On Saturday 21 December, a deceased whale washed ashore at Lakes Beach. Central Coast Council, in consultation with NSW National Parks and Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, successfully removed the whale's remains from the beach by the early hours of the morning on Sunday 22 December.While the whale has been removed, it's important to note that its presence in the area may continue to attract sharks for several days.Important:Avoid swimming at Lakes Beach.Swimming may not be safe for several days.Listen to the advice of lifesavers and lifeguards on duty. Remember, no flags means no swimming. 

On Monday 6 January 2025, Council’s Customer Service team will undertake a staff development and mandatory training day. The counters in the Administration Building in Wyong and the Shopfront in Gosford will be closed to the public. The Service Desks at Woy Woy library and the Visitor’s Centre at the Entrance will also be closed to the public. Customer Service Centres will re-open on Tuesday 7 January 2025.Urgent reports - We have an out-of-hours service available on 02 4306 7900 to call in any urgent reports such as water main breaks, sewer issues or urgent road safety issues (such as fallen trees over roads).Non-urgent - please contact Council with non-emergency enquiries, requests, reporting issues or formal feedback 24/7 through our online Customer Service Centre.

Central Coast Council received $2,443,750 from the Australian and NSW Governments as part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program to improve access for Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach.The works replaced or repaired vehicle and pedestrian accesses that were damaged during the severe storms in 2021 and 2022, including:Extension of the stairs in front of the Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving ClubReplacement of the northern stairs at Soldiers BeachReplacement of the concrete vehicle access ramp at Soldiers BeachRepair of the Jenny Dixon Beach stairsEach of the four projects required detailed preliminary investigation work, designs and approvals to ensure longevity before shovels could hit the ground.Soldiers Beach access worksCOMPLETE:

The Central Coast’s 2024 tourism industry winners will be celebrated at an event hosted by Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna this week, at the Central Coast Visitor Centre at The Entrance.The celebration event recognises the significant contribution 20 award winning Central Coast businesses have made in raising the profile of the Central Coast through tourism and business excellence, with the array of awards showcasing the dynamic and diverse range of local businesses and their outstanding achievements.It is important to recognise and publicly acknowledge what each of these businesses have achieved this year, with the aim it will also build confidence for other businesses on the Coast, knowing that the Central Coast is winning awards nationally and internationally.Business award winners to be celebrated at the morning tea event, include fine dining restaurants, a brewery, distillery and winery, as well as popular major attractions, business events venues, arts and cultural festivals as well as international recognition for the growing list of eco-certified operators.The Central Coast visitor economy has recovered post-pandemic with a renewed focus now on sustainable growth.