way we support our customers—these programs are helping us build a more inclusive, sustainable and customer-focused Council.“Every one of these projects shows the innovative practices and positive impact on our community, achieved when we work together with purpose and care.”The Local Government Excellence Awards, hosted by Local Government Professionals Australia NSW, recognise outstanding efforts and achievements by councils across the state in delivering best practice, leadership and service to their communities.Image - left to right: Leah Haydon, Council Community Development Worker, LGEA award presenter and Belinda McRobie Council Section Manager Community Development  

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Leisure and Aquatic Strategy 2025-2035, on public exhibition from Thursday 5 June to Thursday 3 July 2025.The draft strategy sets a clear, 10-year framework to guide the future of the Coast’s key leisure and aquatic services and facilities.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on a new draft Water and Sewer Concessions and Rebate Policy, now on public exhibition until 23 July 2025.The proposed policy aims to replace three existing policies from the former Gosford and Wyong Councils, creating a single, streamlined approach to providing financial assistance for customers facing hardship due to home dialysis, concealed leaks, or sewer connection costs.Council Director of Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the draft policy demonstrates Council’s ongoing commitment to fairness, transparency, and putting customers first.“This draft policy is about making it easier for our community to access support when they need it most,” Mr Loader said.“We know life can throw up challenges, and this policy aims to respond with compassion, clarity and consistency.

Local community organisations are invited to apply for Central Coast Council’s 2025-26 Community Grants Program, with applications open from 1-30 June 2025.With $900,000 in total funding available, the program supports initiatives that foster community connections, activate public spaces and enhance the quality of life for Central Coast residents. Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the grants are an important way for Council to support and celebrate the Coast’s diverse community.“These programs bring people together through local events, projects and activities that align with our Community Strategic Plan,” Ms Smith said.“Last year, we funded a wide range of initiatives, from sporting programs, community outreach programs, writing festivals, mental health art exhibitions, equipment to enhance community organisations and family-friendly events – we look forward to seeing what this year brings.” The Community Grant Programs include:Community Development Grant Program – Supports projects that deliver strong community outcomes and improve the quality of life for Central Coast residents.Grants up to $20,000 per application.Annual funding pool of $300,000.Not open again until June 2026.Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program – Supports community events that activate local spaces and bring people together.•    Grants up to $20,000 per application.•    Annual funding pool of $300,000.•    Not open again until June 2026. Community Support Grant Program – Open year-round for small-scale activities, projects and events.•    Grants up to $5000 per application.•    Annual funding pool of $300,000. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of grants in creating vibrant, inclusive communities.“These grants help activate our town centres, foreshore, lakes and open spaces, making them safe and welcoming for families, locals and visitors,” Mayor McKinna said.“If your organisation is working to deliver lasting benefits for our region, I strongly encourage you to apply.”Applications open 1 June 2025 and close 30 June 2025.Review the grant program guidelines and submit your application, search ‘grants’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council is serving up Taste of Wyong and Taste of Toukley – one day event celebrations of local food, culture and community this June.Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith, encourages locals and visitors to join the culinary adventure through Wyong and Toukley town centres.“With exclusive $5 tasting boxes from some of the area's best eateries, offering savoury bites to sweet treats, there’s something for every palate,” Ms Smith said.“Families can enjoy more than just great food – with live entertainment, roving performers, and free kids’ activities, including a petting zoo and craft activities.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that Taste of Wyong and Taste of Toukley are opportunities to celebrate the cultural richness of our region.“We’re proud to support initiatives that energise our town centres,” Mayor McKinna said.“These events bring our community together, support our hardworking local businesses and shine a light on the incredible food and culture that make Wyong and Toukley so welcoming.”Taste of Wyong10am–1pm, Saturday 7 JuneFrank Ballance Memorial Park, WyongTaste of Toukley12–3pm, Saturday 21 JuneThe Village Green, ToukleyTaste of Wyong is part of Council’s annual Harvest Festival, celebrating the Coast’s rich heritage, seasonal produce and creative talent.See what’s on offer and find out more, search ’Taste of Wyong’ and ‘Taste of Toukley’ at LoveCentralCoast.comENDS

The celebrations are far from over for the Central Coast Mariners, with Central Coast Council set to host a public Civic Reception for the A-League Women’s team at Mingara Event Centre from 5.45pm on Friday 23 May!This free event is open to the entire community and offers fans the chance to come together and re-live the Mariners’ incredible A-League Women’s Championship win on Sunday 18 May.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Council is thrilled to be recognising the Mariners’ remarkable achievement and expects a fantastic turnout."I watched the live stream at the stadium on Sunday, surrounded by proud Coasties, and the atmosphere was electric!

Central Coast Council is inviting community feedback on proposed upgrades at Woy Woy Waste Management Facility, designed to improve long-term waste storage capacity and deliver more than $5 million in future annual cost savings.The planned works involve creating a flat earthen platform near the facility’s entrance.