Following Central Coast Council’s resolution to implement a range of supports to assist affected residents of the Koolewong bushfire which ravaged the community last weekend, action is already commencing.Skip bins for use by fire impacted residents have now been delivered to Koolewong exclusion area, and waste collection services have re-commenced where bins are able to be accessed.

Central Coast Council hosted an afternoon tea on Tuesday 9 December to recognise 53 local groups recently awarded funding through the annual Community Grants Program.The program plays a vital role in building a stronger, more connected community by enabling local organisations to bring meaningful projects and events to life.Council’s Community Grants Program comprises three key streams:•  

Central Coast Council has taken a landmark step in the region’s development by resolving to accept the largest contract in its history for the major capital upgrade of the Charmhaven Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).Council will formalise tender arrangements, valued at just over $144 million, with B.M.D Constructions Pty Ltd, marking this as a significant advance in Council’s future sewer infrastructure works.The upgrade will increase Charmhaven STP’s capacity to serve up to 75,000 Equivalent Persons (EP), with the provisions for additional growth to 150,000 EP, while supporting the health of local waterways and addressing existing challenges related to pollutant discharges.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of the project for the region’s long-term needs.“This resolution marks the largest contract ever awarded by Central Coast Council and ensures the reliable delivery of essential services both now, and into the future, as our community continues to grow,” Mayor McKinna said.“This project also provides a boost for local businesses and industry, with requirements for approximately 20% of the contract value to be delivered through local suppliers and contractors.”Water and Sewer Director, Jamie Loader said the upgrade ensures Charmhaven STP will meet compliance expectations now and into the future.“The significant upgrade to Charmhaven STP will address urgent operational, environmental, and regulatory risks, with robust risk management and oversight throughout the processes, ensuring we meet the current and future needs of our Central Coast community,” Mr Loader said.The project will be funded through Council’s long-term financial plan and will be supported by future revenue under the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) pricing determination.Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and is expected to be completed by June 2028.

Central Coast Council is investing in the future of Gosford City Car Park with a major Smart Technology upgrade, set to deliver improved efficiency, enhance security and an improved user experience.The upgrade is scheduled to begin in coming weeks, and will be completed during the 2025/26 financial year, paving the way for a safer, smarter and more accessible city centre.The project will provide Council with advanced management, monitoring and reporting capabilities, supporting broader goals of sustainability, accessibility and operational excellence.Council Mayor, Lawrie Mckinna said the technology upgrade is an investment into the future of Gosford.“The technology upgrade of Gosford City Car Park is about creating a safer, smarter and more connected Gosford," Mayor McKinna said.“Council’s investment in modern infrastructure improves accessibility, supports local businesses and visitation to the region to help build a more vibrant, welcoming city for all to enjoy”.The upgrade will introduce modern, user-friendly features including:

Central Coast Council invites the community to help shape the region's future by sharing what makes the Central Coast a great place to live, work and invest.Your feedback will help create the first Place Brand Strategy – a long-term plan to promote the Central Coast to residents, visitors and businesses. This strategy builds on the success of the existing destination brand, which has helped grow the visitor economy from $900 million in 2019 to $1.3 billion in 2025. Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the strategy will reflect the community’s vision for a thriving region.“We’d love to hear your views.

The Central Coast has reaffirmed its position as one of NSW’s leading destinations, proudly taking home two Silver Awards at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards, held on 27 November at Waterview in Bicentennial Park.Presented by the NSW Tourism Association, these prestigious awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements across the state’s tourism industry.Council took out Silver in the Local Government Award for Tourism as well as Silver for the Visitor Information Services category.

Destination Central Coast hosted its end-of-year industry event on 20 November at Gosford’s newest hotel, voco Gosford, bringing together over 150 tourism professionals for the final networking event of 2025.This year has been a standout for tourism on the Central Coast, marked by strong local partnerships, innovative industry programmes and a string of award wins for both Council and local operators.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said collaboration and strong partnerships are key to growing the visitor economy.“In 2024-25, tourism generated over $5.2 million for our region.

Central Coast Council has released its latest Waterways Report Card, examining the ecological health of Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water, lower Hawkesbury River, Coastal Lagoons and Lake Macquarie.

The Central Coast has reaffirmed its position as one of NSW’s leading destinations, proudly taking home two Silver Awards at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards, held on 27 November at Waterview in Bicentennial Park.Presented by the NSW Tourism Association, these prestigious awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements across the state’s tourism industry.Council took out Silver in the Local Government Award for Tourism as well as Silver for the Visitor Information Services category.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to the Make it Big Markets at Gosford Regional Gallery on Saturday 29 November 2025, from 4-8pm.This free, family-friendly event is the region’s largest artists and makers market and will transform the Gallery forecourt and parklands into a vibrant Christmas twilight celebration.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Make it Big Markets help boost the local creative economy by bringing together artists, makers and the wider community.“This event is a fantastic celebration of local talent,” Mayor McKinna said.“It’s a chance for people to connect, discover local talent and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere that makes our region a standout destination for arts and culture.“Whether you’re an art lover, a family looking for a great evening out or just keen to support local makers and buy unique Christmas presents, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.”Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the event offers a diverse program.“Attendees can enjoy more than 70 stalls, free art-making stations, live entertainment, food trucks and the rare opportunity to explore the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens at twilight,” Ms Smith said.“The award-winning Archibald Prize 2025, an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition, will also be on display in the main gallery, giving visitors the chance to experience one of Australia’s most celebrated art events alongside the festive atmosphere of the markets and the beauty of the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens.”Make it Big Markets is free to attend and open to all.