Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from people who live or work on the Central Coast to be part of a Community Focus Group (CFG) for the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Coastal Management Program.The Tuggerah Lakes Estuary catchment is around 790 square kilometres and takes in the plateaus of Kulnura and Somersby, the river valleys of Dooralong, Yarramalong and Ourimbah and the floodplains wrapping around the waterway from Lake Munmorah to Bateau Bay. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the CFG is an opportunity for the community to help shape the future of the much-loved Tuggerah Lakes Estuary and its surrounding catchment. “Council is inviting passionate community members to join us to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary,” Mayor McKinna said.“Together we can help protect and enhance this iconic waterway for generations to come.”Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said the ideal applicants for the CFG would include representatives from local resident associations, environmental or recreation groups, local business owners, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal community representatives, youth representatives and anyone who is passionate about our waterways. “The CFG will support Stage 3 and Stage 4 of the Coastal Management Plan (CMP) development by providing input into the identification, evaluation and selection of management options for the estuary, ensuring community values and perspectives are reflected in the CMP,” Mr Nicholls said.Expressions of Interest are open until Monday 15 December.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is continuing its commitment to creating cooler, greener and more liveable communities through its ongoing Street Tree Planting Program, which sees around 60 - 70 trees planted across the region each year.As a one-off initiative this financial year, Council has allocated an additional $150,000 for a street tree pilot program focused on the Peninsula suburbs.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said more trees means more shade, cleaner air and improved community spaces for people to enjoy. “These programs show our commitment to greener, more liveable neighbourhoods,” Mayor McKinna said.“We are planting more trees to help reduce heat stress, improve air quality, and make our suburbs more enjoyable places to live, work and play.“The Peninsula was chosen for the additional Street Tree Planting Pilot Program as it has been identified as a priority area under the Central Coast Greener Places Strategy.

Central Coast Council is inviting venues across the region to register their interest in broadcasting the upcoming international friendly between the CommBank Matildas and New Zealand Football Ferns, taking place at polytec Stadium on Friday 28 November.By submitting details, venues will be included in a Council-curated list, encouraging fans and the community to support local businesses during game.Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said hosting the upcoming match is a proud moment for the region’s sports fans and a valuable boost for local businesses.“Welcoming two international teams to compete here on the Central Coast is a great moment for our region.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council has presented Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) with a cheque for $213,500 at North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club on Wednesday 19 November 2025, marking the second instalment of a four-year sponsorship agreement.This funding will help SLSCC maintain vital beach safety services across 15 surf clubs along the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents to come together and celebrate Social Inclusion Week 2025 at the Paddock to Lake community event, taking place at the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre from 11.30am-1pm on Thursday 27 November.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Paddock to Lake creates a welcoming space for people to connect and explore healthy eating and cooking. “Paddock to Lake is a wonderful example of how food and shared experiences can bring people together,” Mayor McKinna said.“Council is proud to support programs that strengthen social connections, celebrate our region’s diversity, and help residents make informed choices about healthy meals.” Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the event combines practical cooking education with community connection.“Now in its annual return, Paddock to Lake will feature a live cooking demonstration from a local chef who will showcase simple, nutritious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced produce,” Ms Smith said. “Guests will then share a meal together in a group dining setting, with take-home recipes and cooking essentials provided to encourage healthy, affordable meals at home.”Social Inclusion Week, held from 23-30 November, aims to help all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society.

MEDIA RELEASE Applications are now open to join Central Coast Council’s youth leadership program ‘Youth-for-Youth’ (Y4Y) Action Team 2026.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents to come together and celebrate Social Inclusion Week 2025 at the Paddock to Lake community event, taking place at the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre from 11.30am-1pm on Thursday 27 November.

Council Acting Mayor John Mouland has welcomed the NSW Government’s Planning System Reforms Bill 2025, calling it a transformative step toward streamlining development processes and unlocking housing and economic growth across the region.Recently passed by both houses of Parliament, the Bill marks the most significant update to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in nearly 50 years.“This is a pivotal moment for regions like ours,” said Acting Mayor Mouland. “For too long, complex and overlapping planning processes have delayed the delivery of essential housing, infrastructure, and jobs.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is asking locals to tell them how they like to play, slide, climb, and swing as the region’s Playspace Strategy is updated.

MEDIA RELEASE Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the completion of improvement works at the iconic Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, which were funded by a Federal Government grant program.